Using WookieGroomer's 1080p splitscreen of the 1993 & 2004 versions of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, I have attempted to recreate, upgrade, and expand on the official visual comparison. I hope this compiles all of the changes between the 1993, 1997, and 2004 versions of Return of the Jedi. I also hope this will convince people that we should have the original version, even with its flaws. ---------------------------------------Individual descriptions are taken from the official list and marked so each change is attributed to which Special Edition. Descriptions marked with an "*" are entries not in the official listing. ----------------------------Several of these changes may only be differences in the 1993 print of the original version used for the 2006 DVD.
"The original 1983 version of Jedi began with the painted 20th Century Fox logo, which was updated in 1997 to the new digital logo that identified Fox as a News Corporation company." (1997 Change)
"The plain green Lucasfilm Limited card was replaced in 1997 with an animated presentation, though the 'new' logo had been in existence since before 1977." (1997 Change)
The preface was rendered in a different font with wider spacing in 2004. (2004 Change)*
The TIE fighters have been moved up in the frame and the shuttle has been moved between them for the beginning of this shot. By the end of the shot the ships are all in their original positions. (1997 Change)*
"The compositing on this TIE fighter was improved, as its lower wings appeared transparent in the original film." (1997 Change)
"Garbage matte artifacts that surrounded the TIE fighter elements in this shot were eliminated." (1997 Change)
This wipe was redone in 1997 to transition to a Special Edition scene. (1997 Change)*
"The new "Jedi Rocks" segment begins with a previously unused shot from the original film, but with a bluescreen Rappertunie puppet element added to the stage. Note that first shot is the only one of the puppet Sy Snootles in the 2004 version." (1997 Change)
New shot. (1997 Change)
"The enlarged band consists of CG characters, new costumed characters, and digitally composited archival footage of Max Rebo, as can be seen in this comparison." (1997 Change)
New shot of Jabba (probably repeating footage from later in the movie). (1997 Change)*
New CG singer and costumed horn section. (Random example shot) (1997 Change)
Another shot of the costumed horn section. (Random example shot) (1997 Change)
New shot of the backup singers. (Random example shot) (1997 Change)
"Previously unused archival footage formed a backdrop for a new bluescreen element of Boba Fett walking across frame." (1997 Change)
"The original struggle between Oola and Jabba played out in over-the-shoulder shots, and no single shot contained the two of them face-to-face. A new shot was cobbled together digitally." (1997 Change)
"In the changing edit of Oola's struggle, the above shot is no longer in the mix, but the below shot (unseen archival footage) was added." (1997 Change)
"The 1997 Special Edition added these shots of Oola in the rancor pit, which were shot with the same actress (Femi Taylor) reprising the role after over a decade." (1997 Change)
"These new shots of Boba Fett flirting with Rystáll were added in the 1997 Special Edition release." The shot of Jabba belching was replaced with this. (1997 Change)
The Special Edition shot has one additional frame from the previous shot. (1997 Change)
"These new shots of Boba Fett flirting with Rystáll were added in the 1997 Special Edition release." (1997 Change)
"These new shots of Boba Fett flirting with Rystáll were added in the 1997 Special Edition release." The beginning of the next shot was replaced by this. (1997 Change)*
This wipe was redone in 1997 to transition from a scene that may have been recomposited for the Special Edition. (1997 Change)*
"Compositing limitations meant the split screen between the live action elements and the miniature rancor was quite apparent in the 1983 version." (2004 Change)
"The original rancor hand suffered from poor compositing that left it looking shallow with a heavy black outline." (2004 Change)
"The foreground rancor is recomposited with a smoother, blurred edge and truer color values." (2004 Change)
"Here, it is Luke who is added into the frame, benefiting greatly from a digital re-composite of elements." (2004 Change)
"The foreground rancor blurs more realistically, without the harsh matte edge." (2004 Change)
"The bluescreen element of Luke blends into the background much better in the new version." The Luke and hand element is further down in the frame and the pan up to the Rancor's face is retimed. (2004 Change)
"The bluescreen element of Luke blends into the background much better in the new version." The Luke and hand element is further down in the frame. (2004 Change)*
"Dark, fast-moving objects photochemically composited suffer from harsh edges, making it look more like a cut-out." The Luke and hand element is further down in the frame. (2004 Change)
"Dark, fast-moving objects photochemically composited suffer from harsh edges, making it look more like a cut-out." (2004 Change)
"Again, the foreground rancor blurs more realistically." (2004 Change)
"The original footage of the foreground rancor had a very heavy matte edge." (2004 Change)
"The rancor keeper gets a digital re-composite, more effectively marrying him to his miniature background." (2004 Change)
The original wipe has been replaced by a new one to a Special Edition scene. (1997 Change)*
"The trip to the Dune Sea now begins with a new shot of a bantha herd (live action elements digitally replicated), which transitions to a new shot of the barge and skiffs." (1997 Change)
Example of the pan over from the long shot of the Banthas to the Sail Barge peeking over the dune. (1997 Change)
"The original hand-drawn shadows beneath the model elements are now replaced with more realistic digital shadows that properly fall onto the desert surface." (1997 Change)
"Furthermore, the barge model was originally populated by a hand-animated silhouette man, which has been replaced with a real-life extra shot against bluescreen." (1997 Change)
"This approach shot not only features new shadows, but the leading skiff has been repositioned to more properly convey the perspective of this assembled shot." (1997 Change)
"In this shot, the center skiff is a composite element, and its hand-animated shadow has been replaced with a more realistic digital one. Bluescreen extras replace the hand-animated characters on the upper deck of the barge. Also, the Sarlacc has been enhanced." The skiff with Luke and company seems to have a slight bob added as well. (1997 Change)
"The Sarlacc now has a set of animated tentacles and beak." (1997 Change)
"The close-up view of the Sarlacc's maw now contains its new digital features." The end of Luke's shot of disgust is replaced. (1997 Change)
"The close-up view of the Sarlacc's maw now contains its new digital features." (1997 Change)
"The second skiff has been recomposited, and its hand-drawn shadow has been replaced with a digital one that falls along the correct path." Also, the hand animated shadow of the skiff was removed from where the skiff flies behind the sail barge. (1997 Change)
"The moving skiff, a model element, has been scaled up to better fit the perspective of the shot. Its shadow has been redone. The Sarlacc has been updated." The skiff with Luke and company seems to have a slight bob added as well. (1997 Change)
"This shot now has the new Sarlacc." (1997 Change)
"The hand-drawn animated characters on the upper deck of the barge are replaced with bluescreen extras." (1997 Change)
"As the first skiff guard tumbles into the Sarlacc, animated tentacles are added to the shot." (1997 Change)
"This Weequay skiff guard now falls directly into the Sarlacc's beaked mouth." (1997 Change)
"The Sarlacc's flailing tentacles have been added to the bottom of this frame." (1997 Change)
"The Boba Fett element originally suffered from poor compositing; with a digital composite, it better retains its blur against the bright blue sky." Luke still kicks the guard from several feet away. (1997 Change)
"The Sarlacc's beak and tentacles are added to the shot where Boba tumbles into the pit." (1997 Change)
An animated tentacle was added to the shot of the Sarlacc belching. (1997 Change)*
"Tentacles and beak are added to this high overhead shot of the Sarlacc." Luke's lightsaber may have been recomposited in this shot. (1997 Change)
"The animated Sarlacc elements are added to this hand-held shot." (1997 Change)
The skiff has a tilt backwards added to it as it gets hit so it no longer just tips over sideways. (1997 Change)*
"Sarlacc tentacles are added to this shot." (1997 Change)
"In order to explain how Han mysteriously supported himself on the skiff before Chewbacca grabbed his ankles, the Special Edition added these cables to this shot." (1997 Change)
"This skiff guard gets tugged directly into the Sarlacc's mouth now." (1997 Change)
"As Lando reacts to the Sarlacc grabbing him, the beast's beak now emerges from the pit. Curiously, the live action element of Lando now features a previously unused take, as the action does not match the original." (1997 Change)
The shot also lasts a few seconds longer (perhaps why they went with a different take for the Special Edition). (1997 Change)*
"The Sarlacc reels Lando in, now with digital beak and tentacles." (1997 Change)
"The Special Edition added a reaction shot of the Sarlacc recoiling in pain after being shot by Han. There is no corresponding 1983 version of this shot." (1997 Change)
The shot of R2 starts a frame earlier. (1997 Change)*
"The foreground skiff element is slightly repositioned to better fit the perspective of the background plate." (1997 Change)
"The shadow element now has the correct consistency in this shot." (1997 Change)
This wipe was redone in 1997 to transition two shots that were recomposited for the Special Edition. (1997 Change)*
"The starship elements have been recomposited here, eliminating the heavy black matte lines that surrounded them." (1997 Change)
"The black R2 unit was used in bluescreen shots during the original trilogy. Its panels have been colorized to the proper blue hue." (1997 Change)
This wipe was redone in 1997 to transition to shot that was recomposited for the Special Edition. (1997 Change)*
"These TIE fighter elements have been recomposited, eliminating their harsh black outlines." They have also been retimed. (1997 Change)
Looking closely, you can see that TIEs flying in formation around the station have been retimed, and the row on bottom has been moved higher in the frame. (1997 Change)*
"The pterodactyl-like creatures (bogwings) have been recomposited into this frame." (1997 Change)
"This shot originally contained heavy effects artifacting on Luke Skywalker, a side-effect of the composite that made Obi-Wan transparent and luminous. The newer version gets rid of the jitter and outlines." (2004 Change)
This shot seems to have been recomposited, due to the different positions of several of the ships. (1997 Change)*
"The Death Star graphics in the background were composited into the frame, and originally featured a hazy black outline to fit behind Vader. Now, that outline has been smoothed." (1997 Change)
"A recomposite of this dense shot has resulted in better outlines around the TIE ships. Also, the Falcon's laser blast is now the correct color." However, now the Interceptor on the right of frame is almost transparent against the moon. And the Falcon's laser blast is only green on the DVD version of the 1993 transfer (1997 Change)
"A few frames later; the original composite has misregistered TIE fighters -- distant ships that were layered in front of the Falcon. The new version corrects this." (1997 Change)
"Heavy garbage matte artifacting that surrounded the blockade runner and Rebel transports in this shot has been eliminated." (1997 Change)
"A few frames later, the edges around the closest TIE interceptor appear more natural thanks to a digital composite. Also, some missing Mon Cal cruisers have been added back in on the left side of the frame." (1997 Change)
Bad coloring on the 2004 DVD reveal a break in the lightsabers as Luke and Vader clash. Also evident in this shot are the Emperor's "slugs", dark spots added to the original film to cover up flaws in the Emperor's makeup. These have not been altered in the Special Edition and are sometimes even more evident on the DVD. (2004 Mistake)*
"In 2004, Anakin Skywalker's bushy eyebrows have been digitally removed to better suit the depiction of a burn victim here." (2004 Change)
"More eyebrow removal." (2004 Change)*
"The eyebrows were removed from the reverse angle as well." (2004 Change)
"In addition to the eyebrow removal, Anakin's eye color has been adjusted to match his prequel depiction." (2004 Change)
"More eyebrow removal." (2004 Change)
"This shot now has the Rebel fleet move away from the Death Star; originally, it remained stationary." (1997 Change)
"The explosion of the Death Star now features a ring-like shockwave, and the Falcon element has been digitally recomposited." (1997 Change)
"The original pan-up from the funeral pyre had a different treeline and X-wing effects." While this is the description of the official changes, this is not the case. The original comparison was comparing the shot after this one to the original corresponding shot. Also note that the lead fighter heading down disappears completely in the 2004 shot. (1997 Change)*
A new fade was created to transition to a Special Edition shot. (1997 Change)*
"The Special Edition added shots of citizens of Cloud City rejoicing." (1997 Change)
"Also in the Special Edition, a brief shot of Mos Eisley." (1997 Change)
The building wipe from Tatooine remains in the 2004 version, but the location it wipes to is changed from Coruscant to Naboo. The top image is from the 1997 Special Edition. (2004 Change)*
"Naboo was added to the celebration in the 2004 DVD release." Actually a flip of a shot from The Phantom Menace, with the invading Trade Federation replaced by celebrating Nabooians. (2004 Change)
A new wipe created for the 2004 version that goes from Naboo to Coruscant, replacing the building wipe from the 1997 Special Edition. (2004 Change)*
In 1997, the skiff was recompositioned and the laser fire redone. (1997 Change)
In 2004, this shot was colorized as previously it was just shades of tan. (2004 Change)
In 1997, the right skiff was relocated and a heavy shadow added to hide it's extension. Also Sarlacc tentacles were added. (1997 Change)
In 1997, shot is reframed left to hide shadow above far right skiff. (1997 Change)
In 2004, Obi-Wan was recompositioned. There is an odd vertical light element thru Obi-Wan's head, which previously was a branch. (2004 Change)
In 2004, This shot originally contained heavy effects artifacting on Luke Skywalker, a side-effect of the composite that made Obi-Wan transparent and luminous. The newer version gets rid of the jitter and outlines.
In 1997, the starfield seen thru windows was recomp'd.
In 1997, the Emperor falling was recompositioned. Also the shaft was extended and the steam clouds rotated.
In 1997, the explosion after the Emperor's plunge down the shaft has been enhanced.
In 1997, the Emperor's shaft explosion has been redone.
In 1997, the shaft explosion continues past the bridges, while using some of the previous elements recompositioned.
In 1997, this one frame shot of Wicket's hand has been removed.
"Coruscant was first revealed in the 1997 Special Edition, but the 2004 DVD release updated the skyline to include the Senate dome in the background." The top image is from the 1997 Special Edition. (1997/2004 Change)
"The 2004 DVD also added the Jedi Temple to this 1997 shot of Coruscant." The middle image is from the 1997 Special Edition. The original shot of the X-wings flying over the trees has been replaced completely. (1997/2004 Change)
A new fade was created to transition back to original footage (modified after the pan down). (1997 Change)*
"The forest floor was originally unpopulated in this matte painting; the Special Edition added visible Ewoks." (1997 Change)
"These shots of Ewoks and Rebels celebrating were newly added to the Special Edition." (1997 Change)
"These expanded views of the Ewok village square -- complete with background matte paintings -- were added to the Special Edition." (1997 Change)
The Special Edition shot starts later in Luke's walk back to the celebration. (1997 Change)*
Leia hugs on Luke a bit longer in the original version. (1997 Change)*
More of Leia hugging Luke, this time replaced with a moved shot of Lando and Chewie. (1997 Change)*
Han regards Luke a bit longer in the original version. (1997 Change)*
"This shot of Luke congratulating Wedge is not in the original 1983 theatrical release." (1997 Change)
The shot of Luke turning to see the ghosts begins earlier in the original version. (1997 Change)*
The shot of Luke continues on before it cuts to the ghosts. (1997 Change)*
"The element of an older Anakin as a Force spirit was replaced in 2004 with the younger Anakin from the prequels." The shots of Anakin come from alternate angles of him saying goodbye to Obi-wan from Revenge of the Sith. Anakin's body has been digitally manipulated to turn slightly to attempt to match the re-used footage. (2004 Change)
There's a bit more of Leia walking up to Luke in the original version. (1997 Change)*
The end of this shot with Luke grinning at the ghosts has been replaced with a shot of the ghosts that was originally appended to the first shot. (1997/2004 Change)*
"Note that only Anakin's head has been replaced; that's the same body from the 1983 theatrical version." (2004 Change)
This shot of the ghosts lasts a bit longer in both Special Editions, while the original focuses on the main characters. (1997/2004 Change)*
A new wipe was crated to transition to the Special Edition credits. (1997 Change)*
