Last week we reported on a significant change to the upcoming Blu-ray transfer of THE PHANTOM MENACE – with Lucas deciding to replace the puppet Yoda with the CGI version that appeared in CLONES and SITH. As I said then, I actually don’t mind that particular change – the puppet was oddly sub par (back in 1999 I even went as far to wonder whether it was an act of sabotage by Lucas to convince fans that “told you, CGI ‘is’ the way to go – practical effects are ‘rubbish’!”, but maybe that’s taking it a bit far), and it gives his presence in the prequel trilogy uniformity.

But these new changes being reported are frankly terrible. I mistakenly thought I’d be used to Lucas doing this kind of stuff by now (there’s been changes in pretty much every home video release to date) but no, colour me appalled. Especially in the second video below.

First up, in an attempt to even further hammer home the circular nature of the Saga, Lucas has added a little dialogue to the previously silent Darth Vader as he watches, tormented, as The Emperor tortures his son in RETURN OF THE JEDI. Remember how popular Darth’s cry of “Nooooooo!” was in REVENGE OF THE SITH? Watch on…

Annoying isn’t it. Well buckle up, cos there’s more. And we won’t even bother trying to rationalize Lucas’ decision with this one….

Why, Lucas, why?! What was ever wrong with Obi-Wan’s howl in the first place?! Needless, and quite frankly baffling.

Boy, do we hope this is a colossal prank somebody’s pulling, because if not – what other changes can we expect when we pop those discs into our players on the 12th of September.

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