Revisionist History

Tonight, Beck and I sat down to watch the new Director’s Cut of THX 1138. This is George Lucas’ first real film, and one of my favorites.

However, something wasn’t quite right….. And as I watched, I realized George Lucas has revised my past… again! The “officers” that THX is working on suddenly look like C3PO, the shell dwellers are no longer dwarfs and midgets, but are some kind of CGI feral feline-primate beasties and even some of the car scenes looked “new” to me.

I understand a Director’s Cut being an opportunity to tell the story like it was supposed to be…. including pieces from the cutting room floor, for example. What I’m beginning to not enjoy so much is George’s predilection toward turning some of his film projects into on-going projects.

Perhaps Robert Duvall wasn’t his first choice for THX? Maybe it was David L. Lander (“Squiggy” from Laverne and Shirley), and now the technology exists to insert Squiggy in the film, replacing Duvall.

I’m suddenly (and sadly) reminded of 1984, and revisionist history-makers in that film, and I shiver at what could be waiting for me in the Star Wars box set come Tuesday.

If you wanna see the details of these changes, there’s a real good blow-by-blow of the changes (at least the first nine minutes!) at DavisDVD. And boy, are the fans ticked about it!

So….. When is George Lucas gonna revise my old versions (not just my memories, like he is now), and make me a rich guy with the looks, house, cars, etc.? 🙂

Guess I need to find a copy of the original on tape, and convert it to DVD for my viewing pleasure.