 (Click to Enlarge) | Star Wars Saga Video Pack (The Phantom Menace/Attack of the Clones)Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie PortmanDirectors: George Lucas Features: Color, Closed-captioned, NTSC Average Customer Rating: 2.95/5.00 Amazon Sales Rank: 13,085 Theatrical Release Date: 20020516 VHS Tape Release Date: 12 November, 2002 Manufacturer: Fox Home Entertainme MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) View on Amazon (ASIN: B00006JE6T) Number of VHS Tapes: 2 Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours List Price: $29.98, Amazon Price: $29.98 |
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- Star Wars Trilogy ($34.98)
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Amazon Customer Reviews of this item: (Average Rating is 2.95/5.00)
Rating: 3 [ An objective view. ]First, the movies themselves: Episode I retained the old school mystic feel of the originals, and takes the viewer back to when it all began. It suffers however, from idiotic droids and Jar Jar Binks (who posseses the most annoying voice since C3PO). It's a four star movie at least.
Episode II tells its story well, but the story is unfortunately unconvincing. Anakin is nothing but an obnoxious teenager for some reason...is the viewer expected to believe that the distinguished order of the Jedi would not educate one of its own disciples on the rudiments of life? Then there's the romance between Senator Amidala and Anakin; even given the circumstances, it's hardly believable due to Anakin's generally creepy nature. Great special effects though, a decent villian, and we finally get to see Yoda do some fighting which was simply awesome. Even though it's got some great points, it's at best a three star movie. It does require, however, a substantial amount of 'suspension of disbelief' to view and enjoy.
Now a word about formats: Put simply, if it's not widescreen, it's not worth the money.
Rating: 5 [ The Phantom Menace is attacked by the clones! ]
These two Star Wars movies are not major masterpieces like the original three but at the same time, they also are unfairly bashed by critics.From my perspective though, these two movies are simply great movies to watch and are worthy prequels to the original three. Yes they're both flawed but still, I don't understand why so many seem to hate these Star Wars movies so much.
EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE- This first episode in the entire franchise begins with increasing rebel activity becoming an increasing threat to the Galactic Republic. The Republic is being lead by a mysterious figure named Queen Padme Amidala. Padme is under threat of being overthrown from power by a rebel force lead by Darth Sideous and his apprentice Darth Maul. A young boy named Anakin Skywalker comes into the picture who is a slave to a creature named Sebulba and has to win a pod race to be freed. Anakin is discovered to have HUGE potential to become a Jedi Knight but is considered a danger to the republic and the galaxy. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon Jinn and his sidekick, a young Obi Wan Kenobi go on a quest to train the young Anakin Skywalker to become a Jedi, against the objections of the Jedi order. Overall though, the movie suffers from occasional bumbling roles especially from the bizarre giraffe-like Jar Jar Binks who is despised by most although not by me personally and also of poor scripting in some areas. I thought that Jar Jar was funny in some areas but annoying at times. The big flaw though in my opinion was that THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH DARTH MAUL!!!! That was the main disappointment. Still though this movie was great. I think of this movie as a large bag of popcorn as opposed to an epic work. Lucas did a pretty good job with PM. This is a very underrated movie. This is the first of the episodes and is the skeleton frame of what's to come on the next two episodes.
EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES- The second episode of the Star Wars franchise takes place ten years after the demise of Darth Maul with Anakin Skywalker as a nearly adult Jedi who by now was inching closer to the evil side. The Republic is under increasing threat from rebel attacks that becomes obvious after a failed assassination attempt on Senator Amidala that kills her decoy Corde. A romance is kindled between Padme and Anakin but is endangered because of Padme's role as a Senator and also conflicts with Skywalker's dream of becoming a powerful Jedi Knight. Meanwhile, a secret army comprised of cloned beings is being built on a planet that has eluded detection of the Republics authorities. Several pivotal events happen that make "Attack Of The Clones". First, Anakin starts going at odds with his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi and Amidala is under new threats from forces hired by Count Dooku aka Darth Tyranus. Overall, I thought that Dooku was classic, bringing out much more personality than Darth Maul. Yoda also surprises us in a duel with Dooku as well. Overall, while "Clones" has it's flaws from bumbling acting in some occasions, it's an improvement over "Phantom Menace". This is the precursor to the possibly riveting events that are to take place on Episode III with Anakin becoming Darth Vader.
These two movies make a nice action movie combo and are both worth owning. While they may not be major masterpieces like the original three were, they are great on their own field. Hands down to George Lucas for bringing out the creativity in his mind and onto the big screen again.
Rating: 1 [ Ugh! ]
After "Episode I", one would think that the "Star Wars" movies couldn't get any worse. I did, but sadly I was wrong.
Despite some improvements such as the smaller role for Jar Jar Binks and that Liam Neeson is no longer part of the movie, the feel of the original Trilogy is gone, as is the quality of filmmaking. Take Yoda fighting, for instance: it's just so artificial and "Matrix"-like.
The storyline involving Anakin's romance is boring (as is his mother's death, completely lacking drama), and Obi-Wan investigating a murder is just so non-"Star Wars".
Also, the recycled material is evident (the Coruscant club resembles the cantina in "A New Hope", for example) and the references to the future (the original Trilogy) are lame (such as C-3PO asking who Obi-Wan is after listening to R2-D2's message). And Obi-Wan piloting a starship and being chased thorough an asteroid field? That's right, "The Empire Strikes Back"! The lightning bolts that Christopher Lee shoots at the Jedi? Yep, "Return of the Jedi".
Honestly, I only enjoyed the last 20 minutes or so, when a hundred of Jedi and then the clones take on the other army.
It's sad that Lucas is ruining his once great story with these prequels.