'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Now Available to Download From iTunes

[JeffyTheQuik]

What made you think Star Wars was supposed to be hard sci-fi?

Yeah, I know it's not hard sci-fi; it's just that we're getting into the "nuclear bomb" region. It seems that as stories move forward, there has to be a bigger, badder bad guy.

Like I put in the previous post, there are a lot of things in the Star Wars story that are fictional that move the story along, and give it the appeal that it has. I guess to me, that new Death Star has all the appeal of Jar Jar Binks.

 

[MarsViolet]

What made you think Star Wars was supposed to be hard sci-fi?

I suppose the scientific mistakes are red herrings anyway. The fact that there's a third Death Star is the real symbol of this movie's failing. The second Death Star in Jedi was already weak, but perhaps forgivable considering that Lucas, due to uncertainty, was forced to blow the thing up at the end of the first act when he all the time had intended to save that moment for the third. But to shoehorn Yet Another Death Star into episode seven for no reason other than an abject lack of creativity was lame beyond words. It seems the wisecrack dialog has made people blind to the movie's long list of shortcomings, but ten years from now few fans are going to care much about The Force Awakens. And why should they? By then it'll be buried beneath half a dozen even dumber Disney Star Wars movies.

Anyway, JeffyTheQuik makes a good point. I was able to guess almost everything that would happen in The Force Awakens without even having seen it, but even I wasn't cynical enough to believe they'd stoop to a third Death Star. Now the prospect of a fourth seems like a given, as does the likelihood that today's Star Wars fans will find ways to defend it.

Welcome to modern times.

 

[smorrissey]

Horrible movie.

A copy paste, still i saw the movie twice on cinemas and the extras this week but yeah the movie is just lame.

 

[peterdevries]

The Abrams team (or whatever you want to call it) had a difficult task. They needed to satisfy the demands of the original Star Wars fans, The Prequel new fans that turned into Star Wars fans from that point and anyone new and young that didn't know Star Wars before.

We have seen with Star Trek how difficult this is and that there is no way of satisfying all. What Abrams did makes sense if you see it in this light. They went for a safe option that tells a great but familiair and proven story that the older fans can recognise as familiair and definitely original Star Wars-like (very much so), but also present enough elements for new viewers.

So, yes there are many parallels to the original movies, but I think this was absolutely intentional to create familiarity and a very clear link to the originals. I do not believe for a second that this was for a lack of inspiration or laziness. And I'm absolutely convinced that now the link has been established and Star Wars has been rebooted the story will deviate wildly from the originals.

 

[MarsViolet]

The Abrams team (or whatever you want to call it) had a difficult task. They needed to satisfy the demands of the original Star Wars fans, The Prequel new fans that turned into Star Wars fans from that point and anyone new and young that didn't know Star Wars before.

We have seen with Star Trek how difficult this is and that there is no way of satisfying all. What Abrams did makes sense if you see it in this light. They went for a safe option that tells a great but familiair and proven story that the older fans can recognise as familiair and definitely original Star Wars-like (very much so), but also present enough elements for new viewers.

So, yes there are many parallels to the original movies, but I think this was absolutely intentional to create familiarity and a very clear link to the originals. I do not believe for a second that this was for a lack of inspiration or laziness. And I'm absolutely convinced that now the link has been established and Star Wars has been rebooted the story will deviate wildly from the originals.

Faced with the difficult task of following up the original Star Wars, I'm glad the quick and easy path wasn't taken on The Empire Strikes Back.

 

[satcomer]

Faced with the difficult task of following up the original Star Wars, I'm glad the quick and easy path wasn't taken on The Empire Strikes Back.

That's why Empire is still lauded as the best Star Wars movie! The good guys didn't win in this one but the characters were moved along!

 

[Googlyhead]

Yeah, I know it's not hard sci-fi; it's just that we're getting into the "nuclear bomb" region. It seems that as stories move forward, there has to be a bigger, badder bad guy.

Like I put in the previous post, there are a lot of things in the Star Wars story that are fictional that move the story along, and give it the appeal that it has. I guess to me, that new Death Star has all the appeal of Jar Jar Binks.

The next bad-superpower-superweapon will be the death-halo. If they do that; there's already a suitable hologram...

 

[bladerunner2000]

Rogue One poster leaked!

 

[SHirsch999]

Rogue One poster leaked!

Was it released 2 days ago?

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

The Abrams team (or whatever you want to call it) had a difficult task. They needed to satisfy the demands of the original Star Wars fans, The Prequel new fans that turned into Star Wars fans from that point and anyone new and young that didn't know Star Wars before.

We have seen with Star Trek how difficult this is and that there is no way of satisfying all. What Abrams did makes sense if you see it in this light. They went for a safe option that tells a great but familiair and proven story that the older fans can recognise as familiair and definitely original Star Wars-like (very much so), but also present enough elements for new viewers.

So, yes there are many parallels to the original movies, but I think this was absolutely intentional to create familiarity and a very clear link to the originals. I do not believe for a second that this was for a lack of inspiration or laziness. And I'm absolutely convinced that now the link has been established and Star Wars has been rebooted the story will deviate wildly from the originals.

Back in the '70s, I remember hearing that there were originally 10 episodes to the Star Wars saga. That may be a mis-remembering from an 8 year old mind, or my brother simply quoting something he heard at school.

One thing I like about the Harry Potter story is the continuity, and I think (I have no evidence) that the drawing out of the story of the major events from beginning to end helps with ensuring continuity. The minor events (like Hermione punching Malfoy or Snape torturing Harry in various classes) are fun "fluff" and add to the character development, but as long as the major events are true, there is a good story there.

(this paragraph is strictly opinion - I have no facts to back them up) I just get the feeling that each set of episodes (1-3, 4-6, 7-??) are set on their own terms, and borrowing from the future (1-3) or past (7-??) out of context. They're building the story as they go, and that's akin to building a tower, and drawing the plans up as they go. I know our lives are like that, but a story is a retelling of a set of known events, and that is why the new episodes seem disjointed. Heck, even the Harry Potter movies stray from the books quite a bit (I do like the final battle between Voldemort and Harry much better in the book than the movie... the movie was too much of a Darth/Luke battle...)

Lastly, I like your analysis of the why the movies are the way they are. I hadn't thought about the familiarity aspect of this, and getting a new generation in. I was an 8 year old when Star Wars first came out, and loved it! I always thought of them as a throw back to when I was that kid in the theater, and even watching them last Christmas with my 7 kids (and their husbands/boyfriends), I had that feeling again, even at the end. My 6 year old son loved it too, so I really think you have something there.

 

[Googlyhead]

Back in the '70s, I remember hearing that there were originally 10 episodes to the Star Wars saga. That may be a mis-remembering from an 8 year old mind, or my brother simply quoting something he heard at school.

One thing I like about the Harry Potter story is the continuity, and I think (I have no evidence) that the drawing out of the story of the major events from beginning to end helps with ensuring continuity. The minor events (like Hermione punching Malfoy or Snape torturing Harry in various classes) are fun "fluff" and add to the character development, but as long as the major events are true, there is a good story there.

(this paragraph is strictly opinion - I have no facts to back them up) I just get the feeling that each set of episodes (1-3, 4-6, 7-??) are set on their own terms, and borrowing from the future (1-3) or past (7-??) out of context. They're building the story as they go, and that's akin to building a tower, and drawing the plans up as they go. I know our lives are like that, but a story is a retelling of a set of known events, and that is why the new episodes seem disjointed. Heck, even the Harry Potter movies stray from the books quite a bit (I do like the final battle between Voldemort and Harry much better in the book than the movie... the movie was too much of a Darth/Luke battle...)

Lastly, I like your analysis of the why the movies are the way they are. I hadn't thought about the familiarity aspect of this, and getting a new generation in. I was an 8 year old when Star Wars first came out, and loved it! I always thought of them as a throw back to when I was that kid in the theater, and even watching them last Christmas with my 7 kids (and their husbands/boyfriends), I had that feeling again, even at the end. My 6 year old son loved it too, so I really think you have something there.

The problem with this is:
The original three as originally made were unambiguously "evil empire, heroic resistance" movies.
Then came all the tinkering to make them fit the new outline that allowed the prequels to join on; making these more like the "soap opera" someone described earlier, and no longer an evil empire.
If there was actually such a series envisioned; I would expect at least the broad overview to have been better adhered to than that!

The originals are older than me; and I'm still waiting for a decent "original trilogy" release (ie. "proper", rather than the de-specialised option), as all the meddling has essentially made this a different story arc and feel.

 

[aussieinjapan]

Horrible movie.

there is always one guy who just has to post crap

 

[MarsViolet]

there is always one guy who just has to post crap

And another guy to take it personally.

 

[Jayderek]

And another guy to take it personally.

and yet more people that wonder why people don't have better things to do than posting opinions on movies they so dislike. I certainly don't take opinions personally, I'm more saddened by those that go out of their way to search out threads they have no interest in, threadcrap, and then get defensive when called out on it.

 

[bbeagle]

Such a disappointment in terms of story, which chronologically doesn't push the overall universe forward because it's practically a remake of Episode IV so Disney can make all the money. I just wish Episode VII was a true continuation. And not to forget that John Williams score disappointed as well, which is something that even the prequels delivered on.

I understand what you're saying, but again, it's NOT a disappointment because it's the first Star Wars movie in 32 years that didn't suck. My children will never know about Star Wars 1-3, only 4 on forward.
[doublepost=1459794781][/doublepost]

I suppose the scientific mistakes are red herrings anyway. The fact that there's a third Death Star is the real symbol of this movie's failing.

I don't think it made the movie fail. I agree that having a third death star was a VERY stupid idea. Do something else, ANYTHING else. Have something look like a death star, but actually be 1,000,000 tie fighters all in tight formation or something. Don't have a stupid trench shot like the Star Wars IV. Everything else in the movie worked for me, except that part. I can gloss over that and still love the movie because of the good feelings it gave me seeing the old characters again, this time in proper settings and proper characteristics.

 

[Stuey3D]

And as others have mentioned we have to wait till the 11th to watch it in the UK, hmmm now whats that website that allows me to watch it as the same time as the yanks? Ah thats right The Pirate Bay!

But in all fairness you'd think they would have learnt from Game of Thrones being the most pirated thing on the net as everyone wanted to watch it at the same time.

Region locks are an archaic relic from yesteryear that need to be abolished, the internet connects us all and people shouldn't be penalised just for the country they live in.

 

[leroypants]

Bluray, I will wait.

Same here, an I will probably pay less for it which included a digital copy than Apple is charging for the digital copy alone.

 

[Razeus]

I'll get the Blu-Ray bundle. iTunes is a rip off. Plus it won't work with Roku 4.

 

[MarsViolet]

and yet more people that wonder why people don't have better things to do than posting opinions on movies they so dislike. I certainly don't take opinions personally, I'm more saddened by those that go out of their way to search out threads they have no interest in, threadcrap, and then get defensive when called out on it.

That's all very interesting, but the original threadcrap wasn't even mine, so.…

 

[richman555]

Opinion:
I loved the movie and JJ Abrams (self advocated Mac user) did a terrific job. I have watched it several times on my Apple TV already. This movie is pretty much a nostalgic trip to the past but also a look to the future. People also refuse to accept that Star Wars was in bad shape following the prequels. If you want to complain about bad movies, please look there first. I am excited that Star Wars is back and that the new characters are awesome. I am very much looking forward to Episode 8.
Fact:
This is relevant in that the Digital release comes a week before the Blue Ray release. This makes me happy to own it first on iTunes and stream it to Apple TV. It is also a big deal as this movie was the largest grossing movie in the US.

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

I understand what you're saying, but again, it's NOT a disappointment because it's the first Star Wars movie in 32 years that didn't suck. My children will never know about Star Wars 1-3, only 4 on forward.
[doublepost=1459794781][/doublepost]
I don't think it made the movie fail. I agree that having a third death star was a VERY stupid idea. Do something else, ANYTHING else. Have something look like a death star, but actually be 1,000,000 tie fighters all in tight formation or something. Don't have a stupid trench shot like the Star Wars IV. Everything else in the movie worked for me, except that part. I can gloss over that and still love the movie because of the good feelings it gave me seeing the old characters again, this time in proper settings and proper characteristics.

Oddly enough, I did like the throw back to Episode 4, plus the whole "Stormtrooper has a conscience" part. I like your ideas there, but I'm wanting to know how it happened that when the Emperor died, I thought that the Empire fell apart, and the New Republic took over. I guess they needed the Empire to keep the outer rim in line...

 

[2010mini]

I'm probably an idiot for asking this, and it's a bit off-topic(-ish):

What is the point of "the Resistance" when the New Republic is in power? The Resistance is the New Republic. Isn't the First Order technically the Resistance because it's, well, resisting the New Republic?

Shouldn't the New Republic's "resistance" just be called "the army?"

I saw the movie under the influences of jet lag, so it's entirely likely I missed the distinction in the movie.

The resistance... Well Rebels in 4-6, was not the Republic. They were freedom fighters who unlike the New Republic, see the danger posed by the First Order.

As I stated before, when the emperor was killed, what became the New Republic disbanded the military. Also the New Republic did not have a Jedi order to guide them.
[doublepost=1459829542][/doublepost]

I can't wait until episode 9, when the "bad guys" will have their 4th attempt at a Death Star.

A few problems I had with the current version, Death Star 3.0 (usually, at 3.0, they get it right, don't they?)
1. Anything that sucks up a star won't have snow on it. Especially when it is compressed into a smaller space. Physics, folks. I'll use the universal gas equation: PV=nRT (volume has shrunk, so guess what happens to pressure and temperature?)
2. On point #1... Anything that sucks up the mass of a star isn't going to have people jumping all over the place. The gravity pull of our sun at the surface is 28x that of the earth's. Now, that death star just compressed that star into a smaller volume, so the gravitational pull would be even larger (think, mass stays the same, the distance to the center of that mass just shrank (formula is F = G(M1*M2)/Distance between two masses), so 120lb Rae now weighs 33,600 lbs, and that not so light saber now weighs 280lbs. Use the Force, indeed.
3. Seriously... Every time they build one of these, they leave some easy to disarm and blow up flaw. Sooner or later, they'll run out of money to build these things.
4. Where do they get all the materials to build these things?
5. The mass of these things would cause havoc on any planet or moon that has a visit from these stations. think of what the moon does to the weather on our planet and the water on it. Now, imagine another one shows up and starts messing with stuff. they don't even have to fire a shot.
6. An alternative to them blowing up planets would just have them suck up the star and then leave. Planets do really well when they're orbiting stars. As soon as that star goes away (is stolen), it'd be interesting to see the effect. My guess is they'd eventually freeze, and careen off into space.

Dude..... These movies have sound in space! From the first scene of the the first film, anything relating to actual science went out the airlock.

 

[MarsViolet]

Oddly enough, I did like the throw back to Episode 4, plus the whole "Stormtrooper has a conscience" part. I like your ideas there, but I'm wanting to know how it happened that when the Emperor died, I thought that the Empire fell apart, and the New Republic took over. I guess they needed the Empire to keep the outer rim in line...

For being a stormtrooper with a conscience, Finn sure murdered a lot of stormtroopers.
[doublepost=1459838540][/doublepost]

I understand what you're saying, but again, it's NOT a disappointment because it's the first Star Wars movie in 32 years that didn't suck. My children will never know about Star Wars 1-3, only 4 on forward.
[doublepost=1459794781][/doublepost]
I don't think it made the movie fail. I agree that having a third death star was a VERY stupid idea. Do something else, ANYTHING else. Have something look like a death star, but actually be 1,000,000 tie fighters all in tight formation or something. Don't have a stupid trench shot like the Star Wars IV. Everything else in the movie worked for me, except that part. I can gloss over that and still love the movie because of the good feelings it gave me seeing the old characters again, this time in proper settings and proper characteristics.

Third death stars notwithstanding, I just wish that, if the filmmakers were going to rip off the original Star Wars, they would have copied the original movie's plot integrity rather than turning it into a path of coincidence.

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

For being a stormtrooper with a conscience, Finn sure murdered a lot of stormtroopers.
[doublepost=1459838540][/doublepost]

Third death stars notwithstanding, I just wish that, if the filmmakers were going to rip off the original Star Wars, they would have copied the original movie's plot integrity rather than turning it into a path of coincidence.

Yeah, but they were bad stormtroopers. Finn was the only good one... (I could tell, because his background music was better, even in space...)
[doublepost=1459848363][/doublepost]

The resistance... Well Rebels in 4-6, was not the Republic. They were freedom fighters who unlike the New Republic, see the danger posed by the First Order.

As I stated before, when the emperor was killed, what became the New Republic disbanded the military. Also the New Republic did not have a Jedi order to guide them.
[doublepost=1459829542][/doublepost]

Dude..... These movies have sound in space! From the first scene of the the first film, anything relating to actual science went out the airlock.

I did a follow up on the non-scientificity of the movies. The lasers sound cool, and the space ships sound menacing...

But I do like how the G-Forces in the battle scenes would have everyone not strapped in the Millennium Falcon tossed about like pinballs, and even those that were, their necks would have probably been snapped by the forces that they were encountering during the battles.

 

[2010mini]

Same here, an I will probably pay less for it which included a digital copy than Apple is charging for the digital copy alone.

Unless you just buy a digital code from 3rd party sources.
[doublepost=1459862881][/doublepost]

Yeah, but they were bad stormtroopers. Finn was the only good one... (I could tell, because his background music was better, even in space...)
[doublepost=1459848363][/doublepost]
I did a follow up on the non-scientificity of the movies. The lasers sound cool, and the space ships sound menacing...

But I do like how the G-Forces in the battle scenes would have everyone not strapped in the Millennium Falcon tossed about like pinballs, and even those that were, their necks would have probably been snapped by the forces that they were encountering during the battles.

I thought all those spaceships had inertia dampers and artificial gravity? If so g forces shouldn't matter, no?

Oh and blasters. Not lasers.

I'm still trying to figure out how lightsabers function.....