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 | Some Nerd's Opinionby: starwarsfan_84 date posted: Jun 17, 2009 4:54 PM | updated: Aug 30, 2009 11:30 AM |
 | Greedo Didn't Shoot |
 First things first, I need to clear something up: saying that "Han shot first" is inaccurate because that implies that Greedo got a shot off in the original version (which he didn't, of course). It should be "Greedo didn't shoot." Now that I've gotten that nitpicky comment out of the way, I'm going to express my opinion on one of the most infamous and controversial changes that George Lucas implemented in the special editions.
When I first saw it in 1997, to be honest, I didn't think twice about it. I was never aware of any problems that fans had with the change (or any of the changes) until I started to go on the internet. I preferred the special editions and I still do. I can understand the objection that it "softens" Han's character and, therefore, affects his character development, but I never really felt that way. Han still comes off as an uncaring scoundrel to me whether or not Greedo shoots, especially with his humorously callous response to Leia's impending execution: "Better her than me." The only real problem I had with the change is that it looked strange when Han moved his head, but that was refined in the DVD version so I'm ok with it. However, I do hope that George Lucas puts it back the way it was originally because so many people are really bothered by it. It doesn't matter to me. So, are there any other people out there who don't really care either way?
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http://blogs.starwars.com/somenerdsopinion/37 |
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FAN4YRS
A Rebel's Ramblings
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date Posted: Jun 17, 2009 6:12 PM
Here's how I look at it:
Han knew what was coming. Greedo probably had a reputation for shooting and collecting the bounty on "Dead" rather than "Alive". Also, when Han said, "Over my dead body", Greedo replied: "That's the idea." So even if Han didn't know anything about Greedo prior to that, he knew something then.
I'll stick with the 1977 version. I've seen an internet site showcasing all the other times Han shot first in "A New Hope". "Where are you taking this, THING?" Han begins shooting up the room.
It's important to remember that Han lived in a dangerous world and he was a criminal. I like to think he became reformed/redeemed as the journey continued.
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Master Ki-Aaron-Mundi
I was a Teenage Jedi
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date Posted: Jun 17, 2009 7:12 PM
Let me preface this comment by saying that I do prefer the Special Editions of the movies.
But... Greedo shooting does irk me. And while I do appreciate the DVD version's update, which smoothed out Han's dodge, I still think Greedo missing from point-blank range just seems bogus.
The idea of it softening Han's character isn't an issue for me, so much as I just didn't think he needed to be softened. I just don't really get the point. Nobody thought Han was a cold-blooded killer before--after all, Greedo had just agreed with the sentiment, "Over my dead body." And as you point out, Han shoots first plenty of other times in the film. So I don't see why Mr. Lucas thought the change was necessary.
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Master Ki-Aaron-Mundi
I was a Teenage Jedi
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date Posted: Jun 17, 2009 7:12 PM
I think the biggest thing about this change, though, is that I have yet to hear anyone who is really glad Mr. Lucas changed it. You yourself, while admitting you feel mostly neutral, say you'd prefer it changed back.
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The Viridian Saber
Virtual Unrealities (A victim of Order 66.)
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date Posted: Jun 17, 2009 7:53 PM
Here's the thing everyone seems to miss. Uncle George never changed it. He stated specifically, in the last issue of Insider, that Han never, ever shot first.
With the less-than-impressive special effects of the original fight, who shot first, or who shot at all, was unclear. George hoped that the audience would assumed that Greedo shot first, but that didn't occur. He said that he doesn't know if "people just think murder is cool, or if there's some other reason, but Han isn't the kind of guy to kill in cold blood."
And that's that.
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Gidrea Lightsky
The Galaxy According to Gidrea
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date Posted: Jun 18, 2009 8:23 AM
Sounds like a story to me.  Somewhere over the years someone has hur George's feelings by calling Han a "cold blooded killer" and it hurt. Maybe it was a girlfriend. 
Regardless of what George intended, it did indeed look like Greedo didn't shoot at all. And it added a great deal to Han's reputation. It was just so damn cool.
However, when looking at the big picture, I prefer the SE for the cleaned up effects, Obi-Wan's house, the scene with Biggs, etc. The shooting is one of those things I can overlook.
Even though it looks lame.
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usetheforce19
MasterMonkey13
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date Posted: Jun 18, 2009 10:23 AM
FAN4YRS makes a good point. But it really doesn't matter either way to me.
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arill.wiltker
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date Posted: Jun 18, 2009 2:33 PM
I haven't had the chance to watch the SE DVDs however, I did see them all in theatre at least once and I would have to say I do enjoy them. However this whole issue changing it to Greedo shooting first kind of irks me and not only because of the way they edited. I mean come on, Han knew he was done for, he had a really good contract to take the old man and the kid to Alderaan and then BAMM here's Greedo in your face to either collect(which definitely wasn't going to happen) or kill Han(which was very likely). The only option he had was to shoot first. That doesn't make him a "cold-blooded murder" he was just looking out for and defending himself because if given a chance Greedo would have definitely tried to take him out or turn in
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starwarsfan_84
Some Nerd's Opinion
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date Posted: Jun 18, 2009 4:15 PM
The idea of it softening Han's character isn't an issue for me, so much as I just didn't think he needed to be softened. I just don't really get the point. Nobody thought Han was a cold-blooded killer before--after all, Greedo had just agreed with the sentiment, "Over my dead body."
I agree that the change isn't necessary, but it doesn't get me mad like it does with many fans. As I said before, I can take it or leave it.
You yourself, while admitting you feel mostly neutral, say you'd prefer it changed back.
My desire to change it back is for the sake of the people who hate it, not myself. It really doesn't affect my viewing of the movie either way.
Thanks for all your opinions.
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starwarsfan_84
Some Nerd's Opinion
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date Posted: Jun 18, 2009 4:18 PM
Regardless of what George intended, it did indeed look like Greedo didn't shoot at all. And it added a great deal to Han's reputation. It was just so damn cool.
I've never really felt this way, but I know a lot of fans do. For me, Han simply shot some alien who was about to shoot him. I don't think he's any more or less "cool" because of it. I never knew this scene meant so much to people and their perception of Han until I started going on the internet.
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Cousin Itt
You don't know how to fix the hyperdrive...!
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date Posted: Jun 19, 2009 3:34 AM
I prefer the original 1977 version like FAN4YRS - don't really like things to be messed with.
I just find the whole thing amusing and it doesn't really matter to me really - but I would have one of those T-shirts saying "Han shot first" just for the amusement factor!!!!
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shoppingMaul61
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date Posted: Jun 22, 2009 7:22 AM
It's mainly a 'generational' matter. People like myself who'd seen the OT in theaters (and consequently over and over on VHS) find such changes jarring to the 'reality' and flow of the films, regardless of how cleaned up the shot may be now.
Plus the concept of PC has actually gotten harsher in many ways since the 70s. I reckon George merely wanted to bring the original Star Wars (Ep 4) more in line with the much cuter ROTJ and Phantom Menace. He probably underestimated the backlash.
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