I saw Star Wars in 1977 as a 9-year-old and while I remember loving the film, there is no way I shared the same feelings then for Star Wars as what I do now. Basically, it did not really captivate me. Only ever saw any of them once, I think. Few toys or merchandise were purchased, but an R2-D2 soap model still remains along with a handful of figures. These figures, though, were mostly purchased years later at the Show.
Empire Strikes Back was seen with the school, I think, and the main thing I remember was the slow patch during the middle involving Luke and Yoda. Really, I simply did not understand what the dialogue meant. As for the rest of the film, it was brilliant. The effects easily topped the the first, so too the popularity of Darth Vader. Of course, there were many questions raised which made Jedi an anxious wait. I have a Lando figure amongst my collection too.
With Jedi, fellow class mates that had already seen it and they revealed many things so unbelievable (Darth is Luke's father, Leia the sister) that I basically did not accept them. Anyway, again it was seen with the school and Jedi did live up to my expectations at the time. Everyone marvelled at the speeder bike section (even have a Leia figure in her Endor clothes, but I have lost her hat), and yes, Vader scenario was a big talking point. I still not really comprehend the force and what really became of Vader.
A few years later, as VCRs became prominent, naturally I hired the films. The first one was Empire - which confirms my current view that his is the best - but ultimately, it was Jedi that sucked me in. Especially the space battle, the transportation to another dimension was so convincing and believable. I must have watched the last hour or so a dozen times that weekend, and the whole film three times.
Soon, all three videos became my entire video collection. The other two became more endearing, especially Empire, and the Yoda sections really explained many of the unexplainables within the trilogy. The next step was to shove it through a stereo, but this provided disappointing results due to the mono soundtracks of the originals - too much hiss. Eventually, a purchase of stereo versions rectified this.
So for a time, I was happy watching the three every six months or so. The soundtracks were purchased as I became further and further entranced. Although initially reluctant, so too many video games. Star Wars on the NES is probably the all time greatest as you get to do the entire film complete with superb Falcon and X-Wing shooting levels. Many Star Wars film references started entering my every day dialogue like "you rebel skum" and "I find your lack of faith disturbing". In my mind I have a Star Wars reference to many a situation like in asking," how are you?" Answer: "Got a little cooked, but I'm ok"! I am determined to one day chronicle these in a Star Wars Speak page.
As the 20th anniversary editions were being finalised, the originals got the THX treatment and released on video before the extra footage was included. Wide-screen versions were purchased which gave a whole new perspective of them. Not only the sound and picture quality was vastly improved, but many side events cut from pan-scan TV edited versions became evident and enhanced the enjoyment. Most notably, Rogue Group's wingmen you could see behind the pilot in the Battle of Hoth.
The next big event was Independence Day. Not because of the film, but because it showed trailers of the imminent enhanced version to be re-shown in the cinema. "See them again, for the first time", was the catch cry. I nearly wet my pants and was almost prepared to leave the theatre right there and then satisfied I'd got my monies worth. I did not. Eventually, I saw all three re-released films four times and truly loved them. All the extra environmental effects really shone, so too the space battle at the end of Star Wars. Once these were released to video, I made the purchase, and with a new Pro Logic Hi Fi, the best home viewing I'd ever had was realised.
It is safe to say that I do not watch them as regularly as in the past - maybe once a year - but still enjoy them. And yes, I have purchased extra toys along the way, especially when the 20th anniversary editions came out. I am not the hard core nut that seeks every snippet of info, or one to read all the associated fiction books. Just a a true lover of the films.
The Star Wars Universe is what's compelling and factual books - reference books - detailing, examining, and explaining the Universe forms my main interest outside the actual films. Also, reliving parts of the films is what I crave for too. This can only be done through video games and I have many ranging from the original Star Wars on the NES, all the three Super Star Wars on the SNES, X-Wing & Tie Fighter series on PC, right up to Shadows, Rogue Squadron and Episode 1 Racer on the N64. Five or so reference books, a dozen or so video games, 10 soundtrack CDs including two sets of the trilogy, Shadows, Menace and a couple of compilations, and four versions of the trilogy on video constitute the bulk of my Star Wars paraphernalia.
Other than the occasional dreams, this is how I have lived and breathed Star Wars for the past 20 or so years.
Naturally news of the Phantom Menace has whet my appetite. As a film that will expose many facts and help transport me more convincingly to the Star Wars dimension, I can't wait. Just hope it succeeds and lives up to my expectations. May the force be with you......