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when did a new hope become episode 4

by Ettie White Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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When Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope originally hit theaters in 1977, it was simply called Star Wars. It wasn't until the film's theatrical re-release in 1981 that it received the Episode IV marking and the subtitle A New Hope.

When did Star Wars Episode IV a new hope come out?

Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope - Opening Crawl. In the original May 1977 release of Star Wars, the opening crawl did not feature an Episode number or the subtitle “A New Hope.” Those would be added with the film’s April 10, 1981, theatrical re-release.

When did the'Star Wars'tagline Change to'a new hope'?

A number of fans presume it happened during the 1978 re-release, but as it turns out, it was not until the spring 1981 re-release of the first Star Wars film (well after the release of The Empire Strikes Back in 1980) that the "Episode IV – A New Hope" tagline was added.

What was the original title of Star Wars Episode IV?

But one of the most interesting aspects of the script was its title, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope - From the Journal of the Whills. What makes the name even more fascinating is that the script used in the book was drafted on January 15, 1976, over a year before the film's release.

When did a new hope come out on DVD?

A New Hope was released on DVD on September 21, 2004 in a box set with The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and a bonus disc of supplemental material.

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When did they start calling A New Hope Episode 4?

This may seem like a shock but when Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope was released in 1977, it was simply known as Star Wars. The film enjoyed many rereleases in subsequent years but it wasn't until 1981 that the title sequence was changed to read Episode IV and the new under title.

Why did Star Wars start on Episode 4?

In the end, making the first film, Episode IV, was symbolic for being the opportunity Lucas needed to give fans even more stories that could potentially evolve beyond even that.

When was Star Wars changed to A New Hope?

Star Wars was renamed "A New Hope" in April of 1981 (for the third theatrical rerelease of the film). For the four years prior, it was known only as "Star Wars".

Why are Star Wars movies out of order?

Star Wars movies in chronological order of story timeline (with shows, too) The Star Wars saga kicked off with Episode IV, then got a prequel trilogy before getting a sequel trilogy, so the storyline is inherently out of order.

Why does A New Hope Say Episode 4?

When Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope originally hit theaters in 1977, it was simply called Star Wars. It wasn't until the film's theatrical re-release in 1981 that it received the Episode IV marking and the subtitle A New Hope.

Why does Obi Wan not remember R2?

By claiming he's never owned a droid before, he's apply the same tactic as his embellishment about Anakin. He hasn't owned a droid before because R2 is his friend and peer. No one can “own” him, and to claim to have done so disrespects the countless ways the little astromech droid has saved the galaxy with his heroics.

Did Vader know Leia was his daughter?

Darth Vader only learned he had a daughter in Return of the Jedi - but there's no evidence he realized she was Leia before his death and redemption. Darth Vader may have never known Princess Leia was his daughter in Star Wars and never cultivated a relationship with her, even when he was a Force ghost.

Why is Star Wars backwards?

The story of A New Hope gave no context of the futuristic world in the film, throwing viewers straight into the action without any background knowledge. Doing so would later give Lucas the opportunity to go back and provide some context in the prequels.

Is Jar Jar Binks a Sith Lord?

Darth Jar Jar, known to most as Jar Jar Binks, was a Gungan Sith Lord. He survived the Battle of Naboo and became a Representative of Naboo, when he helped to give Darth Sidious emergency powers. After the fall of the Galactic Empire, he forced a small alien named Snoke under his evil wing.

What is the most confusing Star Wars movie?

Star Wars: The Phantom MenaceStar Wars: The Phantom Menace Has The Most Confusing Plot Point In The Series.

Which Star Wars movie is best?

All Star Wars Movies Ranked By Tomatometer#1. Star Wars: Episode V -- The Empire Strikes Back (1980) ... #2. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) ... #3. Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope (1977) ... #4. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) ... #5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) ... #6. Star Wars: Episode VI -- Return of the Jedi (1983) ... #7. ... #8.More items...

Are stormtroopers clones?

Stormtroopers were modeled on the clone troopers who fought for the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars. At the dawn of the Galactic Empire, the first generation of stormtroopers consisted of cloned soldiers who served the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars.

Why is Star Wars backwards?

The story of A New Hope gave no context of the futuristic world in the film, throwing viewers straight into the action without any background knowledge. Doing so would later give Lucas the opportunity to go back and provide some context in the prequels.

Should I watch Star Wars Episode 1 or 4 first?

“Start with one,” Lucas says of the correct way of watching the Star Wars movies. “That's the way to do it right: one, two, three, four, five, six. That's the way they're supposed to be done. Just because it took a long time to film it doesn't mean you don't do it in order.”

Why did it take so long to make Star Wars episode1?

According to starwars.com, Lucas said the following: Well, my decision to make Episode I was more or less driven by technology. The first three Star Wars films were designed very, very carefully to be done cheaply. We didn't go to any big cities, we didn't have a lot of costumes, we didn't have a lot of extras.

Why did George Lucas sell Star Wars to Disney?

So, why did George Lucas sell Lucasfilm? To put it simply, George didn't want to miss out on experiencing a normal life while he still had the chance. George acknowledged that the decision was extremely painful in an interview for the book, The Star Wars Archives 1999-2005 (via SlashFilm).

When was A New Hope remastered?

As part of Star Wars ' 20th anniversary celebration in 1997 , A New Hope was digitally remastered and re-released to theaters, along with The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, under the campaign title The Star Wars Trilogy: Special Edition.

What year was Star Wars: A New Hope made?

Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, originally released as Star Wars, and currently marketed as simply Star Wars: A New Hope is a 1977 film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first film in the Star Wars original trilogy .

Did Fox own the rights to A New Hope?

and the release rights to all future Star Wars films, Fox was to retain original distribution rights to A New Hope, which they co-produced and co-financed, in perpetuity in all media worldwide.

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In the original May 1977 release of Star Wars, the opening crawl did not feature an Episode number or the subtitle “A New Hope.” Those would be added with the film’s April 10, 1981, theatrical re-release.

Locations

Tatooine is harsh desert world orbiting twin suns in the galaxy’s Outer Rim. In the days of the Empire and the Republic, many settlers scratched out a living on moisture farms, while spaceport cities such as Mos Eisley and Mos Espa served as home base for smugglers, criminals, and other rogues.

Technology

An extensively modified Corellian light freighter, the Millennium Falcon is a legend in smuggler circles and is coveted by many for being the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.

Why is there no episode 4 subtitle in Star Wars?

MOVIE URBAN LEGEND: There was no "Episode IV -- A New Hope" subtitle in the original Star Wars film because 20th Century Fox thought it would be too confusing for moviegoers.

When did the first Star Wars movie become Episode IV?

Finally, the question becomes "OK, so it wasn't until The Empire Strikes Back was fully planned that the first Star Wars film became Episode IV. So when did it literally get changed?" A number of fans presume it happened during the 1978 re-release, but as it turns out, it was not until the spring 1981 re-release of the first Star Wars film (well after the release of The Empire Strikes Back in 1980) that the "Episode IV – A New Hope" tagline was added. That new version of the film was the one that was released on home video and has subsequently become the most famous version of the original film, so much so that few fans recall ever seeing a version of the film that didn't have "Episode IV" on it.

When did Star Wars first come out?

When Star Wars hit theaters in 1977, viewers couldn't have predicted the cultural impact the film would create. Now, over four decades later, the franchise is still going strong but isn't without a few more surprises. As most fans of the films know, the first movie didn't release with the subtitle Episode IV - A New Hope and was simply titled Star Wars. It wasn't until the 1981 re-release that the film officially got the name everyone now knows. But what isn't well known among the fanbase is that the re-release wasn't the first public appearance of its new title.

Is Star Wars Episode 4 a new hope?

But by re-releasing the film under the title of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, it promised that this was far from the end for Star Wars. What made the unveiling even more ingenious was the addition of Episode IV, raising even more questions about its meaning since this was the first film released chronologically.

What is the name of the bounty hunter in A New Hope?

In the original release of "A New Hope," Han Solo is confronted by Greedo, a Rodian bounty hunter, about a debt he owes Jabba the Hutt. As Greedo threatens him, Han slowly reaches for his gun, then shoots Greedo under the table. Lucas, worrying that this scene made Han appear too anti-heroic, changed the scene to show Greedo firing a wild shot before Han shoots him. The scene has become a focal point of anti-Special Edition sentiments because of how it affects Han's character. He gets out of his problem through sheer luck, not because of the skill and callousness he's gained from his experience as a smuggler.

Who is Luke's friend in the Death Star?

In a deleted scene before the Rebel attack on the Death Star, Luke is reunited with Biggs Darklighter , a friend from Tatooine and fellow pilot. The Special Edition restores this scene with only one change: a pilot walks across the screen to mask a removed line where Red Leader mentions Luke's father. The scene ends with Luke and Biggs deciding to catch up with each other after the battle; they can't, of course, because Biggs is killed. The scene is poignant, serving to remind the audience that the Rebel pilots' deaths affect the others personally, and not just as a loss for the Rebellion.

What is the best change in the Special Editions?

The replacement of cardboard Rebel cutouts with real people during the awards ceremony was probably the best change in the Special Editions. Luke, Han, and Chewie are being rewarded for their service, and when viewers watching the original version notice that the Rebels observing this ceremony are just two-dimensional pictures, the scene loses some of its dramatic impact. Adding real people to the scene helps remove a major distraction that leaves negative last impressions with the audience.

Why did Star Wars start with Episode 4?

That said, though, another reason why the Star Wars franchise began with Episode 4 was the fact that Lucas' first drafts were trying to cram too much into just one film . Though this foundation was in place and plenty of history had been hinted at in the original Star Wars film, Kaminski points out that Lucas didn't yet have the whole story of the original trilogy fleshed out. It was only mid-way through writing Empire Strikes Back that Lucas had the revelation to make Darth Vader be Luke's father, and then he had to explain why Obi-Wan Kenobi had told Luke that Vader had killed his father. More explanation was needed in Return of the Jedi, and then more in the three Star Wars prequels.

Why did Lucasfilm start the fourth episode?

The answer is a lot simpler than its accompanying questions suggest. Author Michael Kaminski writes in The Secret History of Star Wars that Lucas decided to start with the fourth episode "due to technical and storytelling reasons.".

What is the fifth episode of Clone Wars?

The fifth episode would conclude the Clone Wars and serve as a prologue to the original movie. The numbers changed over the years as Lucas wrote through his numerous drafts, and the first film was released without an episode number, after Lucas removed the "Episode IV" from the opening crawl at the last minute.

What was Lucas' vision for A New Hope?

Lucas had a pretty specific vision in mind for A New Hope: he wanted the film to fade in with audiences, making it feel like they were coming in halfway through a larger story. It would pave the way for Lucas to be able to turn the film into a full movie series, and he already had groundwork laid for the backstory he would need to tell.

When was Star Wars first released?

Star Wars is known today as a cultural phenomenon, but it wasn't always seen that way. The original film, A New Hope, was released back in 1977 with little hope (pun not intended) of success by even its creator, George Lucas. According to Screen Prism, Lucas was so sure of its failure that when it was released in cinemas, ...

Who is Luke's father in Empire Strikes Back?

It was only mid-way through writing Empire Strikes Back that Lucas had the revelation to make Darth Vader be Luke's father, and then he had to explain why Obi-Wan Kenobi had told Luke that Vader had killed his father. More explanation was needed in Return of the Jedi, and then more in the three Star Wars prequels.

Was the first Star Wars movie the true first?

George Lucas always meant for the first Star Wars film to not be the true first. With the background in place — at least vaguely in his head — prior to the opening scene of A New Hope, Lucas ensured he would already have a semi-formed story for a prequel trilogy, should the films turn into a success.

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Opening crawl

Synopsis

  • Assault on Tantive IV
    19 years after the formation of the Galactic Empire and the events of Revenge of the Sith, the galaxy is in a state of civil war. The Rebel Alliance has won their first major victory by stealing plans to the Galactic Empire's secret weapon, the Death Star. Hoping that the stolen plans can s…
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Development

  • Conception
    During post-production on his previous film, American Graffiti, Lucas repeatedly discussed the concept of a "space opera" with producer Gary Kurtz. In January 1973 Lucas began work on this, and by May had prepared a 14-page story outline for distribution among film studios. He had ori…
  • Production
    Lucas finished a draft of the screenplay in May 1974. As the draft developed, the characters evolved significantly. Early in development, Luke Skywalker's character changed from a 60-year-old general to a member of a family of dwarfs; the Corellian smuggler, Han Solo, was envisione…
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Release

  • Wary that Star Wars would be beaten out by other summer films, such as Smokey and the Bandit, 20th Century Fox moved the release date to Wednesday before Memorial Day: May 25, 1977. However, few theaters ordered the film to be shown. In response, 20th Century Fox demanded that theaters order Star Wars if they wanted an eagerly anticipated film based on a best-selling n…
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Reception

  • Star Wars debuted on May 25, 1977 in 32 theaters, and proceeded to break house records, effectively becoming one of the first blockbuster films. It remains one of the most financially successful films of all time. Some of the cast and crew noted lines of people stretching around theaters as they drove by. Even technical crew members, such as model makers, were asked fo…
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Deleted scenes

  • There are many short alternate takes throughout Star Wars where Luke appears in his poncho: …
    Aunt Beru's Blue Milk
  • Beru is in the homestead, pouring a blue liquid into a jug.
    Luke in the Desert
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Credits

  • By type Cast Crew Uncredited
    Cast
  • Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
    Harrison Ford as Han Solo
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Appearances

  • By type Characters Creatures Droid models Events Locations
    Organizations and titles Sentient species Vehicles and vessels Weapons and technology Miscellanea
  • Characters
    Canon characters
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External links

  • Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:
    Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
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1.When Did 'Star Wars' Become 'A New Hope?' 37 Years …

Url:https://www.inverse.com/article/43533-star-wars-a-new-hope-title-change-episode-iv-1981-1977

4 hours ago And this time, it was called Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Here’s how the very first Star Wars retcon went down. On April 10, 1981, roughly a …

2.Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope | Wookieepedia

Url:https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Star_Wars:_Episode_IV_A_New_Hope

15 hours ago However, Episode IV: A New Hope was added to its opening crawl from its 1981 re-release onwards. He (or Fox) wanted to try it standalone first. If it it didn't do well, nothing further would be made of the franchise. It did well, so the decision was made to number it as a serial, after the fact, when the next film was released.

3.Videos of When Did A New Hope Become Episode 4

Url:/videos/search?q=when+did+a+new+hope+become+episode+4&qpvt=when+did+a+new+hope+become+episode+4&FORM=VDRE

29 hours ago Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope - Opening Crawl In the original May 1977 release of Star Wars, the opening crawl did not feature an Episode number or the subtitle “A New Hope.” Those would be added with the film’s April 10, 1981, theatrical re-release.

4.Star Wars: A New Hope | StarWars.com

Url:https://www.starwars.com/films/star-wars-episode-iv-a-new-hope

9 hours ago A number of fans presume it happened during the 1978 re-release, but as it turns out, it was not until the spring 1981 re-release of the first Star Wars film (well after the release of The Empire Strikes Back in 1980) that the "Episode IV – A New Hope" tagline was added. That new version of the film was the one that was released on home video and has subsequently become the …

5.Movie Legends Revealed | When Did the First 'Star …

Url:https://www.cbr.com/movie-legends-revealed-when-did-the-first-star-wars-become-episode-iv/

2 hours ago  · As most fans of the films know, the first movie didn't release with the subtitle Episode IV - A New Hope and was simply titled Star Wars. It wasn't until the 1981 re-release that the film officially got the name everyone now knows.

6.Star Wars Was Called Episode IV: A New Hope Years …

Url:https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-first-called-episode-iv-new-hope-1978-book/

22 hours ago Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope is a Star Wars Legends volume that collects the Marvel comic-book adaptation of the original trilogy film Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope from author Roy Thomas, with remastered modern-age coloration by SotoColor. It was published by Marvel Comics in hardcover on May 5, 2015, and in paperback on December 20, 2016 .

7.Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope | Wookieepedia

Url:https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Star_Wars:_Episode_IV_%E2%80%94_A_New_Hope

11 hours ago So ESB became the fifth episode, retroactively making the original film the fourth. But it didn't get the "Episode IV: A New Hope" subtitle until the 1981 re-release. Now, as for what people thought at the time about ESB immediately showing up as "Episode V," I'm not sure.

8.When did A New Hope become "A New Hope" and when …

Url:https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWars/comments/skhbs6/when_did_a_new_hope_become_a_new_hope_and_when/

28 hours ago  · In 1997, twenty years after "Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope" first premiered, the first Special Edition "Star Wars" films were released. George Lucas made a number of changes, both major and minor, to A New Hope for the new release in order to (as he put it) "finish the film the way it was meant to be." While several of the changes Lucas made enhance the …

9.Special Edition Changes in 'Star Wars: Episode IV'

Url:https://www.liveabout.com/special-edition-changes-new-hope-2957916

13 hours ago  · A New Hope was followed by The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, and Return of the Jedi came after in 1983 to complete the original Star Wars trilogy.Then, in 1999, a fourth Star Wars film was released ...

10.The Real Reason George Lucas Started Star Wars With …

Url:https://www.looper.com/179186/the-real-reason-george-lucas-started-star-wars-with-episode-4/

19 hours ago

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