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Star Wars Opinion Article

The Best Viewing Order for a Star Wars Marathon

Opinion by greedo posted 5 years ago
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The much publicized upcoming Cinemax Star Wars marathon got me thinking about the optimal viewing order for the Star Wars saga. The logical approach is to view the movies in episodic order (which is how Cinemax plans to air it). But I'm not so certain that this is the best way to watch Star Wars.

What follows is a rundown on the only four *viable* ways to view the Star Wars saga that I can think of. Sure there are other viewing orders, but these are the only ones that make sense from the standpoint of storytelling and continuity.

Here goes:

Method 1: By Order of Episode

This approach is clearly the viewing order intended by George Lucas. Quite simply, you watch the movies by episode number starting from Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Finishing with Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.

Why it works: This approach provides a strong high-level story arc centered on the rise, fall and redemption of Darth Vader. You essentially move chronologically through his life from childhood all the way to his death and final redemption by his children. You also get the added benefit of nicely spaced emotionally wrenching episodes (3 and 5) contrasted with the more emotionally upbeat episodes 4 and 6.

Where it fails: The biggest problem with this approach is not in plot continuity but with cinematic continuity. Since Lucas wrote and directed the original saga (episodes IV-VI) a good two decades before the Prequels (episodes I-III), there's a jarring shift in the quality of special effects, set design and dramatic pacing between the two trilogies. No where is this more pronounced than between culmination of the Prequels, The Return of the Sith and the film that started it all the original Star Wars: A New Hope. Watching the lightsaber duels from Episode IV after coming off of Episode III is beyond jarring. It's almost as if the entire universe went stupid between the two films. Jedis got lamer, spaceshipts got lamer...everyone got kinda...um...lame. Sure you can pass some of it off on the fact that these are "dark times" and that the heyday of the Jedi had long passed, but comon' that argument can only take you so far.

In addition, there are some key plot surprises from the Original Trilogy that are completely ruined by the Prequels. The biggest of them being the revelation that Darth Vader is Luke's father. But other nifty twists also get lost in this viewing order, like the moment when we realize that this little green toad living on Dagobah is, in fact, Yoda the "great Jedi warrior" or that Leia is Luke's long-lost twin. The episodic viewing order all but renders these details meaningless to those watching the saga for the first time.

Verdict: This is a viable viewing order, but not my favorite. The special effects and cinematic pacing continuity problems are significant enough that I cannot recommend this as the best method for watching the Star Wars saga. In particular, I would avoid this viewing order for Star Wars n00bs. Grade? B+

Method 2: Chronological Order

This viewing order is another popular one where the films are viewed in chronological order in which they were made and released. So one would begin with the Original Trilogy (episodes IV-VI), watch those episodes in order and then jump to the Prequels (episodes I-III). The variation to this method by the more cynical long-time Star Wars enthusiasts is to watch the Original Trilogy and just bypass the Prequels altogether - but we won't get into that heated debate here ;-)

Why it works: This approach eliminates most of the problems that crop up with the episodic viewing order. Since you begin with the oldest of the episodes filmed, the technological transitions are much more natural. The slow lightsaber duels and less complex space battles give way to increasingly rich effects and more acrobatically choreographic fight sequences. Additionally, all the great dramatic twists (the Vader-Luke-Leia connection included) are preserved.

Where it fails: The biggest problem with this viewing order is that the celebratory conclusion to the Star Wars saga lands smack dab in the middle of the marathon (with Episode VI) and instead of ending on a high-note, with the end of the evil Empire, you end with the death of Padme and the fall of Anakin Skywalker/birth of Darth Vader.

The Verdict: As someone who grew up with Star Wars as a kid, this viewing order has a strong nostalgic pull to it. But the fact that the saga - if viewed in this fashion - ends on such a low, low note with Episode III makes it difficult for me to recommend it to everyone. For long-time Star Wars fans with a strong nostalgic bent, this is the way to go. For everyone else, I'd pass on watching the saga this way. Grade: B

Method 3: The Prequels as Flashback

This viewing order is really interesting. You begin with the Original Trilogy and watch Episode IV, 'A New Hope' followed by Episode V, 'The Empire Strikes Back'. But instead of watching Return of the Jedi, you hold off and instead watch the three Prequels. Only after you have finished the prequels do you watch Return of the Jedi to cap off your marathon.

Why it works: This approach tries to reconcile the biggest problems with the chronological and episodic viewing orders: plot and cinematic continuity. The oldest episodes are placed first in the viewing order while the newer episodes are nested in the middle. The climactic finale provided by Episode VI, however, is still retained. Additionally, some of the key dramatic twists are still preserved such as the surprise revelation in Empire Strikes Back about Luke's parentage. The prequel is preceded by a nice cliffhanger from episode V and episode III also serves as a nice cliffhanger before the final culmination of episode VI. The special effects continuity is mostly contained since episodes IV and V have the most dated appearance (episode VI holds up relatively well against the space battles from the Prequels).

Where it fails: In this viewing order the Prequels represent a flashback. This device might be a bit confusing to some viewers. The fact that the flashback is not a short sequence but a full-extended trilogy might also present some problems. One workaround would be to skip Episode I entirely so that the flashback only lasts for two films.

The verdict: I must admit, I have a soft-spot for this viewing order. In many ways it makes the most sense for both long-time fans as well as newcomers. Also, if the 3-episode "flashback" is overwhelming it seems like it would be relatively easy to drop epsides I and even II entirely. The most abridged version therefore being IV-V-III-VI. I particularly like the fact that the Darth Vader as father and Yoda as warrior twists are preserved AND we still get the fantastic finish from Return of the Jedi. Grade: A

Method 4: Alternating Trilogies

This is the final *viable* viewing order, imho. This approach has you alternating between the Prequel and Original Trilogies starting with Episode I. So the viewing order would be: I - IV - II - V - III - VI.

Why it works: This sequence tries to highlight the similarities between the two trilogies through juxtaposition. So with the first third of the marathon, we get to see Anakin's coming-of-age on Tatooine, followed by Luke's. We also see their initial responses to the world of the Jedi and early mentorship (from Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan respectively). This viewing order also provides an intriguing one-two punch finale in the back-to-back airing of episodes III and VI.

Where it fails: Plot and episodic continuity suffer greatly in this viewing order. This is probably also the most unorthodox of the four ways to watch the saga.

Verdict: This is one of those viewing orders that sounds better on paper than in real life. Not recommended for general Star Wars audiences, but may serve as an interesting diversion for die-hard fans. Still, I'd be hard-pressed to consider this as one of the definitive approaches for watching the series. Grade: C+

The Bottom Line

Now that we've looked at the various ways to watch the Star Wars saga, what do I recommend? Well, I think it's safe to say that the standard approaches - chronological and episodic - are still the safest. I'd choose the chronological order for first-time viewers purely for the dramatic twists that are otherwise ruined by an episode-ordered showing. That being said, I still think that the flashback approach provides the best overall experience that remains somewhat true to Lucas' desired viewing order while bridging some of the cinematographic continuity problems. The alternating order is best left for die-hard fans who want to watch the series in a whole new light.

But enough of what I think, what do you think is the best way to watch a Star Wars marathon?

By the way - if you plan to watch the Cinemax marathon, you can whet your appetite on these Star Wars saga teaser spots they've been running on cable.

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38 comments

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Krohest said:
Star Wars is the s**t. One of the best stories ever written. My favorite episode is V The Empire Strikes Back which I also beleive was the best of all the Episodes. My recomendation to fisrt time Star Wars watchers is to start with the original episodes and then watch the new episodes so you will have a understanding of whats going on and the story will make more sense. For the true followers of the force, I say start with I through VI and watch III again to embrace the intensity of that film. Long live the Sith!!!!!!
posted 5 years ago.
 
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dave said:
Great post Greedo! The Flashback Method is one that I've not heard before and it sounds pretty cool. The great part is that it ends on a high note. When I saw this trailer for the Cinemax marathon I almost shed tears:

http://www.fanpop.com/spots/star-wars/llin­ks/­105­88
posted 5 years ago.
 
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I think chronological order is best for first time Star Wars watchers followed by flashback order for die hard Star Wars fans. When Geroge Lucas did the second trilogy, I knew (like so many people I imagine) the saga would end on a "sour note". Come on, Padme dies, all of the Jedi except Obi Wan and Yoda die, the republic would be under the rule of the Sith, the transformation of Anakin, etc. There wasn't going to be even a remote chance of a happy ending.

Michael N. Washington
posted 5 years ago.
 
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jason said:
Prequels as flashback is a brilliant idea. Gives the series a structure somewhat similar to "The Godfather" triology - solid exposition to introduce the viewer to the characters an the the uniquely stylized world. Then after the viewer understands, you get to delve back into the backstory, which everybody loves to do anyway.
posted 5 years ago.
 
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dan said:
how about randomly? do a russian roulette type of picking for the 6 movies? jk.

i'd always say watch the classic trilogy first and then the prequels. and since most would agree ep3 was the best of all the prequels, it'll be nice way to finish off the saga (connecting both classic trilogy and the prequel series).

with those who have the time, i'd highly recommend watching clone wars between ep2 and ep3. it's animation true, but adds depth to the saga.
posted 5 years ago.
 
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papa said:
dan, speaking of which that cartoon you posted a while back, "Old Wounds" is pretty sweet too:
http://www.fanpop.com/spots/heroes/linkks?­tag­_st­rin­g=f­u..­.es­s

I know it's not "canon", but it fills a nice gap between eps 4 and 5.
posted 5 years ago.
 
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papa said:
Whoops, sorry I miscopied the url. Here's the correct one:
http://www.fanpop.com/spots/star-wars/llin­ks/­894­4
posted 5 years ago.
 
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donn30 said:
I think the best way to watch the holy trilogy is the way George Lucas meant for it to be watched, which is starting with Episode 1 and going through Return of the Jedi, since 99% of the people know the story anyway. You might as well watch it as it was intended, as the story of the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader.
posted 5 years ago.
 
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dan said:
not sure if starting with ep1 is the best way to begin the saga (even though chronologically it makes sense). i'd argue that starting with ep4 over ep1 is really the better way to go. as a stand alone movie...not doubt about it, you gotta just watch ep4, a new hope. there's no way ep1 can stand on its own the same way. but if you plan on watching everything (all 6), then i'm more forgiving of the watching order whether it's prequel first of classic first.

watching classic first, you'd appreciate the questions answered with the prequels. where'd stormtroopers come from, what's boba fett's origin, why is palpatine's face disfigured, etc.
posted 5 years ago.
 
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mef said:
I think there is a 5th, and very viable, method which has been overlooked: I-II-IV-V-III-VI. Essentially, you get enough of the background through Eps I & II to see where events are leading. In this scenario Eps I & II act as "prequels" to a main story line: IV-V-VI.
But what about Ep VI, you ask? Well, it tucks very neatly between Eps V & VI. If you think about it, you have a "historical prequel" leading into a main story line, that has a flashback interjected right before the grand finale. So, just when we learn that Darth Vader is Luke's father, we flashback to see the whole transformation as portrayed in Ep III.
I have watched the entire trilogy as a marathon twice in this method, and each time it just seems to fit together neater and neater. The viewer isn't really left with loose or hanging ends, and all the storylines seem to tie together nicely.
posted 5 years ago.
 
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monkeypup said:
Great post Greedo! You put a lot of thought into it, and you make a valid argument for each option.

However, I would propose a 6th viable option. Skip episodes I-III and rent the Clone Wars animated series, then watch IV-V. I know this will probably irk some folks, but the recent trilogy does nothing for me except ruin the older trilogy, something I love with all my heart.

As stated by Greedo and others, there are serious problems with continuity and story from the latest arc to the first. Which boggles my mind, as Lucas knew where everything was going to end up..

I was as excited as anyone to see the new trilogy. I wasn't hardcore enough to stand in line for weeks, but I did go to each one on opening night.

After Episode I, I found myself disappointed. And each subsequent episode, I still hoped and prayed that the next one would be great, only to be crushed again. I guess I most related myself to Charlie Brown, trying to kick that football over and over again, only to have Lucy yank it at the last minute, causing me to fall painfully on my back.

I could actually forgive inaccuracies and plot holes if the writing and acting were good. And, while I thought the overall story of the three was good, I thought the execution was horrid.

It's hard for me to say it. I'm not one of those people who love to criticize every little detail about a movie. I wanted to love the movies. I tried to convince myself after each one that it wasn't that bad. But repeated viewings wouldn't let me continue to think that way.

Star Wars is, for me, much more than a movie series. I saw Episode IV on my father's lap, little more than a baby. I had the SW glasses from Burger King and McDonald's. I had every toy. Hell, to this day, I still sleep every night on my SW pillowcase (It's so old that you can barely see what it is, but I've used it since the age of 5, so it's hard to toss it).

Having said all that, if I were going to watch the entire trilogy, I'd do it in the Flashback style. That's a pretty neat way to think about it.

I will, however, be glued to my set watching Episodes IV-VI on Cinemax on the 10th. Because any excuse to see the original trilogy is a good excuse.
posted 5 years ago.
 
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The only way to watch the trilogy is to watch episodes IV, V, and VI, then not watch I, II, and III because they're so rediculous, George Lucas ruined his reputation by making them all digitally reliant and crap. "This is the digital age." No, no George, Stop. The digital age is not meant to ruin a classic trilogy. "This is the age of stop it George...just...stop."
posted 5 years ago.
 
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harold said:
Great post, Greedo. But I wanted to respond mef's post: I like your idea of I-II-IV-V-III-VI and think it is a cool way to go (I particularly like the tension that is added for the Obi-Wan storyline - what happened? How did he end up here? Why did he change his name?), but I still prefer the flashback method Greedo suggests (IV-V-I-II-III-VI) for a number of reasons:

1) I, myself, find the transition from classic to prequel easier than the reverse. Going from II to IV, viewers are left wondering what the hell happened, and yet they can make the connection between one Skywalker and another (you'd have to be a complete dotard to not grok it). Also, the difference in the whole feeling of the films is tremendously jarring.

2) Following I and II with IV make the throughline either the droids (easy to believe, since they start IV) or Obi-Wan. The droids doesn't work, because the story really isn't about them (though Lucas did toy with the idea whenever he discussed the 9-episode version of the series), and the Obi-Wan connection doesn't work, since he dies. The viewer is thus left baffled.

3) IV-V-I-II-III-VI presents the prequels as a flashback - this is my favorite part - which allows for a lot of the discontinuity you see in the prequels. They look weirdly different? The animation is fluid and unnatural? The design work is inconsistent? Hey, it doesn't matter - it's a flashback, and memory is inherently unreliable.

Make no mistake, I like mef's suggestion, but it's not how I would recommend newbies watch the series. For that, I'd have to recommend the flashback method. When my kids are old enough, that's how they'll see it.

The only way you could improve on the flashback method and still watch all 6 films is if there was a way to make the prequels a dream sequence...which would allow doubt that the events of the prequels even transpired as depicted. Wouldn't that be great?
posted 5 years ago.
 
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style92 said:
This is slightly off the topic, but I came up with my own optomized way of watching the saga earlier this year, I call it the "circle of fate" approach:

1: Watch the UNaltered original trilogy,
2: Watch the Prequals,
3: Watch the Special edition of the original trilogy,

What this approach does is highlight 2 things: one, the evolution of the franchise. You see the originals as the true kick off point of the franchise, and how their pre-existence fed into and inspired the prequals even if the prequals are set before the originals. Then, you can see how the ideas of the originals backwashed into the prequals and how they were altered to work with the prequal story and make the whole thing more coherant.

The other thing it does is present Star Wars as a wheel of fate: No real begginning or end, because the saga is coherant either originals first or prequals first.
posted 5 years ago.
 
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No, no, no. You guys got it all wrong. The ONLY plausable method for watching star wars is to watch original episodes IV-VI in order. That's it. If you were stupid enough to buy episodes I-III toss them in the garbage and don't tell anyone of your horrible mistake. Next you send George Lucas an email stating how rediculous and retarded the other episodes were. You can finish your evening by calling some hookers if your still a virgin.
posted 5 years ago.
 
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All things aside. The best way to do it in my opinion is to do it the way George intended it. By episode, I-VI.

My son (4) has seen portions in different order, but when it comes time for him to understand, we will watch it in order. The way it was meant to be.
posted 3 years ago.
 
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cool
great article very interseting ideas the flashback method and alternating seem very interesting and i would have never thought of that before great article
posted 2 years ago.
 
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What about 1 - 2 and skip three that way it skips what happens with aniken(forgive spelliing) and then do 4 - 6, finishing with the third. I'm actually having a delima with this myself since im showing them to someone who has absolutely no knowledge of the plot. This way could suck i dont know i haven't seen them in a while thats why i'm asking
posted 2 years ago.
 
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oh just read mef's post, like it. essentially same idea
posted 2 years ago.
 
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I just want to say, that I had a similar question a while back and I independantly came up with Method 3 as the optimal viewing order. The Empire Strikes back is the best movie of the entire series, and, seeing any of the first 3 movies, a clever viewer will understand that Vader is Luke's father before the epic reveal in part V. This epic reveal stunned the world. It went from viewing the classic 'bad guy' in part IV to revealing his true identity. The classic "Luke, I am your father". The problem with this is that you lose the Leia and Luke relationship in part VI by revealing it in part III. Lucas should have omited the twins and just shown what happens to luke. The other benifit of this order is the meeting between Luke and Master Yoda. Part I and II will spoil this comedic encounter.
This method will, however take the revealing of Palpatine as a Sith Lord as not a suprise. But overall Method 3 is the best for a NEW viewer.
posted 2 years ago.
 
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As an Added point, I saw a re-edited version of the trilogy, where all of the relavent information from episodes I-II and III are added in to the necissary places in the trillogy.
Obiwan tells luke about the clone wars with his father, vader reveals to luke his love of padme, Leia, yoda, and later the emporor himself reveal the way he formed the Galactic Empire and the way the rebellion took place. Obiwan reveals to luke how his father was an epic pilot. This version was actually well edited and got rid of the need to see the first 3 movies. It's amazing how simple editing makes the first 3 movies not suck.
posted 2 years ago.
 
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ultrazero said:
I disagree that "episode order" is how George intended us to see it. Had this been the case, he would have started at the beginning! Chronological/release date order is the only way to do it. Though I will say that i'm intrigued by your 3rd option. Prequel as a flashback minus Phantom Menace would work pretty well. Make Phantom Menace a little bonus. You could do IV-V-II-III-VI-I. I wouldn't have a problem showing my kids the movies in that order. But i'll be sticking to release date order nonetheless.
posted 2 years ago.
 
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ultrazero said:
also, just realized, a new surprise is created by the flashback method. yes, you lose the luke/leia sibling twist in Jedi, but it's simply moved to Revenge of the Sith. We know that Anakin is Luke's father, but who's his twin sister?? The twist is simply moved to the end of that movie.
posted 2 years ago.
 
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wink
MrsEric_M said:
I found this interesting, Because I celebrated New Years Eve by myself watching a homemade star wars marathon. I did the start with Epi. 1 and see how far I got. I watched the first three by midnight and got into number four. Its a simplistic version. But it works. Its weird though seeing the characters grow and then see them vastly change those twenty years.
posted 2 years ago.
 
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It is so long . . . I disigree with the prequal ruining the originals. Without the prequals, I wouldn't be a Star Wars fan!
posted 2 years ago.
 
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I like chronological order best...I embrace the horror of Episode III as a finish! It ties in the older ones, and you DO know what ends up happening. This is a great article!
posted 2 years ago.
 
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wink
bonkyfe said:
who doesn't like starwars u are mental if u don't
posted 1 year ago.
 
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After realizing I never actually finished the movies (although I know most of the big plot and details) I chose to sit down with them all (thank you DVD collecting friends)but hadn't yet decided between release date order, or titled order. I eventually chose titled (since I know the story already) but the article was fantastic in helping me choose!
posted 1 year ago.
 
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DR76 said:
It doesn't really matter. It depends upon the individual's tastes. Sometimes, I like to watch it from Episodes I to VI. Sometimes, I like to do the Original Trilogy first, followed by the Prequel Trilogy. It depends upon my mood.
posted 1 year ago.
 
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kiss
Greedo.. Good Post.. I think I will try Method 3.. I have always been a Star Wars Fan.. But I am older and grew up with the first Three in the 80's.. So watching Episodes I II and III after waiting so many years was a let down for me.. Cause I already knew how it was gonna end.. The special effects yeah they were better I suppose but for a True Fan.. YOu have to admit the Acting was not as good as the Original Luke Lia, and Han.. No one could ever out do their Gig... I was actually bored with the First Three and looking for my Old Star War Trilogy.But Sad they are VHS and I no longer have one. LOL. So Now I am gonna do them in the Sequence you suggested and see if I can get the Full effect of Darth Vaders Life beginning to End.. Cause to a new comer it is Darth that is actually the Star Not his Son Luke.. And back in the Day I thought it was LUKE.. LOL.. Guess Times change.. Thanks for waking up this Old girls eyes to possible new avenues.. LOL..
posted 11 months ago.
 
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DR76 said:
There IS NO best way to watch the STAR WARS saga. Just watch in the manner that "you" like. If you like to watch it one way, and then watch it another way the next time, then do it.

Why be so rigid about the whole thing?
posted 10 months ago.
 
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DR76 said:
["I have always been a Star Wars Fan.. But I am older and grew up with the first Three in the 80's.. So watching Episodes I II and III after waiting so many years was a let down for me.."]

Episode IV was the first STAR WARS movie I had seen as a kid. The problem was that I didn't like it. It took me several years to like Episode IV and get over the cliffhanger in Episode V.

Although I love the old trilogy, I had no trouble in falling in love with the new trilogy. It wasn't a let down for me.
posted 10 months ago.
 
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smile
We had our own MOVIE MARATHON and were wondering this very question, we settled on the order you recommended! Here's the results...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1IwreoJJV6­M
posted 8 months ago.
 
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I think I have to agree with style92

1: Watch the UNaltered original trilogy,
2: Watch the Prequals,
3: Watch the Special edition of the original trilogy

The only problem is that it's 9 movies which is pretty hardcore viewing, plus you basicly see three movies twice, but it's still the best option I think.

posted 7 months ago.
last edited 7 months ago
 
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Thanks loads for this, gonna marathon them right now :D
posted 5 months ago.
 
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Gold1 said:
I must say that sharing your thoughts with one another is an easy way to relax yourself in the daily hectic routines. Each time a description of the change, there are always lots of talk about it anywhere. These are not exempt. I mean one must be up to date with the day to day change in the environment and in the technology as well.
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posted 4 months ago.
 
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big smile
here is a way/suggestion alternate trilogies chronologically
posted 2 months ago.
 
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Jeez, five years ago, eh? My favorite is chrono order. IV, V, VI, I, II, III. I understand that III was THE sad ending, but hey, I loved it! Personally, I like a movie/series that ends with a good "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!"
posted 15 hours ago.