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The Best Viewing Order for a Star Wars Marathon
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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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http://www.fanpop.com/spots/star-wars/llin
Michael N. Washington
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.
http://www.fanpop.com/spots/heroes/linkks?
I know it's not "canon", but it fills a nice gap between eps 4 and 5.
http://www.fanpop.com/spots/star-wars/llin
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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