Best Version Of Star Wars (Episodes I, II and III) On Home Media

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Introduction

This article is part of a series where we investigate which is the best version of particular movies on home media. In this article, we will look at the different releases of on Blu Ray, UHD Blu Ray – and streaming if available – and look at the specs and quality of each release to determine the best way to watch Star Wars (Episodes I, II and III).

Star Wars (Episodes I, II and III) Summary

The Star Wars prequel trilogy (Episodes I, II, and III) explores the origins of key characters and events that shape the galaxy in later Star Wars films. Set years before the original trilogy, it follows Anakin Skywalker, a young slave with exceptional abilities, as he rises to become a Jedi. Throughout the films, Anakin interacts with major characters like Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Padmé Amidala, and the wise but secretive Chancellor Palpatine.

The trilogy shows the growing tensions within the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order, highlighting political manipulation, personal struggles, and the rise of the dark side. Central themes include the conflict between duty and personal emotions, the balance between good and evil, and the internal turmoil Anakin faces. Amidst battles, forming alliances, and shifting loyalties, these episodes set the stage for greater events in the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars (Episodes I, II and III) Cast Summary

Actor’s Name	Character’s Name	Role Summary
Ewan McGregor	Obi-Wan Kenobi	A Jedi Knight who trains Anakin Skywalker and serves as a key protector of peace in the Galactic Republic.
Hayden Christensen	Anakin Skywalker	A powerful Jedi with a troubled past whose emotions and decisions shape the fate of the galaxy.
Natalie Portman	Padmé Amidala	The Queen turned Senator of Naboo, Padmé is a skilled political leader and Anakin’s love interest.
Liam Neeson	Qui-Gon Jinn	A Jedi Master who discovers Anakin and believes he is the Chosen One prophesied to bring balance to the Force.
Samuel L. Jackson	Mace Windu	A prominent Jedi Master and respected leader within the Jedi Council who opposes the rising threat of the Sith.
Ian McDiarmid	Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious	A shrewd politician and mastermind secretly orchestrating the downfall of the Republic.
Frank Oz (Voice)	Yoda	The wise and ancient Jedi Master who guides the Jedi Order and helps train the next generation of Jedi.
Pernilla August	Shmi Skywalker	Anakin’s mother, living on Tatooine, whose love for her son deeply affects his choices.
Christopher Lee	Count Dooku	A former Jedi turned Sith Lord, he plays a crucial role in leading the Separatist forces in the Clone Wars.
Temuera Morrison	Jango Fett	A bounty hunter whose DNA is used to create the clone army, and father of Boba Fett.

Star Wars (Episodes I, II and III) Home Media Releases (Blu Ray and Streaming)

Star Wars (Episodes I, II and III) was published on the following contemporary home formats.

Table 1: Star Wars Episodes I, II, and III Blu-ray and UHD Blu-ray Releases

Release Name / Format	Release Date	Video Codec	Audio Codec	Video Bitrate	Audio Bitrate	Director’s Cut
Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy Blu-ray	October 16, 2011	AVC	DTS-HD MA 6.1	30.41 Mbps	Lossless	No
Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy – UHD Blu-ray	March 31, 2020	HEVC (HDR10)	Dolby Atmos	M	Lossless	No
Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga UHD Blu-ray Boxset	March 31, 2020	HEVC (HDR10, Dolby Vision)	Dolby Atmos	M	Lossless	No

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Table 2: Blu-ray.com Ratings & Mastering Details

Release Name / Format	Video Score	Audio Score	DI Resolution	DNR Used	AI Used
Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy Blu-ray	4/5	5/5	2K	Yes	M
Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy – UHD Blu-ray	3.5/5	4.5/5	2K	Yes	No
Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga UHD Blu-ray Boxset	4.5/5	5/5	2K	Yes	No

Notes:

DI (Digital Intermediate) Resolution: The prequel trilogy was mastered from 2K Digital Intermediates. This affects the overall sharpness and detail of the UHD versions.

Director’s Cut: No director’s cuts exist for any of the prequel trilogy episodes.

DNR (Digital Noise Reduction): DNR was used to some extent, especially for the 4K UHD releases, which has led to some debate regarding image clarity.

Please note that we have tried to make sure as much as possible that this information is correct by referencing multiple sources but still keeping it simple and accurate across release regions. Please let us know in the comments if you find any errors.

Star Wars (Episodes I, II and III) Legacy Formats

Star Wars (Episodes I, II and III) was also published on the following legacy formats:

Table: Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy Releases (VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, D-Theatre)

Release Name / Format	Release Date	Aspect Ratio	Director’s Cut
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace – VHS	April 4, 2000	Pan & Scan, Widescreen	No
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace – DVD	October 16, 2001	Widescreen	No
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones – VHS	November 12, 2002	Pan & Scan, Widescreen	No
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones – DVD	November 12, 2002	Widescreen	No
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith – VHS	November 1, 2005	Pan & Scan, Widescreen	No
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith – DVD	November 1, 2005	Widescreen	No
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace – Laserdisc (Japan)	April 7, 2000	M	No
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones – D-Theater (Cancelled)	N/A	N/A	No

Notes:

• VHS (Episode I & II): Released in two formats, Pan & Scan (which crops the image to fit a 4:3 screen) and Widescreen (which preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio). There was no director’s cut.
• DVD (Episodes I, II & III): All films in the prequel trilogy were released on Widescreen format only, preserving the full theatrical aspect ratio (2.35:1). None of the releases included a director’s cut.
• Laserdisc (Episode I only in Japan): The Phantom Menace was released on Laserdisc only in Japan since Laserdiscs were largely phased out in other major markets by the time of the prequel trilogy’s production. The aspect ratio was likely widescreen, but the specific details here are M (missing).
• D-Theater: Episode II was planned for a D-Theater release (a niche HD format), but it was ultimately cancelled, so no releases exist in this format.

Additional Information:

• The VHS and Laserdisc formats were highly popular during the late ’90s and early 2000s, though the Star Wars prequels saw the format shift toward DVD as the main standard home media platform by the time of Episodes II and III.
• There is no director’s cut of the prequel trilogy for any format. All releases represent the theatrical versions of these films.

Which version of Star Wars (Episodes I, II and III) should you watch?

When choosing which disc version of Star Wars: Episodes I, II, and III is the best option, it will depend on your priorities, such as video quality, audio quality, extra features, and whether you prefer physical or digital formats. Based on reviews and community discussions on Blu-ray.com and various home cinema forums, here’s a guide on which version might be ideal for you:

1. Best for Picture and Audio Quality:

• Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy – UHD Blu-ray (2020)
  • Release Date: March 31, 2020
  • Pros:
    • Offers 4K UHD resolution with HDR10 and in some releases, Dolby Vision.
    • Dolby Atmos audio provides immersive sound, great for those with high-end home theater setups.
    • Consistent 4.5/5 or higher for audio quality in reviews on Blu-ray.com.
  • Cons:
    • The 4K versions of Episodes I, II, and III are mastered from 2K Digital Intermediates, meaning they are upscaled (not native 4K).
    • Some fans have noted the use of DNR (Digital Noise Reduction), particularly on Episode I, which can reduce the detail and introduce a less natural look, softening textures.
    • No specific director’s cut, it is the same theatrical version.
  • Who Should Choose: Fans looking for the best available video and audio experience should opt for the UHD Blu-ray set. While it’s not truly native 4K, the HDR brings a more dynamic image, especially in vibrant scenes such as space battles.

2. Best for Special Features:

• Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy DVD (2001-2005)
  • Release Dates:
    • Episode I: October 16, 2001
    • Episode II: November 12, 2002
    • Episode III: November 1, 2005
  • Pros:
    • Extensive behind-the-scenes documentaries and bonus materials that are absent from later offerings.
    • These editions included commentary tracks, making-of documentaries, ILM featurettes, promotional materials, and original behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of each film.
    • Video quality was state-of-the-art for DVD, and while it is not HD, the widescreen presentation preserves the original aspect ratio.
  • Cons:
    • Standard-definition DVD obviously lacks the image clarity available in Blu-ray and UHD formats.
    • No Dolby Atmos or HDR support.
  • Who Should Choose: Fans who are primarily interested in special features and prefer owning the original DVD releases for nostalgia or archival purposes might lean towards these versions for their comprehensive behind-the-scenes content.

3. The Classic Nostalgic Experience (Collectors/Completionists):

• Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (VHS) (2000) or Star Wars: Episode II and III (VHS) (2002, 2005)
  • Release Dates:
    • Episode I: April 4, 2000
    • Episode II: November 12, 2002
    • Episode III: November 1, 2005
  • Pros:
    • While VHS is severely outdated, these releases might hold a special place in a collector’s library, especially for those who want to retain the nostalgic experience of watching these films in the early 2000s.
    • The Pan and Scan option is available on these VHS releases, which fills the screen on older 4:3 TVs, though it does compromise the intended cinematic presentation.
  • Cons:
    • Video quality is severely outdated compared to disc versions.
    • No bonus features or widescreen preservation for the Pan and Scan edition.
  • Who Should Choose: True collectors or completionists who want to own every possible version or for those with a sense of nostalgia might appreciate these editions, but they’re far from ideal in terms of tech specs.

4. Best for Overall Experience (Casual Viewer):

• Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga – UHD Blu-ray Boxset (2020)
  • Release Date: March 31, 2020
  • Pros:
    • A convenient box set featuring all nine Star Wars theatrical films, including Episodes I, II, and III, in 4K (UHD Blu-ray).
    • Offers all the advancements of the UHD release (4K resolution, HDR, Dolby Atmos).
    • New bonus features, though some purists may argue that certain older DVD extras are missing.
  • Cons:
    • It can be relatively expensive for casual fans who only want Episodes I, II, and III.
    • As with the individual UHD releases, the 2K DI upscaling limits some of the benefits of having 4K resolution, although the HDR compensates to a degree.
  • Who Should Choose: Casual viewers who want to own the entire saga in one go, rather than searching for separate releases, will find this to be the most comprehensive and modern edition.

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Recommendations Based on Fan Communities and Forums:

• Video Quality-Oriented Fans: On forums, such as Blu-ray.com and AVSForum, fans tend to recommend the UHD Blu-ray (2020) releases for the best current 4K presentation, though there are some mixed views on DNR usage and upscaling from 2K sources. Fans of HDR and Dolby Atmos are generally pleased.
• Special Features-Oriented Fans: For fans who love diving into the making of the movies, many forum posters still fondly recall the substantial special features packed into the DVD releases (especially Episode I). It’s no longer the best for picture quality with modern displays, but the documentaries and behind-the-scenes content are often regarded as superior to later releases.
• Nostalgic Fans: For the VHS format and Pan & Scan versions (for those still using older TV setups), it is more of a nostalgic choice. Film purists usually steer clear of these versions due to the compromised framing, but completionists might have interest for collecting.

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Final Verdict:

• Best Overall Option for Today: Star Wars Prequel Trilogy – UHD Blu-ray (2020) (standalone or Skywalker Saga Boxset) is the best current pick for video and audio quality.
• Best Option if Price is a Factor: The Blu-ray Edition (2011) of the prequel trilogy is a good balance between affordability and decent HD quality with DTS-HD sound, though it lacks HDR and Dolby Atmos.

Ultimately, your choice should depend on your balance between picture quality, audio quality, extra features, and budget. Fans seeking the top modern viewing experience should opt for UHD Blu-ray, while those craving more behind-the-scenes content may gravitate toward the original DVD releases.

Why Audio and Video Calibration is Important?

Movies only play accurately on home systems if both the display and audio system are calibrated to reference. Here at Simple Home Cinema, we are fanatic about accurate playback to the way the director intended. This is why we created both free and premium calibration guides, so you can calibrate your audio and video for optimal playback.

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