Released on , this two-disc set was a response to years of fan demand for the "pre-Special Edition" versions of the films. While Disc 1 features the 2004 digitally remastered "Special Edition" (with changes like Ian McDiarmid replacing Clive Revill as the Emperor), Disc 2 contains the original 1980 theatrical cut . Technical Specifications (Disc 2)
The DVD-R format is fragile. The quest is part of the fun. And as Yoda said, “No different, only in your mind.” But when it comes to The Empire Strikes Back – the version matters.
If you see a listing for “Star Wars Episode V - Original - DVD-R R1 NTSC” on eBay or a collector’s forum, it is almost certainly a fan-made copy. Prices range from $15 for a basic burn to $150+ for elaborate handmade packaging, chapter stops, and restored color grading. Star Wars Episode V -Original- DVD-R R1 NTSC St...
To understand the value and the controversy behind this specific item, we must first break down the components of the search term itself. Each segment of the phrase tells a story about the item’s origin and legality.
Thus, versions often represent custom preservation projects with improved encoding, restored color timing, and clean subtitles. Released on , this two-disc set was a
Those bonus discs were , not DVD-Rs. The “DVD-R” in our keyword indicates a homemade copy —either a backup of the official bonus disc or a fan-made transfer from laserdisc or broadcast masters. In collecting circles, a high-quality DVD-R of the original Episode V is often more desirable than a factory disc because many factory copies suffered from:
For The Empire Strikes Back , the changes were subtler but still significant. They included improved visual effects for the Battle of Hoth, the addition of windows in Cloud City, and the replacement of the original Wampa puppet with a CGI creature. When a listing emphasizes "-Original-," it signals that the seller is offering the 1980 theatrical cut—void of CGI enhancements and dialogue changes. For purists, this version is the only "true" version of the film. The quest is part of the fun
| Aspect | Detail | |--------|--------| | | Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (Limited Edition) | | Release Date | September 12, 2006 | | Region 1 (NTSC) | Yes – plays on standard US/Canada DVD players | | Disc 2 Content | 1980 Theatrical Version (from Laserdisc) – Non-anamorphic 2.35:1 | | Current Status | Out of print. Only available used. | | Quality | Poor by modern standards (VHS-era master) |
Better options exist through (e.g., Project 4K77 , Despecialized Edition ), but those are unofficial.
: This is a 2-disc set. Disc 1 contains the 2004 digitally remastered Special Edition, while Disc 2 contains the unaltered theatrical version. Visual Quality
Consequently, a market sprang up for "Fan Preservations." Groups like "Harmy’s Despecialized Edition" took high-definition scans of later releases and painstakingly used visual effects to revert them to their 1980 state. While these are often distributed digitally, many fans burn these high-quality files onto to play in standard players. If a listing specifies DVD-R, the buyer is likely looking at a high-quality fan restoration or a low-quality bootleg of the LaserDisc transfer.