Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

George Lucas’ long-awaited “Star Wars” prequel is now available... in Japan. Since 1992, Widescreen Review® has reviewed over 2,500 LaserDiscs and 1,500 DVDs. However, we have never reviewed a LaserDisc produced for a market outside the U.S.; but with 20th Century Fox and Lucasfilm Ltd.’s decision to withhold a domestic DVD or LaserDisc release of “Star Wars: Episode I-The Phantom Menace,” we felt it was time to make an exception. Released in Japan (7,800 Yen), this LaserDisc represents the best high-quality option consumers have for home viewing of Lucas’ epic.“Star Wars: Episode I-The Phantom Menace” opens with the Trade Federation, under the guidance of Darth Sidious, initiating a hostile takeover of the planet Naboo. Sent to negotiate, Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) get caught up in the ensuing battle and flee along with Naboo’s leader, Queen Amidala (Portman). The group travel to the familiar desert planet of Tatooine to repair their ship that was damaged in the escape. It is there where they meet Anakin Skywalker (Lloyd). Sensing that young Anakin can bring balance to the Force, Qui-Gon begins training him as a Jedi. Later, on Coruscant, Amidala is aided in her plight by one Senator Palpatine (who suspiciously looks and sounds a lot like Darth Sidious, hmmm!). Traveling back to Naboo, the heroes join forces with the Gungans, the native inhabitants of Naboo, and wage battle with the Trade Federation’s army to restore freedom to the galaxy... and to set up “Episode II.”The Widescreen VHS Collector’s Edition, which retails for a ridiculously high $39.98, proudly boasts on its back cover: “The ultimate Episode I video experience.” For the real ultimate experience, please release the movie on DVD! “The Phantom Menace,” as well as the original “Star Wars” masterpieces (“A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return Of The Jedi”), deserve to be made available on DVD so that the Force can continue to be with fans of George Lucas’ fantastic and awe-inspiring saga. The Force just isn’t with VHS.