| | | Every generation has a legend. Every journey has a first step. Every saga has a beginning...
Features: DVD, Widescreen
In Episode I, Luke Skywalker's father is just a hopeful 9-year-old boy named Anakin (Jake Lloyd), who knows nothing of his eventual fate as a Dark Lord in years to come. In this earlier time, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) is a determined young Jedi Knight. Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) is Obi-Wan's venerable Jedi master, trying to teach the Jedi way to his apprentice as their world begins to unravel in political turmoil. Episode I takes audiences through extraordinary realms and adventures, from the desert planet of Tatooine to the galactic capital world of Coruscant (with its Jedi Temple), the green world of Naboo, and beyond. Familiar Star Wars characters Yoda, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Jabba the Hutt are along for the ride. This first chapter in the Star Wars saga follows young Anakin Skywalker's journey as he pursues his dreams and confronts his fears in the midst of a galaxy in crisis. Digitally mastered by THX® for superior sound and picture quality.
"The special effects are as awesome as you would expect, and this is an extremely slick production." Apollo Guide
Editor's Note
The first of three prequels to George Lucas's celebrated STAR WARS films, EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE is set some 30 years before the original STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE in the era of the Republic. Naboo, a peaceful planet governed by the young but wise Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman), is being threatened by the corrupt Trade Federation, puppets of an evil Sith lord and his terrifying apprentice, Darth Maul (Ray Park). Jedi knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor, performing an amazing vocal imitation of Alec Guinness, the older Obi-Wan) are called on to intervene in the trade disputes. Along the way, they acquire an apprentice of their own in the form of young prodigy Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), or as STAR WARS fans know him, the future Darth Vader. They also encounter Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), a goofy, lizardlike creature who has been banished from his underwater world for clumsiness. When the Trade Federation launches an attack on Naboo, the queen and her allies must battle hordes of robot troopers while Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan face off against the sinister Darth Maul. One of the most anticipated films of all time, THE PHANTOM MENACE sets the stage for the tumultuous events to come. Lucas fills the screen with detailed sci-fi creatures and locations, revealing the most creative and exquisite sets, costumes, and character designs to hit the screen since the original trilogy.
| Features | Widescreen Presentation | | Theatrical Teaser And Launch Trailers, Plus Seven TV Spots | | "Star Wars: Starfighter - The Making Of A Game" Featurette From LucasArts | | DVD-ROM Weblink To Exclusive Star Wars Content | | "Dual Of The Fates" Music Video Featuring John Williams | | Never-Before-Seen Production Photo Gallery With Special Caption Feature | | Theatrical Posters And Print Campaign From Around The World | | Multi-Angle Storyboard-To-Animatic-To-Film Segment Featuring The Submarine And Podrace Lap 1 Sequences | | Five Featurettes Explore The Phantom Menace's Storyline, Design, Costumes, Visual Effects And Fight Sequences | | Award-Winning Twelve Part Documentary Series That Chronicles The Production Of Episode I | | Digitally Mastered By THX For Superior Sound And Picture Quality | | Exclusive Deleted Scenes Documentary Features Seven New Sequences Completed Just For This DVD Release, Including Extended Podrace Scenes | | All-New Hour Long Documentary Film Culled From Over 600 Hours Of Footage, "The Beginning" Takes You Where Few People Have Been Before - Inside LucasFilm And ILM During The Production Of Episode I |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Foxvideo |
| Release Date: 9/12/2006 |
| Running Time: 133 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1999 | | Catalog ID: 2002391 | | UPC: 00024543023913 | | Number of Discs: 2 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English, Spanish Dubbed | | Available Subtitles: English | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | 2.35:1 |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
Oscar (2000) | | | Tom Bellfort, et al., Nominee, Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing | | | Rob Coleman, et al., Nominee, Best Effects, Visual Effects | | | Tom Johnson, et al., Nominee, Best Sound | |
Grammy (2000) | | | John Williams, Nominee, Best Instrumental Composition Written For A Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media |
| Memorable Quotes| "I have a bad feeling about this."----Obi--Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) to Qui--Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson)|"I don't sense anything."----Qui--Gon|"It's not about the mission, Master. It's something...elsewhere."----Obi--Wan | | "I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee!"----Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) | | "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. I sense much fear in you."----Yoda (the voice of Frank Oz) to Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) |
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| | Professional Reviews | Sight and Sound
"...Impressive....A complex technical achievement..." 07/??/1999 p.34-5Premiere
"...Thrilling pod race and gorgeous images..." -- 3 out of 5 stars 05/01/2000 p.96 New York Times
"...It sustains the gee-whiz spirit of the series and offers a swashbuckling extragalactic getaway..." 05/19/1999 p.E1 USA Today
"...A visual circus of stunning effects. Once again, it simply boils down to a fight between good and evil, and the hordes of STAR warriors wouldn't have it any other way..." 05/21/1999 p.8E Chicago Sun-Times
"...An astonishing achievement in imaginative filmmaking....George Lucas and his collaborators have filled THE PHANTOM MENACE with wonderful visuals..." 05/17/1999 p.33 |
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| Customer Reviews | ![]() | | Cinematography |  4.5 | | Plot |  3 | | Acting | 3 | | Overall Satisfaction |  3.5 |
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0 of 2 customers found this review helpful.
2 of 5 This movie is a disgrace to the original star wars Monday, December 02, 2002
Andrea from Queen Creek, AZ
I am a huge fan of the original star wars movies and was stunned to see that Lucas actually thought that this movie was fit for release. The plot is horrific. If it wasn't for the big name actors (Neesan, McGregor, Jackson) this would have gone straight to video. In fact, I struggle to believe that these actors were even willing to put their names to this film. There was ONE exciting part to the movie (anyone who saw episodes 4,5 and 6 on the big screen will understand) and that was the opening star wars music followed by the scrolling intro ... Other than that, don't waste your money. Was this review helpful?  
2 of 6 customers found this review helpful.
2 of 5 This movie sucks Wednesday, January 16, 2002
A Viewer from Jeff city, MO
Lucas has totally sold out to the Disney kiddy fans. This movie has lost its seriousness of the previous 3 movies. Instead we have the main character and a sidekick for comic relief (Jar jar binks). Dont waste your time with this movie unless its for your kids. Was this review helpful?
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
3 of 5 It's Entertaining Monday, January 14, 2002
WarrenT from Aliso Viejo, CA
**The Movie**
It seems the general opinion is that Episode 1 was pretty weak & didn't carry thru the spirit of the first 3 Star Wars. And I'd have to agree, seems dumbed down & made more for kids than adults. I pretty much just went to see Episode 1 for Darth Maul, he's too cool. Anyways, I'd assume you're only at this page because you're a Star Wars fan, and if you are, you'd have to buy this DVD anyways even if it's not that great. I've said before I'm not a very good judge of acting quality, most acting (unless you're Keanu) seems pretty good to me. And as far as I can tell the acting is fine, except, as many have pointed out, for Jake Lloyd. He's pretty bad, but if you look in the extras and compare him to the other guys up for the part, I'd say Lucas made the best choice available to him.
**Video**
For a THX certified disc, I'd have to say I was rather unimpressed. But then again, the VHS release was THX certified also and it looked like crap too. So I guess THX video certification isn't all that. Overall the video quality is a mixed bag. Some scenes are really nice, clean, sharp. Other scenes, especially the desert pod race ones, were very soft, grainy, and dirty. For a movie as big as this, and a DVD that we've been waiting for such a long time, this is very disappointing & does take away from the experience of watching this film. Hopefully future episodes will be better as Lucas is supposed to be shooting them in digital.
**Audio**
Now I read a lot of reviews by people about how this has got to be the best Dolby Digital mix currently available. While this mix is clearly stellar, I can't say it left me with the impression that it was head & shoulders above anything else. It's a really solid & dynamic mix, but I wouldn't say it sets a new standard of anything. The real question is why wasn't there a DTS track? Anyways, the sound in the pod race scene is very good, crazy amount of bass, each pod's distinct engine sound is evident, and Anakin's pod's engine note is distinctly culled from that of a Formula 1 race car, very nice. Light sabers whoosh & hum just like they should, though I must say the sound they always use for laser blasts is getting old. Almost constant surround use & a great soundtrack by John Williams.
**The Extras**
For me this is really what made the DVD worthwhile. The extras in this movie are very in-depth & it was obvious they really took time & care to put them together. From the extra scenes they completed to the behind the scenes documentaries that are split from general to more & more specific elements, the extras really impress. This to me was the BEST part of this DVD. If you've already seen this movie, do yourself a favor and watch the making of documentary before you watch the actual feature. Once you know how much time & effort it took them to create this movie, it will make you appreciate it a lot more when you watch it. Was this review helpful?
4 of 5 customers found this review helpful.
4 of 5 Good movie, but not worth the hype Tuesday, November 20, 2001
K Wills from Laurel, MD
The movie was very entertaining and had a good moving plot. The acting was well done from Neeson, McGregor, and Portman. But there was too much hype to the movie, which made it a slight disappointment. After 1999's "The Matrix", all other SciFi movies have a new standard to live up to. Star Wars always stayed on the cutting edge, but Episode I lacked in areas that were expected to be over-the-top. I agree with the feeling of most--Jar Jar was a bit annoying after a while, and the villain, the Sith warrior, did not have the presence of a strong villain. Outside of those minor critisisms, it's an enjoyable movie for all. Was this review helpful?
2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.
5 of 5 Episode 1 -- 1/3 of a legend Wednesday, October 31, 2001
Jeff Honsa from Franklin Park, IL
With the release of EP1, StarWars takes a turn towards legend. While waiting 20 years for StarWars to return, one had the opportunity to view the original (and special edition) trilogy ad infinatum. George Lucas always envisioned an epic saga but wrote, produced and directed A New Hope as a stand alone movie. I think it unfair to judge any of the other movies using ANH as a standard. The Phantom Menace is merely the first installment of another approximately 6 hour movie. Many reviewers decry the fact that it seems "unfinished". Of course its unfinished! There are 2 more installments to go! Using the Saturday Serial as a template, Lucas brings enough to the movie to keep us coming back for more. EP1 brings us a new cast of characters and introduces and develops them in grand style. He gives us insight into the degradation of the Imperial Senate which allowed the Emperor to assume control, the roots of the Sith and Darth Vader. Ultimately, EP1 cannot be judged without the other 2 (or perhaps 5) movies. However, as the first installment of an epic saga it is fabulous. The 2 disc DVD release is a must have; if only for the featurettes. The deleted scenes and webcasts make for a truly enjoyable viewing experience.
Was this review helpful?
3 of 7 customers found this review helpful.
4 of 5 Outstanding but lacking Monday, October 29, 2001
sideout13 from Roswell, GA
Episode I, was an outstanding movie on its own. However, when added to the original triliogy, it makes many contridictions. Episode I DVD is a great DVD with many extras but lacking a preview of Episode II. Other then that, if you like Star Wars and are not interested with Storylines pick up this movie and enjoy. The acting by McGregor, Portman, Neeson are all extrodinary but little Ani portrayed by Jake Llyod's acting will make you want to beat the living tar out of him or send him to acting school; either way. The music is another masterpiece composed by John Williams, need I say more? The extras that are added to this DVD, such as deleted scenes are breath taking and leaves you wandering why they took them out in the first place. Enjoy and I hope this helps in making your decision to buy this DVD. Was this review helpful?
3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
5 of 5 The BEST DVD I have ever seen... Sunday, October 21, 2001
Tolitz Rosel from Los Angeles, CA
Regardless of whether you liked the movie or not, this DVD package is a MUST for all DVD collectors. I have never seen so much great content and features packed into one DVD.
The sound and visuals are spectacular, and the commentaries are top-notch. The full length commentary by George Lucas and company, as well as "The Beginning" documentary, rank as some of the best in DVD history. There is no part of this DVD that you will skip - you'll be checking them all out.
This DVD is indeed worth the wait... Was this review helpful?
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