Part 5/11:
Participants cite the example of George Lucas and the Star Wars special editions, where changes to beloved characters like Han Solo were made to "soften" their personas. These alterations remove the impact of character development and diminish the authenticity of the original vision. The elimination of original versions further erodes historical cinema authenticity, as studios prefer to preserve only their altered versions, creating a disconnect with the past.
Streaming and the Monopoly Power
The conversation then shifts to how the rise of streaming platforms has exacerbated the problem. Joseph Khan, a respected director and former music video icon, discusses how the legal and business frameworks that once fostered healthy competition in Hollywood have been dismantled.