George Lucas vs. The Stormtroopers

As I've posted earlier on this blog about the changing notions of ownership of film and pop culture phenomenon in "Ownership: or, Why DVD Isn't Going Away". I would say that I also defend the "auteur" theory of art, that the piece of art owned by the artist.

The current debate over the new DVDs of the films is facinating. Consider the fascinating arcticle I've excerpted below. Check the out the link above to read the rest of the article.

America's highest-grossing movie series continues to reflect the culture -- this time, with alarming implications. Because the pictures were changed to suit George Lucas, Mr. Lucas' Star Wars trilogy, which premiered on DVD this week, has unleashed a storm of controversy.

The opposition to Mr. Lucas' changes shows how far America has slipped off its foundation -- the idea that the individual has inalienable rights -- and is teetering on the brink of the sort of evil Galactic Empire that he imagined for the silver screen.

Before the DVD's release, there were signs of hostility -- not merely to the esthetics of his changes, a legitimate grievance -- but primarily toward the concept that the creator owns his work.