In 1997, George Lucas revisited his magnum opus Star Wars trilogy, saying, “Movies are never completed. They are only abandoned.” The resulting Star Wars: Special Edition unleashed the space trilogy on a new generation of nerds, myself included. I remember seeing the Special Editions in theaters and, at 7-years-old, being blissfully unaware of the changes George Lucas had made to the original cut of Star Wars. Oh, to go back to my more vulnerable years…

Lucas had hoped to utilize new digital special effects to “finish” Star Wars. Most of the additions had a neutral effect, such as scattering more space creatures in A New Hope’s Mos Eisley Space-port, or enhancing the appearance of Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back. (Notice that these edits do not enhance the films’ emotional content, and are therefore unnecessary.)

However, other changes significantly altered character development. A famous example is the “Han Shot First” controversy. In the original version of Star Wars, Han Solo shoots and kills the bounty hunter, Greedo, in cold blood, leaving the audience to wonder whether Han is a hero or a villain. The scene is indicative of why Han is a compelling character; he walks the line between good and evil within a film that clearly defines good and evil.

For the newer versions, Lucas altered the scene so that Greedo shoots first and (in a display of unbelievably bad intergalactic marksmanship) misses Han from point blank range. Han then kills Greedo in self-defense. And his conflict—to continue his life as a smuggler or join the “good guys,” is watered down, if not lost.

Now, with the release of the original Star Wars trilogy on Blu-Ray, Lucas is revising again. The change that’s getting most attention is the addition of Darth Vader screaming “NO!” as Luke is being tortured by the Emperor, near the end of Return of the Jedi. This is the scene in which Darth Vader turns from the Dark Side and kills the Emperor. However, in the original cut, Darth Vader says nothing while killing the Emperor.

The original is vastly more effective because Darth Vader’s inner conflict between good and evil is hidden behind his signature black mask.

Thus, Darth Vader is not fully redeemed until the mask is removed, just before he dies. The “NO!” appears to be an echo of young Darth Vader’s similar cry at the end of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2004). Such empty grasps at continuity should never come at the expense of character and plot devices that made the movie successful in the first place.

It’s almost as if Lucas has totally reversed the formula that made Star Wars the global phenomenon that it is. Scenes are made complex when they should be simple.It’s no secret that the original Star Wars plot was heavily influenced by the work of mythologist Joseph Campbell, particularly his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces, which describes the common storyline that connects most myths and stories since the beginning of recorded human history. This sounds hefty, but it’s easily recognizable when spelled out.

The main conflict of the original Star Wars is between the rebel alliance and the galactic empire, representing the struggle between good and evil. Luke Skywalker represents the young, coming-of-age protagonist who goes on an journey of self-discovery.

Princess Leia: the Damsel in Distress. Obi-Wan Kenobi: the Wise Teacher. Han Solo: the Debonaire Rogue. Darth Vader: the Embodiment of Evil. These instantly recognizable character archetypes are present anywhere from ancient myths, like The Odyssey, to classic Westerns or modern day action/adventure flicks.

Compare the plot of the original trilogy to Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), which has no clear protagonist and is centered around an “intergalactic trade dispute.” Say what?

The familiar, almost primal storyline of the original Star Wars trilogy, is the reason it succeeds. It’s why the Star Wars is still emotionally compelling despite the unfamiliar, galactic setting. It’s also the reason why adults and children alike can enjoy Star Wars.

George Lucas appears oblivious to this fact, relying on creatures like cartoonish ewoks or the semi-racially insensitive alien Jar-Jar Binks from The Phantom Menace. A generational artistic triumph has given way to cheap marketing opportunities.

I’m not opposed in principle to directors revising their films, but George Lucas has consistently revised Star Wars for the worse. The man must be saved—from himself.

Star Wars nerds, the time has come for action. We must storm Skywalker Ranch and seize the original Star Wars masters.

We must keep them out of George Lucas’s greedy hands once and for all. It will be a risky mission, but well worth it. Dust off your stormtrooper helmet. It’s time.

We’re all clear, kids. Let’s blow this thing and go home.