How The Phantom Menace Won BIG 25 Years Later

It's been (nearly) 25 years since the Phantom Menace, and George Lucas may have been ahead of the curve, as the film is still winning, while other Star Wars stories are failing to raise an eyebrow
#starwars #episode1 #theacolyte
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[@nicktechnubyte1184]

Prequel trilogy over sequel trilogy! And nothing beats the original trilogy!

[@clonetrooper2003]

Except Revenge Of The Sith, KOTOR 2, and the clone wars multimedia project

[@subjectnivleis7572]

The prequels and all of the eu do feel free to cope

[@clonetrooper2003]

@@subjectnivleis7572 i definitely think ROTS has the OT beast. As for the ENTIRE EU, i heard legacy of the force is a disaster so…..

[@jeremy4375]

​@@subjectnivleis7572 the prequels sucked then and they suck now. Feel free to develop a sense of good taste. Grow up and stop putting ketchup on everything.

[@betterlatethannever4529]

Uncut Pod Race > Death Star Trench run…yeah, I said it. Stakes might not be as high, but the visual experience levels it out.

[@aster4jaden]

At least the Prequels was planned unlike the Sequels.

[@clonetrooper2003]

At least the prequels had solid characters, themes, and planet designs along with ACTUAL competent external media like KOTOR and the clone wars multimedia project

[@RoronoaZoro-ur6hr]

@@clonetrooper2003 , I've never liked Ahsoka as a character even before Disney over used her, and the only female Jedis and Siths that I like from Prequels, Legends, and OG Trilogy are Slave Leia, Darth Gean, Darth Talon, Ventress, Jacen Solo, Aayla Secura, and Mara Jade Skywalker.

[@RaikenXion]

Isn't it hugely ironic though, that as worried as Disney was way back in 2012-15 at using too much of George's Treatments, having anything in their sequels that harkened back to the prequels, for fear audiences and fans would hate it. Look now how TPM has suddenly become most watched on their D+

[@meganoob12]

were they planned though? And even if, it did not help them much did it?

[@clonetrooper2003]

@@meganoob12 Yes they were planned. It DID help them much

[@jessechristensen6028]

The politics involved in the prequel trilogy are more like how wars are actually started!

[@UToobUsername01]

yes Red Letter Media didn't understand the Hegelian Dialectic that the Sith Lord pulled off to weaken the Jedi and waste their time and resources. It's what is happening to america. Your military is sent to go fight overseas in wars you have no reason to be in and there is no enemy after WW2. So enemies are manufactured to keep wars going on and on and on for an indefinite time. The rich benefit from it then strip rights from you as if you are in wartime 24 7. America started a free republic, then now it's an empire. (The 911 terror event made everyone an enemy of the government and you have honmeland security to oppress your own people, even though it was an inside job)

[@RaikenXion]

Yes that's very true. Like take American Govt playing both sides, the CIA, Military Industrial Complex with Vietnam in the 60s/70s, then Contra in the 80s. Their exploitation of Iraq through the decades. How they played Israel and Palestine off against each other (which is still escalated right now today). Those things are alot like Palpatine and how he used the Trade Federation, to instigate and cause the "Star Wars" in the Galaxy, that would eventually destroy the Republic from within, and from it's ashes create the *Empire*.

[@luiss8130]

Deadass

[@vgrepairs]

Yup! OT boomers who were disappointed by Episode 1 are the same idiots that waved their American flags cheering for war and hating the "terrorist enemy" after 9/11... The generation that grew up with the prequels is much keener to noticing flaws with our government..... very interesting

[@PortugueseBadman]

And they actually work unlike Disney's politics

[@QuadZillaGodZillasbrother]

I went to go see it twice once on May 3 once on May 4 the theater was packed before the screening. The show said that we should stay after the end to watch the acolyte trailer. I yelled out in the theater. We came here to avoid modern Star Wars and I kid you not like I’m pretty sure most of the theater laughed at what I said. It really goes to show you that we’re not the minority in this fight Phantom Menace was an enjoyable experience.

[@Tolbat]

Disney appreciates the cash injection...... simp

[@makofett7404]

We left before acolyte bs. Only reason they rereleased it was o slide acolyte into prequels DM!

[@jamiebraswell5520]

Glad you had fun and I am glad to see the growing prequel appreciation. Still, I do not like the Disney Corporation for a variety of reasons and I choose to not support them in any way. I would like to see the prequels in theaters again, but I cannot betray my own convictions when it comes to Disney. That is just my choice. Glad you enjoyed yourself, though!🙂

[@ShadowJedi527]

The Prequels aged like wine but is hated by the mainstream media. The Sequels aged like milk but is loved by the mainstream media.

[@allamericanslacker2378]

That's a bit of an overstatement when it comes to the prequels, and it shows just how bad the sequel movies are that the prequels are now being so highly regarded.

[@randomcenturion7264]

Agreed. The Prequels are finally getting their due and I am loving it.

[@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw]

The lamestream media (and Disney) are desperate for the Prequel effect to happen for the Sequels, that we will come to like the Sequels just like we did with the Prequels. But the former were meh movies with badly executed good ideas. There are no good ideas in the Sequels, and all of them are badly executed. The Prequels at least were made with love for Star Wars, the Sequels were made with utter hatred and contempt for both Star Wars and the fans. They will NEVER be accepted. Accept of course by the last of the faithful still willing to lap up everything Disney shats out, cause it has the Star Wars label to it. These people do exist.

[@marcpjoyner]

It's aged normally lol. They are still very, very flawed movies.

[@fyfyi6053]

@@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw That's what I'm saying, is whether u like the prequels or not no one can deny the fact that they feel like Star Wars. Especially The Phantom Menace. It feels like the film is part of the same universe. Nothing that Disney did feels like watching Star Wars. Even the return of Han Solo played by the great Harrison Ford couldn't save those films.

[@peterslaby9782]

My friend and I took our sons to see it. Theatre was about 75% full on a Saturday afternoon. Lots of dads with their sons. Theatre audio made the pod race and the duel with Maul way better than I remember. Nobody stayed for the Disney crap trailer.

[@MannElite]

The Duel with Maul with John William's Duel of Fates playing is a work of art, definitely one of the best moments of the entire Star Wars Saga. Also, pod racing is a fun aspect of the Star Wars universe and was invented by this movie, and not supported by any other film. The movie was very creative and executed on it too, gungans fightings droids etc.

[@schwarzflammenkaiser2347]

For the sounds of the podracers they used actual engine sounds, like a Porsche and F1 cars.

[@Arcexey]

@peterslaby9782 agreed about the sound of the pod race!

[@Nonamearisto]

A Star Wars movie starring a white man who isn't denigrated. Truly a relic of a glorious past.

[@randomcenturion7264]

From a more civilised age. Before the dark times.

[@fyfyi6053]

lol u deserve more likes and u could put most modern hollywood films on this list.

[@stans303]

In comparison to what Star Wars is producing today , the Phanton Menace is gold

[@clonetrooper2003]

It's still overall solid on its own merits. We don't need to compare it to Disney to do so.

[@subjectnivleis7572]

Prequels were always good cope harder peasants including the moron in the video

[@TheFroneyZone]

@@clonetrooper2003 & @stans303 let's not get carried away - there are plenty of faults with it still. I still prefer Rogue One over it and I'm about the same age as WorldClass here

[@clonetrooper2003]

@@TheFroneyZone genuine flaws? Maybe. And thats fine

[@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw]

I'd say TPM was a 6 out of 10. It just barely made it past the okay finish line, mostly because of the Qui-Gon and Obi Wan chemistry, Ray Parks k1lling it as Maul and Ian McDiarmid having the time of his life as Palpy. OOTC is a 5 out of 10 and ROTS a 7 out of 10. So TPM is not gold by any standard, unless those standards have been really lowered into the Marianas Trench.

[@GmanZer0]

Nothing gives me the warm and fuzzies more than seeing a 20 something year old star wars movie do better than the last two disney star wars movies.

[@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw]

Considering that Rise of Palpy still made a billion I wouldn't say TPM did better today. Also, fans still gave money to Disney, so you're not giving them the finger, you're giving them your money. Which they will use to push for more radical agendas to your kids.

[@James-l8o7d]

@@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5ywA voice of reason amidst all this perplexing "celebration" of Phantom Menace making millions at the box office. Glad to know I am not the only one who realizes this...

[@ZUGTFO]

The Sequels do not exist in this Dojo.

[@McFrozenNuggets]

"No, Master."

[@117Tennessine]

NO, SENSEI!

[@stevedenis8292]

What are these sequels you speak of ?

[@LUCKO2022]

They aren't canon Rogue One is not canon Solo is not canon Rebels is not canon Mandalorian is not canon Obi Wan show is not canon Acolyte is not canon Ashoka is not canon Shall I keep going??

[@McFrozenNuggets]

@@LUCKO2022 Lucas liked *_Rogue One._* Cope with that at least.

[@genius2005]

Love Phantom Menace, especially the Darth Maul duel at the end - truly EPIC!

[@tljscrewjob6397]

8:40 I used to watch the Plinkett Prequel reviews all the time before the Disney Sequels came out. Not anymore. Not just because the Disney Sequels came out, but as you said ‘I don’t care’. I still enjoy ALL the prequels in spite of their flaws.

[@clonetrooper2003]

I dont watch those review because they have terrible arguments

[@vgrepairs]

I agree dude. The plinkett reviews are cringy. Who wants to listen to a fat old nerd make a "fat old nerd" voice for an hour making dumb jokes? ​@@clonetrooper2003

[@vehnashur2771]

I still like the Plinkett reviews. I think they were groundbreaking as far as reviews go. I still think they make great points. I think it would be great to see a retrospective of them.

[@vgrepairs]

@@vehnashur2771 I don't see the merit in them. A lot of the criticisms against the film are played off as one liners and usually aren't even correct. Also, he drawls on and on about subjective opinions. It's an ensemble like episode 4,5, and 6. So no protagonist. As if that matters. Tone is subjective. I saw it in theaters and it kicked ass. Everyone loved it.

[@clonetrooper2003]

@@vehnashur2771 l take

[@ericbrown8627]

I was 27 back in 99 and loved it from day one.

[@Masterpain80]

I saw TPM at the midnight showing the night before opening day. I was 19. Qui Gon was probably my favorite character. I enjoyed it when it came out because I loved seeing the origins of it all.

[@tjcarr8097]

We’re the same age! I never over hated the prequels like the rest of these weirdos. Honestly the hate for the movie was media driven. Most fans I was surrounded by at the time loved it. We went back multiple times during its original run. I’m glad I got to experience it with my son yesterday

[@Masterpain80]

@@tjcarr8097 yeah exactly. I saw it 5 times in the theater throughout its original run.

[@clonetrooper2003]

@@tjcarr8097 And bt media, mainly the bullcrap pushed by the RED LETTER kind, if you know what I mean

[@clonetrooper2003]

Yeah Qui Gon was a solid character. He wasn't a dogma of the Jedi Order but yet was still very in tune with the force

[@Deviax28]

I remember skipping school for the Return of the Jedi special edition. Saw the other two at midnight with my mom though. But dad told me to see RotJ during the day and gave permission for me to skip school. Fast forward a couple years and TPM was released. Midnight showing with my friends and senior year in high school. Good times. Thanks dad 😊

[@jeffstark8449]

I went to the theater to see it on Saturday. Had fun, I never saw it in the theater the first time.

[@tyrannozilla]

One defense I have for the dialogue in the prequels is that the characters, while most of them look human, are alien in their culture as well as the fact that they are from another galaxy. To people on Earth, the way they speak seems awkward, but to them, it's normal. That's one thing I've noticed in Disney's material. They're trying to make the characters talk more like people from Earth, and it just doesn't work in the Star Wars universe.

[@marcpjoyner]

Oh man that is a stretch. So George intentionally wrote really wooden, lifeless, boring dialogue because all of the characters don't come from earth? Why were Darth Vader, Obi Wan, Yoda, Emperor, all so much better written in the OT? They all have great lines. In fact, they have almost nothing but great lines in the OT lol. The weakest lines come from Ep IV, which George also wrote and directed. The answer is simple. George is an elite producer and idea man. But he is not good at writing screenplays and is maybe worse as a director. He can't pull a performance out of an actor, he's lazy. He thinks if they say the line as written, then it's a keeper. The behind the scenes on the prequels is so revealing when it comes to his directing and writing style. He let his ego get the better of him, should've brought Kasdan back to actually write the screenplay and hired a great director.

[@tyrannozilla]

@@marcpjoyner One of George's inspirations was the type of acting you would see in films from the golden age of Hollywood (1930s -1940s). To some people today, they could be seen as a little wooden when it comes to their dialogue, but back when they were made, they were very popular. Look at films like Casablanca or Gone With The Wind, and I believe you can see what George was trying to emulate. Even the OT had a few moments like that.

[@marcpjoyner]

@@tyrannozilla Sure we know he was inspired by the era of serials, but I've never specifically heard him say the dialogue is based off of that, or trying to make the actors convey Clark Gable and Rita Hayworth. I think he wrote that way because he isn't a good writer, and just can't come up with believable conversations between people. He himself is very wooden and boring to listen to, and it carries over into his dialogue in Ep I-IV. Although the convoluted dialogue in IV is usually less offensive than what we saw in the prequels. If that's what he wanted, he sure didn't pass the message unto Kasdan or Kershner. If you look at the comments of Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher "you can type this shit, but you can't say it." Or Mark Hamill saying how George couldn't tell him how Luke was supposed to be feeling in any particular scene. I can't quite remember the quote from Harrison Ford, I think from Empire of Dreams, when he was criticizing Lucas's directing style and how he would rush to get everything in one take and didn't care how it looked or sounded. George himself told Empire magazine that he can't write dialogue. This is less a tribute to classic movies, and just an example of limited talent. It was his ego that got the better of him, wanting to control everything himself instead of handing the reins to more talented screenwriters and directors. It shows. The behind the scenes is really telling, how he's surrounded himself with yes-people who couldn't criticize him. It's just such a weird thing, because he created this brilliant story, but he usually makes it worse the more involved he is. The dialogue and some of the direction in IV, the weak parts of the film are a result of him. The dozens upon dozens of examples of childish humor and gags in Phantom Menace. The mountains of boring emotionless dialogue delivered by uninspired actors in Clones. More boring dialogue delivered unconvincingly in Sith, with poorly executed reasons for Anakin turning. Return of the Jedi he pushed Ewoks, vetoed Han dying heroically, and encouraged a more kid-friendly movie instead of continuing to darken the tone as the series matured. Then almost every single addition he made to the Special Editions was a huge miss. Great producer and idea man, but a poor screenwriter and an uninspired director.

[@tyrannozilla]

I believed that I've heard interviews from George and other crew members that one of the inspirations was those older films. Also, this was covered in the fan documentary "The Prequels Strike Back." I recommend giving it a look when you can. Also, even if I agreed with you about some of the dialogue feeling clunky, it still feels more like Star Wars dialogue compared to what Disney has done. Characters now saying more Earth-like words, like "shit" in "Andor" for example.

[@jaernihiltheus7817]

​@@tyrannozilla to be fair, a new hope says damn a couple of times, but that can be chalked up to early installmeny weirdness, like the very not-cauterized arm obi wan chops off in mos eisley. Lucas has stated numerous times that he sees it as a tragic soap opera underneath the sci fi fantasy settings, as well as that he made star wars to be a modern myth to impart lessons actual myths are designed to teach young men. So both of those inspirations also probably have an effect on the dialogue. As classical myth and stage plays are what inspired the golden age style of dialogue writing (in fact a lot of golden age movies ARE adaptations of Renaissance era plays, greek tragedies, and pieces of mythology).

[@randomcenturion7264]

It truly warms my heart to see the prequels getting the love it deserves.

[@di3486]

Yes!! Finally!

[@Rishi123456789]

I always love the Star Wars prequel trilogy movies no matter what and The Phantom Menace is my most favourite Star Wars prequel trilogy film. I was 11 when I saw The Phantom Menace for the first time in 1999 at my local theater and I loved The Phantom Menace back then and I still do and I always will. George Lucas, for all of his flaws, was and is ahead of his time. It makes my heart sing with joy to see my beloved prequels (warts and all) finally be vindicated by history like they deserve. Happy 25th anniversary to The Phantom Menace.

[@brandonsavchenko6144]

Saw it at the first showing at midnight in elk river, MN, 1999... waited in line, I was first in the theater, got the best seat...man, loved that movie... saw it 9 times in the theatre. Spent months collecting the toys... Oh, and I was 22 at the time. So glad to see this movie get some love after all this time, after hearing people rip on it for 25 years...one of my all time favorites.

[@scottpendleton2798]

There are E.T. aliens in The Phantom Menace they are in the senate

[@allamericanslacker2378]

And in the E.T. movie, E.T recognizes Yoda when he sees a kid walk by dressed up as him.

[@LeeONardo]

I always noticed the paintings of the extra Naboo fighters in the background just before Maul appears since they didn't/couldn't make enough for the hangar :)

[@RaikenXion]

Yes, that was Lucas's homage and nod to his movie-making friend Spielberg. There's also a pod from 2001 Space Odyssey laying arnd in Watto's scrapyard. A blink and you'll miss it shot of a YT freighter pulling into dock at the Coruscant spaceport.

[@jim1242]

One of the things I like about that phantom menance, is palpatine manipulating everyone (jedi, senate, naboo, trade federation) to fight each other, whilst giving himself more power. Reminds me of Littlefinger from game of thrones.

[@BigAl4244]

Took my nephews and niece to go see TPM last Sunday. We loved it! Bought them some Star Wars toys to go along with it to remember.

[@jediknightjairinaiki560]

Saw it four times in 1999 (midnight and three times on opening day).

[@Maesterful]

And here's me thinking I was the only kid who didn't enjoy seeing this film the first time in cinemas but now can watch it and enjoy it so much more!

[@jonajacket]

I was 19 in 1999, Saw it opening day in the U.K. Liked Qui Gon I enjoyed it, many people I knew thought I was mad but I never relented.

[@LeeONardo]

Me and my mate skipped out on sixth form for the day to watch it. Our other "friend" told on us, nothing happened though, I guess the teachers understood lol

[@SentientIronHeart]

I thought 1, 2 and 3 where meh but then i saw episode 7 and 8 (did not even watch 9). Now i think 1, 2 and 3 are a masterpiece.

[@clonetrooper2003]

Is it because you are just trying to spite the sequels or have you actually waken up to the genuine redeeming qualities of the prequels compared to the new dumpster fires>

[@blackball909]

I saw episode 1 on opening night. I hated it and did not watch it again for over 20 years. In between that time I grew into manhood, acquired a career, became a father, etc. I watched it again around two years ago and love it (I have not watched the Clone Wars). Qui-gon is my favorite character due to my being able to identify with his disillusionment with the Jedi order. Jar-Jar is not annoying as I have a kid and have sat through several seasons of Blippie. Baby Anakin has a lot of gumption and is actually a cool kid. And Palpatine is simply brilliant in his villainy.

[@Thundarius]

I went to the theater on May 4th. I purchased a popcorn bucket. I absolutely enjoyed myself. I also left before the Crapolyte preview. Question Answers: 1. I saw Episode 1 when I was 9 after it came out on video. 2. Darth Maul 3. I loved it and still do! This screening actually made me appreciate it more, especially after I came home and watched Attack of the Clones and saw how rough of a film it is! I also have a copy of Stealing Solo!

[@rem134]

I saw someone with the bucket. It was plastic with just some art printed on it I would bought it for extra $5. R2 looked cool but could not justify the price. My 9 yo LOVED the experience though. First Star wars movie in theater and he is so all in ATM.

[@gregmize01]

The falloff of 7,8,9 is something that's and undeniable data point that Disney shills NEVER want to talk about. I wonder why? LOL

[@idiot_city5444]

They are delusional

[@stanfordite1]

And Disney shills are going to jail.

[@MurderCapital666]

1. 1999 in theaters 2. Watto 3. Loved it.

[@SFforlife]

I was 8 in ‘99 when Ep1 came out. I was super excited like everybody else was for it. I liked it well enough, though yeah I was just a kid, and I mostly liked the fighting and action. As an adult now though, (shit I’m 33 lol) I can say that I still like Ep1, but now I can appreciate the ways it set up the conflict and fall of the Republic. I also really like how there was a lot more practical effects in this one compared to the next two Prequels. Phantom Menace looks kinda unique because of that. It always really stands out to me whenever I watch it.

[@zendoargos4988]

I went to see Phantom Menace on Saturday. I watched it opening weekend back in 1999 as an 18 year old and seeing it this weekend made me feel like that kid again. It is far from being a perfect film, but as part of George Lucas' Skywalker Saga (the 6 films that he made not the three fan-fic films made by Disney) it was something that I enjoyed then and still enjoy now. Attack of the Clones is my least favorite of the 6 Lucas films and Phantom Menace is just ahead of it, but the 6 Lucas films are head and shoulders above the Disney trilogy. Saturday was a great day...I got to watch Star Wars...REAL STAR WARS...in a movie theater...where films like these are meant to be seen.

[@tjcarr8097]

Took my son yesterday. We had a great time

[@LUCKO2022]

I loved Phantom Menace when it came out in 1999. Still love it now.

[@jpoulter8845]

I saw Episode 1 during the original cinema run here in England (which I believe was a few months after the US *double checked, it was mid July*) when I was 6, my favourite characters of that film are Obi Wan and Qui Gon. My initial reaction was enjoyment and I still do enjoy all the prequels!

[@rodneypayne9505]

Well said, WCB. Star Wars was Vader's story and once RotJ finished, that was it. Disney should've left well alone and made other films told in the Star Wars galaxy.

[@futureshockxl]

When i was 10, The Empire Stikes Back came. Yes, my life was perfect.

[@TorontoJon]

I was the same age and yeah, 1980 was a perfect year to enjoy 'The Empire Strikes Back', but waiting for three whole years to see 'Return of the Jedi' (1983) was absolute hell. Haha! I had to laugh at people whining when the original trilogy was rereleased in 1997 and people whined that there were three-month gaps between the movie releases. Try waiting for three years to find out if Darth Vader was actually Luke's father! Hahaha! :)

[@michaelh.8945]

Best film EVER.

[@kamandi1362]

Same.

[@cattrucker8257]

Saw it during the original release period; I was like 10 at the time so it was perfectly timed for me. I had already been introduced to the OT by then. I loved the thing, warts and all; I did think some things were weak, like all of Jar Jar or some Anakin moments, but I loved the podracing, the first look at pre-fall Jedi in action, Darth Maul, and even the cool CGI-fest that was the plains battle visuals. And since I was already on my path of Star Wars fandom, I knew it was just Part 1 of a trilogy so I didn't judge it harshly for being "just a piece of the puzzle and not a self-contained thing"; I was stoked to see how Anakin became Vader and how the Republic and Jedi fell. Its rich worldbuilding stuff really supercharged my beginnings of fandom of its world.

[@paulgodin1522]

I saw the Phantom Menace for the first time while I was stationed onboard the USS. Theodore Roosevelt, CVN-71, while on deployment to the middle east. George paid to have a projector and the movie flown out to the aircraft carrier for a showing. I had first seen Star Wars only a year before and had just been getting into it, just realized that there were books to expand the story. My first viewing of The Phantom Menace was in hanger bay 2 of CVN-71 with 1200 of my nearest and dearest shipmates in the middle of the ocean. Popcorn and hotdogs were being thrown around like hotcakes and one hotdog hit the projector while it was being setup and that nearly brought the viewing to an end. They finally got the projector working and we were able to watch the Phantom Menace, with no land in sight, onboard an aircraft carrier! It was memorable!

[@LeeONardo]

I'm English but always had a bit of a fascination with aircraft carriers, the way they are essentially little cities all to themselves. Sounds amazing :)

[@babtanian]

I saw the Phantom Menace on opening night in 1999. I was 25 at the time, a huge fan of the OT and fresh out of the Marine Corps. My favorite character was Darth Maul. I enjoyed the film immensely overall. I wasn't the biggest fan of Jar Jar, as I felt that he made a mockery of a film that otherwise took itself seriously. I understood the importance of humor and levity in Star Wars, and always appreciated R2 & 3PO (and sometimes the general attitude of Han Solo) as a very effective means in providing that. It seemed clear that was what George was trying to do with Jar Jar and it just didn't work. I distinctly remember being in the theater hearing him say "So Rude", and in 1999 we were not very far removed from that being a popular phrase from a set of toddler twins in a popular sitcom, and Jar Jar's enunciation even came complete with saying "Wude" instead of "Rude". We were supposed to be in a galaxy far, far away and one of the lead characters is copying a phrase from 90's American pop culture Lol. In the end, I was able to get past it, because the world building and expansion of the Star Wars universe in Episode I was immense. We're introduced to the Republic, the Jedi Council, thousands of Jedi, new worlds, new ships, the origin of Palpatine, etc., etc. I loved it then and I love it now.

[@FatherOMalley]

Phantom Menace is my favorite star wars movie. Saw it in theaters when I was 3 years old. Jar Jar is the key to everything...

[@ioannespaulusify]

1. saw it in 1999 in the theater 2. Darth Maul I guess 3. it was a huge cinematic disappointment in my life - it made me lower my expectations for movie franchises forever And now I’m ok with all three prequels. The disney sh*t made me appreciate them more.

[@josephwilliams7507]

i was 15. i remember this movie was a movement. toys posters everywhere. people were pump after the original trilogy special editions( i prefer the original theatrical versions ). phantom menace was kiddy but i loved it. they dont make movies like that anymore

[@HouseClarkzonian]

Funny thing is when I watched Episode 1 in theaters again, the theater was quite packed, before Episode 1 Started they played the Acolyte teaser announcement twice oner after another, everyone laughed and once Episode 1 Had finished (which the audience and myself loved watching again or for the first time) everyone got up and left their seats, so no one is really interested in this new series, only these shills for Disney.

[@dirtydeesenpai]

Japan recently put up a barrier around Mt. Fuji to keep tourists out 😅 Also, Jeff you should see if there is any local wrestling shows that weekend when you are in Japan.

[@danielmacmaster5822]

I saw TPM in 1999. I thought is was slow in the middle and I didn't Jar Jar Binks but I loved Darth Maul. The lightsaber at the end was awesome. I also thought Qui Gon Jinn was pretty cool.

[@MarkHarvey-uh8oc]

Saw it in England on 4th May. A 3 day rerelease. About 40 at the showing. Despised it 25 years ago. I was surprised how much it has mellowed, and fairly enjoyable. It has its silly bits still, but certainly nowhere near as bad as I remember it.

[@jaernihiltheus7817]

I wasn't allowed to go to movies as a kid, so for me - i saw episodes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 when i was around 10 or 11, then episode 3 when i was probably 12 or so. So for me, it's always been a complete story, and i loved every installment of it. I didn't see clone wars when it was airing, and I've only seen a few episodes (it's on my list). So it wasn't that that saved it for me. I don't doubt that nostalgia plays a role in my love for it, but i think it's more than just that. There's just so much to sink your teeth into and think about for each of the prequels, and their recontextualizations of the OT give the OT that same kind of mythic story telling that george was going for all along. The "it's like poetry, it rhymes" quote is really and truly felt when you have the entire context, and makes lucas star wars feel especially special compared to most if not all franchises, save for maybe lord of the rings and dune. I will never forgive disney for trying to ruin that. They should've just let lucas write episode 7-9's scripts in full and then have a script doctor come in and loosen the dialogue a bit.

[@obsidianspectre4281]

The Phantom Menace is my second favourite SW movie of all time, just after number one The Empire Strikes Back.

[@JustTooDamnHonest]

The PT is getting the love that Lucas wanted and that is much better the the ST ever will be.

[@James-l8o7d]

And every dime goes to Disney. Not seeing the victory in any of this.

[@Silver77cyn]

Yeah sure buddy! 😂 If the sequels didn’t exist the prequels would still be outright hated.

[@JustTooDamnHonest]

@@Silver77cyn Actually the PT was 50/50 with the audience and the ST was hatred from TLJ to TROS and people picked up the signs of JJ ripping off from the OT in TFA. Also did you know that the Disney hasn't made back what it cost them to buy Lucasfilm still? O yes it is has been confirmed.

[@the_flyattractor8656]

My Fav part of the Phantom Menace was seeing a Grown Man in the Theater Parking Lot in a Full Jedi Cospay with a yoda doll and lightsaber crying to himself and repeating "It was a good movie, it was a good movie" to himself.

[@pota4144]

I love the Equipment, The Battle Droids (B-1/OOMs), the AAT tank, and nearly everything that the Trade Federation deployed on Naboo, I had a poster of the B-1 series and a book that one of my Aunts give me of Ep1 ships and equipment. I still remember the ads with Pizza Hut and KFC leading up to the release. The one ad where the Pizza Hut employee asking Colonel Sanders if he was a real Colonel and Colonel Sanders look on his face is still stuck in my head... the one thing I don't remember was when I actually seen the movie...

[@TheDareall]

My daughter loves episode 1 the most of all. She was 6 when it was released and still remembers it fondly. Darth maul is what did it for her

[@intzbk1]

I was in my late 20s in '99 and I saw Ep I 12 times in the theater. I was at Ft. Bragg, NC and there wasn't much to do besides go to the bar or go see movies. Between this one and the Mummy, I spent most of my free time at the theaters. I think the Matrix came out after I got home because I'm sure I would have seen that one a lot as well. Dave Filoni's Clone Wars, Rebels and Bad Batch are frickin' awesome. My one wish is that I had enough expertise to re-edit Ep I. I would love a jedi vs. sith non-cut scene. Also, Dual of the Fates, 'nuff said.

[@thomassantino392]

Love my phantom menace, glad i went to watch it in threatens. My first Star Wars movie

[@eastonsaccount]

Literally on my way to go see it in the theater LOL

[@darrylnewman292]

Hope you enjoy it better than the s*** that they're making now anyways😂

[@TheChadTI]

Jeff's experience mirrors mine. Like a balloon deflating. I have fond memories of opening day, toy shopping for it, ect. The movie was just confusion for me.

[@Merchant1521]

I was 20 years old when I saw Episode 1 The Phantom Menace. I enjoyed the film. I knew it was the beginning of the story. I knew there would be 2 more movies after it. Since ANH is Episode 4. You are right TPM is a bit disjointed and slogs at times. But I was like you when Clone Wars came out and filled in the gaps of the prequels I was like sweet. I was also like you, I liked Obi Wan since I knew him from the Star Wars movies I watched as a kid.

[@zerozerohero7189]

Red letter media is the reason why Lucas sold star wars. Prove me wrong.

[@fullgooseloot]

Cheese is the reason he sold it. Prove me wrong.

[@mala6238]

​@@fullgooseloot just wrong, no proof needed. That is ridiculus.

[@stanfordite1]

And Lucas will be getting it back when the government breaks up Disney and hands the franchise back to him on a silver platter.

[@Arcexey]

@zerozerohero7189 he sold star wars because he's a greedy fuck who took far too much credit for star wars when in reality he was only one of the few people that came together to make it.

[@EPagaduan]

To be fair. I was 25 when TPM came out. I loved it. Saw star wars in 77 in the theaters. Iirc I remember everyone coming of the theaters liking it.

[@di3486]

It was so nostalgic! That summer of 1999 was magical. I was 21. I LOVED everything about it. Qui-Gon is still my favorite Jedi.

[@mik2426]

I was 24 when The Phantom Menace was released. And being a huge Star Wars fan, I really enjoyed it. Yeah with all the Jar Jar Binks antics and Anakin’s “Yippees” and “Oops” I liked the rich Galaxy building. Seeing the Jedi and Sith. Who Palpatine was. For me it was a fun time as a Star Wars fan. Reading the Dark Horse comics and novels Anxiously waiting to see how the Clone Wars come about

[@robertcovino4889]

I’ve come to appreciate the prequels since disney started their version of Star Wars. I was too quick to dismiss them.

[@Nando75549]

I remembered when they rereleased Ep. 1 to Theaters in 3D back in 2011.

[@grarldbrown6812]

The "Duel of the Fate" is the great soundtrack

[@LeeONardo]

I always enjoyed Ep1. I wouldn't say it's amazing, but it's fine. Granted it was the first SW I saw on release in the cinema so I have some bias for it but honestly I like it.

[@nightwishfan1991]

I saw the movie on Sunday and had a blast. But the moment the credits rolled I was out in a heartbeat. Wasn't sticking around for that Acolyte crap.

[@caimbus]

I'd watch The Phantom Menace 4 times in a row before I would watch the last jedi once

[@thatrandomredengine9430]

Loved that I finally got to see Episode one in theaters ❤

[@Ciaolo]

Unfortunately, it wasn't in my local cinema :(

[@mpf1947]

Phantom Menace is still the only Star Wars movie I've seen in a theatre twice: once in 1999 and once in 2012, when all the movies were supposed to be re-released in 3D, before Disney bought Lucasfilm and cancelled the rest of the 3D conversions.

[@ajg8722]

Me too lol

[@henryblazer20]

I saw Episode 1 on launch day. I went back and watched it 4 more times. One time I bought back to back tickets so I could watch it twice in one sitting My favorite character was Padme bc I was crushing hard on her I forgot # 3

[@shadowworksmedia]

Jeff, if you think about the dross of the taxation by the Senate and then the blockade by the Trade Federation mimics American history. "No taxation without representation." Compared to The Last Jedi, Episode I: The Phantom Menace is Citizen Kane. Episode I left out that Palpatine pushed hard for the taxes and then manipulated the Trade Federation to do the blockade. Questions: 1. Opening Day 1999 2. Obi-Wan Kenobi 3. I liked the film

[@muigokublack6487]

He also as Darth Sidious made it so Nute Gunray would be in charge of the Trade Federation as someone who could wield power and influence but ultimately cowardly and controllable.

[@cjbush856]

I loved the Phantom Menace when I saw it as a kid in 1999, my dad loved Star Wars and showed me the original trilogy, then took the family opening weekend to see it. Liked Darth Maul and was sad when Quigon died. I hated Jar jar but understood he’s the comedic relief character.

[@threemusketbeers]

I saw both Phantom Menace and a New Hope this past weekend on May the 4th and 5th. It felt pretty good seeing those movies on the big screen for the first time. Now I was 4 years old when the Phantom Menace Came out and don't really remember if my family took me to the theaters for that. They may have, but I have no memory. I do remember though seeing Episodes 2 and 3 in the Theaters as a kid. Revenge of the Sith in 2005 is what got me fully invested in Star Wars. I was a little terrified when I first saw Episode 3 and it took me a while to warm up to that film where I can watch it regularly lol. The summer of 2005 was a big move for me from NY to Hawaii and my memories of first watching Episode 1 and 2, along with 4 through 6 during the long drive from New York to Florida first before the big flight stuck with me. We even went to Disney World and Rode Star Tours numerous times and it was my favorite ride ever lol. Anyway I'm getting off topic here. I've seen the original saga thousands of times and my experience of seeing Episode 4 and 1 in theaters was something. Good sound quality in the movie, but everyone was pretty quiet. Could've meant a lot of things. One, we've seen those movies many times and know what to expect. Two, it could've been our negative impression towards Disney for what they did to the franchise or something. My big negative was that both movies were pretty much the D+ releases (Maclunkey scene in Episode 4, and Disney Lucasfilm logo for both films). Had they been the theatricals or Pre-Disney Special Edition versions, I would've been cool with that being played in the theaters. Other than that, I had fun and can say I have officially watched all Prequel movies on the big screen now lol. I can't wait for Star Wars Celebration next year in Japan. I have home field advantage as I live in that country. Should be a good one.

[@plo617]

I was in my 20s when I saw TPM opening day and other than the first 30 minutes, I loved it. I understood the flaws and some of the different designs were a bit shocking, but I had a blast. AOTC I didn't love, but the action scenes where amazing. ROTS was pure awesomeness. All of the new lore that came from these films lead to some great books, games and t.v.

[@theshadowman1398]

Was my second viewing of the Phantom menace in theatre after the 3D version. Loved every second of it

[@gavin2537]

I first saw The Phantom Menace on VHS in the year 2000 when I was 7. Qui Gon Jinn is my favorite character. I loved this movie as a kid. Have always loved this movie as an adult. I had one of the best times ever finally seeing it at the theater!

[@Takeshi357]

It's actually hard for me to figure out why or when my opinion on Episode 1 changed, because it was so long between my first seeing it and seeing it again, but I do know my initial opinion was definitely influenced more by the opinions of others than my actually having seen it. When I discovered my local library had all three films on DVD, which was the first opportunity I actually had to watch episode 3, I only grabbed it and episode 2 and actually skipped episode 1 because I didn't even think I could change my opinion on it.

[@rndomm0nkey847]

one of the things that make people like the prequels is at least the fights are good, the music is great, and even with how awful it tried to handle cray story lines and the galatic politics the extra material made the mid or unused characters and give then cool personalities and stories.

[@tyrannozilla]

I've always enjoyed Phantom Menace and the other prequels (un-ironically) and have never let anyone tell me otherwise. After seeing the film again last Friday, I still don't regret it.

[@thekidfromiowa]

I was also 10, and I didn't have any issue with it, not even Jar Jar. I was actually incredulous when I found out that Jar Jar was so hated.

[@fallenlino]

Went to go see it with D-BOX seats on May 4th.its still one of my favorite movies and I'm going to see again may 7th with a friend, it was magical to re-live the nostalgia and notice things I didn't when I saw it on its release! I'm still gushing about it even a few days after may 4th.🤩🤩🤩

[@jaymethysell5111]

I am older than Star Wars. I always like Episode 1 the most out of the prequel Trilogy movies, but that was a low bar because I simply thought the other 2 movies were worse. I still hate Episode 3 because of how good it should have been and how it failed to deliver. The Phantom Menace was always the best made film out of the 3. It had the best acting, the best dialogue, the best use of practice and digital effects, the best lightsaber battle, the best world building (the senate chamber is iconic), the pod racing scene (while stupid for existing) is a really awesome race sequence, and it does a great job of setting the stage for the rest of the story. The political intrigue in the film is quite good. But Jar Jar Binks single handedly undermined all of it, and there was no payoff with that character to justify his presence in the film.

[@stevedenis8292]

Just watched Phantom the other night to kick off my watching all my Star Wars media 1,2,clone wars cartoon, clone wars animated movie , then clone wars series 3, Rogue 1, 4,5 and finish on 6

[@Sigismund697]

they had an special showing of the movie at my local theatre I went to watch it last Saturday with family and we had a lot of fun, the room was almost filled so it was a merry time for all

[@the7observer]

Kinda funny how the phantom menace was not well received by some fanbase when it came out. Then Disney released the new trilogy that was much worse and fans were like "hmm maybe the 1st wasn't that bad"

[@muigokublack6487]

Like Thanos said in Endgame: "Perhaps I treated you too harshly..."

[@ChrisPeteG]

I expect the Revenge of the Sith re-release next year to be in more theaters, more promoted and even bigger at the Box Office for its 20th anniversary. I then imagine that the re-release of the original film in 2027 for the 50th anniversary will be ramped up to a full blown, nation wide, super saturated, highly promoted GLOBAL release. They may even get Lucas back one last time to deliver a "Final Edition" of the film.

[@alittlebotalexis2474]

I say TPM on opening day. I took the day off from work, and one of my oldest friends traveled in from a neighboring state so we could continue our childhood tradition of seeing the film opening day together. Yes, I was a kid when the OT was in theaters. I can’t say I was disappointed in it, but I had a real sense that movie wasn’t made for us grown-up fans. To me it felt like it was made for 9-12 year olds, the new generation of fans. I thought it was just ok. I never minded Jar Jar, and I have always thought Jake did what he was supposed to do as Anakin: be an adorable kid in contrast to what he would become. It is my second favorite of the PT. I’m not a fan of Attack of the Clones, but it is still better than anything Disney has put out. While Luke is my favorite character, TPM started my love affair with Obi Wan. He’s definitely my number 2 character thanks to the PT and the Clone Wars series. Speaking of which, I agree, Jeff, that the Clone Wars added so much color to the prequels. I LOVED the shorts on Cartoon Network that ran between ep 2 and ep 3 (still my favorites), so it was exciting when that concept was furthered.

[@TorontoJon]

The original 'Star Wars' trilogy will always be my comfort food and none of the other movies will ever come close.

[@ashayacatl]

I love the prequels. I was so happy when Episode 1 came out. I had such a great time watching it for the first time. Especially when Darth Maul appeared on screen with his saber.

[@zebare726]

Although ep 1 didn't manage to deliver on the strength of the previous 3 films, it did in fact managed to establish a new wave of easy to sell merchandise and video games. Something that all of Disney's Star Wars films have not been able to do.

[@ilvpowerrangers]

Awesome my friend I look forward to seeing you do things in Japan.

[@DarthWinterMadness]

I saw the movie on opening day in France with my Grandma, my sister and a friend. I was 10 and we all loved it. We spent the rest of the day redoing the Duel of the Fates. And we also thought Jar Jar was hilarious. Take note that we watched a dubbed version. Since then, I never hated the movie or Jar Jar. For a time I had an issue with the VFXs and other things, but after rewatching all three Prequels I realized it didn't really matter and didn't stop my enjoying of the movie. Yes these VFXs didn't age very well, but they pushed the technology forward and without it we wouldn't have what we have today. They're a blessing when you think about it. That said, cheers from France! 🍻

[@gregorysmull8068]

I didn't go to the theatres, but happened to watch many of the Star Wars movies during the marathon on cable television. It had been a number of years so I gave Phantom Menace an honest second look as well as many of the other movies. I had the same reaction after watching it again as you did. I found it was surprisingly good in retrospect and actually enjoyed it. I still have a few major problems with it but the positives greatly outweighed the negatives. I agree that a major part of the problem is that when this movie came out the events in the sequel trilogy were a jumble of puzzle pieces that made no sense at the time but in retrospect made a lot of sense after watching all 3 films and Clone Wars. My major problems kept this from being a great film are few: namely everything about Jar Jar Binks, Anakin was cast too young and would have made more sense as a precocious teen who was mature for his age, and that the Padame age gap is just so large that is creates a major ick factor which carried over to the next movie. Darth Maul was great, but under utilized. The acting was pretty good and overall the plot made sense. The special efx were not special but not bad either. The score for the movie was fantastic, I could listen to that all day long. With regards to the new trilogy I still find the force awakens tolerable where I could easily rewatch it, despite the major flaw which got worse and worse of Rey becoming a Mary Sue force Savant. Rian Johnson and KK went so far off the rails with the second movie that the whole series became an unfixable train wreck. Their treatment of Luke Skywalker was especially criminal.

[@bracerbz77]

Episode 1 was a reference to the break up of Yugoslavia

[@PonAdidas]

I saw it opening day in 1999 i was 19 Obi Wan Kenobi I liked it, but didnt think it was as good as the OT, however I didn't get all the hate. It was chapter 1, and it wasn't a remake of ANH.

[@notmyrealname6150]

Back in 1999 I took the day off from work to see this movie. I did the same for other prequel movies, but not the sequel movies. Even though I have it on VHS and DVD, I may see it again at the cinema because that's where Star Wars is best seen at.

[@StannisBaratheonOTK]

I was so unbelievably hyped for TPM. I couldn't believe it was finally coming out. Thought it was great that first day. Cooled on it after some time. Now, I think it's great again. Way higher on my list than others'.

[@batman5224]

I think all of the KZbinrs who criticized The Phantom Menace like Mr. Plinkett owe George Lucas an apology. Is the film perfect? No, but it certainly didn’t ruin the legacy of Star Wars. The criticism of the prequels is why we have the sequels today.

[@muigokublack6487]

Especially those people behind that hit piece "The People vs George Lucas" and ALL those who wore shirts deriding the man. They got what they wanted, Star Wars without George Lucas. ENJOYING PARADISE YET? /s

[@Venom3254]

Makes sense, which is why when Disney finally started the Sequels. They tried to distance themselves from the Prequels. With EA BF1 not even having that era and who can forget about that animatronic thing that JJ Abrams showed off as a way to take a jab at "muh cgi only George Lucas".