Poll: Star Wars - the correct order?

[Thaliur]

Hello Escapists,
I've recently learned that my girlfriend, although she often uses references to characters, quotes or events in those movies, never actually saw Star Wars.
I plan to correct that, and since I made that decision, I'm trying to figure out the correct order to watch them.

So, which order do you think is better for a first-time viewer who usually doesn't really care for action movies?
The chronological order - starting with Episode 1, and basically following the timeline
The "traditional" order - how most fans have seen it. First Episodes 4 to 6, and then 1 to 3, which provide, and in some cases bend, warp and break background information.

Also, I want a sane vote, no "the prequels suck, just leave them" rubbish. Please think about your answer and, if you care, provide some explanation for your vote in a post.

Apparently, I screwed up the poll...
If possible, could a mod add it with the two options "traditional" and "chronological"?

 

[Saelune]

4-6 first then 1-3. The first 3 seem to want to explain why 4-6 happened how it did, as opposed to 4-6 showing the continued events from 1-3.

 

[Cheesus333]

I agree with Saelune, and if you want her to get the best experience (or, at any rate, the same experience that you presumably had watching the films) then that's the order I would go for.

 

[AmaterasuGrim]

Original 3 then forget the rest happen.

 

[Bobbity]

I'd say 4-6 first, but everyone already knows about Darth Vader and Luke's relationship, so that surprise is ruined. Maybe... Actually watch the original trilogy anyway. Just get the re-mastered disks, because the original special effects of the first films turn them from pretty dramatic into comedies.

 

[sam42ification]

4-6 then 1 maybe 2 and you can just tell her what happens in 3. It isn't worth watching.

 

[vaderaider]

Yep, I agree with the everyone else show her 4-6 first. They are definitely the better films.

 

[Knusper]

4-6 and then 1-3 because that is how it was released to the public and she won't get tired of it after the first 2. However, if I were showing it to a young kid, probably 1-3 and then 4-6 because big explosions and stuff could draw them in.

 

[TeeBs]

4-6, and then 4-6 again

 

[The Becker]

I would say just go 1-6 in order. Save the best for last right?

 

[The Becker]

I'd say 4-6 first, but everyone already knows about Darth Vader and Luke's relationship, so that surprise is ruined. Maybe... Actually watch the original trilogy anyway. Just get the re-mastered disks, because the original special effects of the first films turn them from pretty dramatic into comedies.

What re-mastered ones? No keep it classic

 

[NerfedFalcon]

Original 3 then forget the rest happen.

Dude, learn to read. He already said not to say that.

What re-mastered ones? No keep it classic

I haven't seen the originals, only the special editions. I don't even care about the tiny differences, including but not limited to who shot first.

 

[TriggerHappyAngel]

3-5-2-6-1-4

And then ask if she understands everything.

 

[Bobbity]

I'd say 4-6 first, but everyone already knows about Darth Vader and Luke's relationship, so that surprise is ruined. Maybe... Actually watch the original trilogy anyway. Just get the re-mastered disks, because the original special effects of the first films turn them from pretty dramatic into comedies.

What re-mastered ones? No keep it classic

They re-did the special effects, didn't they?

 

[drosalion]

I'd say 4-6 first, but everyone already knows about Darth Vader and Luke's relationship, so that surprise is ruined. Maybe... Actually watch the original trilogy anyway. Just get the re-mastered disks, because the original special effects of the first films turn them from pretty dramatic into comedies.

What re-mastered ones? No keep it classic

In my honest opinion, as nostalgic as people may be or however much the original versions of the original trilogy are seen as 'superior', I would never show them over the remastered versions of the original trilogy to a newcomer.

 

[Mr.Numbers]

4-6...Otherwise the I AM your father moment isn't a moment...

1-2 are only good as examples of what NOT to do, and watch them as NON star-wars, merely decent movies from a different franchise so you aren't filled with overwhelming disappointment.

 

[SomeLameStuff]

I'd say 4-6 first, but everyone already knows about Darth Vader and Luke's relationship, so that surprise is ruined. Maybe... Actually watch the original trilogy anyway. Just get the re-mastered disks, because the original special effects of the first films turn them from pretty dramatic into comedies.

What re-mastered ones? No keep it classic

They re-did the special effects, didn't they?

Redid, yes. But they also redid some scenes, like the "Greedo Shot First" one.

Also, Jabba looked hideous in the remastered version.

OT: 4-6, obviously. Then watch 1-3, making sure to hit the mute button whenever Jar Jar is on screen.

 

[LookingGlass]

Well I had this dilemma myself recently. I hadn't seen the original trilogy for almost 10 years (not since the VHS days) and I'd only seent he prequels once each, around the time they first came to DVD.

I spent considerable time thinking about it and I decided that 4-6 then 1-3 was the way to go. The movies were made in that order knowing that 99% of viewers would watch them that way.

I have wondered what it would be like for a newcomer to watch them chronologically though. Assuming they wanted to see 3-6 after watching 1 and 2.

 

[LookingGlass]

I'd say 4-6 first, but everyone already knows about Darth Vader and Luke's relationship, so that surprise is ruined. Maybe... Actually watch the original trilogy anyway. Just get the re-mastered disks, because the original special effects of the first films turn them from pretty dramatic into comedies.

What re-mastered ones? No keep it classic

They re-did the special effects, didn't they?

Redid, yes. But they also redid some scenes, like the "Greedo Shot First" one.

Also, Jabba looked hideous in the remastered version.

OT: 4-6, obviously. Then watch 1-3, making sure to hit the mute button whenever Jar Jar is on screen.

I saw Greedo shooting first for the first time a few weeks ago. Uproar understood.

Also, in the version I have on DVD, they inserted Hayden Christensen's image into the last scene of Return of the Jedi.

Seriously, not cool.

 

[Casual Shinji]

One could say that "the prequels suck, just leave them" is actually the sane option.

But if you must watch the prequels, atleast let her see the original movies beforehand.