# Star Wars: Going to watch the series for the first time. All together or spaced apart? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 29, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473 "2012-05-29T19:31:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2012, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/21 "2012-05-29T21:08:32Z")
I suggest watching the Original Trilogy over the course of a night or two nights and then watching the prequels the next week. That buffer’ll make it easier to say “the prequels suck!” rather than “Star Wars sucks!” ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2012, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/22 "2012-05-29T21:18:13Z")
I wouldn’t watch them any closer together than one a day, just to give your mind a little time to absorb the story. As to order, definitely watch them in the order they were released. ---
**Author:** ![TBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/23 "2012-05-30T00:01:09Z")
If you have access to the DVD’s\* with the original versions of the original trilogy, start with that, then the prequels, then the special editions of the original trilogy. If all you have is the special editions of the original trilogy then watch those before the prequels. Spacing out… I’d say one a night is good, with maybe a larger gap between trilogies. You don’t want to get burned out. \*(or laserdisc or VHS) ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/24 "2012-05-30T00:36:12Z")
Hey, Agent Foxtrot, do start an “I just watched Star Wars for the first time!” thread! I’ve always wondered if someone who watched the Prequels and then the Real Movies (ok, Episodes I, II and III first, then IV, V, and VI) would think the sƒx took a big leap backward between III and IV. Would it be jarring? Take you out of the experience? Or would you think “Cool! We’re done with Jar-Jar and boring political meetings and digital characters, and now we get to the Adventure Movie in Space!” ---
**Author:** ![PSXer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/48db29/32.png) [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/25 "2012-05-30T00:48:44Z")
watch 4 5 6 stop. There are only 3 movies ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/26 "2012-05-30T01:02:39Z")
> [@digs](#): > > I’ve always wondered if someone who watched the Prequels and then the Real Movies (ok, Episodes I, II and III first, then IV, V, and VI) would think the sƒx took a big leap backward between III and IV. When watched back to back there are some huge things that stick out like a sore thumb. -Star Wars becomes a much more intimate film and is sparsely populated compared to Ep.3 The hundreds of ships in a space battle becomes a few dozen. Not as many CGI “extras” crammed into every scene. -Lightsaber skills and the accompanying acrobatic moves suddenly cease to exist. After watching Obiwan and Anakin go at it hard core in Ep.3 their rematch becomes extremely non-climactic and silly looking. -The end of Ep.3 makes it appear that Palp and Darth are left as supreme dictators of the galaxy. When StarWars starts Darth is some type of Sith ambassador for the government. -R2D2 seems to lose some of his high techness. No more jet flying. ---
**Author:** ![PSXer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/48db29/32.png) [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/27 "2012-05-30T01:07:10Z")
Even between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back there seems to be a big difference in Darth Vader’s authority. In Star Wars some people will question him and he seems to be subordinate to (or at least listens to without choking) Tarkin. But in Empire he is clearly second-in-command to the Emperor and people are scared to question him or even talk to him ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/28 "2012-05-30T01:15:52Z")
amazed it took 3 whole minutes for the prequels to be bashed. Figured it would happen in 1 minute. ---
**Author:** ![lisiate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f05b48/32.png) [@lisiate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisiate)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/29 "2012-05-30T01:33:47Z")
Another vote in favour of Machete Order (4-5-2-3-6) here. But the OP shouldn’t read the explanation as to why this works as it’s spoilerific. Then watch 1 if you must but be prepared to be underwhelmed. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/30 "2012-05-30T01:46:56Z")
> [@PSXer](#): > > Even between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back there seems to be a big difference in Darth Vader’s authority. In Star Wars some people will question him and he seems to be subordinate to (or at least listens to without choking) Tarkin. But in Empire he is clearly second-in-command to the Emperor and people are scared to question him or even talk to him Ooh, another reason to start with _“Star Wars”_: ~ ~ ~(yeah, some Georgie-Come-Lately started calling it _“A New Hope”_…) The entrance of The Badassest Bad Guy ever. Cloak swirling, machinery inhaling, black-on-black color scheme. Picks up an enemy minion and crushes his neck before he discards him. Now, would that have been as powerful if you were thinking “Hey, there’s that annoying Anakin”? ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/31 "2012-05-30T02:40:46Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > R2D2 seems to lose some of his high techness. No more jet flying. No more fuel? ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/32 "2012-05-30T02:50:48Z")
I’d suggest watching 4 and 5, then leaving a bit of a gap before watching the rest. Say, 30 or 40 years. ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/33 "2012-05-30T02:53:27Z")
> [@digs](#): > > Ooh, another reason to start with _“Star Wars”_: ~ ~ ~(yeah, some Georgie-Come-Lately started calling it _“A New Hope”_…) > > The entrance of The Badassest Bad Guy ever. Cloak swirling, machinery inhaling, black-on-black color scheme. Picks up an enemy minion and crushes his neck before he discards him. > > Now, would that have been as powerful if you were thinking “Hey, there’s that annoying Anakin”? I don’t know, I can see it being as or more powerful to some. In the form of “holy shit, when did Anakin become a rank badass?” ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/34 "2012-05-30T02:58:01Z")
Surely, despite not having ever seen the movies, **Agent Foxtrot** know what the “Big Reveal” is in ESB, just through pop-culture alone, no? If so, I’d also be very interested in such a perspective of viewing episodes I, II, III, first, then IV, V, and VI. I wouldn’t recommend episodes I-III at all, but for the novelty of this rare circumstance, I’d love to hear the reaction. ---
**Author:** ![zombywoof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9e8a1a/32.png) [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/35 "2012-05-30T03:03:25Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > I’d suggest watching 4 and 5, then leaving a bit of a gap before watching the rest. Say, 30 or 40 years. Sounds about right to me. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/36 "2012-05-30T03:39:13Z")
> [@PSXer](#): > > watch 4 5 6 stop. There are only 3 movies Word. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Knig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/37 "2012-05-30T03:56:19Z")
As you can see, this is a topic of much discussion. Summary here: [The Best Viewing Order for a Star Wars Marathon - Star Wars - Fanpop](http://www.fanpop.com/spots/star-wars/articles/17/title/best-viewing-order-star-wars-marathon) And the reference for Machete Order: [The Star Wars Saga: Introducing Machete Order » Rod Hilton](http://static.nomachetejuggling.com/machete_order.html) ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/38 "2012-05-30T04:04:38Z")
Watch 'em all, in their “long time ago” historical order, I-II-III-IV-V-VI, and decide for yourself. That way you’ll have seen them all and will know what people are talking about, even if you disagree with them. I’d wait at least several days between each, to give you the chance to digest them and mull them over - but then, I’ve never been much for the misplaced machismo that marathons seem to cater to. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Hamster\_King](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8edcca/32.png) [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/39 "2012-05-30T05:10:02Z")
IV is a great movie. Almost everything that people love (and remember) about Star Wars comes from the original. V is a very good movie. On technical merits alone it’s better than IV. But it lacks the thrilling freshness of seeing the characters and universe for the first time. VI is so-so. However it wraps everything up, so you have to see it if you’ve seen IV and V. I, II, and III are total dreck. Their existence actually lessens the original trilogy. Watch them after you’ve watched IV, V, and VI if you’re totally hooked and can’t get enough Star Wars. But be prepared to be disappointed. Lucas makes total hash of Anakin’s evolution into Vader. And, if possible, watch the original versions of the first trilogy before Lucas scribbled all over them. He changed character motivations, added useless scenes, and screwed up the timing of important story beats with unnecessary special effects. ---
**Author:** ![ToeJam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dfb087/32.png) [@ToeJam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ToeJam)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2012, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473/40 "2012-05-30T05:10:36Z")
Another person here in favor of “Machete Order”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-going-to-watch-the-series-for-the-first-time-all-together-or-spaced-apart/623473.md?page=3)