When the DVD 3-pack came out for SW 4-6 with the original theatrical releases on Disc 2, I took the day off of work and sat and watched 1-6 in order.

I have never been a super fan of the Prequels, I won't lie. Fans of the Prequels, please don't take offense to any of my comments, I'm merely trying to answer the question honestly. I do enjoy the Prequels, just not on the same scale or depth. I feel that there is an incredible disjoint between 3 and 4, when watching all six in a row.

And I'll tell you what. To me it's not the cast, it's not the chronological time lost between Episodes. I'll even say that the special effects and everything aren't the real issue. The issue is that the old movies had characters I cared about. Characters that fit nicely into mythological archetypes (see Joseph Campbell). For example: the hermit/wizard (Kenobi), the farmboy that becomes a hero (Luke), the rogue hero (Han), the princess to rescue (Leia), the evil bad guy (Vader), semi-comedic characters to tell the tale and narrate (Threepio and R2). Tell me where characters of this strength exist in the Prequels. Please, I need it pointed out. I want to like all 6 together. Ha!

Also, let's look at direction. George Lucas was smart enough to hire actors' directors for 5 & 6 and not do it himself. Episode 4 is arguably the worst or slowest movie for new viewers, makes it hard for new people to get into the old movies. Who directed this movie? George Lucas. He did a decent job for a filmmaker and technician, don't get me wrong.

Common complaints for the Prequels are the shoddy acting given off by Hayden Christensen and usually phenomenal actors such as Natalie Portman and Samuel L. Jackson. George Lucas reserved the right to direct his star cast for all three Prequels. Not to mention that Palpatine was the evilest villain ever in RotJ. In the prequels (directed by Lucas), he was the silliest character ever. Hm.

Sorry to rant, I did not mean this post to be this long, ha!