THX 1138 (1971)

It seems that "updating" his films is a standard practice for George Lucas.  Before watching THX 1138, I thought that Lucas had kept his tinkering to just the Star Wars films.  Further research has shown that the original theatrical version of THX 1138 isn't even available on DVD. I'm not surprised.

The film focuses on the character of THX, and his life in a underground futuristic society.  We aren't told much about the society, except that everyone has a specific assigned job, sex is outlawed, individuals use drugs to manage their emotions and mental stability, and laws are enforced by robotic guards.  We aren't told any of the 'why' for these things.

THX lives with his female roommate LUH, who has decided to break free from the drugs affecting her.  She begins swapping out THX's drugs, so that he too can be free.  After an initial sickness, THX likes the mental freedom, and he and LUH hook up.

Being off his drugs causes THX to screw up his work, dropping a small 'yellow cylinder of doom' on the floor, which threatens to destroy a chunk of the city.  About this time, THX is put into a weird mental state by the government, as they have caught on to his illegal connection with LUH.  Eventually they release the hold, and THX picks back up the yellow cylinder, and the explosion is avoided.

THX is thrown into prison for his crimes of sexual perversion and drug evasion.  He is apparently put in the same cell with LUH, and they proceed to get their perversion on.  I don't quite understand how this happens, as it seems society would be a bit smarter by then.

The robot guards show up, and THX is beaten and then thrown into a cell with a bunch of men.  He eventually escapes with the aide of another prisoner, runs into a third prisoner, and a long chase scene happens.  The chase scenes seem to be the ones that Lucas chose to update, as CGI abounds in these scenes.

Eventually, THX is alone, and almost caught by the robot guards.  But guess what?  Apparently the chase is "over budget", and THX is allowed to escape.  I could be wrong, but I think the only references to money in this movie are in relation to the escape.  

Overall, I wasn't super impressed with THX 1138.  Maybe I was expecting more from a supposed 'sci fi classic', but I should have known better with George Lucas.  I can tell from the "upgrades" made in this director's cut that Lucas was once again likely more focused on having pretty action scenes than with enhancing his story, characters or plot. 

Overall - 7/10.  I'm sure the original was better, and I wouldn't be surprised if Lucas went back and made a version I would give a 6/10.