<P> In the original 1977 theatrical release of the scene, the film cuts to a closeup of Greedo's face, followed quickly by flash sparks, a cloud of smoke, and the sound effect of a blaster firing . This is followed by a reverse angle of Greedo from behind, slumping over the table . In 2012, director George Lucas expressed his dissatisfaction with this climax, believing that it depicts Solo, the film's supporting protagonist, as a "cold - blooded killer". But Greedo had pointed a gun at Solo and bragged that he had been "looking forward" to seeing Solo's "dead body", constituting--according to at least one legal expert--a direct threat on Solo's life that would clearly warrant preemptive action on Solo's part in self - defense . </P> <P> In the 1997 special edition of the film, a few frames are inserted in which Greedo shoots first at Solo and misses, and then Solo returns fire, killing Greedo . </P> <P> For the film's 2004 DVD release, the scene was altered again, with new timing so that the shots are fired at nearly the same time and so that Solo dodges Greedo's shot . In an article titled "The Star Wars George Lucas Doesn't Want You To See", The Atlantic summarized that "(i) n the original versions...it's clear that Han Solo pulled out his gun and shot the bounty hunter Greedo . In the 1997 version, Greedo shoots first . In the 2004 version, they shoot at the same time ." </P> <P> For the 2011 Blu - ray release, the scene of Solo and Greedo firing at each other was shortened by several frames . </P>

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