The release of Star Wars on Blu-ray raises important issues for those of us introducing our young padawans to the Force.

I opened a real can of worms over at the SMH recently when I asked whether Star Wars on Blu-ray was a must-have. I can understand why fans of the original movies are unhappy with George Lucas’ constant tinkering, but should we drag our children into this religious debate?

There’s no question that you should start by showing your children Episodes IV, V and VI. To suggest otherwise is blasphemous, as it would destroy the most powerful moments of Episode V (the best movie of the six, there I said it). But should you try to dig up copies of the original movies rather than screening Lucas’ latest changes?

Call me a heretic, but I’m happy to let my kids watch the Blu-ray versions first. We’re even going to watch them with 5.1 sound, even though Episode IV was originally screened with four-channel sound. I admit that I sometimes find it hard to stomach these new Star Wars movies. I’m constantly seeing the changes, so I can’t just sit back and enjoy the movie. But I don’t want to pass this on to my children. I want them to sit back and merely enjoy Star Wars as I did as a youngster, rather than playing spot the changes.

Yes, Han shot first. Yes, Vader’s final “Noooooooooo!” is an abomination. Yes, George Lucas' vandalism has spoiled Star Wars for an entire generation. But the sins of the father shouldn’t be visited upon the son.