Why didn't Qui Gon Jin's body disappear in Episode 1 when he died?

Answer 1

Obi-Wan's death in the hanger of the first Death Star was a voluntary sacrifice. Yoda's death on Degobah was that of a venerable old Jedi finally ready to end his physical existance. Both of these Jedi voluntarily became one with the Force (in the d20 Star Wars roleplaying game this ability is known as "Luminous Being") which causes the body to disappear, fading from physical existance as the spirit becomes part of the Force.

Qui-Gon's death was not voluntary. He did not will his spirit to become one with the Force, he making every effort not to die fighting Darth Maul.

Answer 2

A very good question, and one that has never been explained. Yoda & Obi-Wan vanished when they died, then later appeared to Luke from the 'other side'. Qui-Gon and Anakin/Vader were burned in the traditional Jedi funeral; Luke saw his father, who renounced the Dark Side, briefly right after he died, but Qui-Gon was never seen again.
At the end of ep.III though, Yoda hinted to Obi-Wan that he may be able to communicate with Qui-Gon.
I guess it's something like that Old Soldier's proverb: "old Jedi never really die, they just fade away"

Answer 3

No Jedi had yet mastered how to become a force ghost. Yoda discusses this with Obi Wan right near the end of Episode 3.

Answer 4

He doesn't have to to be a spirit. Remember, Anakin's body was still around when he died (episode 6), and his spirit was seen at the end of the movie.

In actuality, it was just a plot devise to let the audience know something was different with Obi Wan, and Yoda.

Answer 5

It's because of plot inconsistencies that George Lucas failed to take into account until later on.

Answer 6

He wasnt truly a jedi master.

Answer 7

didn't they bury him?