Okay, that makes sense. It just seemed weird how the walla dropped out after a bit - it had me worried that I had lost a sound channel or something similar. Sorry if I sounded crazy when I first mentioned it.
- I am not sure if Mr. Reynolds viewed the COMPLETE film, but he certainly viewed a lot of it. So yes, it is most likely that a complete black and white copy of the Lost Cut exists, probably without any audio, as they weren't able to find the audio in 1998ish when they made Behind the Magic. All the Lost Cut material exists as raw unedited footage in the Lucas archives, in color and with sound, on 35mm film. It has been fairly well stored all these years, and could be restored in color if Lucas wanted, but it would be a big project. Check out the Anatomy of a Dewback Pt. 2 DVD ROM extra on the Deleted Magic disc for a glimpse into those vaults.
The more time I spend here at OT.com, the more fed up I get with Lucas. Kudos to him for creating SW, because it is great, but to hold back things like this is just too much. I understand artistic license, but there is something to be said for reaching out to your fans, too. I never knew an intact (color/audio) copy of the Lost Cut existed, and knowing that just makes me sad. I read something by you somewhere where you were talking about how it is silly that all the cut footage has been scattered across countless documentaries and TV shows, and it just sinks in more and more. I can't understand why, even with the release of the Extra Special Editions, he did not at least release a bonus materials disc that finally contained all the deleted scenes that people have heard about all these years. I guess, though, you more than almost anyone else is in a position to be irked the most about it, though.
So, in conclusion, thanks for doing with Deleted Magic what Lucas should have done years ago. It's sad that it takes the fans to please the fans anymore.