I like the 70mm mix not only because of the alternate/additional dubs and effects, but because of the original music. The best example of this is the cue after Yoda’s “That is why you fail.” In the 70mm, JW’s wonderful transition is intact. It was hacked in favor of more tracked music in the 35mm. Which I hate.

Also, I think this should be preserved because this was the original version of the movie. Release number 1. In fact, the folks that worked on it considered the 70mm “finished”. Only later did they turn around and officially “unfinish” the film so that they could change it for the 35mm release. There has never been a home video of this “finished” release. And it would be impossible to create was it not used for the ’97 Special Editions. That’s why I’m thankful for the Special Edition of Empire. I think it’d be great to have the 70mm version of Empire on disc alongside the 35mm version, for the record if nothing else. To have a version of the movie with the restored music and dialogue, but actually containing the original cut of the film, not the SE. I hate to put this idea out there like I’m saying, “I think this project should be done, but I’m too lazy to do it. Anyone want to do it for me?” Because that’s not the case at all. If nobody does this or has done this, then I WILL do it. It’ll just be a long while before I have time to do it, as I’m a very busy guy and am working on the Ep. II edit right now.