Kathleen Kennedy’s comments yesterday about how when she took over Lucasfilm staff were not sure whether there was an original print, let alone where it might be, was interesting. There was clearly an attempt to track it down: https://youtu.be/DLtfTrI8qRo?si=PVHvq8f6xBPBzY7R
A fully restored version would create a huge amount of goodwill among a significant chunk of the fan base, largely those of us who grew up with the OT. At this point Disney might be more willing to push for a cinematic &/or DVD/digital rerelease, recognising how it might win back many disillusioned fans.
This seems to me the first time that LFL have openly acknowledged (and even supported) the preservation of the original movie. I hope this is the start of the '77 version of the film being given the treatment it deserves.
LFL definitely can’t use the excuse of “the original film doesn’t exist any more” after this, at least.
I never thought Oasis would get back together, and yet here we are. Maybe we will get that official OUT release after all…