I was viewing the original widescreen version (1993 Laserdisc transfer) of Episode IV:ANH earlier today. Over the past few years I've been watching the special editions exclusively and was really struck by the differences in each movie. The 1977 version has a very raw, visceral quality to it...the visuals, special effects and sound have a very rough, in your face kind've quality to them that i'd fogotten about. All it takes is five minutes with the film and you know this is a film from '77. I actually appreciated these qualities during my time watching the film.
On the other hand, it got me to thinking how much speculation there would have been on all the things now possible with advanced CGI, so I'm glad that George Lucas indulged us all by inserting those bits and pieces that he had always envisioned changing. Its nice to watch all three of the classic widescreen movies and compare those scenes that were changed, altered or expanded with their newer counterparts.
Thanks for a fun site too, i'm glad I found you guys.
Cheers!