There have been so many versions of Star Wars over the years that it is quite impossible to say which is the 'ultimate definitive original' version. Three sound mixes in '77. "A New Hope" in '81. New sound mixes in '85 and '93. The special edition in '97. The official DVD's in '04. Numerous fan restorations/preservations combining different elements of sound and picture in ways their creators see fit . . .
What's the problem with wanting to get the best possible copy of the laserdisc releases when clearly the upcoming '06 DVD will not be exactly the same to them in every aspect? They are a part of Star Wars history.
Good as the Classic Editions are--and kudos to Garrett for making them--they are not exact reproductions of the original film but hybrids, assembled to his taste in what the best elements to use would be. That is quite a different beast than the X0, and given their differing natures, there is no reason whatsoever the two concepts cannot co-exist side by side, or separately for those who prefer only one or the other. The existence of one does not threaten the validity of the other. For my part I have the Classics and also eagerly look forward to the completion of the X0, and of course the upcoming release in September. None of them will be exactly the same, and since Star Wars has undergone so many variations, comparing them to each other has become a favourite pasttime of mine. I grew up with the films in VHS from the early '90s with the '85 stereo mix, which is the base to compare all others. What's wrong with having different approaches, I ask?
This is my first post, by the way. I've been lurking a few months but didn't really have much to say at first, since most people here know more than me about this stuff. (And I thought I was obsessed! lol)
Anyway, it's great news they're finally putting them out officially, even if it is only for a short time. A lot of anger and resentment (though not all) towards Lucas has been lifted away and I can be at peace.
So, OCP--thanks for the great work on the Classics! X0 guys--keep up the awesome job! I'm so glad there are people invested in these movies enough to want them preserved.
Dan, aka hairy_hen