For many of us, the theatrical experience of the OT was a life changing event. I was 8 yrs old in 1977 when I first saw Star Wars. Without that early influence, my life would probably have been very different. Hell, our entire culture was changed by the experience. I was all in favor of the SEs when they came out especially since it gave me a chance to see the OT on the big screen again. However, after viewing them several times and going back to the OT, they just don't hold up. Many of the additions and changes completely changed the tone of the films. This is especially true in ANH. Many, including myself, fealt these changes were for the worse. GL denying the release of the original cuts was like a slap in the face to us. There was no sound reason other than his own hubris.