"To those whom it may concern at Lucasfilm,
Like innumerable Star Wars fans around the world, I was overjoyed to learn that the original versions of the Star Wars trilogy were to be released on dvd this fall. I applaud Mr. Lucas for his efforts to bring the movies to the visual and artistic standards he had always imagined. I have long felt, however, that the original versions of the films should not be suppressed in light of enhancements made numerous years after the fact. Both versions should be available for the viewing public to choose from (similar to Mr. Spielberg's release of E.T. a few years ago), and at first glance this news seemed to promise that.
The past few days, however, have brought more disturbing news to my ears, namely that these classic, groundbreaking films are not to be treated to a proper high-quality digital release, in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen as per the prevailing dvd industry standard, but instead in 4:3 letterbox, a transfer technique that has been obsolete for a number of years. I am deeply disturbed that Lucasfilm would see fit to release such a technically inferior product, from an outdated video source using outdated technology, to the public. Your company has long been at the forefront of technological innovation in film-making, and I am unable to understand why this historic release is being given such lacklustre treatment.
As you must be aware, the market for bootleg copies of the Star Wars films in their original forms is tremendous. More still are made and exchanged for no profit at all, simply for love of the material and a desire to preserve it. I feel I must warn the company that if the upcoming release is not given the treatment it deserves, in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen and using the best possible film elements available, then the loss in revenue, both from lack of sales and to the continued bootlegging, will be considerable. If the product we are given is no better than what we already own from previous releases, innumerable fans will see no point in purchasing it at all. Personally I dislike the practice of bootlegging and would be glad to see it made irrelevant through an official release of spectacular quality, and I urge the company to do these groundbreaking films justice and give them the treatment they deserve. We the fans will thank you with our hearts and our wallets if this is done.
It is my understanding that Mr. Robert Harris, who has done restoration work on Lawrence of Arabia and other films, has offered to assist Lucasfilm on restoring the original Star Wars films if necessary, for a low price and quickly enough to be released on dvd by Christmas. I appeal to Mr. Lucas and to Mr. Ward to contact him and enlist his services. These movies are beloved classics and deserve to be treated as such.
Thank you very much for your time."