Everyone who attends this forum needs to call or write in. If you have not done so yet, please do so. If we can get everyone to call or write in, we might be able to make a difference. If you do nothing, you have no right to complain later, here or anywhere else. It's just like voting.
Here is a copy of what I sent if anyone wants a template:
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Dear Lucasfilm,
First off, let me please say that I am very happy with Lucasfilm's choice to release the original, unaltered Star Wars trilogy on DVD. I think it is a decision that has been a long time coming, and I am really pleased to see it.
That being said, I would really like to see three of the highest-grossing, highest-rated films in history be given somewhat better treatment in the formal release planned for September. I completely understand the financial considerations involved in the sort of clean-up and restoration that would be involved in such a product, but I really think a disservice is being done to many loyal fans here, many of whom have purchased countless releases of the films over the years.
If, as has been stated in the form letter recently issued, Lucasfilm has no intention of ever releasing a restored version (beyond what has already been done) of the original trilogy, it is my hope that the company will allow a third-party company to handle any restoration.
In the end, I think many people are interested in any changes that George Lucas has made to the Star Wars movies as well as any changes that he chooses to make to his films in the coming years. I respect his artistic liberty. I just think that people should still be given the choice to choose which version they enjoy the most - i.e. the availability to purchase a different version of the films.
In the best case scenario, there would be a huge original trilogy release, containing the following:
- the original theatrical versions of the films
- the 1997 special editions
- the 2004 special editions
- all audio track variations of each film
In addition to that, it would be really nice for Lucasfilm to add bonus material for the original trilogy in the way that they have for the prequel trilogy. What has been announced for September is the first step, but it is a baby step.
Of particular interest to me is any deleted scene or cut scene material from the original trilogy. These scenes have been scattered across a variety of making-of specials (which are all now out of print) for years; it would be nice to have them consolidated in one source, such as the original trilogy release.
It is my hope that if nothing more is done to the original, unaltered trilogy this September, that at least Lucasfilm will "spice up" this release by adding a bonus disc full of deleted scenes and similar archival material. This is something that fans have been wanting for years but have never received in a good quality form. I think that adding something like this to the set would go a long way towards pleasing fans.
I'll be the first to say that Star Wars fans go too far sometimes, and can be overly obsessive. However, this only proves that they are good purchasers. Why not give them what they want?
For the record, I will be buying the set that has been announced for September, but it is my hope that by the time it reaches store shelves, the original trilogy bonus material will be of a somewhat higher level of quality than has been originally planned.
Thank you for your time.