I believe the issue actually was that the AFI was asking LFL for a print of the films to borrow for exhibition, as they didn't posses one themselves. This was for the showing of the most important films of the '70s, right? They asked for original theatrical releases, and LFL declined, saying they'd be happy to provide the SEs. AFI then decided (demonstrating magnificent integrity) to tell LFL where they could stick the 1997 SE versions, and didn't show the films at all. Again, this is as I remember the incident shaking down. It would be a different story if they could get their hands on, and assemble, their own prints, wouldn't it?
I believe the issue actually was that the AFI was asking LFL for a print of the films to borrow for exhibition, as they didn't posses one themselves. This was for the showing of the most important films of the '70s, right? They asked for original theatrical releases, and LFL declined, saying they'd be happy to provide the SEs. AFI then decided (demonstrating magnificent integrity) to tell LFL where they could stick the 1997 SE versions, and didn't show the films at all. Again, this is as I remember the incident shaking down. It would be a different story if they could get their hands on, and assemble, their own prints, wouldn't it?