Originally posted by: Tiptup
Neat! What was the original letter you sent him?

This is what I sent (I sent a similar one to Roger Ebert):

Dear Mr. Maltin,

As you're probably aware, for the first time the original versions of the original Star Wars Trilogy will be released on September 12th, packaged along with the Special Edition versions. However, as will all things Star Wars, there is a lot of controversy surrounding them, because of the fact that the original version DVDs will be non-anamorphic, made from 13-year-old laserdisc masters. The release is seen as a feeble attempt on the part of George Lucas, to placate fans who have been clamoring for a DVD release of the original, pre-Special Editon films. When the news about the non-anamorphic release started to leak, Lucasfilm publicist Lynne Hale sent out a press release stating, disturbingly, that “The negatives of the movies were permanently altered for the creation of the Special Editions, and existing prints of the first versions are in poor condition”, hence, the use of letterboxed laserdisc masters for the upcoming release.

I would imagine that not only Star Wars fans would be upset by this statement, but ALL film-lovers and preservationists as well.

I have forwarded to you a letter which I sent to Ms. Hale, protesting this sub-standard September 12th release. I've sent it to you, because I thought you would be the best person to inform consumers about this release, and help put pressure on Lucasfilm/Fox to reconsider the manner in which these much beloved films are being treated (I've also forwarded the letter to new Lucasfilm VP Jim Ward).

I look forward to seeing your review of these newest Star Wars DVDs.

Best wishes,
M. R.

P.S. Please visit originaltrilogy.com run by Jay Sylvester. Over the last few years, his site has collected over 75,000 signatures to get the original Star Wars Trilogy released on DVD. The forums are just full of disappointed fans these days.