really, building empire was so awesome i think only expansion could help R.T.J - i wouldn't retract or change any methods that you used for B.E. although, i think that the O.T. versus S.E. stuff shouldn't be in the main feature - although a bonus (branching?) would be cool. perhaps a presentation on the changes to the film over the years would be warranted.
NTSC is a big plus for sure. lots of people in the US actually CAN play PAL, but the players are usually crappy.
also, a DVD9 (or two disc DVD5 set, whatever) would be preferred to "fitting" everything in. i'd rather have everything in the best quality (and i'd imagine you would, too)
thanks for the project!