And though I don't need the OOT or will even particularly prefur them over the SE-OT, I do agree that the OOT must be released onto DVD in respectable form. The SE-OT is, for all intents and purposes, a trilogy of remakes. It would be simply ludicris to release the 1999 version of The Haunting and disreguard the existance of the original. And then let it be a substandard release after years? I'm sorry, no. Even IF the remake was as good as the original, you don't do that.
Even when the OOT gets released with good transfers and an anamorphic upgrade, I'll still stick to Lucas' newer vision for watching the saga. I'll be more than happy to own the OOT, though.
Which brings me to my larger point. I want each person here to detail their definitive (as of the '04 set....) list of the changes/additions to the OT that they both can and cannot stand, or even like, as the case may be.
Star Wars
I haven't got a problem with most of the changes. A few are even an improvement, I feel. The biggest problem I have, though, is CGI trying to fit into 30 year old footage. It's completely rediculous. Like the Jabba scene. Even though it's repetative, I could stand it if Jabba looked convincing. He doesn't. I'm sorry, George. Try again next release! The Dewback in the background as the heroes enter the cantina? It's CG now. I'd be able to live with that, but the damn thing MAKES NOISE. Way to be subtle, there, George. Draw our eyes RIGHT to the big fake thing.
Overblown. That describes most of the changes to ANH. The comedy, such as the Jawa falling off the Ronto (spare me!) and the droids fighting at the start of the new Mos Eisley establishing shot, are totally unecessary (as are 99% of ANH's changes) and, frankly, lame. The CG stuff on the Tatooine sections stick out like a sore thumb, and all I think were good/needed changes are the fixing of the (vaseline) underside for the Landspeeder and the new low-shot of the Landspeeder from behind (as they heard toward Eisley, just after the "wretched hive" scene). Also the new shot of the Sandcrawler coming over a ridge on the way to the Lars homestead was a much-welcomed change.
I can tolerate Greedo shooting first. Not that it isn't stupid, mind you. But I can't accept it at this time because it is so unbelievably bad, effects-wise.
The only other worthy change in ANH was the new Death Star battle stuff. Here we go, some CG that ISN'T obvious. Watching the original Battle of Yavin now, it's so slow and unbearable. Though it's practically a big slap in the face to the hard work of ILM from back in the day. Unfortunately, some shots in the trench still look fake-ish and motion controlly.
The Empire Strikes Back
I don't have a problem with any of these changes, actually. They're few-and-far between. Necessary? None of it was. Wait, I take my statement back. Re-using the landing shot from ROTJ for Vader landing on the Executor was lame as hell.
My only other problem with the film lies in Lowry's shitty remastering job for the DVD: Vader's pink saber. It helps take away from the kick ass Luke/Vader fight.
Return of the Jedi
I have to comment about the DVD restoration that made my jaw drop: the fixing of the matte lines around the Rancor. A very welcomed fix!
Okay, the Sarlacc.... why did it have to be so in-our-face? It would be more tolerable if it didn't make any noise but, alas....
Once again, Vader's pink saber... why, Lowry.... why? And this time, it's murky!
Oh wait, let's step back for a little bit.... "Jedi Rocks"? Good f-ing God. I have to skip this EVERY time. The only time I've been embarrassed to be watching a Star Wars film! And what was wrong with the original song? That song was kick ass!
Okay, now the Ewok celebration... the only thing I can't stand about it is the new song. It doesn't mesh with the beginning of the end credits, whereas the original Williams piece flowed right into the big Star Wars theme blast that opens the end credits!
Christiansan as the force ghost? Dumb, and a big slap in the face of Sebastian Shaw. But I can let it go.
...Okay, your guys' turn...