Only time will tell, but in truth yes I do think the OUT will be re-released on HD-DVD [and/or Blu-Ray]. As far as I'm concerned the big question is how it will be released, only an idiot would release it in 4:3 letterbox widescreen on one of the so-called "next generation" formats; then again only an idiot would release it on DVD! It's all or nothing, we'll either see another 4:3 letterboxed widescreen version of the OT bundled as a bonus with yet another release of the 2004 SE or beautifully restored in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen as a release in its own right.
There's no need to release anamorphic HD-DVDs, because they support native 16:9 resolutions such as 1920x1080. I don't know if HD-DVD supports 2.35:1 anamorphic though: it would give the advantage of ~30% better vertical resolution.
Hmmm. DVDs first came out in 97. Lucas waited about seven years to release the Special Editions of Star Wars on DVD. Considering that they already have HD masters of the SEs, I'd expect a little sooner. Maybe if next gen DVD formats really take off, I'll give them about three to four years to get released. He'll then probably wait another two years for the original versions. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be surprised if they were released in standard def as bonus material (whereas all the other SW bonus material will be hi-def).
Originally posted by: ShiftyEyes I wouldn't be surprised if they were released in standard def as bonus material (whereas all the other SW bonus material will be hi-def).
There is no way in hell that an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray Disc version of the OOT would be in letterbox. Lucas would loose all credibility and become the laughing stock of Hollywood. They wouldn't even allow it I bet. So if the OOT ever does see a high-def release, you can bet your ass it'll be anamorphic, unless Lucas is wearing a straightjacket at that point. He isn't that crazy YET.
You can bet your ass it's not anamorphic, since BR and HD DVD natively support 1920 x 1080. But I think that was already mentioned. And that it'll be letterboxed, since 1920/1080 != 16/9. (Unless HD DVD/BR support different resolutions than Wikipedia suggests.)
As for Lucas being a "laughingstock," by rights he should be a laughingstock now, but we've all seen the Amazon sales ranking for the gout.