I don't own a widescreen set, but when I heard the DVDs would be non-anamorphic, I was pretty pissed. It's not that I simply wanted a DVD enhancement that I wouldn't be able to use, I wanted the best product for the money that I paid. I view any DVD purchase as an investment for the future. If I were to ever upgrad to a widescreen set, I would hope that all my DVDs would hold up.
So, right now, it's more of a psychological thing. The nonanamorphic thing shouldn't really bother me, but it's a sign of the disrespect for these versions of the films, and I also think if I shelled out $60 for the films again ($20 more than I paid for the 2004 release), it should've been for a more worthwhile release.
Is the quality actually better than you expected?
It looks better than any VHS copy or bootleg I've seen, so I think it does look better than I had expected.
Are you just putting aside any quality issues and just enjoying the movies again pre-97?
Yes, but to an extent. Watching the 2006 DVDs was probably the most fun I've had watching these Star Wars movies in a long time. I still noticed the aliasing and combing problems, but I was still able to enjoy the films.
Have you put your hands up, and just become disgusted with Lucas and SW in general now?
My opinion of Lucasfilm goes on as it always has. I think Lucas is stubborn in his refusal to put out good quality versions of these films, but I've never really bitched about the issue. It was always more like a big sigh everytime I thought about it.
Has it made you want to watch the PT movies and become a saga fan PT + O-OT, or are now a true O-OT fan and the story ends with ROTJ, and begins with SW.
After I watched ROTJ, I did pop in ROTS for whatever reason. I've always liked the prequels though I do recognize their flaws, so my opinion of them is unchanged. I recognized the flaws of ROTS, but I was still able to enjoy it.
Actually, the most interesting reaction I've had with these DVDs is that I've noticed how much SW is its own standalone film. Regardless of what vision Lucas had in store for the sequels, the original Star Wars was always just Star Wars. Sure, it was left open for sequels, but the "Episode IV" title was never there originally, and it's a perfectly fine standalone film. I prefer ESB, but it's allowed me to see the gradual evolution in the trilogy more in terms of how it was made. I've also started to feel a little more ill-will towards ROTJ, seeing how good ESB was. I still think it's an enjoyable movie and it has some great moments, but so much of it feels like we've been there before.
So I don't really suscribe to either the two schools of thought which say there's only either the original trilogy or there's the prequel trilogy + original trilogy. I can see more configurations now.
1. Star Wars, the original film.
2. Star Wars and its great sequel, The Empire Strikes Back.
3. The Star Wars Trilogy: SW, ESB, and ROTJ.
4. The Prequel Trilogy + The Original Trilogy
Have you pushed others to buy it who were on the fence?
Nope.
If a remastered O-OT never comes out again, will you be content with this set?
I'd probably drop the cash for a remastered set, though with a big dramatic sigh as I do it.