Actually, its interesting though--Lucas' aquiring of the original film was never reported. Not in press releases, AFAIK, and not in any LFL books released since. It was very quiet, almost secretive. And it happened right around the time Fox got the deal to distribute the PT. Because Lucas didn't have to go with Fox, he was free to take SW to Warner or whomever, but he chose Fox--and then mysteriously was the new owner of Star Wars. My theory is that it was part of the deal--you can distribute the PT, sure to be the most lucrative trilogy of all time, but only if you give me ownership of the original film. And Fox couldn't resist. Lucas is a very brilliant businessman.
Actually, its interesting though--Lucas' aquiring of the original film was never reported. Not in press releases, AFAIK, and not in any LFL books released since. It was very quiet, almost secretive. And it happened right around the time Fox got the deal to distribute the PT. Because Lucas didn't have to go with Fox, he was free to take SW to Warner or whomever, but he chose Fox--and then mysteriously was the new owner of Star Wars. My theory is that it was part of the deal--you can distribute the PT, sure to be the most lucrative trilogy of all time, but only if you give me ownership of the original film. And Fox couldn't resist. Lucas is a very brilliant businessman.