Why couldn't they have just used the '97 print for the dvd release, then come out a few years later with a proper "ultimate restoration" dvd with more time. The clips from Empire of Dreams looked fine, I think most people would have been very happy with that for a dvd release.

Then Lucas could have double dipped and given people more of a reason to buy the movie again. Instead the exact same 2004 version has been released 4 times on dvd. And maybe 5. I'm now seeing the sucky 2004 silver covers sold individually in stores but with the sticker that they also have the original version. Does this mean LFL is trying to dump their excess stock of cases from the first two box sets?

As a matter of fact, why did Lowry even need to "restore" the films again when they should have been in excellent condition from 1997?