He was going to do the entire "saga" (hate that phrase) in "Lucas 3-D" (ok it wasn't really called that.) in 2007. It was supposed to be for the 30th Anniversary, but that fell through. I hope it does not happen. I would much rather see a general rerelease of the OT as in 1997. This would mean that George would release the 04 HD version to be digitally projected. The horror. 1997 was probably SW's last breath.

The problem of restoration would actually be getting the materials themselves. 35mm prints and access to the negatives. I don't believe for one second that Lucas would have been stupid enough to splice the 97 footage directly into the 77 original negative. It wouldn't have looked as good as if he had put it in a 97 restored copy print.

Robert A. Harris offered to do the restoration, and got no response. I think our only option may be to go to the Film Preservation Board/Library of Congress and make an appeal. SW entered the National Film Preservation in 1989-before any changes. This must mean that they have a pristine 35mm archival quality print-one that George could never get his hands on. They might listen as they did on the issue of B&W film colorization-for the issue is very similar. At the very least it should be decided that all versions should be available in acceptable transfers ala Blade Runner.

Otherwise, I think the GOUTS will stand for years to come. Blu-Rays of the OT will be a long time coming as they were on DVD. If this release ever comes to fruition, original versions will only be present if: we keep up pressure on Lucasfilm, George relents, a restoration commences, or we will simply see the GOUTS in HD.

Lucasfilm: keeping Laserdisc and VHS alive well into the 21st century and beyond!!!