Knightmessenger said:

Yeah, the book you're referring to. Isn't that the picture that's missing one of the sun's. It otherwise looks just like the Special Collection screenshot.

It has been discussed that the scene is definitely darker in those areas you mentioned than on pre THX releases. But it was supposed to be shot day for night. I have a good screenshot comparison on another computer but ever since the new software, I haven't been able to properly embed any screenshots into the forum.

A very late reply, I must have missed your post and completely forgot about this ;) Anyway, this was the picture I was talking about:

And you're right, now when I've seen the Japanese Special Collection transfer recently it is more close to it in color than the "GOUT." But I don't know if this picture is any true representation of it's original cinematography and colortiming, I just got very nostalgic when I saw this photo and thought to myself, this is how it's supposed to look. But I guess we'll never know...

also the Canyon scene with Artoo being captured is very bright compared to the "GOUT" release.