zombie84 said:

The improvements aren't necessary but they aren't unnecessary either IMO. The way I see is that it's just different flourishes and accents but the song remains the same. Burtt used to say that because a lot of the mix was actually done "live", each time they did a pass it was its own performance, and that's sort of the attitude I take towards the mono vs stereo. It's like when you see a band perform live, each concert you go to the songs will be technically different than the last time and with little improvs and modifications and even some mistakes, and some you like and others you miss from last time.

That is what is said everytime the film is changed basically. And I can appreciate that, if we always have an alternative. (in this case the mono mix have ironically been restored by a fan;) that's one of the reason why I went to see it in the cinema '97. Don't take this wrong, I love the mono mix of SW and I appreciate a well made mono mix far more than a flashy modern made 5.1 mix made for just the sake of it as many films are made today. I just think it wasn't necessary when I compare it with the stereo mix. IMO. it was already perfect.

I think it's scary when movie enthusiast are very concerned about authentic color-timing, picture-quality etc. and forget that the sound of the film is half of the experience. Just look at every blu-ray on the market today and you can count the original mixes that went with them on one hand, compare that with regular music CD's. You would have an uproar if it were the same.