zombie84 said:

Anchorhead: ....thanks for the praise. I have to say, the feeling is mutual: reading your posts and interacting with you the last few years has given me an invaluable insight into the films that I doubt I would have otherwise. You are a rare breed of fan that most people my age don't get access to, and it sort of saddens me to think of the loss that people will have when they don't have first-hand access to people that have been around since 1977 but didn't keep up with the Lucasfilm machine.

Right back at you, man. I honestly believe it's the work of people like you and some of the members here who got us the 2006 DVD of the theatrical version - the only Star Wars DVD I own, or want to own.

I also think that same tenacity will eventually get us a proper release, although it will probably be many years from now. Lucas really digs his heels in when he's pushed, so it's not going to be easy. Until then, I'll help you guys fight the good fight by promoting your site, your book, and this site whenever I can.

I'm certainly grateful for having been around in 1977 and being part of the Summer Of Star Wars. I'm also glad I was old enough to really appreciate it and participate in it. It was a heady time indeed. I saw it every week, had the soundtrack, the poster that came with it, the one-sheet, the lobby cards, magazines, etc. I lived it.

That said: The truth is, it was all luck of the draw. We get here whenever we get here. So while I got to be part of the Star Wars phenomenon of 1977 - I'm also going to turn 50 before most of you. That can be a sobering thought.

As for being a fan of only one of the films and not following the Lucasfilm machine (great term for it, by the way), well - 1977 was a very tough act to follow.

Besides, you guys keep me young.

;-)