Maybe this is a silly question, but what about data tape storage? I know, that nowadays it is possible to store up to 1.5TB of uncompressed data on a single tape but I'm not sure about the state of this technology in the late 90s. I know they were using what looked like a standard VHS tape for dailies when filming AotC and that was shot in 1080p, so not so different from 2K in terms of the amount of data. Lucas even wanted to shoot TPM digitally but Sony didn't manage to "perfect" the technology in time so he had to "settle" for normal film.