The Empire Strikes Back inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry. — Page 2

I posted this in my saveSW thread, but I wrote to Congress to clarify if it was the original, and if it was a new or existing print. Good news. 1) It's the original. 2) It will be a newly struck print.

Michael:  In reference to the question, we always recognize and seek to ensure preservation of the original theatrical release version, per the legislation (which says the Registry version is "the version of a film first published")., though we might also try to obtain other versions as well. This would apply even in cases where we might prefer a different version (i.e. where a studio butchered a director's film before release).

Tho we recognize the original, we have no problem with the filmmaker going back and releasing a modified version (that is their right after all).  We would want to see all versions preserved well.

After the recent selection, we will in the near future request that Fox/Lucasfilm strike and send us a new 35mm print of the original 1980 release version.  We do that for all the studio titles, and the studios do cooperate.

Best, Steve Leggett

This is fantastic news!

I noticed that Electronic Labyrinth, Lucas' student short that became THX 1138, was also inducted this (last) year.

Print struck from what?

That would be sad if the archived, armageddon-proof version was struck from a rushed, sloppy internegative, in turn transferred from an abused, degraded interpositive.

And if it will be from the O-Neg...that will be a big 'a-ha!-it-does-exist.'

Moth3r said:

Indeed good news, assuming:

1) Fox/Lucasfilm do indeed cooperate

2) Someone at the Registry actually checks to ensure they haven't tried to sneak in an SE print...

 This is a real test. It's one thing to say "to hell with you" to your fans, but is Lucas so bold as to say to hell with the Library of Congress!!