I don't see how Mr. Leggett's reply can make anyone here happy. His reply, while seeming encouraging one moment, is a letdown the next. There is nothing keeping LFL or Fox from pawning off a 1997 or 2004 version to the LOC, and more importantly, there is most likely nobody at the LOC that can verify just exactly what version of the film comes into their possession. I commend Mr. Leggett for his prompt reply, and it does indeed sound like he at least knows there are multiple versions, but I just don't see it happening. I would LOVE to be proved wrong. But really, who at the LOC can actually dig the thing up and verify it? Even if someone did say it is the 1980 print, could they provide proof? Or, would they just take LFL or Fox's word? Would pictures of the cans or reels be enough? Could someone examine the film itself and provide pictures?

Highly doubtful. I want to believe, but at this stage, I simply cannot.