TheBoost said:

Katie,

Lucas's biggest changes aren't visible. It's not about Han shooting first, or CGI X-Wings. While I think those suck, and it's good for you to see the OOT when you can, but it's the change in context he created that most deeply effect the films.

I hope you've read "Secret History of Star Wars" that goes really in depth into this. But the next time you watch "Star Wars" keep in mind all the things that AREN'T in the movie. Vader isn't Lukes dad. He isn't even the main villian. There's no Prophecy, no Sith Lords, Obi Wan isn't lying. It's about a farm boy on a quest to save a princess.

THAT is the movie that shattered box office records and changed lives. Good luck with your paper.

While I somewhat get what you're saying, I doubt this has much to do with the original topic - aside from that, didn't "Empire" burn itself strongly into the public mind, as well?

Isn't the "father" one of the most famous and iconic "reveal twists" in cinematic history (how good it actually is is another question)?