RedFive said:
I've also looked at Puggo's stuff, which is an actual transfer from old film reels, correct? Wouldn't that make this version the closest to the original?
Opinions differ on the meaning of "closest to the original". My editions have sometimes been labeled thusly. However, in my mind, the various Puggo editions are not at all close to the originals. When I saw Star Wars in the theater in 1977, it was pristine sharp, ultra-high definition, with colors that leaped off the screen, sound that blew you out of your seat... not all grungy and grainy like the GOUT or like mine! So to me, efforts such as Harmy's (and Adywan's reconstructed ESB, ocp's classic editions, dartheditous' ANH, etc.) are the closest to my memory of the original theatrical experience. George's special editions, even though they have the kind of detail I remember, ruin some of the original experience because of the inclusion of inappropriate computer graphics that are out of place amidst the earthy realism of the original films (notably on Tatooine and in Jabba's Palace), and are more reminiscent of the PT.
My purpose for doing the film transfers was to create reference material that people could use to research what was likely on the screen in 1977 (etc.). They are full of grain, wobbliness, dirt, fuzzballs, faded colors, assorted mouse droppings, etc. To my amazement, some people have claimed to actually enjoy watching them :)