It wouldn't surprise me if some studios were getting cheap and nasty with film prints so as to make digital look good. Not every director has control over those things.
I saw Tron Legacy one time in 2D 35mm before it left theaters, and was pleasantly surprised that it looked good. Been a while since I'd seen minor scratches and reel change splices on a "current" film!
When it comes to the local revival screenings, one never knows what kind of print will show up! ;)