The colour of the 2004 set is different from the 1997 special editions though.

Like captainsolo said, George's Technicolour print was used for the colour-timing - at least on A New Hope. I don't know about the other two. From those samples you posted I liked the warmer palette (even if one belonged to '97 and one was '04)

I agree that using the 2004 would be preferred because of the lack of smearing, but if you can - recolour the 2004 to match the '97 SE.

I think Empire of Dreams uses '97 SE footage if that's of any help.