Especially when you compare them to the old VHS covers. I miss all of the great VHS art.

The easiest way to view the original unaltered trilogy is indeed through the Bonus discs of the Limited edition 2006 releases. However, these are simply transfers from the master for the 1993 Definitive Collection Laserdisc. The 1993 edition did have a few elements changed, so it isn't truly the "original theatrical edition". For that the easiest edition to get would be that 1992 VHS set mentioned above if you are without a Laserdisc player. Plus it's available in 4:3 widescreen.