Harmy said:

Now, I'm not asking what is the best currently available release, but rather what release was the best when it came out - to give you an example I think the Executor set is awesome, although it's VHS only, so it definitely isn't the best currently available picture and sound quality, it was simply an awesome release in the VHS age.

Another example could be the 97SE VHS and LD release - I don't really like the version of the film presented but as movie releases go, it was great - top notch picture and sound quality for the formats they were released in, beautiful cover art and even the VHS release had bonus features, which was something I greatly appreciated at the time, as it was quite unusual.

That is an interesting question!

Probably every release as it occured was the best release!

But I would personally go for the original 1982 home video release.

Not because of the picture or sound quality but for the context.

The anticipation for the as yet un-released Return Of The Jedi (or Revenge Of The Jedi!) was reaching fever pitch and SW and ESB really only existed as cinematic memories(which when you are a kid are both exotic and vague).

Being able to see SW at home for the first time was truly exhilarating.

This foto(which is not mine) captures the moment perfectly:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35301335@N07/3789266874/

And here is some of the 1982 promotion---the blu ray could have done with some of this art work:

"Vibrant Stereo on VHS(mono compatible) and the highest standards of technology,materials and workmanship in assembly will ensure full enjoyment".

Classic.