Now I’m going to assume the missing footage was from the 70mm prints. I’m assuming this based on the fact that it’s easier to make last minute changes to a 35mm print as opposed to the larger format 70mm print which takes more time to prepare.
In its original run from May 25 to June 20, 1098 prints went into circulation. Now if only the original 8 70mm prints are missing footage not many people saw that compared to the 200 or so Empire movies. This could also explain the lack of coverage on this matter. Simple not many people saw the different version.
In an interesting side note…
When Last of the Mohicans came out in theatres it was in a much bloodier version then what was originally on video or later on DVD. The end fight scene on the cliff was gorier and during the ambush scene after surrendering the fort, a general’s heart is ripped out and is then eaten. Now I haven’t ever been able to find any documentation online or otherwise about changes made to this movie when it made it’s transaction from theatres to video but I know the theater version was different. I saw that movie in the theatre three times personally and it had all the gore and extra bits of violence in it. Although I’ve never seen any documentation on this I’ve talked to people who also saw the version I saw. So just because there is no documentation doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. After all something doesn’t become a rumor or “myth” without people talking about it.
I’m guessing that only a handful of people who saw Star Wars in the theatre saw the prints that were missing footage.
Lack of people=lack of coverage
Lack of coverage=rumor or myth
But that doesn't mean it didn't happen
It’s kind of funny that we just sort of took this whole thread over with our own discussion
EDITED SPELLING