To clarify, when the film came out, it wasn't scratched up... the scratches came over the years. There would have been some film grain, though, and that is one thing that many viewers appreciate seeing again.

This 35mm transfer has the potential of looking fantastic, even compared to the blu ray, and certainly compared to the DVD, because the detail (including the grain) is so well preserved. It also will accurately preserve an important window into film history.

You are right that some people may subsequently use it for repairing the blu ray. I'm just guessing that is about the last thing on -1's mind.