Its important to note that whatever Lucas says about the film (or any movie) now - good or bad - in an 'interview' should be taken with a grain of salt. Lucas has only one reason since 1980 to make appearences and 'interviews' - to attract attention by offering soundbites and talking points. This is a classic example.

he'll probably rave about it now, but for years it wasn't his cup of tea. By no means does this film reflect his 'vision'. The cast and crew went above and beyond his 'vision'.

To give him credit, I do think he was genuinely amazed at what was put together for Yoda. And keeping han solo's fate uncertain was very much like Hitchcock killing off marion crane not even 1/2 way thru Psycho.

He certainly did not like the fact that he was at odds with the entire cast and crew and they cared more about making a quality movie than he did. He did not like how harrison ford took Han Solo character and ran away with it (is ford really 70!?!??!).

He didn't want it to be a garbage sequel (hello exorcist II) that was the norm in those days, if for no other reason than to keep the franchise going. Making a great movie, however, was of no importance - never was, never will be.

Apologists wil say he was merely complaining that the budget spiraled out of control and ESB could not afford the extensive shooting schedule. As the films 'financier', they will say he had a right. They neglect to mention that one of the setbacks was a fire in the studio. And if ESB budget was based on a quickie 2 takes per setup, quality be damned, then Lucas set the film up for failure by underplanning and did not want to put the time and effort.