Bingowings said:

It was a physical prop and the light was really hitting it from the same direction as the building ergo it felt real to me.

The newer version is a pretty picture but it doesn't feel realistic.

I'm with Bingo on all of this - interior Death Star77, Ben's house77, hangers77, etc. After 1977 they just seemed to take the ball and run with it. The very thing that made the 1977 film magical - imagination - seemed to be whittled away as time went on. The prequels are an abomination compared to Taylor's work. Can't even be compared. Aaagain, George - know when to to say when.