CO said:

I have always said if Lucas would have just changed a few special effects in the OT movies, fans like me would still be on his side.

I only got mad when he started tampering with scenes: Greedo shooting first, deleting Sebastian Shaw from the force ghost, and Jedi Rocks.

Even though I still prefer the OOT versions, I wouldn't have complained as much as I do now, and probably would have just lived with the SE if he just updated effects.

Didn't realize I posted in this thread in October 2005. Oh well, atleast I have been consistent:

CO said:

Kinda agree with everyone, if it was just effects, I don't have a problem with it. But when it comes to additional scenes, or change/editing a scene, it is insulting, and makes me want O-OT even more. Lucas could have just really updated the effects in the original Star Wars, and slightly touched ESB & ROTJ and we all would have 'lived' with these SE Editions. But again, Lucas has miscalculated his original fanbase.

This kinda/sorta is how I feel, although what you described would still - for the most part - be the SE we actually got, simply minus the story changes like Greedo shooting first, etc.

If the '97 release had been nothing more than a true restoration of the films, we wouldn't have complained. Unfortunately, as KilroyMcFadden pointed out, George's SE kinda went hand in hand with his plans for the prequels. I should clarify that it's not the story of the movies that bothers me so much as the fact that George wrote the screenplay all by himself (okay, some help in that department on aotc) and directed the movies instead of hiring three new directors.

I've always thought it would be an interesting expirement to watch the theatrical cuts of all six films and see how well the PT blends with the OOT.