skyjedi2005 said:
Would people have paid tons of cash in 1997 to see non restored not cgi versions of the films.
I actually don't remember the new CG FX in 1997 being the main selling point for the theatrical re-releases.
I remember the ads with the little TV set and the "for over a decade, THIS is the only way you could see Star Wars..." or whatever narration, basically saying that Star Wars is meant to be seen BIG, and honestly, I think that's why 99% of the people went to see the re-releases.
It was a lot of people my age either just wanting to see them on the big screen one more time and/or taking their kids to see them on the big screen for the first time ever.
As far as the blu-rays go, I think a lot of people got a big surprise with some of the new alterations when they sat down to watch them (those who don't frequent SW-related forums, that is). And for me, the alterations were the reason that I did NOT buy them (the FIRST time ever that I didn't buy a new SW video release/format upgrade).
I believe the reason most fans buy SW over and over again is for the improvements in the formats over the years (VHS>>LD>>LBX VHS>>LBX LD>>DVD, etc.) not for changes to the movies themselves.