There weren't really screeners back then. People did find ways to transfer the movie from 35mm to another presentation method. Versions on VHS and U-matic tape have been digitized by members of this forum. People round these parts are interested in seeing old recordings of these movies, so thanks for sharing your remembrances. Your description of orange bars is something we haven't heard about, and definitely sounds like a new variation.

Here are threads for other similar recordings:

VHS pan/scan recording: http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/Does-Anyone-Have-The-Old-Original-Theater-Bootleg-77-Tape/topic/3250/

Widescreen recording: http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/Pre-ANH-bootleg-telecine-a-widescreen-version/topic/6994/

VHS recording: http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/NEW-possibly-2nd-Generation-77-78-Bootleg/topic/14341/

Larger list of recordings: http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/Theater-Performance-Preservations/post/454292/#TopicPost454292

Another possibility could be that it is a transfer of a 16mm to VHS/BETA. That was happening in the early 80s, a few of those have been mentioned round here. They are an equally valuable resource to those interested in the evolution of these films.

Feel free to mention what else comes to mind about the recording or the facts surrounding it. Sometimes one piece of info can link it to something relevant for someone reading.