DominicCobb said:

Yeah. But it would still show Anakin become Darth Vader. Because that's what prequels are for. You would still need to watch 4-5-6-1-2-3 if you wanted surprises.

I always thought that if Lucas got really creative, he could have made 1-2-3 that fit right into 4-5-6, so the PT would not have spoiled the OT for a new fan watching them in order.

Lucas could have had Anakin never be named Darth Vader by Palpatine, and when he is lying there on Mustafar burning the first time viewer thinks he is dead. Then Lucas would not show the building of Darth Vader in Episode III, so when it comes to Episode IV, you just think this is a new villain who is chasing down Princess Leia, the same way Count Dooku was a new villain in Episode II.

Then when Darth Vader reveals himself in Episode V, the 1-6 viewer would be just as suprised as we were because he does not know that Anakin is Darth Vader, he just thinks Darth Vader is a jedi who killed Luke's dad.

There are many other details that I would have to go through the movies to make sure they jive up with 4-6. You wouldnt have Owen/Beru in the PT, or Anakin's last name would not be Skywalker, because then it would be obvious.

Lucas essentially created the PT to be watched after the OT now, because there are so many things that are nods to the OT when you're watching the PT, but he could have written it as a linear story if he really took the time.