Honestly, I wouldn't have any interest in a '1:1 improvement' and I don't think many other people would either.

Firstly - I can still play Halo 2 on my xbox 360.

Secondly - the visuals were pretty lacking in Halo 2 the first time around. If I can play it in the 'classic' mode without popping textures and jagged edges I will be a happy man.

I'm not entirely sure but it seems like the comparison shots that are circulating are both from the xbox one version. That isn't really a true indication of the difference.

They aren't 'changing' the ending - but they are adding things - there will be a new epilogue [and prologue, i think] as well as terminals.

It's no secret that Halo 2 had development problems and a lot of stuff got cut out. The game was a lot of fun to play through but just didn't feel satisfying afterwards. I look forward to a more fleshed out story, even if it's not what Bungie originally had in mind.

And yeah, the abilty to jump directly from Halo 2 to Halo 3 without waiting 3 years is a nice touch ;)