EDIT--
I went to that site and there was an address to send suggestions/requests for titles for Criterion to release, so I thought I'd send an email on behalf of us. I haven't sent it yet, I thought I'd post it here first in case anyone here thinks I made too direct of a mention of bootlegs, although I tried very carefully not to reference them directly. If you think any part of this could be damaging tell me and I will re-word or excise that portion in question. Anyway, here is the email I wrote (but, I repeat, have not sent yet):
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Jon,
I, and many fans of the original Star Wars Trilogy want to be able to watch those films in their original form before George Lucas began altering them in 1997 with his "Special Editions" and now with the new 2004 DVD set.
I, and many other film enthusiasts (not just Star Wars fans) feel that the original cuts of those original three Star Wars movies are an important part of film history as well as being plain brilliant films. Unfortunately, George Lucas, who in the past, has spoken in favor of film preservation has indicated in recent interviews that he doesn't feel that the original cuts of these movies are worth preserving saying that "to him" those original cuts "no longer exist" and whatever new version he has currently come up with is the "real movie." I and many other Star Wars and film fans are very disturbed by this. Not only is a part of our childhood being suppressed and (the VHS and LaserDisc copies being) erased by time, but an important part of film history is being suppressed and erased. Numerous film experts have stated that apart from being great films, the (original) Star Wars films changed cinema and the way movies are made forever. And now Lucas is denying future generations seeing those movies in their original industry-changing forms.
George Lucas owns the rights to the Star Wars movies outright and, legally, can single-handedly determine their fate, so in this case the rights are in the hands of a single individual rather than a studio or corporation. I know it is a long shot, but I, and many other Star Wars fans, film enthusiasts and, really anyone against revisionist history would all be very appreciative if you could try to get the rights to release the original cuts of these three groundbreaking films on DVD (and hopefully on HD-DVD). If you want to see how passionate some are about this issue go to this website: http://www.originaltrilogy.com
The people there are all united in a common cause to preserve the original Star Wars Trilogy in it's original form. Some are making truly heroic efforts to preserve the trilogy. However, compared to an officially released DVD of the original cut of the original trilogy our efforts are quite inadequate as amazing as they are under the circumstances.
We know that there is little chance that Mr. Lucas will change his mind, but maybe he would listen to you, as you guys are authorities on film preservation. We would appreciate any effort you could put into talking to him about this issue. It would be criminal for these films to disappear in this age of digital preservation, especially when their creator has total control of them and is noted as a technological pioneer and film preservationist.
Lastly, I read the FAQ, so I know you can't keep us updated on your efforts if you undertake this quest to convince Lucas, so all I ask is that you confirm receipt of this message. Thank you very much, and good luck should you choose to accept this impossible mission.
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The dude that they direct you to email is named Jon in case anyone was wondering about that. And, of course, no insult was intended to those who have done beautiful work here on the bootlegs. I hope that is obvious. Please let me know what you think of this email. Did anyone else email them?