For all you claiming I made up the source on my claim, this article speaks of it, for starters:

http://fd.noneinc.com/secrethistoryofstarwarscom/secrethistoryofstarwars.com/marcialucas.html

Here’s an excerpt:
“Lucas wasn’t interested in making Star Wars films so he stayed home in California while Kershner directed it in England. It was much more logistically complicated than anyone had anticipated, and ended up weeks over schedule and millions of dollars over budget. Lucas flew to England a few times, but otherwise watched the picture disintegrate from a distance, horrified as he saw his investment go to waste. He re-edited the film out of desperation but it was a disaster, and Kershner had to re-cut it…”