Going back to the question of whether GL is really truly absolutely positively 100% against the OUT being properly restored and released to the public, I think much of that has died out within the last few years. Someone on the Steve Hoffman Forum site who apparently has worked for LF has mentioned himself that GL is not fully against it, its just he doesnt wanna spend the money on it. I mean who knows. The stories that the original negatives were destroyed. Was this GL’s excuse so fans are assured that the OUT will never be seen again or is it his excuse so fans know he wont spend the money to restore them?? Or both?? Also apparently some 8 or 9 years ago someone sent a request to Lucas claiming he had prints of the OUT which he’d restore for nothing! He never got a response.

However, I think the assumption that he never wants them released is irrelevant now. I think if it mattered THAT much to him charges would probably have fallen upon Harmy by now. No way anyone here is gonna tell me GL does not know of the DeSpecialized versions. If I had to take my guess, I dont think GL is the obstacle at this point. He’s not in charge anymore and plus Disney/LF even rejected his story ideas for TFA. If they can do that surely they should be able to move forward with an OUT restoration but then again I as everyone else don’t know the full specifics of GL’s deal with Disney. I will say this. I actually consider a lack of response from LF/Disney a good omen because perhaps it hints something IS happening. When Lucas was in charge at least he was upfront. This isn’t to say I’m getting my hopes up but I have a feeling something is being planned for the 40th anniversary.