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What I would give to buy those files from Lucasfilm… I do own the trilogy on Video CD. While it is very low quality and in pan & scan format, I still appreciate owning a legit digital copy of the Special Editions. Of course, since then, we got a few very nice DVB recordings (TB, GKAR, REIVAX) and even a capture direct from DigiBeta (Flunk). I should also not forget The Aluminum Falcon’s 4K scans of the trilogy, which captures the theatrical experience at home, and beautifully at that.
I really can’t complain about all the ways to watch these versions. But the ones that feels the most like an official release to me are the “Five Star Collection” Bootleg DVDs. Very similar to the GOUT in that it is a Laserdisc master smashed on a DVD disc in 4:3 aspect ratio, letterboxed to preserve the film’s aspect ratio (Non-anamorphic). The only real difference is that the GOUT is a direct copy of the Laserdisc master, while these bootlegs have an extra step in between (The Laserdisc itself). I am very glad to own those bootlegs, and they stand proudly in my living room.
I think there is no real chance we will ever get an official release of the 1997 Special Editions again. George probably views them as just as depricated as the original versions. But still, I am very thankful there are so many possibilities to watch them.