Big Boppa

dark_jedi,

As someone who just discovered this forum, let me echo the sentiments of all those who appreciate the incredible efforts you and other like you have made to preserve the original trilogy as they were first seen.

I was 19 when I first saw Star Wars in 1977.  I went to a midnight showing.  I had to walk three miles because the headlights on my car blew out.  I can still remember how much I enjoyed the opening crawl and the way the Star Destroyer fly over blew me away.

To be honest, although I am an old school fan, I have enjoyed many of the changes that Lucas made.  But it's the original versions that really get me pumped.  To me they represent Lucas' original vision as it was, not the bleached and sanitized version he now wants everyone to believe it was.

I also believe an artist's (directors included) skill is manifested through the constraints placed on him/her.  In the original trilogy as filmed, we see the Lucas team at it's best.  The attack on the Death Star only gets better when you know they got the effect by sliding cameras on guide wires.

Imho (and a long windy one at that), Lucas needs to wise up; and not just for the fans.  His own legacy is at risk.  If he is succesful, in 50 or 100 years when no one remembers the original versions and they review his work, what they might say is "Nice  But anyone with decent computer skills can do that"

Anyway, I really appreciate what all of you are doing.  You are giving me back a piece of my youth.  Please don't let the comments of a few idiots make you forget that.

Thanks again.  I look forward to the completion of v3 and project blu.