George Lucas
Skywalker Ranch
Marin County, California


Dear Mr. Lucas:

In recent public comments, you have stated that the original versions of the classic Star Wars Trilogy would not be released to DVD at any time in the future. This letter is an open plea on behalf of your devoted fans for you to reconsider your position regarding the release of your wonderful films.

In the August 2002 edition of Star Wars Insider Magazine, you are quoted as saying, "I think of the film as The Special Edition. I don't think of it as the early version, any more than I would put early rough cuts on. I could put four or five rough cuts onto the thing and say, 'This is how it advanced.' I consider The Special Edition as being the final version at this point. I don't even worry about the other ones, because it went through a lot of incarnations to get to the final stage." You recently reiterated this position in comments made during the American Cinematheque tribute to ILM and Skywalker Sound in Hollywood.

While we appreciate your creative viewpoint on the evolution of the films, we respectfully submit that there is tremendous importance in the original theatrical prints of the Star Wars Trilogy. Above and beyond the nostalgic value that they hold for millions of fans the world over, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi are landmark films that represent watershed moments in motion picture history. To preserve the original, award-winning work of the many artisans, sound technicians, craftsmen, and special effects artists is to do justice to their priceless contributions.

Undeniably, these movies are also cultural placeholders for millions of film fans. The impact that the original Star Wars Trilogy made on countless numbers of children, young people, and grownups everywhere is indisputable. Preserving the unaltered theatrical release forms of these movies and making them available to your public is of utmost importance.

Those of us who love your movies and even those who are only casual film fans admire your drive to perfect your vision of the Star Wars experience. We know that you constantly push your creative companies to blaze new frontiers of digital filmmaking and that you are also an artist who is never satisfied and strives for perfection. We, the film-going public, benefit from your vision and embrace the ever-growing Star Wars universe.

Furthermore, we understand that you have commercial concerns and that you need to consider the financial viability of any home video product that you release. Perhaps a Limited Edition run of the original films along with a Special Edition release would be in order. This approach would sate niche market demand, while still targeting the general public and no doubt breaking home video sales records. We want it to be known that there is enormous demand for the original theatrical versions of the films. Your devoted fans would more than likely purchase both an Original Trilogy release as well as any Special Edition versions.

An entire generation grew up with these movies and loves them dearly. They have created treasured memories and will always hold a place in our lives. We hope that you take to heart the hopes and wishes of the undersigned as well as the countless others who feel the same.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

The sites and publications supporting our efforts and the individual Star Wars fans who have signed the petition.