as far as i know originally the "archival editions" (that's what they said), were going to be released post ep III in 2005/2006....that was the set with all 6 films.....then suddenly they announced this original trilogy pack....possibly they planned it this way all along and just kept it quiet, but it seems like it was a last minute decision.....maybe they just want to sell the films twice to fans, or maybe they wanted to be sure everyone watches them again just prior to seeing ep III, so that people think more highly of ep III when they see it, and it goes over better.....
i was going to boycott them and wait for the archival (until i hear otherwise, i'm assuming these are still set for 2005/2006).....but i'm starting to cave....it was doing my head in trying to decide what to do, so now i'm thinking i'll probably just buy them so i don't have to think about it anymore (and i'm curious about the footage in the documentary).....
two more minor points: i was hoping the original trilogy discs would have an extras disc for each film, mirroring the prequel discs....(i just like symmetry - yes, it appears i am at least a touch obsessive compulsive).....
there is supposed to be a version of ep I with the yoda puppet completely replace by a cg version....the last thing i heard suggested that this was already completed and ready to go.....make of this what you will.....