Short answers, pulled from the story.
George Lucas changed the original Star Wars film in 1997 to test computer-generated imagery for upcoming prequels. Industrial Light & Magic produced visual effects intended to prove CGI viability during the Special Edition theatrical run from January through March that year.
The British Film Institute screened the unaltered film at a festival in June 2025. The Library of Congress used a 1978 print to create a digital copy available by 2015 after refusing to submit the 1977 version in 1989.
In the 1997 release, Greedo shoots first and misses while Han's head digitally pivots away. A close-up of Greedo speaking without subtitles appeared in the 2019 4K Ultra HD release following alterations in the 2004 DVD edition and 2011 Blu-ray.
George Lucas explained that your former persona survives when you return to the good side of the Force. Hayden Christensen replaced Shaw in the 2004 DVD edition because he played Anakin in the prequels.
Lucasfilm announced a restoration would return to theaters on the 19th of February 2027. The franchise celebrated its twentieth anniversary with remastered versions during the Special Edition theatrical run from January through March 1997.