If you'd held out until 2006, there was a DVD release containing the unaltered versions of the films- referred to as GOUT (George's Original Unaltered Trilogy). As far as I know this was the last time the unaltered versions were released.

GOUT was my go-to for when I wanted to watch Star Wars, until 4k77 came along :) Can't wait for them to finish 4k80, as DVD resolution is pretty garbage.

Harmy’s despecialized trilogy is 99% as good as the real thing

Having watched 4k77 and 4k83 as well as Harmy's ESB I have to say I prefer the 4kxx versions and am eagerly awaiting 4k80. Harmy is amazing for doing what he did. However even besides the obvious issues inherent in stitching different sources together, I find the color palette of Harmy's a bit unnatural in places.

I too consider the 4kxx releases to be the “canonical” OT now, but there’s such a huge gulf between Harmy’s and GOUT and whatever the f**k Lucasfilm did to the colors for the DVD that I’m willing to forgive its shortcomings.

I found it strange that the 4K77 summary page doesn’t mention the Harmy Despecialized project at all.

It does and the author states he is a fan

So it does! Seems I only thought I read to the end … wonder how often that happens on the olde smartphone.

GOUT had serious problems, discussed at 5:25 in this video https://youtu.be/QXifjbxZDAM