If I recall, something similar was done when TPM and AoTC was released. It's nice to hear, but I think the result might actually be a little skewed. The internet and fandom publications in general have increased immensely since the era of the original Star Wars era of 77-83. The reviews from many of these genre-friendly publications are counted right along side major metropolitan newspapers and the film presses. And while fandom opinion is certainly harsh and a little jaded, usually they enjoy genre entertainment - any genre entertainment - a lot more than the general press. Still, I'm not complaining
I am with Mr March in this the fan base of Star Wars was far bigger in 99 in the release of TPM than back when the original Star Wars came out making it a bigger fenomenon now that it was back them, also consider that it was the big thing of a new Star Wars movie after 16 years.