The Prequels.

Some consider it to be a whole seperate trilogy not only numerically but in style, technology, acting (or lack of), etc.

Were they enjoyable? Yes. Were they absolutely necessary? No.

Basically, the prequels explain Anakin becoming Vader. I admit that I was curious how he had transfromed from being a hero to a monster.

Even before Episode one came out, it was already understood that such an event already took place. So did we really need to see I-III?

Though I could never live without my prequels, they are not as important as the original trilogy. Think about it. The original trilogy can be watched by itself, but the preqeul trilogy cannot.

Therefor, I do not think it was an urgency to make them. It doesn;t bring any new meaning to Star Wars. They were made to just show how it was like before the empire and when the Jedi Order was it's strongest.

Lucas also may have wanted to show off his new technological prowess and treat a new generation of fans, but I can only speculate.

I hope none of you hate me for this one.