http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GeorgeLucasThrowback

Now for another entry on the TV Tropes Wiki, this time describing the "George Lucas Throwback", which refers to works that reach back to simpler times while updating for modern production values. Named for George Lucas, best-known for such throwbacks as the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, if particularly successful, a "GLT" can fool audiences into believing that it is an entirely original work as opposed to a throwback.

The concept of a throwback is interesting because it toys with the idea of acknowledging past works while simultaneously "keeping with the times". The most successful throwbacks manage to accomplish both. In fact, in a way, designers everywhere do throwbacks all the time. Since it's virtually impossible to come up with something 100% original, the true mark of a good designer's ability is their ability to combine old with new. To reach back to simpler times while having enough "new and improved" qualities to remain relevant for modern audiences.