Think you’ve seen Star Wars from 1977? Think again. Chances are, what you've watched is one of the many revised versions that emerged after the film's original theatrical release—versions personally altered by George Lucas over the years, culminating in a series of “Special Editions” that redefined the saga for new generations. But now, there’s a fresh hope on the horizon: a rare opportunity to experience the true original cut of the film exactly as Lucas left it decades ago.
This June, the British Film Institute will kick off its Film on Film Festival with a special screening of one of the few surviving Technicolor prints created during Star Wars’ initial theatrical run, according to The Telegraph. This marks the first public showing of this particular print since December 1978, although it has previously been available via select VHS releases.
George Lucas began revising the film with the first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only authorized various “Special Edition” versions for distribution. What makes this festival screening especially exciting is the pristine condition of the print being shown—it has been stored at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for nearly four decades to preserve its quality, promising an almost flawless cinematic experience.
Lucas has long stood firm against releasing or screening the original version of what is now known as Episode IV: A New Hope, even addressing the matter publicly over the years.
“The Special Edition—that’s the version I wanted out there,” Lucas told the Associated Press in 2004. “The other movie, it’s on VHS if anybody wants it. I’m not going to spend millions of dollars to refurbish something that, to me, doesn’t really exist anymore. It’s like this is the movie I wanted it to be, and I’m sorry you saw a half-completed film and fell in love with it. But I want it to be the way I want it to be. I’m the one who has to take responsibility for it. I’m the one who has to have everybody throw rocks at me all the time, so at least if they’re going to throw rocks at me, they’re going to throw rocks at me for something I love rather than something I think is not very good—or at least something I think is not finished.”
Whether this festival event signals a subtle shift in Lucas’ stance remains unclear—but fans aren't about to complain. For many, this rare screening represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the film as it originally appeared on the big screen, before any revisions or enhancements. And for those lucky enough to attend, it’s sure to be a moment etched in cinematic memory.
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