Rare Star Wars Cut to Screen in London

Think you’ve seen the 1977 classic, *Star Wars*? Think again. Chances are, you’ve experienced one of the many altered versions released post its initial theatrical run, tweaked by George Lucas and eventually rolled into what we know as the “special editions” of this beloved saga. However, there's a new hope on the horizon — fans will soon have the chance to witness the untouched original cut of the film that Lucas left behind decades ago.

This June, the British Film Institute’s Film on Film Festival will kick off with a rare screening of one of the few remaining Technicolor prints from *Star Wars*’ initial run, as reported by The Telegraph. This marks the first public screening of this print since December 1978, although it has been available on VHS in the past.

George Lucas began modifying the film with the first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has exclusively allowed screenings of various “special editions.” The print set to be showcased at the festival has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, promising an almost flawless viewing experience for attendees.

Historically, Lucas has been firm in his stance against screening the original cut of what is now known as *Episode IV: A New Hope*. He has openly discussed this decision over the years, stating to the Associated Press in 2004, “The Special Edition, that’s the one I wanted out there. The other movie, it’s on VHS, if anybody wants it. I’m not going to spend the — we’re talking millions of dollars here — the money and the time to refurbish that, because to me, it 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.”

It's unclear what prompted Lucas's apparent change of heart regarding this screening, but fans are certainly not complaining about the opportunity to see the original *Star Wars* as it was first intended.