The British Film Institute recently showcased the original theatrical print of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy personally assuring audiences this rare screening wasn't unauthorized.
During her introduction at London's BFI Film on Film Festival on June 12, Kennedy humorously addressed potential concerns: "I'm here to... make sure you don't think this is an illegal screening."
Regarding the historic print, Kennedy revealed: "It's become legendary. Even when I joined Lucasfilm, we debated which version was truly the first print. What you're seeing tonight is incredibly rare - the original theatrical version. After decades of revisions by George [Lucas], we nearly lost track of this untouched version."
Star Wars fans, Kathleen Kennedy wants to assure you the BFI screening of the original cut is not illegal pic.twitter.com/0a1Pa6FXDI
— Jacob Stolworthy (@JacobStolworthy) June 12, 2025
This marked the first public projection of the 1977 theatrical version's original print since 1978, though this cut had previously seen limited home video releases. The Telegraph reported in April that archivists stored these reels at -5°C (23°F) to maintain print quality.
"We're presenting the film exactly as 1977 audiences first experienced it," the BFI stated.
"This screening uses one of the few surviving dye-transfer IB Technicolor prints from the original UK release, preserved in the BFI National Archive. While showing expected wear, its colors remain vibrant. A truly unique opportunity."
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Historically, Lucas famously opposed official releases of the original theatrical cut, having modified it soon after release. These later revisions became the 1997 Special Edition that has dominated home media releases for decades.
