Think you've seen the 1977 classic Star Wars? Think again. Chances are, you've encountered one of the many altered versions released after its initial theatrical run—versions modified by George Lucas himself, culminating in the well-known "special editions" of the iconic saga. However, there's a glimmer of hope for fans eager to experience the untouched original cut that Lucas left behind all those years ago.
This June, the British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival will kick off with a rare screening of one of the few surviving Technicolor prints from Star Wars' initial release. According to The Telegraph, this marks the first public screening of this print since December 1978, though it has been available on VHS in the past.
George Lucas began tweaking the film as early as its first re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted the screening of various "special editions." The print slated for the upcoming festival has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years, promising an almost flawless viewing experience.
Historically, Lucas has been steadfast in his refusal to screen the original cut of what is now known as Episode IV: A New Hope. He has openly discussed his stance 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 remains unclear why Lucas has had a change of heart regarding this particular screening, but fans are certainly not complaining about the opportunity to see the original cut once more.
