Think you’ve seen the 1977 classic "Star Wars"? Think again. What you've most likely experienced is one of the altered versions that George Lucas released after the film's initial theatrical run. These versions were part of the "special editions" of the iconic saga. However, fans now have a new hope: the chance to see the original cut of the film 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 remaining Technicolor prints from Star Wars' original run. According to The Telegraph, this print hasn't been shown publicly since December 1978, though it was available on VHS in the past.
Lucas began modifying the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981. Since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted screenings of various "special editions." The print to be shown at the upcoming festival is particularly exciting for fans. It has been preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years, ensuring a near-flawless viewing experience.
Historically, Lucas has been firm about not screening the original cut of what we now call "Episode IV: A New Hope." He has even publicly explained his stance on this decision. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, Lucas said, “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 why Lucas is allowing this screening now, but fans certainly aren't complaining about the opportunity to see the original version of this beloved film.
