Think you’ve seen Star Wars (1977)? Think again. Chances are, what you've viewed is one of the several revised versions released after the film’s original theatrical run — updated by George Lucas himself and later categorized as “special editions.” But now, a rare opportunity has emerged. It seems that some fans will finally be able to witness the authentic, original cut of the film exactly as Lucas originally left it decades ago.
This June, the British Film Institute will kick off their Film on Film Festival with a special screening of one of the few surviving Technicolor prints from Star Wars’ initial release, according to The Telegraph. This marks the first public showing of this particular print since December 1978, although it was previously accessible through certain VHS releases.
Lucas began revising the film with the first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, only various “special editions” have been officially screened. What makes this festival screening especially exciting is the condition of the print itself — for the past four decades, it has been stored at 23 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve its quality, ensuring an almost pristine viewing experience.
Over the years, Lucas has remained firm in his decision not to circulate the original version of what is now known as Episode IV: A New Hope, even addressing the matter publicly.
“The Special Edition — that’s the one I wanted out there,” he told the Associated Press in 2004. “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.”
Whether Lucas is softening his stance or this is simply a rare exception, fans are certainly not complaining. This event promises a unique chance to witness cinematic history in its purest form — a glimpse into the past that many thought would never return.
