Think you've seen the 1977 classic, Star Wars? Think again. Chances are, you've encountered one of the many altered versions released post its initial theatrical run, tweaked by George Lucas himself, culminating in the so-called "special editions." However, fans now have a new hope: the opportunity to witness the original cut of this iconic film, as intended by Lucas before subsequent modifications.
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' original run. According to The Telegraph, this is the first public screening of this print since December 1978, although it has been available on VHS in the past.
George Lucas began altering the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has primarily allowed only the "special editions" to be shown. The print set to be screened at the upcoming festival is particularly exciting for fans, as it has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years, promising an almost flawless viewing experience.
Historically, Lucas has been firm about not screening the original cut of what we now refer to as Episode IV: A New Hope. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, he stated, "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 might be reconsidering his stance with this upcoming screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining about this chance to experience the original Star Wars as it was first released.
