Think you’ve seen the original 1977 Star Wars? Think again. What you've likely experienced is one of the many altered versions distributed after its initial theatrical release, tweaked by George Lucas himself into what are now known as the "special editions" of this iconic saga. But here's a glimmer of hope for fans — the chance to see the actual 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 screening of one of the rare Technicolor prints from Star Wars' initial run that has survived to this day, as reported by The Telegraph. This print hasn't been shown publicly since December 1978, though it was available on VHS in the past.
George Lucas began modifying the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted screenings of various "special editions." Fans are in for a treat at the upcoming festival; the print has been preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years, ensuring a nearly flawless viewing experience.
Historically, Lucas has been firm in his refusal to screen the original cut of what is now known as Episode IV: A New Hope, even publicly discussing his stance over the years.
“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,” he told the Associated Press back in 2004. “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 screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining about the opportunity to experience the original Star Wars as it was first seen.
