Think you’ve seen 1977's Star Wars? Think again. What you’ve likely encountered are the altered versions distributed after its initial theatrical run, tweaked by George Lucas himself and eventually compiled into the "special editions" of this iconic epic. But now, there's a new hope for fans: the chance to experience the original cut of the film that Lucas left behind decades ago.
This June, the British Film Institute will kick off their Film on Film Festival with a screening of one of the few remaining intact Technicolor prints from Star Wars' initial run, as reported by The Telegraph. This marks the first public screening of this print since December 1978, although it was previously available on VHS.
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." The print set to be showcased at the upcoming festival has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, promising an almost flawless viewing experience for fans.
Historically, Lucas has been steadfast in his refusal to screen the original cut of what is now known as Episode IV: A New Hope, and he has openly discussed his reasoning over the years. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, Lucas 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 seems to be having a change of heart with this screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining.
