Rare Star Wars Cut to Screen in London

Think you've seen the original 1977 "Star Wars"? Think again. What you've likely watched is one of the many altered versions released after its initial theatrical run, modified by George Lucas himself and known as the "special editions" of this iconic saga. However, there's a new hope on the horizon for fans eager to experience the untouched original. This June, the British Film Institute will kick off their Film on Film Festival with a rare screening of one of the few remaining Technicolor prints from "Star Wars'" initial release. According to The Telegraph, this print hasn't been shown publicly since December 1978, though it was previously available on VHS.

George Lucas began altering the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted screenings of the various "special editions." Fans are in for a treat with this festival screening; the print has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, ensuring a near-perfect viewing experience.

Historically, Lucas has been steadfast in his refusal to screen the original cut of what we now call "Episode IV: A New Hope," and has publicly explained his stance. 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 has had a change of heart regarding this particular screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining about the opportunity to see the original "Star Wars" as it was first released.