Think you've seen the original 1977 "Star Wars"? Think again. What you've likely experienced are the altered versions distributed after its initial theatrical run, modified by George Lucas and later known as the "special editions." However, there's a glimmer of hope for fans eager to witness the untouched original cut from so long ago.
This June, the British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival will kick off with a rare screening of one of the few remaining Technicolor prints from "Star Wars'" first run. According to The Telegraph, this marks the first public screening of this print since December 1978, though 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 only permitted screenings of various "special editions." Fans are in for a treat at the upcoming festival, as the print has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years, ensuring an almost flawless 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 he has publicly justified this decision 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 in 2004 about not releasing the original cut. "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.
