If you think you've seen the original 1977 "Star Wars," you might want to think again. What most fans have experienced are the altered versions distributed after its initial theatrical release, modified by George Lucas into what became known as the "special editions" of this beloved epic. However, there's a glimmer of new hope on the horizon for fans eager to see the film as it was originally intended. 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 print hasn't been shown publicly since December 1978, though it has appeared on VHS in the past.
George Lucas began making changes to the film as early as the 1981 theatrical re-release, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted screenings of the various "special editions." The print to be showcased at the festival has been meticulously preserved at a chilly 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, promising an almost flawless viewing experience for attendees.
Lucas has traditionally been firm in his opposition to screening the original cut of what is now known as "Episode IV: A New Hope." In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, he explained, "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 seemingly softened his stance on this particular screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining about the opportunity to see the original vision of this iconic film.
