Think you’ve seen the original 1977 Star Wars? Think again. Most likely, you've watched one of the altered versions that were distributed following its initial theatrical release, modifications made by George Lucas himself, which eventually became the "special editions" of the iconic film. But there's a new hope for fans: a rare opportunity to see the actual original cut of the film that Lucas left behind so long ago.
This June, the British Film Institute will kick off their Film on Film Festival with a screening of one of the few remaining Technicolor prints from Star Wars' initial run, according to The Telegraph. This is the first time this print has been shown publicly since December 1978, though it has been available on VHS in the past.
George Lucas began tweaking 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 with the upcoming festival's print; it has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years, promising an almost flawless viewing experience.
In the past, Lucas has been steadfast in his opposition to screening the original cut of what we now call Episode IV: A New Hope, and he has publicly discussed 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 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 has had a change of heart regarding this screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining about the chance to see this piece of cinematic history.
