If you think you've seen the original 1977 Star Wars, you might be mistaken. Chances are, what you've actually watched is one of the many altered versions released after its initial theatrical run, tweaked by George Lucas himself and later compiled into the "special editions" of this iconic saga. However, there's a new hope on the horizon for fans eager to experience the untouched original cut of the film left behind by Lucas decades ago.
This June, the British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival is set to kick off with an exclusive screening of one of the rare Technicolor prints from Star Wars' first run that has survived the test of time. According to The Telegraph, this will be the first public screening of this print since December 1978, though it was previously available on VHS.
George Lucas began modifying the film with its first re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted the screening of various "special editions." Fans are in for a special treat with this upcoming festival, as the print has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, promising a viewing experience that's as close to perfect as possible.
Historically, Lucas has been firm in his stance against showing the original cut of what we now refer to as Episode IV: A New Hope, and he has openly discussed his reasons 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 what has prompted Lucas to reconsider his position with this upcoming screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining about this opportunity to relive the magic of the original Star Wars.
