Think you’ve seen the 1977 classic *Star Wars*? Think again. What you’ve likely experienced are the altered versions that George Lucas released after the film's initial theatrical run. These versions, known as the "special editions," have become the standard for viewing this beloved epic. However, there's a new hope on the horizon for fans eager to see the original cut that Lucas left behind all those years 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'* initial run. According to *The Telegraph*, this print hasn't been shown publicly since December 1978, though it was previously available on VHS. The excitement is palpable as this print has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, promising an impeccable viewing experience.
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." Lucas has been steadfast in his opposition to showing the original cut of what we now call *Episode IV: A New Hope*, and he has publicly discussed his stance over the years.
In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, Lucas expressed his preference for the special editions, stating, "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 is allowing this rare screening of the original cut, but fans are certainly not complaining about this unexpected opportunity to experience a piece of cinematic history in its purest form.
