Think you've seen the 1977 classic Star Wars? Think again. What you’ve most likely experienced is one of the several altered versions distributed after its initial theatrical release. These versions were tweaked by George Lucas and later became part of the "special editions" of the beloved saga. But now, fans have a new hope — the chance to see the original cut of the film 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 is the first public screening of this print since December 1978, although 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 allowed the "special editions" to be screened. Fans are in for a treat with the print to be shown at the upcoming festival; it has been stored at a cool 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years to preserve its quality, ensuring a near-perfect viewing experience.
In the past, Lucas has been firm in his stance against screening the original cut of what we now call Episode IV: A New Hope. He has even publicly discussed his reasons for this decision. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, he 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 why Lucas seems to be having a change of heart with this screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining.
