The Original Star Wars Cut George Lucas Didn't Want You To See Will Screen In London

Think you’ve seen the 1977 classic "Star Wars"? Think again. What you've most likely experienced is one of the various altered versions released after its original theatrical run, tweaked by George Lucas himself into what would become known as the "special editions" of this beloved epic. However, there's a new hope on the horizon — fans will soon have the chance to see the original, untouched cut of the film that Lucas left behind decades 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 marks the first public showing 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 permitted screenings of various "special editions." The print to be shown at the upcoming festival is particularly exciting for fans; it has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years, promising a near-flawless viewing experience.

Historically, Lucas has been firm in his decision against screening the original cut of what is now known as "Episode IV: A New Hope," and he has openly discussed this stance over the years. 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 what has prompted Lucas's apparent change of heart regarding this screening, but fans are certainly not complaining about the opportunity to see the original version of this iconic film.