"Secret Star Wars Cut to Screen in London"

Think you’ve seen the 1977 classic Star Wars? Think again. What you've likely experienced are the various altered versions distributed after its original theatrical run, tweaked by George Lucas himself to create several "special editions" of the iconic film. However, a new hope is on the horizon for fans eager to see the untouched original cut 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 screening of this print since December 1978, although it has been available on VHS in the past.

George Lucas began modifying the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted screenings of the various "special editions." Fans are in for a treat with the upcoming festival, as the print has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years, promising an almost flawless viewing experience.

Historically, Lucas has been resolute in his opposition to screening the original cut of what is now known as Episode IV: A New Hope, and he has publicly discussed his stance on the matter. 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 might be reconsidering his stance with this upcoming screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining about the opportunity to experience the original Star Wars as it was first seen.