Rare Star Wars Cut to Screen in London

Think you've seen the 1977 classic *Star Wars*? Think again. What you've likely watched is one of the modified versions released after its initial theatrical run, altered by George Lucas himself to create what became known as the "special editions" of the iconic film. But here's a glimmer of hope for fans — the original cut of the movie that Lucas left behind so long ago is set to be screened once more.

This June, the British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival will kick off with a special screening of one of the few remaining Technicolor prints from *Star Wars'* original run. According to The Telegraph, this print hasn't been shown publicly since December 1978, though it was available on VHS in the past.

George Lucas began tweaking the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted screenings of the 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 past forty years, promising a viewing experience that's as close to perfect as possible.

Historically, Lucas has been firm in his opposition to screening the original version of what is now known as *Episode IV: A New Hope*, and he has openly discussed his stance over the years.

"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," Lucas told the Associated Press in 2004, explaining his reluctance to release the original cut. "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 having a change of heart with this particular screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining about the opportunity to experience the original *Star Wars* as it was first seen.