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

Think you’ve seen Star Wars from 1977? Think again.
What you’ve most likely seen are the modified versions released after its original theatrical run—edits made by George Lucas that later became known as the “special editions” of the beloved epic.
But here’s a new hope: fans may soon get to witness the original cut of the film Lucas set aside all those years ago.

This June, the British Film Institute will launch its Film on Film Festival with a screening of one of the few surviving Technicolor prints from Star Wars’ initial release, according to The Telegraph. This marks the first public showing of this print since December 1978, though it has been available on VHS in the past.

Lucas began altering the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted the various “special editions” to be shown. Fans are in for a special treat with the print being screened at the upcoming festival—it’s been stored at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years to preserve its quality, ensuring what should be a near-perfect viewing experience.

In the past, Lucas has been steadfast in his refusal to screen the original cut of what we now call Episode IV: A New Hope, and has openly defended his position over the years.

“The Special Edition is the one I wanted out there. The other version? It’s on VHS—if anyone wants it. I’m not going to spend—this is millions of dollars we’re talking—money and time restoring it, because to me, it doesn’t really exist anymore,” he told the Associated Press in 2004. “This is the movie I wanted it to be, and I’m sorry you saw a half-finished 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 endure people throwing rocks at me all the time, so at least if they’re going to throw rocks, let it be for something I love rather than something I think is flawed, or at least unfinished.”

Who knows why Lucas is having a change of heart with this screening—but we certainly aren’t complaining.