Rare Star Wars Cut to Screen in London: George Lucas' Unseen Version

Think you’ve seen the original 1977 Star Wars? Think again. What you’ve likely watched is one of the many altered versions released after its initial run, tweaked by George Lucas himself, culminating in several "special editions" of the iconic film. But here's a glimmer of hope for fans — some will now have the chance to experience the untouched original cut that Lucas left behind all those years ago.

This June, the British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival will kick off with a special screening of one of the rare Technicolor prints produced for Star Wars' initial release, still in pristine condition, 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.

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." Fans are in for a real treat with the print at the upcoming festival; it has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, ensuring a near-flawless viewing experience.

In the past, Lucas has been firm about not screening the original cut 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,” he 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 is allowing this rare screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining.