"Secret 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 altered versions released after its initial theatrical run, versions modified by George Lucas that evolved into what we know as the "special editions" of this iconic film. However, there's a glimmer of hope for fans—a chance to experience the original cut of the movie that Lucas left behind all those years ago.

This June, the British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival will kick off with a screening of one of the rare Technicolor prints created for Star Wars' original release, which has remained intact. 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 tweaking the film as early as its first theatrical re-release in 1981. Since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted screenings of various "special editions." Fans are in for a treat at the upcoming festival, as this print has been preserved at a chilly 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, promising a near-flawless viewing experience.

In the past, Lucas has been steadfast in his refusal to screen the original cut of what is now known as Episode IV: A New Hope. He has expressed his views on this decision over the years. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, Lucas 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 seems to be having a change of heart with this particular screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining.