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

Think you've seen the 1977 classic *Star Wars*? Think again. What you've likely experienced are the altered versions distributed after the film's initial run, tweaked by George Lucas and culminating in the "special editions" of the iconic saga. But now, there's a new hope for fans: an opportunity to view the original, untouched cut of the film that Lucas left behind decades ago.

This June, the British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival will kick off with a special screening of one of the few surviving Technicolor prints from *Star Wars*' initial release. 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 modifying the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, only various "special editions" have been allowed to screen by Lucasfilm. The print to be shown at the festival has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, promising an exceptional viewing experience for attendees.

Historically, Lucas has been firm about not screening the original cut of what is now known as *Episode IV: A New Hope*. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, he explained his stance: "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 is allowing this screening of the original print, but fans are certainly not complaining about the chance to see the film in its unaltered glory.