"Rare Star Wars Cut to Screen in London"

Think you’ve seen the 1977 classic, *Star Wars*? Think again. Chances are, what you've watched is one of the many altered versions released after its initial theatrical run. These versions, tweaked by George Lucas, eventually evolved into the "special editions" of this beloved epic. But now, there's a new hope for fans: the opportunity to experience the original cut of the film that Lucas left behind all those years ago.

This June, the British Film Institute will kick off their Film on Film Festival with a rare 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 previously available on VHS. This event marks a significant moment for fans eager to see the film in its original form.

George Lucas began modifying *Star Wars* with its first theatrical re-release in 1981. Since then, Lucasfilm has exclusively permitted screenings of various "special editions." The print set to be shown at the festival has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, promising an almost flawless viewing experience.

Historically, Lucas has been firm in his opposition to 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 what prompted this change of heart from Lucas, but fans are certainly not complaining about the chance to see the original cut on the big screen once again.