"Secret Star Wars Cut to Screen in London"

If you think you've seen the original 1977 version of Star Wars, you might want to think again. Chances are, what you've viewed is one of the many altered versions released after its initial theatrical run. These versions were modified by George Lucas and eventually became part of the "special editions" of this iconic film. However, there's a new hope on the horizon for fans eager to experience the untouched original cut that Lucas left behind decades ago.

This June, the British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival is set to open with a special screening of one of the rare Technicolor prints from Star Wars' initial run that has survived intact. According to The Telegraph, this print hasn't been shown publicly since December 1978, although it was previously available on VHS. The print has been preserved at a constant 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, ensuring a near-flawless viewing experience for attendees.

George Lucas began altering the film with the first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted screenings of various "special editions." Lucas has been firm in his stance against showing the original cut of what is now known as Episode IV: A New Hope. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, he expressed his preference for the Special Edition, stating, "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 remains unclear what prompted Lucas's change of heart regarding this screening, but fans are undoubtedly thrilled at the prospect of seeing the original vision of Star Wars as it was first intended.