"Secret Star Wars Cut to Screen in London"

Think you’ve seen the original 1977 Star Wars? Think again. What you've likely experienced are the altered versions that George Lucas released after the film’s initial theatrical run, which later became known as the "special editions" of the iconic saga. But now, fans have a new hope: the chance to see the actual original cut of the film 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 from Star Wars' initial run that has survived intact, 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 making changes to the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted screenings of various "special editions." The print set to be shown at the upcoming festival is particularly exciting for fans. It has been stored at a constant 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years to preserve its quality, promising a near-flawless viewing experience.

In the past, Lucas has been steadfast in his opposition to screening the original cut of what is now known as Episode IV: A New Hope, and he has openly discussed his decision 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 screening now, but fans certainly aren't complaining about this rare opportunity.