"Secret Star Wars Cut to Screen in London"

Think you've seen the 1977 classic *Star Wars*? Think again. What you've likely experienced is one of the many altered versions released after its original theatrical run, modified by George Lucas himself into what are now known as the "special editions." However, there's a new hope for fans: the chance to see 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 screening of one of the rare Technicolor prints from *Star Wars'* initial run, still in pristine condition. According to *The Telegraph*, this marks the first public screening of this print since December 1978, though it was previously available on VHS.

George Lucas began tweaking the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted the screening of various "special editions." Fans are in for a treat at the upcoming festival; the print has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years, promising a near-perfect viewing experience.

In the past, Lucas has been firm in his refusal to screen the original cut of what we now call *Episode IV: A New Hope*, even publicly discussing his stance. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, he said, "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 cut, but fans are certainly not complaining about this unexpected opportunity.