"Secret Star Wars Cut to Screen in London"

Think you've seen the 1977 classic *Star Wars*? Think again. What you've likely watched are the altered versions released after its initial theatrical run, meticulously tweaked by George Lucas himself, culminating in the well-known "special editions" of this iconic saga. But fans now have a glimmer of hope — a chance to experience the original cut of the film as it was first released.

This June, the British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival will kick off with a special screening of one of the few remaining Technicolor prints from Star Wars' initial run. According to The Telegraph, this marks the first public screening of this print since December 1978, though it has been available on VHS in the past.

George Lucas began modifying 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 festival has been meticulously preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years, promising an exceptional viewing experience for attendees.

Historically, Lucas has been steadfast in his reluctance to screen the original cut of what is now known as Episode IV: A New Hope. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, he stated, "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."

The reasons behind Lucas's apparent change of heart regarding this screening remain unclear, but fans are undoubtedly thrilled at the prospect.