Believe You've Seen the Real Star Wars? Think Again
You've probably never experienced Star Wars as audiences first did in 1977. What's widely available today are altered versions - George Lucas's revised "special editions" that gradually replaced his original vision. But here's thrilling news: cinephiles will soon rediscover the untouched cinematic treasure Lucas left behind decades ago.
The British Film Institute's upcoming Film on Film Festival will debut its celebration with something extraordinary - a screening of one of Star Wars' rare surviving Technicolor prints from its original theatrical release. According to The Telegraph, this will mark the first public projection since December 1978, though it previously appeared on home video formats.
Lucas began reshaping his space opera starting with the 1981 re-release, effectively burying his initial cut beneath decades of revisions. The print being shown holds particular significance; stored at precisely 23°F (-5°C) for forty years to maintain perfect condition, promising viewers an essentially pristine experience.
Lucas famously resisted preserving his original version. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, he defended his position fiercely:
"The Special Edition represents my true vision. The original exists only on VHS for those who want it. I refuse to invest millions restoring what I consider an unfinished product. People fell in love with a half-completed film, but I want Star Wars to exist as I intended - criticisms and all."
The filmmaker's surprising endorsement of this screening marks a fascinating turning point, though his motivations remain mysterious. One thing's certain - for true devotees of cinematic history, this screening offers something more precious than Han Solo's reward money.
