If you've ever wanted to experience Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope the way fans did in 1977 when it graced the big screen for the first time, this could be your chance!
The Hollywood Reporter shared news from The Telegraph confirming that The British Film Institute (BFI) will screen an original, uncut version of Star Wars in the U.K. at the "Film on Film" festival's Opening Night on June 12. This is the first time the original print will be screened publicly since December 1978. Since then, it's been hard to keep track of all the changes George Lucas made to it, starting with its opening crawl.
After several alterations to the original cut, George Lucas ensured that only the special editions would be available for public distribution. This made it difficult for fans to find the original cut. Moreover, Disney and Lucasfilm only consider the special editions to be canon. This edition features several digital alterations, including the addition of CGI aliens like Jabba the Hutt. Furthermore, Han Solo shoots first in the original cut, and the ships are all physical models, unlike later versions.
Remember that George Lucas doesn't want fans to see this original cut, which he doesn't consider an accurate representation of his vision for the film. The special editions are the "Lucas cut" of A New Hope. When asked why he hadn't released the original cut with the Special Edition, he said, "The Special Edition, that’s the one I wanted out there. The other movie, it’s on VHS, if anybody wants it."
Unfortunately, not everyone is a fan of the changes made to the movie. Over the years, fans have complained about the use of CGI and the infamous Jabba the Hutt scenes, as well as other issues with the newer versions. Fans who have seen the untouched version have criticized the changes for being "cringeworthy" and at times "awkward" and demanded that Lucas make the original version available.
Despite the criticism, Lucas remained firm regarding his vision. He called the original cut "a half-completed film" which "doesn't really exist anymore." Regardless of how many fans wish to see the original cut, George Lucas deserves a lot of respect for his conviction as a creative. His ability to defend his vision is one of the reasons why he's considered a bold and courageous filmmaker who changed the way films are made forever.
Only the lucky fans with tickets to the BFI screening of A New Hope will have a chance to see the original cut of the film. There's always a possibility Disney and Lucasfilm will work something out with George Lucas's permission and allow everyone else who wasn't alive in 1977 to see it. Maybe one day, fans in the US and other countries will get the rare opportunity to see the original iteration of Star Wars.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is streaming on Disney+.