Experience the Original Star Wars 1977 Cut on the Big Screen for the First Time in Decades!

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As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that the British Film Institute (BFI) has ignited excitement across film preservation and Star Wars enthusiasts alike with their announcement to publicly screen the authentic 1977 version of Star Wars – not A New Hope or the 1997 Special Edition, but the untouched original masterpiece that kindled the flame for one of cinema’s most impactful sagas.

This significant occasion is set to be the main attraction at the BFI’s Film on Film Festival, an annual event honoring celluloid cinema and traditional film stock, commencing on June 12, 2025. During this screening, one of the rare surviving dye transfer IB Technicolor prints from the initial UK release of Star Wars in December 1977 will be displayed. This print has been preserved for decades at the BFI’s national film archive, and it will soon be shown to the public once more, offering a unique opportunity for many years to revisit the film as it was originally screened in cinemas.

For longtime fans, this development is significant, marking a major shift. Since George Lucas started editing the original trilogy in the late 1990s to conform with the changing Star Wars narrative – introducing digital creatures, adjusting classic scenes, and even altering who fired first first – the original cinema versions of the movies have essentially ceased to exist in official distribution. The last official release of the untouched edits was back in 2006, as a limited extra on a DVD set, using masters derived from the 1993 LaserDisc release. Even then, they were presented in standard widescreen and lacked restoration.

Ever since Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, there’s been a lot of chatter among fans about the possibility of re-releasing the original versions in high-definition and remastered form. These whispers have gone from optimistic to outlandish, but so far, Lucasfilm and Disney haven’t said much – or worse, they’ve given hints that it might not happen.

The British Film Institute’s announcement has introduced an unexpected turn in the story, and some people are speculating if this high-profile screening could indicate a possible change in their policy. A mysterious incident last month added to the intrigue when the original version of Star Wars mysteriously appeared on Roku’s Cinema Box streaming service for a short period before being quickly removed. No explanation was provided, fueling speculation that the stream might have been activated accidentally or as part of a trial run.

Unlike fan-restored editions such as Harmy’s Despecialized Edition or 4K77 which have made significant efforts to preserve the original trilogy through unconventional means, there is nothing quite like experiencing an authentic IB Technicolor print in a movie theater. These prints are renowned for their vibrant color depth, crisp detail, and tangible texture – elements that digital versions unfortunately fail to emulate.

Besides the Star Wars screening, there’s another nostalgic gem to look forward to at the BFI. The festival will also feature a 35mm screening of the original U.S. version of the Twin Peaks pilot, with Kyle MacLachlan introducing it. This will be the first time this specific version has been publicly screened in the UK, making it an exciting event for cult TV enthusiasts.

The tickets for the BFI Film on Film Festival will become available starting May 6, and it’s anticipated that the interest will be extremely high, especially amongst devoted Star Wars enthusiasts who have long awaited such an opportunity.

Is this event going to be a single commemoration of the original greatness of the film “Star Wars”, or could Disney be secretly gauging interest for something larger in the future? At present, it’s an occasion to rejoice. For one night, “Star Wars” will illuminate as it originally did – without digital effects like CGI dewbacks or Greedo shooting first, just a pristine piece of cinematic history being shown as intended.

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2025-04-09 19:55