Get ready to celebrate, fans of the galaxy far, far away, because one of the most elusive films in cinematic history is making its way back to theaters. The British Film Institute (BFI) has officially announced that they will be showcasing an original cut of <em>Star Wars</em>, as it first premiered in 1977. This momentous occasion marks the first time in several decades that the untouched version of the film, which was later renamed Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, will be presented on the big screen. For true aficionados of the franchise, this is undoubtedly a must-see event, and fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure their tickets.

However, don’t expect to simply stroll into your neighborhood cinema to catch this original film. Instead, the unedited version of Star Wars will be featured as part of the BFI’s Film on Film Festival. The iconic original cut will be shown on the festival’s opening night, June 12, at the BFI’s Southbank theater located in London. In addition to screening the unaltered version of the film, attendees will be treated to historical archives and materials related to the film, as reported by the BFI, including fascinating deleted scenes and exclusive on-set Polaroids. This unique opportunity promises an enriching experience for attendees.

For those fortunate enough to attend this exceptional event, they will witness Star Wars exactly as it was intended to be seen by audiences in 1977. The BFI has stated that the film will be presented “exactly as experienced by audiences on its original release, screening from one of the precious handful of dye transfer IB Technicolor prints produced for the first British release, preserved in the BFI National Archive.” This commitment to authenticity ensures that fans will experience the film in its original glory, making it a memorable event for all.

Discover the Rarity of the Original Cut of ‘Star Wars’

The original cut of Star Wars is often considered a hidden gem, locked away in the Jedi Archives, and it has not been screened theatrically for many years. Typically, the special editions of the Star Wars original trilogy, which were overseen by George Lucas in 1997 as “updates” to his original vision for the films, are regarded as the canonical versions by both Lucasfilm and Disney. As a result, the unedited cut has become increasingly difficult to locate, even for viewers looking to experience it at home. This event offers a rare chance for enthusiasts to see the film as it was initially intended, reigniting interest in the original cinematic experience.

Source: BFI