Original 1977 Star Wars Cut to Screen in London

The British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival in London will screen the original, unaltered 1977 theatrical cut of Star Wars for the first time since 1978, using a rare Technicolor dye-transfer print preserved for decades. This event marks a unique opportunity for fans, as George Lucas has resisted re-releasing the original version, publicly calling it incomplete and not worth restoring. Disney and Lucasfilm permitted this one-time screening after negotiations, with no further public showings currently planned. The event coincides with the 20th anniversary of Lucasfilm's animation division, subtly referencing other unreleased Star Wars projects. The screening has sparked renewed debate about film preservation and the balance between creator rights and cultural legacy. Fans and critics alike view the event as a significant milestone in cinema history.