Rare 1977 Star Wars Print Screened in London

The original, unaltered 1977 print of Star Wars was screened for the first time in decades at the BFI Film on Film Festival in London, with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy officially authorizing the event. The rare print is one of only a handful produced for the first British release and is preserved in its original color and format. Audiences were able to experience the film as it was initially released, prior to George Lucas' later edits such as the addition of 'Episode IV: A New Hope' and changes to the 'Han shot first' scene. Kennedy acknowledged the extensive modifications made over the years and highlighted the print's rarity as a piece of cinematic folklore. The screening generated excitement and nostalgia, underscoring the film's groundbreaking impact on its original release. Official releases of the unaltered version remain largely unavailable, making this event particularly significant for fans and film historians.