BFI Plans Original 'Star Wars' Screening After 47 Years

For the first time in nearly 47 years, the original, unaltered 1977 version of Star Wars will be screened at the British Film Institute's Film on Film Festival in June. This rare Technicolor print, preserved in the BFI National Archive, predates all later modifications, including the addition of 'Episode IV: A New Hope' to the opening crawl and the controversial changes introduced in the Special Editions. Fans attending the event will experience the film as it was originally released, without CGI enhancements, added scenes, or narrative alterations such as the infamous 'Han shot first' revision. The screening marks a significant moment for purists and collectors, as official access to the unmodified version has been extremely limited since its initial run. George Lucas has historically resisted re-releasing these original cuts, maintaining that his later revisions better represent his creative vision. While there remains uncertainty about broader future availability, this event offers a unique opportunity for audiences to revisit the foundational cinematic experience of Star Wars.