This summer, fans of the original Star Wars will have the rare opportunity to experience the iconic 1977 film on the big screen in London.
This screening will be a significant event, as it marks the first public showing of the unaltered version of the sci-fi classic in decades. The screening is part of the British Film Institute’s (BFI) Film on Film festival, scheduled for June 12.
The festival will feature a number of historically significant films, with the original Star Wars being a standout due to its cultural impact and the fact that the version being shown is rarely seen in public.
The original cut of Star Wars has become a sought-after relic, especially since George Lucas’s special editions of the film were released in the 1990s. These new versions made notable changes, including the addition of CGI characters and altered plot points.
Since then, only these updated versions have been made available on official streaming platforms and Blu-ray, making this screening of the original 1977 cut a rare treat for both long-time fans and newer audiences who are eager to see the movie as it was originally presented.
James Bell, Senior Curator of Fiction at the BFI National Archive, spoke about the significance of the festival, emphasizing that it is a “true showcase” of the national film collection. “Every print in the programme is a unique object, with its own life story, and they all bear their scars with pride,” Bell explained.
These prints, which have traveled through time and undergone numerous screenings, offer an authentic link to the past, bringing history to life for contemporary viewers.
The BFI is eager for audiences to experience these films, and Bell noted the importance of the festival’s philanthropic support in making such an event possible.
The festival not only celebrates the preservation of original cinematic works but also offers an opportunity to revisit key moments in film history, including the various alterations made to Star Wars over the years.
George Lucas’s changes to the film, especially the addition of Jabba the Hutt and the enhancement of special effects, have long been a point of contention among fans.
These modifications, while giving the film a more polished and modern look, have drawn criticism from purists who prefer the raw, unaltered version of the movie that first captured the world’s imagination.
One of the most controversial changes made to Star Wars in its special editions was to the famous scene involving Han Solo and the bounty hunter Greedo.
In the original 1977 cut, Han Solo shoots Greedo first in a quick, decisive move. However, in the 1997 re-release, Lucas altered the scene to show Greedo firing first, prompting Han to respond in self-defense.
The revision sparked a heated debate among fans, many of whom were upset with the change to one of the film’s most iconic moments. Some later versions of the film even introduced a further tweak, with both characters firing at the same time, a move that left many fans unsatisfied with the alteration.
This debate about the changes to Star Wars is indicative of the passion the film continues to inspire decades after its release. For fans of the original version, the upcoming screening offers a rare opportunity to see the film as it was intended when it first premiered.
The unaltered version holds a special place in the hearts of many, and the BFI’s decision to showcase it speaks to the lasting legacy of Star Wars in both film history and popular culture.
Alongside Star Wars, the BFI Film on Film festival will feature other notable cinematic highlights, including a special screening of the original US pilot episode of Twin Peaks.
The screening will be introduced by the show’s star, Kyle MacLachlan, offering a unique behind-the-scenes insight into the creation of the groundbreaking television series.
This highlights the festival’s commitment to offering rare and historically significant cinematic experiences, inviting audiences to explore both the world of film and television in a deep, immersive way.
The Film on Film festival will take place from June 12 to June 15 at the BFI Southbank and BFI Imax, offering a diverse range of screenings that showcase the artistry and history of cinema.
The inclusion of Star Wars in its original form serves as a fitting centerpiece for the festival, reaffirming the film’s cultural importance and giving fans a chance to experience it in the way it was first shown to the world.
With such a unique program, the festival promises to be a memorable event for film lovers and a celebration of the power of cinema to capture the imagination across generations.
