Original ‘Star Wars’ 1977 Cut Banned by George Lucas to Screen for First Time in 47 Years

by

Enthusiasts of Star Wars have much to be excited about! After a span of 47 years, the original version of the 1977 Star Wars movie, which was once disliked and forbidden by George Lucas, is set to be shown in cinemas again.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the British Film Institute’s Film on Film Festival scheduled in June will kick off with a showing of George Lucas’ 1977 timeless classic. It’s been over three decades since this particular version was screened, back in December 1978. Notably, this is one of the few surviving original Technicolor prints. In the past, Lucas had expressed reluctance about screening the original version. When asked about it by the Associated Press in 2004, he stated that “The Special Edition, that’s the one I wanted to be released. The other movie, it can be found on VHS if anyone wants it. I won’t invest the millions of dollars and time necessary to restore it, because to me, it no longer exists. It’s like this is the film I wish it to be. I apologize if you fell in love with an unfinished work, but I want it to be as I envision it. I’m the one who bears the responsibility for it, and I’m the one who will always face criticism for it. At least if people are going to criticize me, let them criticize me for something I care deeply about, rather than something I believe is not very good or not yet finished.

Since the original print of this movie hasn’t been publicly screened since 1978, the studio has finally granted permission for the screening of various Special Editions. The reason it wasn’t shown earlier is because George Lucas made changes to the print from the first theatrical rerelease of Star Wars in 1981. This summer, people in the UK will have an opportunity to watch the untouched, historical version of Star Wars.

Read More

2025-04-17 10:55