The first Star Wars film, originally titled *A New Hope*, is making a rare return to theaters, marking a significant moment for dedicated fans. Since its re-release in 1981, when George Lucas rebranded the film with the “Episode IV – A New Hope”title, audiences have only seen subsequent modified versions, including the 1997 *Star Wars Special Editions*. These updates attempted to enhance the film’s effects but also sparked a considerable backlash among fans who cherished the original.
Despite the popularity of extended director’s cuts in today’s cinematic landscape, Lucas’s refusal to publish the unaltered theatrical versions alongside the Special Editions has left enthusiasts yearning for the originals. Nearly three decades have passed since the unaltered versions were accessible in high definition, with most public screenings showcasing altered cuts. This impending opportunity to view the original film underscores the importance of understanding the journey that brought us to this point.
The Shift to Special Editions
Lucas’s Discontent with the Original Cut
Though the original *Star Wars* was revolutionary for its groundbreaking special effects, George Lucas’s expectations for the film were not met; he often expressed that “the film only came to be 25 or 30 percent of what I wanted it to be.”These sentiments are rooted in the limitations of the technology available at the time of its release.
As advancements in special effects and CGI made significant strides over the following two decades, Lucas seized the opportunity to reinterpret his vision. He redefined environments, reworked unsatisfactory moments, restored deleted sequences, and more. While many fans acknowledged his right to make these enhancements, many were perplexed as to why he wouldn’t provide access to the original cuts.
Ultimately, Lucas firmly believed he owned the *Star Wars* franchise and showed little interest in restoring the unaltered versions. In interviews about the Special Editions, he often remarked, “This is the movie I wanted it to be, and I’m sorry you saw a half-completed film and fell in love with it.”Adding to the frustration, this stance has persisted for nearly thirty years.
Archival Concerns at the National Film Registry
The 1997 Special Edition’s Limitations
When the American National Film Registry was established in 1988, *Star Wars* was among the inaugural films inducted. However, Lucasfilm was slow to provide a copy, and the archival version supposedly held by the Registry may have been in poor condition, rendering it inaccessible for research or public viewing. Eventually, when Lucasfilm did offer the 1997 Special Edition, the Registry declined, as it did not reflect the original version they had vowed to preserve.
This development disheartened many film enthusiasts dedicated to preserving cinema history. While some fans have undertaken the task of restoring or recreating the original film from available prints and HD resources, the absence of an official release remains a significant disappointment.
The Original Star Wars Returns to Screen
Screening at the BFI Film Festival
Despite the hurdles in accessing the unaltered edition of *Star Wars*, fans will have the chance to witness it on the big screen once again. This year’s BFI Film Festival in the UK, scheduled from June 12 to 15, will feature the original 1977 version. This marks the first public screening in decades, thanks to the BFI National Archive preserving an unfaded dye transfer IB Technicolor print from the British release.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with rare production materials, including annotated scripts, the original continuity script, photographs taken on set, and deleted scenes. Even without the screening of the unedited film, the accompanying material offers an invaluable insight for avid *Star Wars* fans, promising a memorable experience for all who attend.
The BFI Screening Ignites Debate Over Film Ownership
While the restoration of the unedited *Star Wars* film is exhilarating news, it prompts ethical questions regarding film ownership and the legitimacy of such screenings. Lucas, as the creator, has expressed dissatisfaction with this version and sold the franchise to Disney, which obscures the legalities surrounding unauthorized screenings not sanctioned by Lucasfilm.
This conundrum complicates the situation further, underscoring that the unaltered *Star Wars* is a crucial part of cinema history and continues to resonate with fans across generations. It represents the cultural and industrial impact of its time as opposed to the modified Special Editions. If Lucas and Disney remain unwilling to release this version, opportunities like the upcoming screening offer one of the few chances for audiences to engage with the film they cherished.
The BFI screening illustrates the ongoing debate over these important issues. While Lucasfilm may seek to prevent unauthorized showings, the BFI’s acknowledgment of fan preservation efforts suggests that such screenings may continue to be celebrated. In any case, the anticipation surrounding this special screening of the unfiltered *Star Wars* film is palpable, even if it runs counter to George Lucas’s preferences.
Source: BFI