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Revisiting the Original Version
The British Film Institute will kick off its Film on Film festival on June 12, 2025, with a special screening of Star Wars in its original 1977 format. This version, long overshadowed by modified editions from the 1990s, hasn’t been shown in theaters for decades. The film will be screened in London at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX, using a national archive copy.
A Hard-to-Find Version Today
The original cut of Star Wars, as it was initially released to audiences in 1977, is no longer officially available today. Since the release of the special editions in 1997, several aspects of the film have been altered by George Lucas. Some of these digital additions, such as Jabba the Hutt’s appearance or tweaks to iconic scenes, have not been well received by some fans. A notable example is the cantina scene where Han Solo shoots Greedo. In the original cut, Han shoots first. The modified version changes the shooting order to portray Han’s actions as self-defense, with subsequent releases alternating between the versions.
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A Copy from the BFI Archives
The version to be shown in June comes from a Technicolor IB print, one of the few unaltered copies still in existence. It has been preserved under original conditions by the BFI. Currently, the only legally accessible versions are out-of-print VHS tapes or a low-quality original cut DVD from 2006. Streaming platforms and Blu-ray editions offer only the more recent edits.
No Reissue Planned by Disney or Lucasfilm
The BFI has secured permission from Lucasfilm and Disney for this unique screening, but there are no plans currently for a reissue or broader distribution. Other original trilogy films, such as The Empire Strikes Back or Return of the Jedi, will not be screened in their vintage versions. The June 12 session will therefore be one of the rare opportunities to see the film as it was originally released, with no additions or modifications.
The showing will take place on June 12, 2025, in London as part of the Film on Film festival. Ticket sales are scheduled to open on May 9, with early access on May 6 and 7 for BFI members. Something tells me snagging a ticket is going to be tough!