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There are movies that entertain, and then there are movies that reshape culture. George Lucas’ Star Wars, first released in 1977, belongs squarely in the latter category. With its revolutionary special effects, storytelling, and a galaxy far, far away that instantly felt like home, it changed the face of modern cinema forever. But over the years, the original theatrical version, the one that launched it all, has become something of a lost artifact, buried beneath layers of Special Editions, CGI enhancements, and revised canon.
For generations of fans, this untouched version of Star Wars has lived in memory, on VHS tapes, or through bootleg fan restorations. It’s long been a dream to experience it on the big screen as it was first shown. Now, in an unprecedented event, that dream is becoming a reality. The 2025 BFI Film on Film Festival will showcase Star Wars in its original, unaltered form, marking the first public screening of the theatrical cut in decades.
BFI Film Festival to open with the original version of A New Hope
The BFI Film on Film Festival has officially confirmed that its opening night, June 12, 2025, will feature a screening of the original, unaltered 1977 theatrical cut of Star Wars: A New Hope. This will be the first time in decades that fans will be able to watch the film exactly as it premiered nearly 50 years ago with no CGI dewbacks, no Jabba scene, and yes, Han will shoot first.
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