Original 1977 Star Wars Print Screened London After 45 Years

A rare original 1977 print of George Lucas’ Star Wars, featuring the iconic 'Han shoots first' scene and lacking the 'Episode IV: A New Hope' subtitle, was screened for the first time since 1978 at the BFI Film on Film Festival in London. The print was discovered in the British Film Institute archives and preserved due to the durable Technicolor dye transfer process, allowing audiences to experience the film as it originally appeared before the controversial 1997 Special Edition alterations. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy introduced the screenings, affirming Lucasfilm's support and describing the print as a valuable and rare artifact, highlighting the longstanding fan debate over the changes made by Lucas. BFI chief executive Ben Roberts called the print's condition a 'miracle,' emphasizing the significance of this glimpse into cinematic history. The event was celebrated by fans and critics alike as a unique opportunity to revisit Star Wars in its original form, sparking hope for a possible 4K remastered home release of this and related original trilogy prints. This screening reflects the enduring legacy and cultural impact of the original Star Wars film amid ongoing franchise developments like the Disney+ series Andor.