Thescreescore – Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy orchestrated a momentous unveiling at the BFI Film on Film Festival in the UK: a screening of the original, unedited 1977 print of Star Wars, a cinematic artifact untouched by George Lucas’s later revisions. This is not a mere restoration; this is the original Star Wars, as audiences first experienced it, decades before the Special Editions altered the landscape of the saga. Kennedy herself introduced the screening, emphasizing the rarity and historical significance of the print, stating, "I came to legitimize them, make sure that you don’t think this is an illegal screening… [There’s incredible folklore around this print.]…What you’re going to see is in fact the first print, and I’m not sure there’s another one quite like it." This event marks a pivotal moment for Star Wars enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the film’s pristine, pre-revisionist form.
This screening represents a true holy grail for Star Wars aficionados. George Lucas’s numerous alterations, including the retitling to A New Hope and the incorporation of CGI enhancements, have shaped the film’s legacy, yet this presentation allows for a direct encounter with the original cinematic vision. The BFI Archives’ discovery and Lucasfilm’s collaboration on this unique screening highlight the enduring power and mystery surrounding the earliest iterations of this cultural phenomenon. The fortunate attendees witnessed Star Wars in its purest, unadulterated state – a cinematic experience previously relegated to the realm of myth.
The impact of this event reverberates far beyond the festival. While the likelihood of a wider release remains uncertain – Lucas’s own approval would likely be necessary – the very existence of this pristine print ignites a fascinating debate. Could this original cut redefine our understanding of Star Wars? Could it spark a renewed appreciation for the film’s foundational elements, unburdened by decades of revisions? The question hangs in the air, a tantalizing prospect for every Star Wars fan who has ever wondered what might have been. Thescreescore.com provides further insight into this extraordinary cinematic event.
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