In a thrilling announcement for cinephiles and Star Wars fans alike, the British Film Institute (BFI) has revealed that the original, unaltered 1977 cut of Star Wars (later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope) will be screened at the Film on Film Festival 2025 in glorious 70mm. This rare presentation marks a significant moment in film preservation, offering audiences a chance to experience George Lucas’s groundbreaking space opera as it was first seen nearly five decades ago—before later revisions, CGI additions, and controversial alterations.
A Return to Cinematic History
The 1977 release of Star Wars revolutionized Hollywood, blending mythic storytelling with cutting-edge special effects to create a cultural phenomenon. However, over the years, Lucas made numerous changes to the original film, from minor edits (such as improving lightsaber effects) to more contentious alterations (like the infamous “Han shot first” scene). These modifications have frustrated purists who long to revisit the film in its purest form.
The BFI’s Film on Film Festival, dedicated to showcasing movies in their original photochemical formats, provides the perfect venue for this rare screening. By projecting a 70mm print—one of the highest-quality film formats—the festival ensures that audiences will witness Star Wars with the depth, color, and texture that defined its original theatrical run.
Why the 1977 Cut Matters
For many fans, the original version of Star Wars represents an irreplaceable piece of cinema history. Key differences from later editions include:
- Practical Effects in Their Prime – The 1977 version relies entirely on models, matte paintings, and in-camera effects, offering a tactile, handmade aesthetic that contrasts with later CGI enhancements.
- The Original Ending Music – The celebratory medal ceremony originally featured a different musical cue before John Williams’ iconic Throne Room fanfare was extended in later releases.
- Unedited Performances – Some line deliveries and reactions were subtly altered in subsequent versions, making the original performances a fascinating time capsule.
- No Added Scenes – Later editions inserted new creatures, extended space battles, and even entirely new scenes (such as Jabba the Hutt’s early appearance), which some argue disrupt the film’s pacing.
This screening will allow a new generation to experience Star Wars as audiences first did—raw, unpolished, and revolutionary.
The Significance of 70mm
70mm film is renowned for its unparalleled image clarity and immersive sound, making it the ideal format for Star Wars’ grand spectacle. While many modern screenings use digital projections, the BFI’s commitment to film-on-film presentations ensures an authentic, nostalgic experience.
The 70mm print being screened is reportedly sourced from a meticulously preserved archival copy, ensuring that the colors remain vibrant and the sound mix—originally presented in Dolby Stereo—retains its dynamic range. For audiophiles, this means hearing the original, unaltered sound effects, from the hum of lightsabers to the roar of TIE Fighters, exactly as they were mixed in 1977.
The Film on Film Festival’s Mission
The BFI’s Film on Film Festival, now in its third year, champions the preservation and exhibition of movies in their original celluloid formats. In an era dominated by digital streaming, the festival serves as a vital reminder of film’s tangible beauty. Past editions have featured classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and Lawrence of Arabia (1962), both presented in 70mm.
By including Star Wars in its 2025 lineup, the festival reinforces the importance of film preservation. Many of Lucas’s original edits no longer exist in official releases, making this screening a rare opportunity to see the movie as it was meant to be seen.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
The announcement has sparked excitement among Star Wars enthusiasts, many of whom have campaigned for years for an official release of the original theatrical cut. While Lucas has been resistant to revisiting the unaltered versions, screenings like this keep the hope alive for a future restoration.
For longtime fans, this event is more than just a nostalgia trip—it’s a celebration of the film that changed cinema forever. For younger viewers, it’s a chance to understand why Star Wars became a global phenomenon in the first place, free from decades of revisions.
Will This Lead to a Wider Re-Release?
While Disney (which now owns Lucasfilm) has not announced plans for an official re-release of the original cut, the BFI screening could reignite demand. Past attempts, such as the 2006 limited DVD release of the unaltered trilogy, were met with enthusiasm but lacked high-definition restoration.
If this screening proves successful, it may encourage studios to consider similar presentations worldwide—or even a remastered home media release. For now, however, this remains a rare and special event.
Final Thoughts
The BFI’s decision to screen the original Star Wars in 70mm is a gift to film lovers, offering a pristine glimpse into a pivotal moment in movie history. As debates over film preservation, director’s cuts, and artistic integrity continue, this presentation serves as a powerful reminder of why the original Star Wars remains a masterpiece—unaltered, untarnished, and utterly unforgettable.
For those lucky enough to attend, the Film on Film Festival 2025 will be a journey back to a galaxy far, far away—exactly as it looked in 1977. May the Force be with them.