Exclusive Screening of Original Star Wars Trilogy with Special BFI Event

Nearly 30 years have passed since George Lucas introduced special editions of the iconic Star Wars trilogy, but fans still crave access to the original theatrical versions of A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. After years of speculation and fan anticipation, there’s exciting news for UK viewers: a unique screening opportunity is on the horizon!

BFI Film on Film Festival to Screen Original Star Wars

This morning, the British Film Institute (BFI) announced its upcoming Film on Film Festival, celebrating the artistry of print film. The festival will feature the first public screening of a rare dye transfer IB Technicolor print of Star Wars, which was created for its original UK release back in December 1977. This screening, scheduled for the festival’s opening night on June 12, is a landmark moment, marking one of the few times the original cut of Star Wars has been shown publicly in decades.

Finding the Original Cuts in Today’s Streaming Landscape

Since the 2006 release of the controversial 2004 editions of the Star Wars films, access to the original cuts has been limited. The last official release of these beloved original versions occurred on LaserDisc in 1993. While fan-restored versions of Star Wars have garnered significant attention online, many are still hoping for an official remastered release following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. Recently, in a rather unexpected move, the original cut of Star Wars was briefly available for streaming on Roku via Cinema Box, only to be removed soon after.

More Unique Genre Screenings at the BFI Festival

The Star Wars screening isn’t the only noteworthy event at the festival. The BFI will also showcase the original 35mm print of the Twin Peaks pilot, with Kyle MacLachlan himself introducing the film. This marks the first time the US version of the pilot will be shown in the UK, adding to the excitement surrounding the festival.

When and How to Get Tickets for the BFI Film on Film Festival

Tickets for the BFI Film on Film Festival will be available starting May 6, ahead of the festival’s commencement on June 12. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the original magic of Star Wars on the big screen!

Interested in more updates from io9? Stay informed about the latest releases in the Marvel and Star Wars universes, as well as upcoming developments in the DC Universe and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Film on Film Festival?

The Film on Film Festival, organized by the British Film Institute, is an event dedicated to celebrating traditional print films and showcasing rare screenings, including classic titles from cinematic history.

When is the original Star Wars screening happening?

The original cut of Star Wars will be screened on June 12, as part of the BFI Film on Film Festival.

Where can I buy tickets for the BFI Film on Film Festival?

Tickets will go on sale on May 6. You can purchase them directly from the BFI website or at their box office.

Will original Star Wars cuts be available on streaming platforms?

As of now, no official remastered release of the original cuts exists for streaming, though fan-restored versions are widely available online. Fans are hopeful for a future release following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm.

What other films will be featured at the BFI Film on Film Festival?

Aside from Star Wars, the festival will feature a screening of the original 35mm print of the Twin Peaks pilot, among other classic titles.