Back to a Galaxy Far, Far Away: BFI to Screen Original 1977 Star Wars Film This Summer

In what can only be described as a dream come true for cinephiles and Star Wars purists alike, the British Film Institute (BFI) has announced a special screening of the original 1977 theatrical release of Star Wars — the version that started it all — this summer in London. The event is part of the BFI’s Film on Film Festival, running from 12 to 15 June, and marks the first public showing of the untouched original cut in decades.

Long before the franchise became a global empire of sequels, prequels, spin-offs, and streaming dominance, Star Wars (later rebranded Episode IV: A New Hope) exploded into cinemas in 1977 with a revolutionary blend of mythology, futuristic tech, and old-school heroism. But unless you saw it during its original release, chances are you’ve never seen the version that audiences first fell in love with.

A Rare Return of the Original

In today’s digital era, only the modified “Special Editions”—which” George Lucas began releasing in 1997 — are readily available on streaming platforms and Blu-ray. These versions introduced new scenes, reworked visual effects, and controversial narrative changes. Over the years, Lucas continued tweaking the original trilogy, much to the dismay of loyal fans who craved the unfiltered cinematic magic they remembered from their childhoods.

This upcoming screening, however, will be a throwback to the true original — unedited, unenhanced, and gloriously analogue. It’s the cinematic equivalent of unearthing a lost relic: the grainy, filmic texture of the 1977 reel, complete with the original score, practical effects, and narrative beats, untouched by CGI updates or retcons.

As the BFI puts it, this screening is more than nostalgia — it’s preservation. According to James Bell, Senior Curator of Fiction at the BFI National Archive, every print featured in the festival “is a unique object, with its own life story,” offering modern audiences a rare chance to witness the past in its original form

“They put us at touching distance to the past,” Bell said, “and we can’t wait for audiences to experience them all.”

Why It Matters to the Fans

The original Star Wars has been at the centre of decades-long debates over the nature of film preservation versus directorial revisionism. Few scenes represent this better than the infamous showdown between Han Solo and the bounty hunter Greedo.

In the 1977 release, Han famously shoots first — a cold-blooded yet defining moment for his character. The 1997 re-release altered this sequence to suggest Han fired in self-defence, spawning the now-iconic fan mantra, “Han shot first.” Subsequent versions further blurred the moment, showing the two shooting simultaneously, a change that still irks long-time fans.

That moment — and others like it—represents more than just technical tweaks. For many, the original film is a cultural artefact. Its imperfections, rough edges, and practical effects are part of what made it groundbreaking. Seeing it restored to the big screen is an affirmation of its place in cinematic history.

Back to a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Star Wars BFI to Screen Original

A Festival of Film as It Was Meant to Be Seen

The BFI’s Film on Film Festival is built on that very idea: to present films as they were first shown, on actual film stock, not digital reproductions. The tactile crackle of the reel, the occasional flicker or scratch — these are not flaws but part of the medium’s charm.

The festival promises a diverse program that includes an original print screening of the Twin Peaks U.S. pilot, presented by series lead Kyle MacLachlan, along with other archival treasures from the BFI’s vault. Bell notes the event is made possible thanks to support from philanthropic donors committed to keeping film heritage alive.

It’s a celebration not only of the stories we love but also of the medium through which we first experienced them.

The Force Lives On

In a time when blockbuster franchises dominate digital platforms and sequels often overshadow their origins, the BFI’s decision to screen the original Star Wars is a bold nod to authenticity. It’s an invitation to return to the roots of modern pop culture — to sit in the dark, watch the crawl begin, and feel the thrill of being transported to a galaxy far, far away as audiences did nearly 50 years ago.

For fans young and old, this isn’t just a film screening. It’s a pilgrimage.

The original 1977 theatrical release of Star Wars will be shown on 12 June at the BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX as part of the Film on Film Festival. Tickets and additional programming details can be found on the BFI website.

Lightsabres not required — but definitely encouraged.