Original Star Wars Screening Stuns Fans with ‘Terrible’ Look—And a Newfound Respect for George Lucas

A rare screening of the original 1977 version of Star Wars was held by the British Film Institute (BFI), showcasing a nearly pristine print that had been preserved in cold storage for decades. Introduced by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy—who joked that the event was “not illegal”—the print is believed to be one of the last of its kind and offered audiences a glimpse of the film as it first appeared, before any of George Lucas’ now-infamous edits and updates.

The response was a mix of reverence and surprise. While some attendees were thrilled to witness the unaltered version, others, like The Telegraph critic Robbie Collin, remarked that it “looks terrible” by today’s standards. Collin described the film as “grubby” and “joyously craggy,” emphasizing its tactile, handmade quality. Sets looked like painted boards, special effects were visibly limited, and the slapstick humor of droids C-3PO and R2-D2 came across as more charmingly clunky than ever before.

Vlogger George Aldridge, a longtime Star Wars fan, called the experience “incredibly special,” but admitted it made him appreciate Lucas’ many changes over the years—especially the subtle ones, such as enhanced sound design or cleaned-up voice work. Still, one original moment received unanimous audience approval: Han Solo shooting Greedo first, a scene that drew loud applause.

Lucas has long resisted releasing the original cut, famously saying in 2004 that the Special Edition is the only version he considers valid, dismissing the original as “a half-completed film.” Despite fan nostalgia, Lucas has argued that his revisions reflect the film he always intended to make.

This BFI screening marked the first major theatrical showing of the unaltered film in nearly five decades and reignited debate over artistic ownership, nostalgia, and whether fans truly want the Star Wars of 1977—or the one that’s been evolving ever since.