Think you've seen the original 1977 "Star Wars"? Think again. Chances are, you've seen one of the many altered versions that George Lucas released after the film's initial theatrical run. These versions, known as the "special editions," have become the standard for the beloved epic. However, fans now have a glimmer of hope—a chance to experience the untouched original cut that Lucas left behind all those years ago.

This June, the British Film Institute will kick off their Film on Film Festival with a screening of one of the rare Technicolor prints from "Star Wars'" initial run, which has remained intact to this day. According to The Telegraph, this print hasn't been shown publicly since December 1978, though it was available on VHS in the past.

Lucas began altering the film with its first re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only allowed screenings of various "special editions." The print being shown at the upcoming festival is particularly exciting for fans. It has been preserved at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the past forty years, ensuring a near-flawless viewing experience.

In the past, Lucas has been firm about not screening the original cut of what we now call "Episode IV: A New Hope." He has even publicly discussed his stance on this issue over the years. In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, Lucas said, "The Special Edition, that's the one I wanted out there. The other movie, it's on VHS, if anybody wants it. I'm not going to spend the—we're talking millions of dollars here—the money and the time to refurbish that, because to me, it doesn't really exist anymore. It's like this is the movie I wanted it to be, and I'm sorry you saw a half-completed film and fell in love with it. But I want it to be the way I want it to be. I'm the one who has to take responsibility for it. I'm the one who has to have everybody throw rocks at me all the time, so at least if they're going to throw rocks at me, they're going to throw rocks at me for something I love rather than something I think is not very good, or at least something I think is not finished."

It's unclear why Lucas seems to be having a change of heart with this screening, but fans certainly aren't complaining about the opportunity to see the original "Star Wars" as it was first intended.