As we approach nearly three decades since George Lucas first introduced his special editions of the original Star Wars trilogy, fans have longed for the chance to view the original theatrical cuts of these iconic films. This yearning has been met with frustration due to years of unfulfilled rumors and limited access to these versions. However, a significant change is on the horizon for fans in the UK, as a rare opportunity to experience the original cuts of Star Wars is finally becoming a reality.This morning, the British Film Institute (BFI) officially announced the second installment of its Film on Film Festival, a celebration dedicated to the art of print film. The festival is set to be headlined by an extraordinary event: the first public screening of one of the few remaining dye transfer IB Technicolor prints of Star Wars. This particular print was made for the film's original release in the UK, which took place in December 1977, and has since been preserved in the BFI’s national film archive. The screening is scheduled for the festival's opening night on June 12, marking a momentous occasion as it represents one of the first public showings of the original version of Star Wars in decades.Access to the original cuts of the Star Wars saga has been notably scarce since the 2006 DVD release, which featured the 2004 editions of the films. These editions incorporated further controversial adjustments aimed at aligning the series with the prequel trilogy. Prior to this, the last officially available versions of the original cuts were included in a bonus re-issue on Laser Disc back in 1993. While it is true that fan-created, restored versions of the films have been circulating online for many years, fans have held onto hopes that Disney, following its acquisition of Lucasfilm, would eventually release officially remastered versions of the original cuts. Unfortunately, this has yet to materialize. In a strange twist, the original cut of Star Wars was briefly made available for streaming last month on the Roku platform via Cinema Box, only to be swiftly removed from access shortly thereafter.But the excitement at the BFI Film on Film Festival doesn't stop with Star Wars. The institute has also revealed that Kyle MacLachlan will be present to introduce a screening of the original 35mm print of the Twin Peaks pilot. This screening is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first time that the U.S. version of the pilot will be shown in the UK.Tickets for the much-anticipated BFI Film on Film Festival will become available starting May 6, just in time for the festival to kick off on June 12. This event promises to be a significant celebration for film enthusiasts, especially those who have been eagerly waiting to see the original Star Wars cuts back on the big screen.