Just had the following reply from the British Film Institute regarding their copies of the original version of Star Wars:
"Thanks for your message about the STAR WARS films that has been passed over to us in the BFI's Curatorial Unit.
I certainly agree with you that the original versions of the STAR WARS films are as worthy of preservation as the altered reissues that came later. Indeed, the BFI's National Film and Television Archive is permanently preserving prints of all three of the films as they originally appeared, and also holds video material that reflects these original versions.
I am unaware of any plans to screen these prints currently, but I hope you are assured that these versions are secure for the future.
I hope that this information proves useful to you."
So they are "currently preserving prints" - this is heartening news indeed. At least someone/group is doing this as Lucasfilm obviously have their hands tied by Mr Lucas himself. A shame these preserved films will most likely never be allowed a screening, but at least a professional body is engaged in the preservation of the original trilogy!! :-)
Cheers,
- John
"Thanks for your message about the STAR WARS films that has been passed over to us in the BFI's Curatorial Unit.
I certainly agree with you that the original versions of the STAR WARS films are as worthy of preservation as the altered reissues that came later. Indeed, the BFI's National Film and Television Archive is permanently preserving prints of all three of the films as they originally appeared, and also holds video material that reflects these original versions.
I am unaware of any plans to screen these prints currently, but I hope you are assured that these versions are secure for the future.
I hope that this information proves useful to you."
So they are "currently preserving prints" - this is heartening news indeed. At least someone/group is doing this as Lucasfilm obviously have their hands tied by Mr Lucas himself. A shame these preserved films will most likely never be allowed a screening, but at least a professional body is engaged in the preservation of the original trilogy!! :-)
Cheers,
- John
Link
LOL....keep talking it up, Lucas.