Holy shit. They’re finally doing it.
The original 1977 theatrical version of Star Wars is returning to theaters for its 50th anniversary—and for the first time ever, it will be presented in IMAX 70mm.
Lucasfilm announced that a newly restored version of the original movie will begin screening on February 19, 2027. San Francisco Chronicle
And when they say original, they apparently mean ORIGINAL.
The version before the 1997 Special Edition. Before the added CGI creatures. Before Jabba wandered into the movie looking like he escaped from a PlayStation 2 game.
And most importantly:
The version where Han shoots first—because Han ALWAYS shot first.
For decades, fans have begged Lucasfilm to properly restore and release the unaltered theatrical cut. Instead, we’ve been stuck chasing old VHS tapes, a lousy low-resolution DVD bonus disc and various unofficial fan restorations.
The original version has become the damn Holy Grail of Star Wars.
It has only been officially screened a handful of times since the Special Editions took over, including two rare showings at the British Film Institute’s Film on Film Festival in 2025. The Guardian
Now we’re potentially getting the movie that changed cinema projected on one of the biggest screens imaginable, accompanied by John Williams’ score shaking the walls through an IMAX sound system.
Come on.
For those of us old enough to remember when Star Wars wasn’t Episode IV, there was no “A New Hope” subtitle and nobody knew Darth Vader was Luke’s father, this is more than another theatrical rerelease.
This is history being put back where it belongs.
Lucasfilm hasn’t explained exactly how the restoration was completed or how much digital cleanup was involved. I’m perfectly fine with repairing scratches, restoring color and making the original effects look as beautiful as they did in 1977.
Just don’t put any more dinosaurs in Mos Eisley.
I’ve seen Star Wars more times than I could possibly count. I own it on VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, 4K and probably formats I’ve forgotten existed.
But the original theatrical cut in IMAX 70mm?
Yeah, I’m buying a ticket.
And if Greedo fires first, we riot.
