Think you’ve seen 1977's Star Wars? Think again. What you’ve most likely seen are the altered versions that George Lucas released after the film's initial theatrical run. These tweaks eventually became known as the "special editions" of the iconic space saga. However, there's a new hope for fans: an opportunity to experience the original cut of the film that Lucas left behind all those years ago.

This June, the British Film Institute will kick off their Film on Film Festival with a special screening of one of the few remaining Technicolor prints from Star Wars' initial run. According to The Telegraph, this marks the first public screening of this print since December 1978, although it was previously available on VHS.

George Lucas began altering the film with its first theatrical re-release in 1981, and since then, Lucasfilm has only permitted screenings of various "special editions." The print set to be showcased at the upcoming festival is particularly exciting for fans. Stored at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the last forty years to preserve its quality, it promises to offer a near-flawless viewing experience.

In the past, Lucas has been firm in his stance against screening the original cut of what we now call Episode IV: A New Hope. He has even publicly discussed his decision over the years.

"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," he told the Associated Press in 2004. "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 might be having a change of heart with this particular screening, but fans are certainly not complaining.