Star Wars Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Powerful Theatrical Re-Release
“Star Wars” fans tend to be a divided bunch, especially since Disney bought the franchise in 2012. While they can debate endlessly about the current slew of Disney projects, there is one thing that every fan should be happy about. To celebrate the franchise’s 50th anniversary, the original “Star Wars” movie is coming back to theaters in 2027.
The “Star Wars” Re-Release
The official “Star Wars” website posted a news update about the “A New Hope” re-release, stating the following:
“On February 19, 2027, we’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of ‘Star Wars’ with a re-release of the 1977 original back for a limited time, in theaters everywhere.Part of Lucasfilm’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, a newly restored version of the classic ‘Star Wars’ (1977) theatrical release — later renamed ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’— will play in theaters for a limited time. Switch on your targeting computer and keep your eyes on StarWars.com for more details, including when and where to buy tickets to this once-in-a-generation event.”
The Return of the Original Version
It appears that the re-release will be of the original version of the film instead of the 1997 Special Edition, which included restored deleted scenes and reworked visual effects. On the one hand, the original version has been hard to find since its DVD release in 2006, and that release was an unrestored cut. On the other hand, there is now a whole new generation that has grown up with the Special Edition. I personally prefer the Special Edition, but since the original version is turning fifty, it seems fitting for that version to return to theaters.
The release date of the re-release was also changed. It was originally announced for April 30, 2027, which would have meant it would be playing for May 4th, which is considered “Star Wars” Day for most fans. Perhaps the date was changed to February 19th to avoid competing with the new movie “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which is set for release on May 28, 2027.
Grab Your Lightsabers – You Won’t Want To Miss This!
Whether you’re an old fan who grew up with the original trilogy or a newer fan who grew up with the Disney movies, all “Star Wars” fans should be excited to see the restored original film on the big screen. After the 20th anniversary re-release of “Revenge of the Sith” was a big hit earlier this year, the future looks good for more re-releases. Hopefully “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” will also make theatrical returns.
