The theatrical model of Star Wars: A New Hope, launched as simply Star Wars again in 1977, is seemingly being restored in 4k by Disney for a future launch, in accordance with new leaks. This model of George Lucas’ sci-fi blockbuster hasn’t been formally launched by Lucasfilm since 2006, and that was a crappy switch from a Laserdisc.
Over the previous few months, rumors and leaks have been circulating on-line about Disney engaged on a remastered and totally restored model of Star Wars. Then, just lately, video clips surfaced of this not-yet-officially-announced 4K restoration of the theatrical model of Star Wars. These clips had been promptly deleted, but leaked screenshots are still floating around and present new, extremely detailed scans of A New Hope, and likewise The Empire Strikes Again and Return of the Jedi, implying your entire OG trilogy is being restored. And the very best half? The leaked info claims that these restorations are being accomplished correctly, using original film negatives and with an effort to protect grain and colour grading. This doesn’t look like a fast 4K AI upscale like we’ve seen in recent times.
It is a huge deal as a result of the final time Lucasfilm formally launched the unique theatrical model of the movies, with out all of Lucas’ particular version tweaks and modifications, was way back in 2006. The DVD variations of Star Wars launched again then included the unique theatrical cuts as a bonus function. Sadly, these had been poorly transferred copies from the Laserdisc variations of the Star Wars motion pictures. And the transfers on Laserdisc weren’t nice both.
And whereas followers have accomplished unbelievable work restoring the unique cuts of Star Wars through tasks like 4K77, these efforts have at all times been restricted by having to work with outdated movie inventory and never accessing the unique negatives or higher-quality prints. So it’s very thrilling that Lucasfilm and Disney are correctly restoring the OG cuts of the unique trilogy, as they alone have entry to the very best supply materials round and the sources to drag this off.
We already know that Disney plans to deliver again A New Hope to theaters in 2027, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the franchise. Within the announcement of these plans, Disney didn’t specify which model can be proven. But it surely appears prefer it may really be the long-awaited theatrical reduce. If that’s the case, I’ll be there for certain. I additionally hope these variations get correct 4K UHD releases and are made obtainable on Disney+.
Star Wars is among the most influential movies in historical past, and it deserves to be seen in its authentic type in the highest quality potential. I’m comfortable that Disney, probably trying to win again outdated followers, is lastly doing this after many years of Lucas not caring. Now, let’s simply hope that is all actual and the corporate doesn’t fuck this up between now and launch.
