If you grew up watching the Star Wars trilogy when it hit cinema screens between 1977 and 1983, then you will have seen the first three Star Wars films in their original, unedited format. However, if you missed the original Star Wars trilogy the first time around, then it’s very likely you will have seen an altered version of the trilogy – it’s very similar, but it’s not the same.
Why?
Because over the years Star Wars creator, George Lucas, has tinkered with the Star Wars films and the version that you now own on DVD, Blu-ray or digital is not the original release. Small (and sometimes big) changes have been made here and there, during various re-releases, and that means you and everyone else has an edited copy of the trilogy in their possession.
But will the original Star Wars films ever receive an official release, unedited? It’s a question that has been asked repeatedly, so are we any closer to seeing it happen?
Apparently not. At least according to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker director, J.J. Abrams.
In a recent interview with NowThis, Abrams said: “I have asked about this.”
He added: “Well, ’cause who wouldn’t wanna see that? But I’ve been told that, for reasons I don’t quite understand, that that’s not necessarily possible. Which is too bad because that was the thing that I loved.”
Unofficial copies of the unedited trilogy often circulate online, but those are not authorised by Disney – and of course, I’m not suggesting you seek them out. But if you want to own an official copy of the original trilogy, like you remember it from days gone by, I’m afraid it’s unlikely to happen – at least not now anyway.
Read more:
- Thoughts on Solo
- What is the best order to watch the Star Wars movies?
- Why is everyone going crazy for Baby Yoda?
It's A Stampede! 
5 Responses to Will the original Star Wars trilogy ever be released unedited?
I have DVDs of the original trilogy that were released in 2006 as limited editions – each DVD includes one disc with the “digitally remastered movie” as well as a second disc of the original theatrical version. Naturally, I only ever watch the original versions with my kids…
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Great stuff! And hang onto those editions! Lucas began tweaking the original Star Wars back in 1978 when it was re-released, so you probably have one of the versions that is closest to the original as possible. I had the digital remastered copies on VHS, but they went out the door when VHS was replaced by DVD.
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Don’t you worry, I will not be letting those DVDs go!
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Just one reason why I will never “buy” another, rent maybe – do people still do that? – but not buy.
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Renting is an option, but it’s not something I imagine many people do nowadays. Streaming services have made renting obsolete, after all, subscription based streaming is renting.
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