Why Can't I Buy the Original Theatrical Version of Star Wars (1977)?

Unless you have your own cinema and can afford to buy a print, it's highly unlikely that you will be able to purchase the original theatrical version of Star Wars, released in 1977. This is largely due to George Lucas's decision and the subsequent actions by Disney and Lucasfilm.

The 1977 Original Release

The original theatrical release of Star Wars used the 1977 print, which differed from later video releases. However, the first video releases used the 1981 print, where George Lucas added Episode IV: A New Hope. This marked the beginning of Lucas's ongoing effort to 'improve' his creation.

George Lucas's Choice and Changes

Lucas himself has seen the original film as flawed and incomplete. His approach to creating the Special Editions was to improve the film and thus ensure that viewers only watch his 'approved' versions. Since 2012, Disney and Lucasfilm have continued this approach, never making the original version publicly available on official platforms. This claim is supported by the Official sources who have stated that the master version of the film was altered for the 1997 special edition version and that the necessary masters for updating the original version's audio and visual qualities no longer exist.

Despite these claims, many people find it difficult to believe that all original masters have been lost. However, for now, we must accept the Special Editions as the authentic versions of the films.

Unofficial Options

Fortunately, unofficial sources offer high-quality versions of the original Star Wars theatrical release. Many websites and forums offer 'despecialized' versions of the film, which are as close as you can get to the original in both form and spirit. However, these versions are not officially sanctioned and come with no guarantees of quality or authenticity.

Purchasing Second-hand Copies

For those who truly want the original theatrical release, you can find second-hand copies on the market. However, these are typically available only on formats such as VHS or LaserDisc. Since Lucas 'improved' the film, the only version currently available on the market is the 'improved' Special Edition version, now available on Disney.

Conclusion

The decision to not make the original theatrical version of Star Wars (1977) widely available stems from the hands of George Lucas and Disney/Lucasfilm. While unofficial versions and second-hand markets offer alternatives, the official stance ensures that the Special Editions remain the most accessible versions of the film for the time being.