Lost for Decades: The Untouched 1977 Star Wars Theatrical Cut Is Streaming on Roku—But Not for Long

For decades, tracking down the original, unaltered 1977 theatrical cut of Star Wars has been a near-impossible mission—one that would make even the most skilled Bothan spies struggle. Yet, against all odds, that holy grail of cinema has resurfaced. And it’s not hidden in some dusty vault or locked away on a discontinued LaserDisc. Instead, it’s streaming right now on Roku. Yes, really.

But before anyone starts planning a marathon, let’s talk about what’s going on—because like a shadowy Sith conspiracy, this opportunity may vanish at any moment.

The Lost Star Wars Cut—Now Streaming for Free

If you happen to own a Roku device, you can now access the **original 1977 theatrical release of **Star Wars via an app called Cinema Box. And here’s the kicker—this version does not include the subtitle A New Hope, which was only added to the opening crawl retroactively in 1981. What’s more, this cut predates all of George Lucas’s later “special edition” tweaks, meaning it’s the closest you’ll get to experiencing Star Wars exactly as audiences did in 1977.

So what does this mean in practical terms? It means:

• No CGI-enhanced creatures lurking in the background
• No updated visual effects “fixes”
• No remastered sound design
• No awkwardly inserted Jabba the Hutt scene
• And yes, Han absolutely shoots first

Essentially, this is the purest version of Star Wars to be widely available in decades—without the Greedo shoots first controversy or unnecessary digital wizardry. The Star Wars that changed cinema forever is now available at the push of a button.

Wait… Where Did This Come From?

This is where things get murky.

Finding a theatrical version of Star Wars in the digital era has been nearly impossible. Sure, hardcore collectors might own an old VHS, LaserDisc, or the limited 2006 DVD release that included the theatrical cut as a “bonus” (albeit in poor quality). But for mainstream audiences? Forget it. Lucasfilm has long resisted making the original version available in any official capacity, instead focusing on continually updating and re-releasing the Special Edition versions.

But now, thanks to Cinema Box on Roku, the untouched 1977 original is here. The only problem? No one seems to know for how long.

A Mysterious App That Comes and Goes

Here’s where things get even weirder.

Cinema Box isn’t a well-known, big-name streaming service. It’s a Roku-exclusive app that has, on occasion, mysteriously vanished from the platform—most recently in early 2024. No official explanation has been given as to why it disappears, only that it sometimes does. And since licensing rights for Star Wars are notoriously tangled, it wouldn’t be surprising if this version of the film suddenly gets pulled with zero warning.

Right now, however, the app is available, and so is Star Wars. If you’ve ever wanted to see the film in its rawest form—without the modifications and edits of the past several decades—this is likely your best (and possibly last) chance.

How to Watch the 1977 Star Wars on Roku

If you’re ready to take a time-traveling trip to 1977, here’s how you can access this lost cinematic treasure:

1. Turn on your Roku device (or Roku TV)
2. Search for the app “Cinema Box” in the Roku Channel Store
3. Download and open the app
4. **Search for **Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (despite the listing, this version does NOT have the A New Hope subtitle in the opening crawl)
5. Press play and enjoy a piece of film history

One thing to note: Cinema Box does not appear to work on desktop or mobile devices, meaning you’ll need a Roku-compatible TV or streaming stick to access it.

The Importance of Preserving the Theatrical Cut

For many, the 1977 theatrical version of Star Wars represents more than just nostalgia—it’s an important piece of cinematic history. Over the years, George Lucas’s reluctance to release this version has only fueled its near-mythic status.

Changes to a film’s effects or visuals are one thing, but Star Wars is unique in that the original cut was essentially buried—replaced by newer iterations that, in some cases, significantly alter key moments. From character interactions (cough Han and Greedo cough) to entire scenes being reworked, the Special Editions have continuously redefined what Star Wars is and how it’s remembered.

That’s why the sudden reappearance of this theatrical cut, however brief, is such a big deal.

Will This Version Stay Available?

It’s impossible to say. The nature of Cinema Box’s presence on Roku is already unpredictable, and given the complicated legal maze surrounding Star Wars distribution, this version could be pulled at any time.

However, for those lucky enough to have Roku, the opportunity is here right now. If you want to see Star Wars in its original, untampered form, there’s no telling when—or if—this will happen again.

Final Thoughts

For years, the 1977 theatrical cut of Star Wars has been a lost relic—something discussed in forums, hunted down on aging VHS tapes, or reconstructed through passionate fan projects. The fact that it has appeared, however briefly, on a mainstream streaming service for free is nothing short of astonishing.

But with the uncertain nature of Cinema Box’s existence, there’s no telling how long this opportunity will last. If seeing Star Wars in its purest, pre-Special Edition form has been on your bucket list, the time to act is now. Fire up that Roku, immerse yourself in a galaxy far, far away, and enjoy the Star Wars that started it all—before it vanishes back into obscurity.

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