Star Wars film set to be screened with live orchestra in Birmingham

Since the release of the first Star Wars movie nearly 40 years ago, the saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, characters, ground-breaking special effects and iconic music composed by John Williams.

This score, which has been selected by the American Film Institute as the greatest film score of all time, will be played by a live orchestra to accompany a screening of A New Hope at Arena Birmingham on December 2.

The 1977 film sees Luke Skywalker joins forces with Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, pilot Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2 to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.

A New Hope surpassed 1975 blockbuster Jaws to become the highest-grossing film of all time until the release of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in 1982.

It was among the first films to be selected as part of the US Library of Congress' National Film Registry as being 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant'.

In 2005, the British Film Institute included it in their list of the 50 films you should see by the age of 14.

Its soundtrack was added to the US National Recording Registry in 2004.

A New Hope launched an industry of tie-in products, including TV series spin-offs, novels, comic books, and video games, and merchandise including toys, games and clothing.

The film, Episode IV of the series, was followed by The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi; as well as prequel trilogy films The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

The first film of the sequel trilogy, The Force Awakens, was released in 2015. The Last Jedi followed in 2017, with the third instalment due to be released in 2019.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.