The time is drawing near, 20th Century Fox and Lucasfilm have announced the release date for the first Star Wars 3D release being Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. The film is scheduled for release on February 10, 2012 and will start off the series of 3D releases which are currently planned for one film a year over the next six years.
It’s going to be very interesting to see how the first three films perform particularly given some controversy around the recent trend in 3D film releases but also the far more controversial prequel films themselves. As all Star Wars fans will know the prequel releases drove something of a wedge dividing the fan base on the quality of various aspects in those films, as well as a perceived (by some) detrimental effect on the enjoyment of the original trilogy.
On a technical level the post-conversion 3D process has so far produced mixed result, and rarely anything as impressive as films shot specifically for a 3D release. Can Lucasfilm improve on previous post-conversion efforts? We’ll have to wait and see.
Regardless of any debate, the 3D conversions will no doubt proceed as planned, further details are within the press release below.
Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox announced today that the 3D theatrical launch of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace now has an official release date – February 10, 2012! Set against the thrilling and exotic backdrop of a “galaxy far, far away,” Star Wars is perfectly suited to the immersive 3D theatrical experience, and Episode I delivers some of the Saga’s most stunning and spectacular sequences – from the Naboo invasion to the Tatooine Podraces to the climactic lightsaber battle between Darth Maul and the Jedi. Supervised by Industrial Light & Magic, the meticulous conversion is being done with utmost respect for the source material, and with a keen eye for both technological considerations and artistic intentions.
