Source: Star Wars Facebook | Posted By: Dan Geer
Originally, it was assumed that we would get one Star Wars film released in 3D every year for the next five years, providing Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace did well enough at the box office. The first prequel made over $100 million worldwide (approx. $44 million domestically) last Feburary, so needless to say, we’re definitely getting more Star Wars in 3D.
It was announced today via the Star Wars Facebook page that we are indeed getting Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones in 3D next year as expected, but the big surprise is that Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith will also be released in 3D in 2013 as well. Both films will make their 3D debut in theaters within mere weeks of each other, with Attack of the Clones 3D being released on September 20, 2013, and Revenge of the Sith 3D on October 11, 2013. Read on for more on the future of Star Wars in 3D!
To speculate, this latest announcement most likely means that the original trilogy is not as far behind as was initially presumed. We will most likely see the original Star Wars film get a theatrical 3D release some time in 2014, instead of 2015. Also, this new back-to-back 3D release of the final two prequels may suggest that this method will be used with Episodes IV & V as well, or maybe even all three original Star Wars films. Nothing has been officially confirmed on the matter though, so we’ll just have to stay tuned as more details emerge.
While Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was a successful 3D transfer (not too dark, blurry, etc.), some found it to be a bit underwhelming. Personally, I believe this to simply be the nature of post-converting a 2D film into 3D. The shots were not planned out to be in 3D in the first place, so it makes sense that the 3D for The Phantom Menace wouldn’t be as appealing as, say, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, which was shot entirely in 3D to begin with, with every shot planned specifically for the format. It is my assumption that the remaining Star Wars films won’t be any better in 3D, but that they certainly won’t be bad transfers.
The main thing is that these iconic films are getting re-released in theaters again for people to enjoy on the big screen, which is really the way movies like these are meant to be seen. Sure, the 3D doesn’t add much to the experience, but it doesn’t take away from it either. We simply have an added effect to it that is unobtrusive and somewhat interesting. Thankfully Lucasfilm is taking great care in making sure we get the best possible 3D conversion possible with these movies, so at least we won’t be squinting our eyes when watching them…
