'Star Wars' gets 3D treatment (THR, VAR, LAT)

By Nancy Tartaglione

The wait for 3D versions of "Star Wars" is over - sort of. It has been confirmed that the entire franchise will get the 3D treatment with releases beginning in 2012. Fox, which released all six originals, will release the 3D versions.

"Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" (which is the first episode chronologically but actually the 4th film that was originally released) will be first to alight during early 2012.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, each film after that would be released in order at the same time in consecutive years, depending on how well the first rerelease does.

A Lucasfilm spokesperson told Variety that "Phantom Menace" will open wide and "as close to day and date (worldwide) as possible."

Per Variety, John Knoll, visual effects supervisor for Lucasfilm's Industrial Light & Magic, is overseeing the conversion, which is being done by outside vendors with close oversight by ILM. Lucas will closely supervise.

"Having seen a lot of stereo material, I have very strong opinions about what I like and don't like about stereo," Knoll told Variety. "I'm going to be applying my aesthetic. It's not going to look like (conversions) we've seen in the past."

Lucas has said that the technological advances of James Cameron's "Avatar" inspired him to reconsider his longtime disdain for 3D, The Los Angeles Times notes.

Related Links

'Star Wars' saga set for 3D release starting 2012 (THR)
'Star Wars' saga gets 3D makeover (VAR)
'Star Wars' saga in 3-D will start in theaters in 2012 (LAT)