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We previously reported (from Star Wars Celebration no less) that George Lucas announced the STAR WARS Blu-rays were on track for release next year sometime. Today there’s new news about the previously mentioned STAR WARS 3D editions, which are more of a reality than originally thought. Originally the number of theater screens equipped for 3-D were a concern for director/creator George Lucas, but with the ridiculous popularity of the whole 3D movie thing, Lucas now feels that by 2012 that will no longer be an issue.
It’s being reported that 3D versions of ALL six STAR WARS films are in Fox’s plans for release, beginning in early 2012. THR grabbed the initial scoop on all this, confirming that more info will be released very soon, and also saying THE PHANTOM MENACE would be first out of the gate… YIPPIE! Each chronological story would follow each year in order for the release pattern. Guess it kind of makes sense, but that means it would be 2015 before the original STAR WARS sees its 3D treatment. Ugh. This is also entirely based on how successful each release is. So from 2012 until 2017, we’d have a new 3D version of the STAR WARS films released each year.
ILM Visual Effects Supervisor (and the guy that brought us Photoshop) was quoted to say:
“Getting good results on a stereo conversion is a matter of taking the time and getting it right. It takes a critical and artistic eye along with an incredible attention to detail to be successful. It is not something that you can rush if you want to expect good results. For Star Wars we will take our time, applying everything we know both aesthetically and technically to bring audiences a fantastic new Star Wars experience.”
Now 3D televisions are already hitting stores this Christmas, and it looks like the whole 3D thing is only gaining momentum in Hollywood. God almighty, can we please just get over this craze?!? Granted, I was excited about the Blu-rays hitting next year, with all the new bonus features and whatnot, but to me this sounds like STAR WARS overkill. Do we really need 3D versions of the two trilogies? No. We all have James Cameron to thank for this, as it was the overwhelming success of AVATAR that convinced Lucas to do this to the two trilogies. What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
