3D 'Stars Wars: Episode I' set for February 2012

Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox have announced the release date for the 3D post-conversion ofStar Wars: Episode I– The Phantom Menace.  The re-re-release will hit theaters February 10, 2012.

George Lucas’ special effects company (and nowRangoanimators), Industrial Light& Magic, is overseeing the conversion“with a keen eye for both technological considerations and artistic intentions.”

Lucas apologists will likely take a peek, but many fans will scoff at the thought of sitting through Episode I again, much less in post-converted 3D— no argument here, scoff away.  However, starting in episode order, rather than by chronological release date, means ILM will have the opportunity to tinker with Jar Jar Binks’ protruding tongue or attempt to draw a realistic performance out of a flat Hayden Christensen before focusing their attention on converting the three films that matter, the original Star Wars trilogy.

3D may be a passing fad— not fast enough?— but there’s something to be said about seeing those sci-fi classics in the theater on a towering screen and bombarded by the films’ incredible, iconic sounds.  Three dimensions or not, the opportunity to catch the adventures of Luke, Han, and Leia again could be exciting enough for Star Wars fans young and old, regardless of how they feel about the prequels or“special” editions.

Are you through with Lucas’ cash grabs or are you excited to see Star Wars in 3D?

(Note: James Cameron is planning his 3D re-release ofTitanicin April 2012.)

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