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'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' to hit 3D screens February 2012

By Anthony Pearson Mar 3, 2011, 18:36 GMT

"Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" released 1999 was the first prequel movie in George Lucas\' epic sci-fi adventure series. It hill now hit 3D screens, 13 years after its original release.

20th Century Fox have today announced that, for better or for worse, "Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace" will launch its 3D theatrical run from February 10th, 2012.

Regarded by many as the poorest entry in the hugely popular George Lucas franchise, "The Phantom Menace" will mark the first of all six "Star Wars" movies to be converted to 3D for the big screen.

Fox and Lucasfilm today said in a statement;

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.

A release date for the other five "Star Wars" 3D movies has yet to be determined, but we will be sure to announce them when we have the information.

"The Phantom Menace" is directed by George Lucas as stars Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, and Frank Oz.

In 1999 the year of it's release the film went on to gross $924 million worldwide, making it at the time the second highest grossing film ever.

The "Star Wars" saga ranks as one of the most successful movie franchises of all time. It consists of six episodes which include; "Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menace", "Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones", "Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith", "Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope", "Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back", and "Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi." All will be released theatrically worldwide in 3D.

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