Star Wars in 3D - What's the Point?

There was a time when "Star Wars" was considered almost a sacred thing. It had some of the most loyal and devoted fans of any entertainment franchise, but also its appeal expanded to the mainstream and the general masses in a way that science fiction rarely does. Then creator George Lucas set out to run the franchise completely into the ground with his new prequel trilogy, cartoon series and most infamously continually tampering with and altering the beloved original films. Now Lucas has set a release date for his latest needless tinkering: "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" will be re-released into theaters in 3D on February 10, 2012.

There's probably nothing Lucas could say or do that would make this look like anything other than one more attempt to trick fans into paying money to see the same movie over again. The announcement isn't exactly out of nowhere. Lucas has been saying he wanted to put the films out in 3D for a few years, the only news now is that he's set a date so he really did mean it. It's a bit of an open question as to whether anybody really was asking for something like this. Star Wars continues to be a cash cow for Lucas, but at this point it's mostly through toys and games aimed at the younger viewers. The adult fans have been almost completely alienated by what's happened to the franchise in the last fifteen years.

The fact that Lucas has opted to start with Episode 1 is almost adding insult to injury. Fans may be have been able to get on board if he had started with the original trilogy, the one that is held in much higher esteem. Lucas seems to be banking on the idea that fans will want to see the pod race in 3D enough that they'll be willing to overlook how strongly most of them dislike the rest of the movie. On the one hand the few things that worked in the new trilogy tended to be the spectacle, such as the aforementioned pod race and the lightsaber battle with Darth Maul. Scenes such as these could potentially be very thrilling in 3D. However the fans still have to sit through the rest of the movie, complete with wooden performances and annoying alien side-kick.

Another thing that brings this decision into question is the fact that audiences are starting to get wise to post-converted 3D films. After the pop-up book look of "Clash of the Titans" and the near unwatchable darkness created by the shaded glasses for "The Last Airbender" audiences are more wary than ever of films that were not shot with the intention of being shown in 3D. This is why the advertisements for films such as "Resident Evil Afterlife" and "Drive Angry" make a point of saying they were actually shot in 3D. That of course doesn't automatically mean bigger box office but it is a concession by studios that viewers can tell the difference. Most movie goers know at this point that filmed in 3D is what gives "Avatar" quality while post conversion is nowhere near as good. Now it's true that George Lucas has had the luxury of time on these films, unlike some of previously mentioned films which were rushed through the post-conversion process. However even using the best conversion technology and taking the most time it's doubtful that post-conversion will ever look as good as films actually shot in 3D.

There seems little doubt that Lucas is still going come out a winner in this whole idea. Releasing in February is a very wise strategy as it tends to be a big of a lackluster time at the movies. He may end up at the top of the box office by default from audiences who just can't find anything else they'd rather go see. There also the possibility that fans of the original trilogy might opt to "take one for the team" by going to see Episode 1 in 3D. Lucas has said that if it's successful enough he'll release each of the five other films in 3D every year until they've all gotten the treatment. Fans still loyal enough to the original films just might want to see those films in 3D enough to swallow their pride and ensure Lucas' latest scheme makes enough money to keep going. In way, by starting with the reviled Episode 1 and dangling the preferred original trilogy as a later reward Lucas has committed entertainment blackmail. Frighteningly it'll probably work.