This week George Lucas made the announcement that the Star Wars Trilogy would be returning to theaters in 2012. Both the original trilogy and the prequels will be given the 3D treatment. For Lucas this means more cash in his pocket. For fans this means flocking to the theaters to pay way to much money to see what will probably be mediocre 3D effects. Initially I was very excited about this announcement. The idea of seeing the original trilogy in theaters again was definately bringing out my inner geek. However, the more I read about 3D conversions the less excited I become.
Anyone who has been to Disneyworld has hopefully seen the the Muppet 3D Show. Very tongue in cheek, the show pokes great fun at cheap, gratuitous 3D effects. My fear is that this is what will happen with the Star Wars Saga. I can see it now, every severed limb in the trilogy will now hover in the air for an obnoxious amount of time and look like they are going to land in your lap. Lightsabers will conspicously poke out the screen to be pointed at the audience, and shots of the Death Star will be extended so that we can marvel at how it looks like "you can reach out and touch it". A movie like Avatar, which was filmed with 3D in mind, was spectacular. Cameron knew from the start that his movie was going to be 3D. Conversions after the fact are a bit like black and white movies converted to color. It just doesn't look right.
What is more disturbing about this announcement is that the prequels will be released first. The films would then be staggered a year apart. This means that A New Hope will not return to theaters until 2015, five years from now. I think most fans would rather see the original trilogy first. I know I can't sit through Attack of the Clones in a theater ever again. I'm certainly not going to pay close to $20.00 to do so. Add to that fact that this process is going to be taking place over the next 7 years, it diminishes in my mind the possibility of any other Theatrical Star Wars projects, projects that Lucas keeps hinting at in appearances, most recently at Celebration V.
If Lucas really wants to enhance the films. maybe he could do us all a favor and just digitally remove all trace of Jar Jar Binks.
I am torn about the 3D, especially since Lucas has a hard time with his "improvements" to the series. Greedo/Han Solo is the most obvious sin.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my son is 6 right now. I would love to be able to bring him to the theater and have him see Star Wars on the big screen...
Yuri
Being able to see the movies in the theaters again definately earns check in the plus column. Being able to share that experience with your son, also a plus.
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