Two ’Star Wars’ films getting 3D re-release in Fall 2013
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George Lucas is following through on his promise that all of the “Star Wars” films will be re-released in 3D.
Fox released a 3D version of “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” in February, and LucasFilm announced on Monday that two more films, Episodes II and III, will bow in the fall of next year.
“JUST IN: Episodes II and III to be theatrically released in 3D back-to-back in Sep & Oct 2013. StarWars StarWarsCVI,” the Star Wars Twitter account posted.
“Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones,” the second of the more recent trilogy, will be released in theaters Sept. 20, 2013, while “Revenge of the Sith,” the final original “Star Wars” film, will bow Oct. 11, 2013.
Lucas and Fox’s first “Star Wars” 3D re-release, “Phantom Menace,” grossed $102 million at the global box office. Since the cost of converting a film to 3D is substantially lower than the cost of making an original “Star Wars,” such re-releases turn a quick profit.
Lucas and Fox are going on chronological order with these releases, at least in terms of story. The first three “Star Wars” film to open in theaters, Episodes IV, V and VI, are the last three in terms of the Skywalker family narrative.
While many critics derided the second trilogy of Star Wars films, as compared to the beloved originals, each one was a huge hit at the box office.
These releases also provide a big boost to merchandise and video game sales, which have been a profit center for Lucas for some time.