All Six Star Wars Films to be Released in 3D

George Lucas has reportedly given the go-ahead to release all six of the Star Wars films theatrically in 3D beginning in 2012. The plan is to start with Episode I – The Phantom Menace and then release them over the course of six years with one each year. That would leave Episode VI – Return of the Jedi to close things out in 2017.

The films would be converted to 3D, a process that has fatigued audiences and resulted in dwindling returns due to poor results. However Lucas is known for being very particular and requiring superior quality to which many expect the visuals to be far superior to the conversions we are seeing hit theaters this year. He had resisted re-releasing the Star Wars films in 3D until there were enough screens available and now that threshold has been reached as more theaters change over to digital projectors.

The move also sets up for potential 3D DVD releases given the number of 3D televisions in homes should be rising by 2012 and certainly beyond. Before then a full box set Blu-ray release is scheduled for next year.