http://uk.news.yahoo.com/050318/325/feho5.html

Lucas plans 3-D Star Wars

LAS VEGAS (Hollywood Reporter)
Friday March 18, 08:52 AM

George Lucas is such a fan of the latest 3-D technology that he is planning to remaster all of the "Star Wars" films for rerelease in 3-D.

Appearing as part of a sextet of high-profile directors promoting 3-D and digital cinema at film industry convention ShoWest on Thursday, Lucas said he hadn't yet committed to a precise schedule but hoped to have the first film ready for the 30th anniversary of the original "Star Wars" movie in 2007 and that he would then rerelease one "Star Wars" film per year in 3-D.

Lucas was joined by James Cameron, Robert Zemeckis, Robert Rodriguez and Randal Kleiser. Peter Jackson joined the group via a pretaped 3-D segment. They all implored the exhibition community to invest in digital projectors, which would allow theatres to show their upcoming movies in 3-D.

Cameron is in preproduction on the 3-D film "Battle Angel," planned for a 2007 release. Zemeckis has two 3-D features in production, and Rodriguez is readying "The Adventures of Shark Boy & Lava Girl in 3-D" for release in the summer. Jackson, who is currently filming "King Kong," announced no specific 3-D plans, but according to sources he has installed a 3-D master suite in his production offices in New Zealand.

The filmmakers showed clips of their earlier work -- some of which was filmed in 3-D and some of which has been converted to 3-D -- and promoted digital 3-D during a screening sponsored by Texas Instruments' DLP Cinema.

DIGITAL ADVOCATE

Lucas' appearance in support of digital projection created a moment of deja vu for ShoWest attendees who had seen the filmmaker advocate digital cinema before the release of "Star Wars: Episode II --Attack of the Clones" when he proclaimed that the movie would screen in 1,000 d-cinema theatres.

"I'm sort of the proverbial digital penny that keeps showing up every other year," Lucas joked. "(Each time I am) saying, 'Why haven't you got those projectors in the theatres yet?'"

Lucas said he has seen many 3-D tests in the past 25 years, but because of advances in digital cinematography, postproduction and projection, the time has come for 3-D to become a more mainstream moviegoing experience.

To prove that point, he showed clips from the original "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope" and the most recent "Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones" that had been "dimensionalized," or converted into 3-D, in postproduction by the Agoura Hills, Calif.-based firm In-Three.

"It's really a beautiful system, and one of the reasons I'm promoting it today is I'm extremely anxious to reissue that old group of films I did so long ago in a galaxy far away," Lucas said. "When you see some of this test footage, it's shockingly good, and you can see how people would want to go see it. It means we can repurpose a lot of old movies, and at the same time it really gives a whole new dimension to the movies we're making now."

Jackson joined the others to lend his support to "one of the most exciting developments in cinema in a long, long time."

"It's not just the use of digital projection, which we all know is on the horizon," Jackson said. "But that the particular technology can be used to create three-dimensional movies that go far beyond the quality and the spectacle of anything we've ever seen before. Forget the old days of wearing the red and blue glasses and the eyestrain. All of that is behind us now. These new active glasses that you're wearing and seeing 3-D with are a breakthrough in technology."

Jackson screened remastered portions from the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy that featured a looming Gollum and battle dust that virtually fell onto the audience.

"I'm a man on a mission when it comes to 3-D," Cameron said. "I will be making all of my films in 3-D in the future. We need exhibition to come in to own a big chunk of the (emerging 3-D) market."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter


Showest.com Report

Lucas adds 'Star' power to 3-D campaign

LAS VEGAS -- George Lucas is such a fan of the latest 3-D technology that he is planning to remaster all of the "Star Wars" films for rerelease in 3-D. Appearing as part of a sextet of high-profile directors promoting 3-D and digital cinema at ShoWest on Thursday, Lucas said he hadn't yet committed to a precise schedule but hoped to have the first film ready for the 30th anniversary of the original "Star Wars" movie in 2007 and that he would then rerelease one "Star Wars" film per year in 3-D.

Lucas was joined by James Cameron, Robert Zemeckis, Robert Rodriguez and Randal Kleiser. Peter Jackson joined the group via a pretaped 3-D segment. They all implored the exhibition community to invest in digital projectors, which would allow theaters to show their upcoming movies in 3-D.

Cameron is in preproduction on the 3-D film "Battle Angel," planned for a 2007 release. Zemeckis has two 3-D features in production, and Rodriguez is readying "The Adventures of Shark Boy & Lava Girl in 3-D" for release in the summer. Jackson, who is currently filming "King Kong," announced no specific 3-D plans, but according to sources he has installed a 3-D master suite in his production offices in New Zealand.

i think all death star in space scenes would rock in 3d. just like the old ass atari video game with wireframe graphics

I will have to see this. I haven't seen that many movies in 3-D.

If it uses technology such as Muppets 3D at Disney World, it will be simply stunning.

As long as he doesn't overdo it and make it 5D, as that would piss off Mxyzptlk...

if u want a taster of how it could look in 3d (now stick with me on this one!!) grab a tinted lense, sunglasses etc and place one lense over your right eye (right eye only) now watch your favourite scenes with added dimension! mainly only works with things moving across the screen or CG the technique was used for a one off doctor who episode here in the UK tinted glasses were provided! it works with anything try it on tv cinema games! ive found anything with sparks falling is particulary good! my friends who wear glasses seem to find the effect doesnt work so well for them though! go on give it a go its great!!

Well, that might explain the Code 3 posters shown on the OS: http://www.starwars.com/collecting/news ... 50318.html

STAR WARS Episodes 4 - 6 in 3D? I'd love to see it. BUT we just know where this is eventually leading us dont we? :

STAR WARS SE DVDs now in 3D Editions!

p.s. I wish they would do this same 3D technlogy with ADULT films!!!

we are all going to have like 6 different collections of all six movies someday, I know when he releases ROTS on dvd there will be new "special features" on all of the discs that will make me want to buy that collection as well even though i already have 5 of them on dvd.
let me see should I watch a new hope SE, or a new hope original, or maybe widescreen, no wait i think I'll watch the 3D version today, damnit no I think I might go watch my old betamax one.

He $eem$ to relea$e every po$$ible $pin and variation of the movie in different package$ and rema$tering$. Like it or hate it, George Luca$ i$ a friggin' geniu$.

It's also the first release poster for JEDI, at least according to the 1995 LFL scriptbook.

You're a day late and a dollar short Jim... George had me at hello.

I heard he was planning on releasing all of the films like this in 2007 for the 30th anniversary? Or am I wrong?

Also, by 3D, does this mean "jump out at you!" like with old Sci-Fi B-rate horror films? Or something like Toy Story?

If you get a chance, see an IMAX 3D film. They're a far cry from the old shlockey poke a stick out at the audience 3D from the past.

It should be more like that.

are you going to need those goffy glasses that you have to get a happy meal for?

Just think....the Pheobe Cates pool scene in "Fast times at Ridgemont High" in glorious 3-D!!!

Low priority stuff compared to Han/Greedo v4.0, Jabba v4.0, Bail screaming as the Death Star blows up Alderaan, and the scene of Kashyyyk celebrating in ROTJ where a wookie is holding a sign "CHEWBACCA, COME HOME".

edit: this is a joke

I would just sit here and poke your AV

so did anyone try my 3d trick yet?
i cant wait, i will put money on there being a HD-DVD box set including regular and HD3d versions in 2010 looks fucking amazing as it is now through the projector with the makeshift 3d glasses!

3D Imax films are different because they have been shot in 3D. This is a trickier task, although it has been done. The problem with converting a 2D film to 3D is that it takes on a planar feeling rather than true 3D - so the characters look like cutouts. However, with LFL who knows what is possible...

Dogg.

I'm sorry but, when we say "3D", I think of red and green specs.
Are we talking about the same technology here, whereby the image is recreated as normal, but with an additional red and green reproduction of the elements thrown to the left and right of the original, at varying distances depending upon how far from the viewer they arte supposed to appear, so that when viewed through coloured specs a kind of cardboard cutout effect gives a vague sense of depth and makes you feels dizzy?
George is doing that to Star Wars?
Sheesh, welcome to 1984.
In fact, when did Hitchcock do Dial M for Murder - then drop the 3D idea altogether, for the simple reason that it is pretty crap and it doesn't really work...?

Errrr no! this is a new technology using sunglass type polarised lenses not the red/green ones! read the top aricle for the details this version WORKS!

Ah

The polarized technology essentially does the same thing as the old red and green thing, though - it's still just about separating two different versions of the same image for each eye.

But, okay, yeah - this is LFL.
It'll be new, new, new polarizing lens technology, I guess.
Not the old, new technology.
I'm still a little dubious.

Apparently, James Cameron has already used this 2D-to-3D Dimensionalization technique from the same company(in-three) in Aliens of the Deep for some shots from 2D cameras.

http://www.dcinematoday.com/dc/pr.aspx?newsID=204

SON OF A BITCH!!!!

IT WORKS!!!

I read your post, ran out to the car, grabbed my $20 OP sunglasses from JC Penny, and qued up the Arena chapter on the AOTC DVD.

It looks pretty damn sweet....the lightsabers, CloneTroopers, EVERYTHING.

Thanks for the tip PJ!

I actually had a chance to see Robert Zemeckis' "The Polar Express" during its initial IMAX 3D run, and while everyone else in the packed house seemed to enjoy themselves at the eye-popping sights and roller coaster-esque camera techniques, I felt terribly underwhelmed by the gimmick. The 3D added nothing to the storytelling experience of the film; it didn't draw me into the characters' dilemas anymore so than a "2D" print of the film would have. If anything, it actually distracted me.

While I admit that my own vision isn't perfect, never have my eyes felt strained while watching a film, whether it be on an IMAX screen, or a typical multiplex auditorium. I did, however, experience this visual side effect while watching "The Polar Express."

Individual eyesight aside, as the 3D visions washed over me, (such as the enlarged text from a book) I had to question the purpose and benefit of these cheap cinematic tricks. I understand that creative decisions tied to technical elements, such as the decision to shoot in color or black and white, the lighting, aspect ratio, sound, etc. are made, in most cases, in aid of telling a story. Although my cinematic hero, namely George Lucas, may feel differently and has the clout and influence to affect change, it is my personal belief that 3D is an idea whose time has come and gone. Over the course of 100 years plus, the craft of telling a story through traditional "2D" means has been perfected to such a degree that a thrid dimension is superfluous and unless something truly unique, inspired, and most importantly, vital to telling a story can be accomplished with 3D that cannot be achieved through traditional filmmaking techniques, I don't think this idea will catch fire. Then again, as Mencken said...

"No one ever lost money underestimating the taste of the American public."

For people who think 3D stereo visuals are just a pointless gimmick or doesn't add to the story so it's pointless.

Q: Do you same people think 5.1 audio is a cheap gimmick and pointless?5.1 audio doesn't add to the story either.

IMHO, yes it's a gimmick, but if done right it's not a pointless one, especially for people who enjoy Stereo 3D. It's a different kind of experience. Some like it, some don't. I don't see the problem. 3D WILL NOT replace 2D for the general public. For me, I just hope it will increase in popularity and become available in more venues and not just IMAX. I don't want to see all film in 3D, but SW in 3D could be good if done right.

Film snobs annoy me.

I'm not sure I appreciate the subtle slam on my taste; however, Polar express was a bad movie made watchable by the 3D process.

There's no way I would have sat through that crappy hokem without the 3D effect. The technology is cool, not Polar Express.

Since the original Laserdiscs are out, and the 2004 DVD editions are widely available, I have absolutely no problem with one of my favorite film series being transferred to 3D format just for the cool factor alone.

SW is fun. 3D movies can be cool. It's not a stretch to think that combining the two could make for a great afternoon at the movies.

I think it's also important to note that the very first instance (to my knowledge) of stereophonic sound being used in a motion picture was the roadshow presentation of Walt Disney's "Fantasia," and the creation of Fantasound. In that case, the added aural depth was used to re-create the exprience of sitting in a concert hall, listenning to a live orchestra performing the music selections as opposed to the modest mono sound that most movie houses generated at the time. Yes, it was a gimmick, but then again, movies themselves were thought of as nothing more than a gimmick at one time too. The difference here is that movies and innovations such as color film, sound, and widescreen, are all tied to cinema's development as a storytelling medium, indeed, it is the ultimate storytelling medium because of these advancements.



I'm not sure I appreciate the subtle slam on my taste.

I think because 3D has its modern cinematic roots in the hokey schlock that folks like William Castle produced in the 1950's, there is a certain stigma (that I admit I am perpetuating) associated with the technique. Perhaps I am just short sighted and suffer from cinematic tunnel vision, but when few in the business have done little to change this school of thought regarding 3D over the past five decades, can you blame me?

The difference is, I wasn't being subtle.

Nah, it's all good. I just think a 3D star wars film would be a really cool thing to go to on a weekend. Not everything has to be high art. Sometimes being fun is more than enough.

Heck, I'd go and see them all in 3D, even if it was just for a one off laugh. It sounds like the sort of thing you'd have to get a big group of mates to go and see it with so you can all sit there and go 'oooooohh, aaaaaahhhh' together. Bring it on.

Parts of Aliens of the Deep used that technology that SW 3D will use. Some 2D ocean footage was converted into 3D.

Is there anyone that can tell which footage was real 3D and which was Dimensionalized in AotD?

I agree, and like everyone else, I'll be there waiting in line openning day and give Lucas the benefit of the doubt.



There's actually a thread over at the IMDB's message board that was started by one of the guys that converted the footage from 2D to 3D (raiderbig):

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417415/board/nest/15592047

Re-releases are a thing of the past now. The home theater experience has seen to that.

Just look at the pitiful gross The Passion ReCut has gotten.

3D may be gimicky, but it's not something you could see at home.

You can see 3D at home, but it's just more flickery because of the low TV refresh rates (50/60Hz). I don't know if there's any 3D glasses that works with 100/120Hz TV to greatly reduce flicker. Now that's all for CRT TVs, I don't know if it's possible with LCD and Plasma TVs because of how they refresh. Some people even have some weird single and dual projector set-ups via PC and Polarized glasses.

I was playing a demo of Star Wars Lego in 3D on the PC. That has some Excellent 3D depth.

So it is possible to have 3D at home.

My buddy knows someone who works at the company who is doing the 3-D transition to all the Star Wars movies. The website is:

www.in-three.com

Here is their press release, complete with quotes from Lucas himself:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Gary Friedman , Vice President Public Relations In-Three, Inc.

gfriedman@In-Three.com

Tel: 818-991-7775

George Lucas Presents In-Three’s Dimensionalized

3D Movies at ShoWest

(March 16, 2005 - Las Vegas, NV) The exciting highlight of this year’s ShoWest will be the first public display of Dimensionalized 3D feature motion pictures converted to 3D by In-Three, Inc. of Agoura Hills, CA. In-Three’s proprietary patented process converts any 2D feature motion picture into truly realistic 3D unlike anything ever seen before.
The event will be in a program during Showest held on Thursday, March 17, at 2pm and 3pm hosted by Texas Instruments.

George Lucas will be introducing In-Three’s segment of the program, which will be featuring Dimensionalized 3D clips from Star Wars Episode II-Attack of the Clones, along with 3D clips from other blockbuster movies from Paramount and Disney. The highlight of the presentation will be the screening of the first 6 minutes from the original Star Wars (Episode IV) in Dimensionalized 3D.

“When I first saw In-Three’s Dimensionalization process I was truly amazed. The 3D was of a quality better than anything I had previously experienced. Seeing my own Star Wars images in authentic 3D convinced me that it would be a whole new way for audiences to be able to re-live the Star Wars films. Dimensionalization will significantly enhance the realism of any movie presented in this process.” – George Lucas

"The first time I saw In-Three’s work over a year ago all of us at LucasFilm were totally “Wow’d”. We sat there in amazement seeing our own familiar scenes in 3D. I was truly stunned that these guys actually developed a technology that can produce such high quality 3D pictures. The realism that they were able to create was unlike anything I’d ever seen. In-Three has developed an entirely new post production technology. With In-Three’s 3D process film makers no longer have to concern themselves with the complexity, uncertainties, and expense of shooting with dual cameras. Believe me, we have seen a lot of 3D, but In-Three’s is the only one that delivers. We’re sold." – Rick McCallum, Producer of Star Wars

The presentation will also include a testimonial from Peter Jackson.

Randall Kleiser, Director, will also be at the event screening a Dimensionalized 3D clip from his movie “Grease”.

"After shooting in 70mm 3D for Disneyland's "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience", I know how complicated this format can be. With In-Three's technique, completely convincing depth is created from any two-dimensional film. George Lucas showed me In-Three's work at I.L.M.. Seeing Star Wars in 3D was amazing enough, but when I saw John Travolta singing "Greased Lightning" in 3D I was blown away. It was just like being back on the set. I know every fan in the world would come back to the theater again to see a complete 3D version. The possibilities are mind-boggling." - Randall Kleiser, Director of “Grease”

ShoWest attendees will be amazed to see Digital Cinema 3D that is
available today using a single Digital Cinema projector being fed by one QuVis dual-stream Digital Cinema server using its standard theatre matte screen. All that is required to show compelling 3D movies is to add In-Three’s lightweight wireless glasses and an inexpensive cleaning
unit. Theatre owners will be pleasantly surprised to discover the low cost of 3D Digital Cinema. Theatre owners will discover that they can now offer for the first time, a compelling 3D experience only available in the cinema and not in the home.

In-Three has demonstrated its process and has completed many tests with the major studios and key film makers including George Lucas, Stephen Spielberg, Peter Jackson, James Cameron, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Tom Cruise, Randal Kleiser, and many others. There is exciting first run major feature content currently being Dimensionalized at In-Three for theatrical release in Digital 3D Cinemas within a year.

What I still don't get is, will we have to wear some funky gay 3-D glasses?

Sounds Brilliant idea, the classic's remasted!



Lmao!

Yes, you still wear glasses, but they're not the paper red blue kind.

They're more durable, and you return them after the show to be cleaned.

They look like oversized plastic K-Mart sunglasses. They also have a version that will fit over your existing eye glasses if you have them.

While they're at it they should cover ALL the planets in the saga.

'pan to Mustafar where we see a guy burning in lava shouting for help'

I agree 100% with you on Polar Express. It's not a 2D film. 3D is the only appealing thing about it.