Some interesting history presented here in the third video clip from the five part series involving George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy.
Check it out:
For all of our STAR WARS coverage, click here.
Tim here. In a surprise announcement out of Orlando, where the Star Wars Celebration VI event is taking place, Lucasfilm announced that Star Wars Episodes II Attack of the Clones in 3D and Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith in 3D will be released in theaters back to back in fall of 2013. The second and third prequel will be arriving September 20th and October 11th, respectively. No reason was given for the back to back release.
The dates were revealed in a very amusing manner: Via a video of The Emperor himself, Ian McDiarmid, saying the date, only for George Lucas – who it turned out was sitting beside him – to tell him to repeat what he said, “Faster and more intense.”
Earlier this year Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace in 3D was released in theaters. The original plan was to release the next 5 each year after that. Menace was released in February, and the push back to September for Clones may be to help the conversion, but as IGN reported earlier this weekend the footage shown at Celebration VI was impressive. You can read that full article here.
Some highlight impressions from IGN reporter Eric Goldman's experience (emphasis mine): "In the opening sequence of the Naboo cruiser arriving on Coruscant, the ship truly seemed to be coming out of the side of the screen. And there was a lot of cool 3D visuals in the footage we saw of Anakin and Obi-Wan’s speeder chase through Coruscant – especially when Anakin leapt from the speeder down towards Zam Wesell, and Anakin himself appeared to be a physically present figure, falling away from the viewer into the distance."
At the preview ILM’s Dennis Muren (Visual Effects on all six Star Wars films) and John Knoll (Visual Effects Supervisor on the Special Editions and the prequels) discussed the conversion process with the collected audience. They spoke about how meticulous and time-consuming it is— about a year-long in total for each film. As you all know it involves going through the entire film frame by frame to separate the elements and making sure the 3D looks correct while giving objects the proper amount of depth. In some cases, the shift in perspective in a scene has led to new digital work needing to be done. An example was shown from the end of Attack of the Clones... the scene where Palpatine and the politicians look down on the Clone Troopers and their ships. As the 3D caused a slightly different angle with blank spaces on the background which needed to be filled in. ILM had to use use the original matte paintings and backgrounds in order to fill that blank space in.
Since this whole process involves going back into a lot of the digital elements, Knoll admitted, “We might have archived things a bit differently if we knew we were coming back to it,” noting with Phantom Menace, they were dealing with elements from “13, 14 years ago. The backups only last so long. Sometimes the priorities on what you back up change over the time.” Knoll said the process had been easier on Attack of the Clones than Phantom Menace because, "The newer the film is, the easier it is to go into the archives and recover things." This makes a lot of sense.
During the closing ceremonies, the sizzle reel for Attack of the Clones 3D was shown again, along with a new addition – the first moments of the space battle over Coruscant that begin Revenge of the Sith, converted into 3D. IGN's Goldman says, "this tease of that scene from Sith – which was always visually stunning – was pretty spectacular, hinting that Sith, like Clones, has undergone a very impressive 3D conversion that is far superior to the one The Phantom Menace had."
I'm excited for the conversions of these movies. Although I wasn't a fan of the prequels, and have doubts the issues I have with them will be resolved from a 3D upgrade, I'm still interested. I'm most excited for the Original Trilogy to get the 3D treatment. However, I might add that the conversion on those could be more difficult because there are less digital elements.
The original IGN Article can be read here.
THR reports that STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE has passed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office! MENACE has accumulated $73.4 million thus far in it's 3D re-release format ($35.8m domestically / $37.6m overseas) to reach $1,000.4 billion on Wednesday.
MENACE passed THE DARK KNIGHT to become the #10 all time box office earner when it picked up an additional $1.5 million this week.
Congratulations to the STAR WARS team! Looking forward to seeing the entire series converted ASAP!!
Of course it is! Pay heed to this man!! He is George Lucas after all and his technical and creative genius cannot be denied. STAR WARS. Industrial Light & Magic. Pixar. THX. This guy has it ON.
And now 3D. Here is what the visionary has to say about 3D in a letter to Shortlist Magazine:
"We're going through a new technological revolution that is set to change everything. Watching a movie in 3D is simply a better way to watch a movie. It's like black and white versus colour. Watching a movie in black and white is fine, however, colour makes it look more real. With 3D the depth brings reality to the digital characters and you notice things in the background that actually impact on the story. It becomes a truly immersive and overpowering experience."
Perfectly said. I couldn't have said it better myself and Lucas' passion in filmmaking rings true.
STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D opens today! Can't believe the day has finally come. Check this thing out in 3 dimensions - you know I'll be right there with you!!
Source: TechRadar
Clearly some deep thought has gone into the marketing of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D by not only Lucasfilm but the AMC Theater chain.
What's a pure STAR WARS fan truly want to remember a special event? Collectibles! During opening weekend, all 3D ticket holders for MENACE will receive a new Hasbro STAR WARS Fighter Pod. While supplies last.
Further, a select 10 AMC Theaters will host activities, giveaways and interactive experiences:
- Exclusive Anakin Skywalker Podracer 3D glasses (these look awesome!)
- A LEGO feature area
- Darth Maul face painting! What does YOUR Sith look like?
- Special character appearances for photos
- Demos of the upcoming STAR WARS game using Kinect technology
Here are those 10 special AMC locations - have a look:
Atlanta: AMC Southlake 24
Boston: AMC Loews Liberty Tree Mall 20
Chicago: AMC South Barrington 30
Denver: AMC Highlands Ranch 24
Los Angeles: AMC Tustin 14 at The District, AMC Ontario Mills 30
New York: AMC Empire 25, AMC Garden State 16
Phoenix: AMC Mesa Grand 24
San Francisco: AMC Emeryville Bay Street 16
STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D hyperdrives into theaters on February 10.
Have a listen!! Can't wait for these to hit the theaters!
More when I get it!!
Hey guys! Exciting day as I was present for the luncheon today at CinemaCon focused on stereoscopic 3D.
I had the pleasure of talking briefly with Jim Cameron and Jon Landau before the session started. Jim introduced me to George Lucas as I had never met him before and let me tell you, if you are going to meet Lucas you can't do any better than a nice intro from Mr. Cameron! Did not get a chance to speak with Katzenberg. Michael Lewis from RealD moderated the panel.
It was a very special day in a number of ways but not the least of which was the content of the event which was worth the trip in my mind. I captured the whole thing on video and will get segments of it up ASAP.
The major points were:
George Lucas:
1. Theaters are here forever.
2. ILM worked with Prime Focus on converting EPISODE I.
3. 3D is like color. He compared 3D to color and digital to sound in that sound and digital has changed everything but color and 3D have improved it. We are at the same stage with digital as we were with celluloid in 1900.
4. EPISODE VII will be in 3D and holographic!!! (Tongue in cheek) - however, we all know that it is coming... :-)
5. The reason he is doing another re-release is simply because there is a new generation of kids out there that own the mvoies, play with the toys and recite the dialogue, yet they don't have their own modern release. This one in 3D is for them.
Jeffrey Katzenberg:
1. Thinks #1 new thing coming in 5 to 10 years is being able to eat a meal at the theater (like ALAMO does today).
2. DWA has new chips on their way (really just scalable parallel processing) that will enable his team to work in REALTIME rather than wait and wait for rendering before being able to see their work and edit.
3. After seeing Zemeckis' POLAR EXPRESS in 3D, that was the moment he decided 3D was for DWA and bet the bank on it.
Jim Cameron:
1. Thinks 48 or 60 frames per second will be the next big thing and I happen to agree. More on this tomorrow!
2. Still against conversion for first run movies in that he believes native 3D is superior (I agree on this!), though he is converting TITANIC. Obviously they aren't going to redo the movie in native 3D!
3. True conversions should take 6 to 8 months, not 6 to 8 weeks and only about 20 movies are worthy enough to be converted.
4. AVATAR 2 and 3 are planned to be shot at higher framerates.
To add some further flavor to this post, I spoke with Bobby Jaffe with Prime Focus last night (and met him today along with his team) about their work on STAR WARS: EPISODE I.
Prime Focus was the sole 3rd party converter on this project and contrary to reports on other websites, the conversion is COMPLETELY done. ILM assisted of course. PF was doing 5 other movies concurrently with EPISODE I, yet completed the work in 16 to 18 weeks (not including 2 months of prep time with ILM and Lucasfilm). This is in contrast to the statement Cameron made today about the time it takes for a good conversion NOT being 6 to 8 weeks, but rather 6-8 months. Obviously 16-18 weeks is over double that smaller time period, but still makes you think if there was enough time to do it justice.
Bobby Jaffe assures me that there was enough time. They certainly have the manpower to accomplish it with 3000 total worldwide employees in LA, London and Mumbai, two thirds of which are in 3D conversion (the other third is in CG effects).
George Lucas himself took a very personal role in the conversion process as he reviewed the reels and progress made through ILM once shipped from Prime Focus.
So why should we be a little more confident about 3D conversions from Prime Focus after the CLASH OF THE TITANS debacle? Well for a number of reasons:
1. Prime Focus' expertise has grown over the past 18 months. Katzenberg mentioned this as well as to how production costs have come down from $15m to $10 to make a 3D movie in his house.
2. Much improved conversion technology. Of course no technology company is going to idly sit by and watch their tech go obsolete and so it is with Prime Focus as well.
3. The Lucasfilm vote of confidence. This is what does it for me, just as it did when DWA endorsed Legend 3D for their conversion projects. Any company that George Lucas chooses to do business with has been vetted and vetted again in order to get the keys to their kingdom, STAR WARS.
Lastly I asked Bobby that if he could name just one scene in EPISODE I that looks the best in converted 3D. Of course he said what I was thinking he would say: The pod racing. Makes sense right? Can't wait to see this thing!!
Conversion has come a long way since I started MarketSaw in early 2006. A VERY long way. I am still with Cameron in that native 3D is still superior to conversion for stereoscopic needs, but let me tell you that I am not hesitant in going to and recommending a 3D conversion for audiences. THE GREEN HORNET was amazingly well done. Not perfect, but well done.
Of course I still have Jim Cameron's framerate discussion tomorrow morning as well! And I hope to speak further with him one on one as well. STAY TUNED!!
CinemaCon just got ten times more exciting this year! James Cameron, George Lucas and Jeffrey Katzenberg will be hosting a filmmaker's discussion at CinemaCon 2011 and I will have the privilege of being there! I will be shooting the event (if allowed) and will have the clips up on MarketSaw soon after.
The topic of the discussion will be all aspects of digital cinema, including... stereoscopic 3D! (was there any doubt?)
Of course I will try to get some one on one time with these fine gentlemen for us too!
Cameron will be also discussing framerates later on at the show too. Exciting days ahead!!
In the meantime, enjoy a recent clip of Cameron at the Abu Dhabi Media Summit 2011 (thanks for the link Dimitris):
YES!!! Finally we have a release announcement on the 3D conversions of STAR WARS and thanks to all that forwarded me the news. I was a bit surprised by the later date as I thought it would be around the holidays, but no matter. What counts is we are finally seeing the classics we know and love being converted to 3D in a loving fashion.
Here's the official press release (emphasis is mine):
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (March 3, 2011) – Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox announced today that the 3D theatrical launch of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace now has an official release date – February 10, 2012! Set against the thrilling and exotic backdrop of a “galaxy far, far away,” Star Wars is perfectly suited to the immersive 3D theatrical experience, and Episode I delivers some of the Saga’s most stunning and spectacular sequences – from the Naboo invasion to the Tatooine Podraces to the climactic lightsaber battle between Darth Maul and the Jedi. Supervised by Industrial Light & Magic, the meticulous conversion is being done with utmost respect for the source material, and with a keen eye for both technological considerations and artistic intentions.
Stay tuned for more STAR WARS conversion news and of course our exclusive coverage on a third trilogy set in the STAR WARS universe that is in the works. Follow all our STAR WARS news right here.
Guys - my top source in Lucasfilm just updated me on just what holds water with the IESB claims (because some is different from our reports) and what DOESN'T hold water. In other words, what should we be anticipating with this new trilogy??
Quote - IESB: "What do we know? First of all, these new film will have nothing to do with the live action television series currently in development. That show already has over 50 scripts ready to go and plenty of pre-production time and money has been spent on artwork and storyboards. Once that show goes into production, Lucasfilm hopes to be able to produce at least 100 episodes since that is the threshold for syndication in the United States."
This is true, the pictures will have little to nothing to do with the TV show, as it stands right now! Lots and lots of money has been spent creating what I am sure will be a TV classic. It will run 100 episodes at least.
Quote - IESB: "...fans can expect the new trilogy after the entire saga is released in 3D which is expected to be complete around 2015 or 2016."
Again accurate.
Quote - IESB: "Uncle George's modus operandi has not changed, the plan is that he will self finance the new trilogy after he rakes in an expected $500 - $750 million dollars with the re-release of the entire Star Wars Saga in 3D and on Blu-Ray."
Speculation NOT journalism.
Quote - IESB: "The ideal plan, according to our spy at Skywalker Ranch, is to be able to release a new Star Wars film within 24 months after the release of the last re-re-release (is that right?) of Return of the Jedi 3D."
There is a 100 episode TV series to be completed, nothing will move forward on the a new trilogy until after this show is all but done. PERIOD! As well as the conversions this is going to take time, so do not expect anything for quite some time. The dates are not set and it is all speculation as to when where and what the timeframe will be, what I can tell you is that it will not be until after the TV show is all but done.
It will be 3D (obviously).
Quote - IESB: "Too early for story details but one thing that our source is certain about, they will not be prequels but instead sequels. It's not for certain if they will be the long awaited Episodes 7, 8 and 9 but could instead be Episodes 10, 11 and 12 or possibly even further out in the Star Wars timeline. And by giving space in the timeline, possibly even as far as 100 years or 1,000 years in the Star Wars universe future, Lucas avoids having to make these stories "fit in" with what the previous stories have told."
This is where I call out the article from IESB as fabrication. "1000 years into the STARWARS future?" While Lucas is a clever business man he is not a complete fool, even if many think he is. Bottom line, this is bullsh*t, why ? Well because it "IS" episodes 7 - 9 we are talking about here, (IESB is wrong). 10, 11, and 12 ? Where the hell does that come from ?
Quote - IESB: "According to our sources, the most likely scenario for the films is that they will exist in the same universe but will not have anything to do with the Skywalker Clan. That story has been told, that starship has sailed."
Do I really have to comment on why this is wrong? Again speculation not journalism. Where as I am the first to speculate, I am helped by informed opinion and also knowledge of what I speak of. IESB is obviously not, and neither is THEIR source.
Quote - IESB: "What has caused this sudden change of heart for Uncle George? Well, besides the obvious possible billions that a new Star Wars trilogy will take in, our source tells us that George has gotten motivated with the success the Clone Wars animated series, the video games and also with the success of Avatar."
Partially true, AVATAR is a big reason for this, however, may I point out this was always the plan, and will continue to be the plan, even if George is not around in body to achieve it himself! Episodes 7 - 9 complete the story arc.
Quote - IESB: "Can we expect Lucasfilm to confirm our story? Have they ever? Nope, I am sure that they will spin this or completely deny the story, but we will stand 100% behind our source."
No, never. However, I suggest they not only stand behind THEIR source, but while standing behind the source they start to tiptoe in another direction. Should this source exist that is. Which I doubt.
Remember guys, here is what you need to keep in mind:
1. This is a future project, not tomorrow.
2. Discussions are ongoing.
3. The Skywalker's will be the focus, in keeping with the arc.
4. These will be the final 3 episodes of the saga.
5. Lucas will be producing.
6. As it stands now the plan is for Lucas to NOT direct.
More when I get it. Which may be awhile now that IESB has stirred up the hornet's nest with a fake story. Lucasfilm will be like Fort Knox. Thanks alot.
Well what can you expect from IESB.net? That site has had a very deceitful past and they seem to be carrying on with deceit.
IESB has claimed to have an exclusive story that there is a new STAR WARS trilogy coming down the pipes.
Ummm no. MarketSaw had that exclusive story A YEAR AGO. We are still working on that story and have some exciting news hopefully coming down soon. Our sources are the best in the world and I will defend them and this site anytime.
Getting over the fact that IESB has stolen this story, I am very excited about what is developing over at Lucasfilm. As I said, I can't divulge what I have been working on yet because it is very, VERY hush hush. Other than letting you know I have heard it will be in 3D and that George Lucas is more than likely producing and not directing, I can't go much further on the story today.
If you will remember Steve Sansweet of Lucasfilm tried to cover up my story last year but in reality most STAR WARS fans know that they tend to cover up true stories with lies as they have in the past.
So, keep it tuned to MarketSaw for the latest on this huge, HUGE story.
As we thought, George Lucas is hard at work converting his beloved STAR WARS franchise to 3D. For more on the breaking news check out the Variety and THR stories.
All six existing movies will be converted and EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE will get a theatrical re-release in 2012.
More info as we get it!! No word on our exclusive story of another STAR WARS trilogy in the works yet. Stay tuned!!
Jim here. Remember in MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL when Tim the wizard informed the knights about the killer rabbit? What was his response when the rabbit started making stew out of them? Well I told ya. Didn't I?
STAR WARS is going to have another trilogy and it will be in 3D (see original story right here). The first supporting piece of outside information comes from AICN, who ironically also provided the sole piece of anti-support when they contacted LucasFilm and got an rather emphatic "no" (what did you expect them to say?). In fact, Lucasfilm's Steve Sansweet's response was so over the top you had to know he was covering it up.
So what was this new evidence of a new STAR WARS entry? It comes from Thomas Dolby's blog entry for December 5.
When I posted that exclusive story back on October 21, it was picked up around the world of course as STAR WARS is a beloved cultural achievement. I was very clear in the post: This trilogy was NOT the animated TV series and is in fact a brand new batch of freshly baked cinematic movies.
Further, I made it clear that George Lucas would NOT be directing, but rather taking up the producing helm. Who could be directing? My source tells me it will be Spielberg for the first and Coppola potentially for a future movie in the series.
Makes me smile every time my sources and I are vindicated. :-) Sure it still is not official, and obviously Lucasfilm doesn't want this getting out just yet. But this is MarketSaw right guys? And we will all be smiling when these epics make it out in 3D. Should be spectacular. AVATAR spectacular? We shall see won't we?
Thanks to @PROJECTCOULD for the heads up again!
**UPDATE: Oct 27 - Well, well, well! May wonders never cease. Lucasfilm denies the rumors. Like they haven't done that int he past right? Apparently it is ignorant and stupid even lol. There is no way it can be true! Don't believe a word of what the PR for Lucasfilm has to say - they are covering their @sses like anyone would. Oh there is talk of another trilogy, mark my words Internet. We shall see what we shall see. It is going to happen whether Steve Sansweet says so or not :-)
EXCLUSIVE
Jim here. Here is a strong rumor that should whet your appetites! (or sour them if you have had too much of the franchise). I have been hearing rumblings... extremely quiet at first, but now heating up significantly and from a trusted source - that George Lucas is preparing to unleash another STAR WARS trilogy upon us, this time in stereoscopic 3D. This is NOT the TV series, these are brand spankin' new 3D STAR WARS movies.
Yes, the pending 2D to 3D conversions of his six existing STAR WARS properties are still a go as 3D theaters are approaching 3000 (5000 is the number Lucas wants). No word on when this work will be completed.
But here is the shocker: Lucas will be producing and NOT directing these new episodes apparently! Could Steven Spielberg be tapped to direct a STAR WARS movie after all? Yes according to a trusted source of mine! Further, Francis Ford Coppola was mentioned too as a possible director for a future film!
A lot depends on the success of AVATAR this winter - if it takes off like everyone is expecting it to, then you will most likely see three additional STAR WARS movies added.
What an interesting competitive box office landscape that would make over the next 6 to 10 years! James Cameron's AVATAR world vs. George Lucas' STAR WARS world. I could see Lucas getting a little jealous over a successful launch of AVATAR - jealous because it is a fully articulated universe, like his. And if he doesn't act on it - his franchise may well be relegated to a back seat as potentially the records will start falling to Pandora. Heck STAR WARS is still not 3D yet and what better way to try to maintain a lock on bragging rights than to launch into three more in native stereoscopic 3D.
How seriously should you consider these rumors? Well it is coming from a source that SHOULD KNOW. This source is absolutely connected. So odds are it is seriously being talked about at Lucasfilm. Right now. Will it happen? AVATAR will have to hit and hit big and then all the stars have to align properly - all I can do is pass on the info.
Personally I WANT this to happen dearly. I REALLY want to see what the STAR WARS universe looks like in Spielberg's hands *AND* in stereoscopic 3D. You would too, wouldn't you? :-)
Jim here. For those that missed it - George Lucas gave an update on Star Wars during his interview with AP a little while back and he mentioned the following about the conversion of his six Star Wars movies into stereoscopic 3D:
