Star Wars to go 3-D

The 'Star Wars' film franchise is to be digitally re-mastered in a 3-D format, with 'Return of the Jedi' and 'Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace' due for release in February 2012.

The 'Star Wars' films are to be re-released in a 3-D format.

'Return of the Jedi' and 'Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace' are the first movies scheduled for release in February 2012, with the rest of the franchise expected to follow suit.

While it is believed director George Lucas wasn't originally a fan of 3-D films, seeing big hit blockbusters 'Avatar' and 'Alice In Wonderland' reportedly changed his mind.

A statement from his production company Lucasfilm said: "The 'Star Wars' saga will be converted to 3-D. There are few movies that lend themselves more perfectly to 3-D. The cutting edge conversion will take that immersion to the next thrilling level."

However, 'Star Trek' actor Simon Pegg has likened watching the action-packed sci-fi adventure in 3-D to a "car crash".

He tweeted: "Watching 'The Phantom Menace' in 3-D would be like the car actually crashing into your face as opposed to just unfolding before your eyes."

Industrial Light and Magic, the branch of Lucas' production company which will supervise the project, have explained they are going to "take their time" to ensure the digitally re-mastered version is spot on.

A spokesperson said: "Getting good results on a stereo conversion is a matter of taking the time and getting it right. For 'Star Wars' we will take our time, applying everything we know both aesthetically and technically to bring audiences a fantastic new 'Star Wars' experience."