SOUND OFF

Sound Off: 'Episode I: The Phantom Menace' in 3D - Your Thoughts?

by
February 10, 2012

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 3D

Now that you've seen it, what did you think? A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… (actually, it was 1999), George Lucas released Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, and now it's back, telling the origin of young Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine. There's pod racing, Sith Lords, lightsaber battles, space battles, and now its been converted to 3D and re-released in theaters again. So how is this newest Star Wars update? As worthwhile of an experience as its been hyped up to be? How is the 3D? Does it even look good? Once you've seen it, post a comment below with your own thoughts on Phantom Menace in 3D.

Editor's Note: I have not seen the new 3D version of Episode I: The Phantom Menace yet, but I thought it would still be worthwhile to start a discussion. How does the 3D look as a conversion, does it add anything to the story or the universe? Is it good enough to even suggest going out and seeing? Or is it still that bad?

What did you think of The Phantom Menace in 3D? A worthy experience or a complete waste? We will remove any comments that indicate you have not seen the movie in 3D, as this is meant to discuss the film only once you have seen it and can talk about your thoughts. Please keep the comments civilized!

Find more posts: 3D News, Discuss, Hype, Sound Off

59 Comments

1

 Extreme boredom and awful characters .... IN 3D! Might as well just filmed a turd in 3D and call it the special edition. Hey Lucas, you suck.

DarthLucas123 on Feb 10, 2012

2

The terribleness literally leapt off the screen. Now I don't have to go to the monkey cages to have shit thrown at me. 3-D stands for the 3 dicks this movie sucks at once. I can keep going...

Mayor McCheese on Feb 11, 2012

3

Still the same movie through and through, but the 3D does give the Pod Race ALOT of extra effect since it's such CGI intense, it converts to 3D well. Same can be said about the lightsaber duel against the Sith, and when Ani is flying the spaceship against the droid control ship. Infact, any scene that is CGI intense benefits from the 3D effect for this sci-fi movie.

Klawful2007 on Feb 10, 2012

4

I just don't get it. Why would anyone go out of your way, spend two hours of their life, hand over at the very least 10€, just to see see what's widely considered to be the most disappointing film of all time, in what's widely considered to be the shittiest gimmick (post-production converted 3D) of all time?  I'm actually curious if anyone who didn't like the film before (not to come across as a giant douche, but I'm not about to take the opinion of people who think The Phantom Menace is an objectively good film into consideration) went to see this and changed their mind about it even slightly. I've actually talked to journalists, who were invited to press screenings, and declined to go see this, that's how hard this movie is to sell. Not to come across as being too prejudice, because I'm actually really interested in how people are going to receive this.

Cedric Ceglowski on Feb 10, 2012

5

i was AMAZINGLY disappointed in the original run but the 3D re-release redeemed it for me JUST enough to look past the low points that were Jar Jar Binks.......

Jericho on Feb 10, 2012

6

I heartily agree with Cedric here and I refuse to go watch this... even if it was free I don't want to much less pay the price premium to see it in three to the D. 😛

Thomas D.A. on Feb 10, 2012

7

Well, some people think Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull as the most disappointing film of all time. At least George Lucas didn't have anything to do with...that...film...oh...wait...

Quanah on Feb 10, 2012

8

Well played sir. +1

Gohikeone on Feb 11, 2012

9

There was no change what so ever well non that I noticed but apart from the pod racing scene it seems to me they spent all there time just on that 1 scene in 3D. Just like the first time I saw it back in 1999 it was a waste of my money.

Carl on Feb 10, 2012

10

Did any of you really think there was going to be a change to it, what made u think that?

Skymazter on Feb 10, 2012

11

A glitzy 3D saber fight and podrace does not help the story one iota and the bad jokes and wooden acting are even worse in 3D. Saw it for free and still wanted my money back. What never fails to shine in any SW film is John Williams music but you can't improve that with 3D. Though 3D in dark/night shots is still tough to get right, this wasn't as muddy as something like Thor or Pirates 4 so I guess there's that. But I find it so funny (as in predictable not surprising) that we get both trilogies on Blu Ray and "then" the 3D re-release which will undoubtedly lead to...wait for it...the 3d Blu Ray. That process of milking the SW franchise has become a science and an art form. I really don't want to be a hater but every year I'm left with fewer and fewer choices. Pity:(

Anonymous on Feb 10, 2012

12

So a converted 3D flick out performed a natively shot one (Pirates 4) interesting

Guest on Feb 10, 2012

13

Well PotC 4 was gimmecky 3D and, I think, maybe not done entirely in 3D. Either way it wasn't very good so not a tough one to beat.

Anonymous on Feb 10, 2012

14

come on dude, don't bring Thor into this. That was a solid movie!

JBrotsis on Feb 10, 2012

15

Agreed, Thor as a movie, yes solid. But Thor 3D was not a good conversion.

Anonymous on Feb 10, 2012

16

I don't fault anyone who wants to see it in 3D, personally I will avoid this as 3D makes me queasy.  Of course, I'm not a fan of the Prequel trilogy so I would still not go see it.  Now if Lucas wants to release the original theatrical version of the OT on blu-ray, I will gladly shell out some coin.  

Sethamus on Feb 10, 2012

17

Agreed. I want the original theatrical released version on Bluray.

Meow on Feb 10, 2012

18

If I wanted loud noises and crap thrown at me in 3D I'd go to the monkey exhibit at the zoo.

Anonymous on Feb 10, 2012

19

I really like this film. Flawed, but good. It's just not as good as the original trilogy. I like the story and how it subtly sets up the rest of the saga (hint: it's not REALLY about the taxation of trade routes, people! :). It also has cool visuals, great fight scenes, and we get to see the Jedi in their prime. Loved Sidious. Loved Maul. The post-converted 3D is done very well. It wasn't shot in 3D, so there's not a lot popping out at you. But the depth of field is pretty cool.

Anonymous on Feb 10, 2012

20

Well, let's be more specific about the original theatrical versions on Blu ray meaning, if they are remastered with the same care as the current Blu ray versions. Because, he did release the original trilogy on DVD but apparently they're not remastered and not anamorphic, as a matter of fact some have said that they're from a crappy laserdisc version. But it's all wishful thinking.

Wudawg33 on Feb 10, 2012

21

I think its funny that you people are get so offended when it comes to movies like this. this movie wasn't that bad. 

MovieCritic.com on Feb 10, 2012

22

Except for the animation sequences it was decent 2.5D - layers instead of continuous depth. Only real problem was in panning shots - BLURRY digital 3D. Not worth buying but the movie crowd was interesting from clapping at the opening credits to annoying foot tapping when board.

Ltierce on Feb 10, 2012

23

A big letdown.

billabong on Feb 10, 2012

24

Seriously, going to this film will only prod George to keep going. For the love of all that's holy, please stop. Don't add more money to his coffers and encouraging him anymore.

Eddie Forero on Feb 10, 2012

25

I think this would be great and worthwhile if the seats move as well like a wild ride!

Jedibilly on Feb 10, 2012

26

I point blank refuse to shell out my hard-earned for this pile of crap!  Congrats  Lucas - you defined my childhood when I was 9 and then subsequently brutalised the memory of it with your incessant re-booting of what was once a great franchise.  Just STOP!  STOP NOW FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY!

Elbrando68 on Feb 10, 2012

27

I thought it was pretty awesome seeing a movie that was never intended to be in 3D look so good. I guess you love it or hate it, but I loved it and recommend going with some friends to have a good time.

Thanos on Feb 10, 2012

28

I thought the conversion wasnt too bad, like most people say not too much popping out of the screen, but seeing starwars on the big screen in such pristine quality was a worthwhile experience I would say. I am however much more excited to see the original trilogy in 3D, just to see how they convert a movie made so long ago to the current 3D standards.

Scottoftheantarctic on Feb 11, 2012

29

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the fact that the audio levels appear to be turned way down. Someone botched the audio on the release. Pretty sure it was Lucas, knowing the way he likes to tinker with things.

Notalent on Feb 11, 2012

30

There are way more bad movies than this one. And keep in mind that this is a Star Wars movie. If George hadn't been here than nobody has ever seen Star Wars. Be happy that there are this good movies and story that we owned by George. For me, the best Sc-Fi collection on this planet. And that is included Episode I. Thank you Lucas.

Marco ten Brinke on Feb 11, 2012

31

Isn't this discussion for the POV from those who have seen the movie in 3D... The endless trolling makes searching for a valid POV on what's been seen a bloody pain in the a***

Steven on Feb 11, 2012

32

Once again I have unfortunately shelled out my hard earned cash on this movie. What's that old expression? "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me"? I left the theatre with disappointment in my heart and a feeling of being let-down. Aside from the pod-racing scene, which seems to be the only thing people mention positively, the 3D was not enough to make this movie enjoyable. While the quality of the work done converting this movie to 3D was obvious, (it does a better job than most but then I don't really expect any less from ILM) that doesn't help to make long boring scenes pass any more quickly. As with most 3D movies you eventually begin to not notice the effect when you are bored. If you didn't like it the first time you saw it, seeing it again in 3D won't do anything to improve that opinion.

Thexn on Feb 11, 2012

33

I don't think it was as bad as everyone says...the 3-D is subtle, not in your face nauseating!   It made it look sharper.   As for the movie itself, not my fave, but for all those born AFTER 1999,(like my kids), it was thrilling for them to see it on the big screen as we all saw it back in 1977. My son was over the moon and we can't wait for Episode 2!

weezy1 on Feb 11, 2012

34

Best 3D conversion on any film to date! Well done!

GCC on Feb 11, 2012

35

It is already a success. 8 millions for a first day of re-release. And it was an amazing experience 🙂

Anonymousx on Feb 11, 2012

36

Any bad movie in 2D is still bad in 3D

Peter on Feb 11, 2012

37

wow, I thought the matrix was the worst movie ever made..or did someone say worst 3d?  Id pay to see PM any day over rewatching the matrix..and that includes all of them!!!! you couldn't pay me to watch that crap!

lando on Feb 11, 2012

38

Not worth it! Spent 30 bucks to watch a movie that I have home. But I guess sharing a Star Wars movie with my 6 y/o 30 years after I did was worth the trip but for this reason, not the 3D!

Wcrios on Feb 11, 2012

39

While 90% of people will complain that Jar-Jar or horrible acting ruined this film I don't see it. I mean sure Jar-Jar is annoying but sci-fi movies these days tend to have those ridiculous characters to make sure younger viewers are entertained. Hence the super abilities of R2D2 in the later episodes. So don't bash the movie because you have some outrageous expectation that this movie should live up to the first time you saw A New Hope. For what it was meant to do it did, it set the story for Anakin to grow up and kill people. and the 3D re-release, though a gimmick these days, was done well enough to watch one of the coolest lightsaber battles in the saga.

Piemaster900 on Feb 11, 2012

40

I love star wars, I always haved. I grew up with VHS tapes in single editions a long time ago, in a house far, far away. But kids these days are more entertained by these over-the-top sensory gimmicks, and we must remember, they're only kids. In a way, this is their chance to begin their history with star wars. When they get older, they'll come to appreciate where this great story came from, and dig deep into the beginning and find a VCR. Aside from some letdowns in the recent trilogy (I did find them at least entertaining), these kids that become the new fans will be like us who acknowledge and respect those original VHS's. On a side note, it has been disapointing to hear that G. Lucas has said that Greedo was always meant to shoot first. My VHS's tell a different story, and if I'm ever blessed with children myself, they'll see the legend where Han shot first.

Gabef on Feb 11, 2012

41

We all hate Jar Jar Binks, that has been clear since 1999 when this movie was released.  On that note with Lucas making the new trilogy with more CGI effects it converted quite well.  I think the new trilogy would have done better had they been released in 3D originally.  CGI tends to look really clean in 3D and I absolutely loved watching the pod race scene over again.  I suggest Star Wars fans give these remakes a chance. 

Blkstar325 on Feb 11, 2012

42

Actually.. the 3 prequals are shot as if made for the age of Anikins POV. "Phantom" is a kids movie (Ani 8 yo), "Clones" a Teen film (Ani hot and heavy with the Princess, his first time you could think), and finally "Sith", Anikin is of adult age, with adult problems. Like finding a new mentor as he parts ways with Obi Wan.In the original Trilogy the 3 ages were represented by callow youth Luke, Worldly ruthless Han, and World Weary Obi wan.

Paul Lane on Feb 11, 2012

43

Seriously, this and the other two were mainly for the young generation who never knew about the "great trilogy" if he wanted to please the real "fanboys", he would have made episodes 7-9. My 8yr old loves the first three and unfortunately will consider the latter one's too slow, but these were made for them, not us Lets move on.

ur_babys_daddy on Feb 11, 2012

44

I wanted to like this but mannnnnnn... yikes! I actually fell asleep. I am one of the few that enjoys movies in 3D (if they are done right) but this just sucked!

Bg6790 on Feb 11, 2012

45

I was 12 in 1999 and had been in love with star wars from the 97 special edition. And even though the original trilogy had me frothing at the mouth, Episode I somehow reinvigorated my love of star wars. Don't kick me in the nuts for being attached to something I saw as a child. I was going to go see this regardless if it was 3D or just a 13 year anniversary. But what made me really want to go is the fact that I'm now 25 and my son is 4. I got him into star wars practically out of the shoot, and he had seen the movies on DVD and BLU-RAY before. I'm taking off my star wars fanboy cap. Watching my son be invigorated by that galaxy far, far away. Watching him laugh at Jar Jar, be immersed in the podrace, cry when Qui-Gon gets stabbed and CHEER when Maul gets sliced in half. My mother went with us, we hadn't seen her in a few years and she hadn't seen her grandson in that amount of time. All of a sudden he goes from 1 to 4. My mother got me into star wars when I was young and I did the same with my son. So there were the 3 of us. 3 generations of Star Wars fans enjoying the official beginning of the saga. That means more to me than any love of a film or any petty squabbles about how it "raped" some douchebags childhood. He fell asleep tonight hugging his plush Yoda doll, talking about "Stupid Darth Maul! he's dead yeah daddy? Poor Anakin, what will he do?" If you were a child when this film came out, you'd probably feel quite a bit different about the story. The 3D was pretty damn good for something that wasn't ever shot or intended to be in the 3D platform. In the end, if you are of a decent age and aren't too stubborn as to allow/force your child to miss out on an experience like this, I highly suggest you go. And if you are stubborn but have a young child, if for no other reason go to see your child be happy about something that you have a hard time coming to grips with, maybe you'll find a way to love it through this beautiful vessel that is a child. Thank you all. I'm gonna go watch Empire.

Dresden King on Feb 12, 2012

46

I saw it in 3D tonight. I thought 3D was done fairly well, wasn't over the top or anything like that. I enjoy the story of the first Ep. Yeah jar jar was annoying but the plot going on during the movie is still good. The highlight is always the light saber duels 😀

Moto_psycho69 on Feb 12, 2012

47

I don't get this, I also hate jar jar as much as most of you do, since he is that annoying but what about the stupid little ewoks? I just hate them they are annoying unrealistic teddy bears, I don't get why people like them when they hate jarjar for not being a serious character.  by the way I was 7 when I saw phantom menace.

Sonmez_ege on Feb 12, 2012

48

True that. Ewoks were just as ridiculous. They took down the 501st?!? Vader's elite?

ur_babys_daddy on Feb 12, 2012

49

I've always enjoyed episode 1, I did notice that he converted yoda to cgi for this version. he was still a puppet in the original release

CS on Feb 12, 2012

50

He's cgi in the blu-rays, and in those daft vodaphone adverts....

Steven on Feb 12, 2012

51

Enjoyed the experience mainly because as someone said earlier the 3D wasn't over the top and in your face.  As for those here who've been crapping on episode one ever since its intitial release and now claim to have paid to see it in 3D, you are either full of shit and didn't see it or a fucking retard to do so.  Either way you are loud mouth losers with nothing better to do.

Hattori Hanzo on Feb 12, 2012

52

The 3D made a few scenes more interesting - and I was just happy to see Star Wars on the big screen again. Of course it didn't make the movie any "better" - I'm not sure what people were expecting... 

eCAL on Feb 12, 2012

53

i thought it was grade A 3-D fuckin shit and the new spider-man trailer before it in 3-D made it even more mind blowingly epic!

Croniccris on Feb 12, 2012

54

At the end of the day Lucas will still have more money banked from this release than all of us will make together this lifetime lol

Horseflesh on Feb 12, 2012

55

The 3D was such a disappointment. Too dark, grainy, and rankly most of the scenes didn't even look 3D. I hope Lucasfilm gets it right for the next release, I won't be going to it blindly until I read reviews about the 3D. They dropped the ball with this release.

Dan on Feb 13, 2012

56

Since the movie wasn't shot in 3D I thought the conversion gave it a good level of depth.  The opening crawl is always great to see on the big screen.  Seeing it again makes me wish Darth Maul had more screen time though.   

Anonymous on Feb 13, 2012

57

I have nipples Lucas, can you milk me?

McWilly on Feb 13, 2012

58

Personally, any movie not shot in 3D, shouldn't be called 3D. Yes I saw it--and the Pod-Race, and the Light-Saber duel looked nice, but what's the point? The only two films that made good use of 3D were Avatar and Hugo. The story still has flaws, but is enjoyable for what it is. A space opera inspired by Flash Gordon serials and John Carter novels.

Gdclb3 on Feb 16, 2012

59

No 3d

MmM on Feb 20, 2012

New comments are no longer allowed on this post.

FEATURED POSTS

FOLLOW FS HERE

Subscribe to our feed or daily newsletter:

Follow Alex's main account on Twitter:

For only the latest posts - follow this:

Add our posts to your Feedlyclick here

Get all the news sent on Telegram Telegram

LATEST TO WATCH