So, two STAR WARS stuff...

[ladyofleithian]

First, on a bit of a happier note, there's this: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lucasfilms-kathleen-kennedy-star-wars-416303. Because both Kathleen Kennedy and JJ Abrams are made of awesome. 

And on a sadder note, there's the matter of the prequels in 3D getting postponed if only to make room for the sequel trilogy. (Yes, really)

Basically, in case one's interested, it's here. From the original page: 

Lucasfilm has decided to postpone this fall's scheduled release of Star Wars Episodes II and III in 3D. Given the recent development that we are moving forward with a new Star Wars trilogy, we will now focus 100 percent of our efforts on Star Wars: Episode VII in order to ensure the best possible experience for our fans. We will post further information about our 3D release plans at a later date.

It's important to note that this is not an outright cancellation. There may still be 3D re-releases of the remaining five films in the future. For now, get excited about an all-new Star Wars movie coming your way in 2015 (or maybe 2016).

As for me personally? I will admit that I am a bit disappointed. After all, I really enjoyed seeing THE PHANTOM MENACE in 3D and I'd really love to see the rest of the films in theaters in 3D as well. Still, I think Lucasfilm should also...well, do what it's got to do, so to speak. And I doubt they're going to put it on hiatus forever. And even if so...well, there's the matter of 3D TV.

That and there's the matter of the STAR WARS BluRays. Which...yes, I've got them. I think it's especially handy considering that I appear to have lost my original copy of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Some would say that it's not really the same as the originals, but I think the spirit of the originals is still there. Some of the changes are probably a bit silly, one could argue, but I don't think it really stops my enjoyment of the films at large. The beauty of them is still there, even if there are a few changes. One might argue as to the necessity of the changes, but I don't think the films are ruined. That and...well, I've been intending to get to watching the films, but I've been really busy thus far. Hopefully I'll get around to them. Hopefully. 

But yeah, back on topic. I say LucasFilm can do what it has to do. I'm a tad disappointed, admittedly, but it's not a big deal in the long run. Disappointing, but not a big deal.

And what of my f-list? What do you guys think of the postponement of the 3D conversions? I'm definitely interested in hearing your thoughts. :)

Comments

[hikarific.livejournal.com]

I don't even know if TPM came out in 3D here... if it did, it wasn't well advertised or publicized. So my first impulse was to wonder how well it really did. TPM has a less than stellar reputation (whether you think it's deserved or not) and my first thought was that for all of the official statements of what a success the re-release was... maybe it wasn't as successful as they had been hoping? Alternately, I wonder about the popularity of 3D. There was a 3D boom before... Jaws 3D and all of it's contemporaries, and it didn't last long. I wonder if the 3D craze is maybe dying down. But all of that is WONDERING... I have no knowledge, insider or otherwise, about either of those things.

Personally I am not especially interested in 3D movies in general, and not at all interested in seeing a 3D-ified version of something that wasn't artistically designed to be. *shrug* No skin off my back one way or the other.

I think I have to watch that Star Trek movie now to see if I'm happy or sad or none of the above about Abrams. I watched the first episode of Lost and it was just so much NOT MY THING that I couldn't go on, no matter how awesome everyone was saying that show was. That's got nothing to do with the direction specifically though, it just wasn't a concept and a story that interested me. So, Star Trek... until I see it (I own it, but it's still in the shrink wrap), I can't really have a decently formed opinion there.

Warning: Rambling (if you don't mind)

[ladyhadhafang.livejournal.com]

I think that's part of it. Some people have valid criticisms of it, others...seem to just be criticizing it for the sake of it. If that makes any sense. As for 3D itself...well, yeah, I can definitely imagine. Trends do come and go, after all. But I have a feeling that the 3D wasn't just a case of hopping on the trend bandwagon in Lucas' case. He genuinely believed in...well, re-releasing the films for another generation. Unfortunately...some people out there didn't feel the same way, I guess. :/

I'll admit that it wasn't really the 3D that was the selling point for me, but the nostalgia factor. I am a bit nostalgic by nature, really, although hopefully not to the extent of trampling on what others like (let's say a friend I had to part ways with was like that, so I guess I just worry). And TPM...well, I mostly read the prequel books first. I will admit I couldn't get into the OT at first; in a way, it really took the PT to win me over. Just because of Anakin. Because everything he did was so human, and there were times when he reminded me of myself -- the restlessness, the loneliness, the occasionally-mistreated-by-teachers-who-had-no-idea-what-was-wrong-with-me (which is probably one of many reasons I loathe the Jedi Council. I mean, what Anakin did in ROTS was evil, but...there's only so many times you can Kick the Dog before it bites back), the desire to see the stars...things like that. It's not even about the matter of the actor who plays him in the end; it's just the fact that honestly? He's probably one of the best characters I've ever seen. And that really is worth everything. :)

And judging off his work on STAR TREK, I think Abrams can do it. :)

Re: Warning: Rambling (if you don't mind)

[hikarific.livejournal.com]

No, I don't mind the rambling at all. It's kind of cool that a lot of what you say about the PT and Anakin is pretty much exactly the way I feel about the OT and Luke. I was in a pretty dark place when I saw ANH for the first time and it really made me feel like I wasn't alone, like there was nothing wrong with being a "weird" dreamer and that it WAS worth it to do the right thing and stay away from the Dark Side. And the nostalgia... absolutely, all the way!

I just don't like 3D.... I would definitely have gone to see the OT in theaters again (even the SE!), and possibly the PT as well (I keep thinking I should give them another chance... not because I really think I'll change the way I feel about them personally but because I have talked to so many people who do love those movies now that... I think I would still hate the things I initially hated. But I think I might be able to watch them with an eye for what DOES speak to their fans now, if that makes sense) But sitting through the whole thing with 3D glasses on, putting up with the motion sickness... I think that outweighs the nostalgia factor for me.

Of course, it's always good to introduce SW to a new audience, so there's that. But kids today already know SW, right? I don't think we have to worry about an audience for the new movie!