‘Star Wars’ Converted to 3D: New ’Phantom Menace' Theater Release in 2012

“Star Wars” will get an update in 3D, following the success of “Avatar” and “Alice in Wonderland.” “Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace” will be released in 2012, according to Lucasfilm on Wednesday.

'Star Wars' in 3D: The legendary film series is slated to get a 3D overhaul with the first revamped film set for release in 2012. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Star Wars will get an update in 3D, following the success of Avatar and Alice in Wonderland. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace will be released in 2012, according to Lucasfilm on Wednesday.

Lucasfilm is teaming up up with sister company Industrial Light & Magic, a company that specializes in visual effects in films and movies, and has been given 15 Oscar Awards since the company was established by George Lucas 35 years ago.

Some of its award-winning works include Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince, Iron Man, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl and the first Star Wars movie released 1977.

“Getting good results on a stereo conversion is a matter of taking the time and getting it right,” said John Knoll, Visual Effects Supervisor for Industrial Light & Magic.

After Menace is released, the five will get a 3D overhaul and release in subsequent years.

“It takes a critical and artistic eye along with an incredible attention to detail to be successful,” Knoll said. “It is not something that you can rush if you want to expect good results. 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.”

The exact release date for the first film was not announced.