Denver-based director Alexandre Philippe isn’t surprised to hear George Lucas talk of re-releasing the “Star Wars” films in 3-D.
“On the heels of the massive success of ’Avatar’ it makes a lot of sense,” says Philippe, the director of the upcoming documentary “The People vs. George Lucas.” “It’s been in the air for a while now.”
And he‘ll be one of many movie goers in line should Lucas carry through with his plans.
“As a ‘Star Wars’ fan I’ll go see the movies [in 3-D], certainly the first one,” he says. If the experience blows him away he might consider checking out the other installments in their new, 3-D form.
It’s all about the bottom line, he says, and that’s what big corporations like Lucasfilm operate.
“They have this property that makes so much money any time they re-release it,” he says.
But what will the die-hard fans think?
Philippe can speak to that issue better than most people. “The People vs. George Lucas,” lets fans sound off regarding Lucas’ treatment of the space opera franchise.
“I think the fan reaction [to the 3-D re-releases] is exactly what you’ll see in our film - completely polarized. Some will be extremely excited to see the films. You’ll have fans super critical of Lucasfilm for once again taking their money.”
Audiences will get their first peek at ‘The People” next month. The film has nabbed the Spotlight premiere section of the South by Southwest Film Festival, one of the biggest - and most hip - festivals in the country.
The event runs from March 12-21 in Austin, Texas.
“It’s been a blur lately, especially with the amount of work we had to do in the home stretch,” the filmmaker says of preparing for the film’s world premiere next month. “We’ve had 600 hours of footage to deal with.”
Comments
This comment, while I know it's truly what people will say, cracks me up: "You’ll have fans super critical of Lucasfilm for once again taking their money.”
Do people realize they have a choice? If they really hate Lucasfilm so much for wanting to make money (can you tell me a company that doesn't), nobody is holding a gun to their head to go see the movies. Get a clue folks, don't plop down your money if you disagree with it so badly! The fact is, you know you want to see it, you know you get a rush like no other from seeing Star Wars (ALL SIX MOVIES, whether you admit it or not), so just shut up and pay, and enjoy!
Bring it on George, I can't wait for the 3D versions, and anything else you want to create for us! God bless you for all the wonderful entertainment you've brought to generations of fans, whether they are "hardcore" (laughable) or not. Here's one hardcore fan who has been there from day one and has loved every minute of this wonderful journey you've shared with
Well said, Bryan. Philippe's comments do reflect the feelings of many Star Wars fans, but people clearly have the chance to weigh in via their wallets.
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