The story’s the same as before – taking place decades before the original trilogy, we are introduced to Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), young Jedi-to-be who will eventually grow up to become the deadliest Sith lord in the galaxy – Darth Vader. The visual effects (when it works) lent themselves rather well to a film that was never meant to be in Digital-3D.
While you’d be hard-pressed to spot the difference in certain areas, the selling point would undeniably be the pod-racing scene.
Fans would be pleased to know that George Lucas has decided to use an enhanced extended version, which in addition to the adrenalin-pumping speed and sound, features stuff like extra debris flying into the camera.
Lucas has exercised certain restraint in converting The Phantom Menace into 3D, resulting in an experience that is rather organic and unobtrusive, rather than ‘in-your-face’. Starships were especially effective and so were lightsaber duels and landscape like the Gungan underwater city.
I believe this would work better in future sequels, especially Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. For those new to the saga, what better way to dive into the rich world of Star Wars than on the big screen?
It was also fun seeing familiar faces like Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Keira Kinghtley and Natalie Portman twelve years younger.
And to fans, trust me you don’t want to miss Darth Maul wielding his wicked double-bladed lightsaber in magnificent 3D!
4 Stars
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