One of the first movies I remember seeing in theatres was “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.” I feel a small sense of pride knowing that the latest movie I saw in theaters was the same. When it comes to re-releases such as these, the nostalgia seems to be what’s drawing me in more than anything. However, when it comes to re-releases such as this, I feel that the 3D was not up to my expectations.
“The Phantom Menace” is part one of George Lucas’ space-fantasy set “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away,” as the opening of every “Star Wars” film says. The story revolves around the Jedi, who serve as the peace protectors of the Galactic Republic.
When Jedi knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his padawan learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi, are sent to negotiate a treaty between a peaceful planet known as Naboo and the corporate-run, greed-ridden Trade Federation, the two end up in the middle of a war that leads to a change in the leadership of the Galactic Republic, as well as the discovery of a boy, one Anakin Skywalker, who may fit into an ancient Jedi prophecy.
When “Phantom Menace” was released in 1999, it received mix reviews from the critics and franchise fans alike. Most felt that it lacked in comparison to the original trilogy. Since then, it’s become an accepted fact that the newer “Star Wars” movies are inferior to the older ones. Regardless, excitement for the prequel trilogy from “Star Wars” fans never weakened, with fans lining up for the midnight screenings of each one, and doing the same for the re-release of this movie.
The nostalgia felt from seeing the movie again in theaters was exciting. The 3D however, was not. This is a problem I’ve had with other re-released movies that were being presented in 3D. The problem with these re-releases is that when they were made, it was never conceived that they would be able to have them in 3D. Now that the technology is common, filmmakers see a quick buck in taking their old films, splitting the images so it creates the illusion of depth, and then putting it back in the theaters.
And that’s all it is: an illusion. Not to say that regular movies meant to be 3D aren’t illusions, but those movies are specifically designed to appear as if objects and characters are flying out of the screen right into the theater itself. You will get none of that with a 3D re-release just because the movie was never designed to do that.
For me, it seemed like the 3D effects wore off after the first 30 minutes of the film. All that “converting” the film to 3D means is they made the movie so that it is blurry unless you are wearing clunky, awkward-looking glasses. And honestly, the whole effect just made my eyes hurt.
I’d prefer to enjoy movies without having to put glasses on, and I’m sure it’s inconvenient for people who have to wear prescription glasses to have to wear an extra, clunky pair on top of them to enjoy the film. If that is trying to be pushed as the norm of the theater experience, I probably won’t be going to the theater as often as I used to.
Story-wise, “Phantom Menace” did lack many of its predecessors’ qualities. For starters, it does not have a central main character. While there are many characters that are being followed closely, there is no one character that could serve as the main protagonist.
The movie’s action scenes are great, utilizing CGI and choreography to make for some cool firefights and lightsaber battles. In between the sequences of action is a lot of politics, one thing that many fans did not enjoy seeing in a “Star Wars” film. However, the politics do play a pivotal role in the plotline of later episodes.
If you haven’t gotten into the “Star Wars” films, now is as good a time as any to experience them in theaters. If you’re an avid fan, the feel of seeing this movie in theaters again will be worth it. However, if you’re hoping for the pod race to look like it’s flying out at you, don’t get your hopes up. It’s only slightly more 3D than if you popped the DVD in and watched the movie from your living room.