'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace' 3D Release Date Set

You won't have to wait long to see Jar Jar Binks stick his tongue out at the audience. Star Wars.com has just announced that the 3D conversion of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace will hit theaters on February 10, 2012. Read the official announcement after the break.

Thanks to TheForce.Net for the heads up. Here's the official announcement from StarWars.com:

Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox announced today that the 3D theatrical launch of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace now has an official release date — February 10, 2012! Set against the thrilling and exotic backdrop of a "galaxy far, far away," Star Wars is perfectly suited to the immersive 3D theatrical experience, and Episode I delivers some of the Saga's most stunning and spectacular sequences — from the Naboo invasion to the Tatooine Podraces to the climactic lightsaber battle between Darth Maul and the Jedi. Supervised by Industrial Light & Magic, the meticulous conversion is being done with utmost respect for the source material, and with a keen eye for both technological considerations and artistic intentions.

The most important part of that whole announcement is the final sentence:

Supervised by Industrial Light & Magic, the meticulous conversion is being done with utmost respect for the source material, and with a keen eye for both technological considerations and artistic intentions.

We can all agree (well, most of us) that Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is an abysmal addition to the Star Wars saga, It ruined the character of Anakin, destroyed the mystery of The Force and introduced us to Jar Jar Binks. However, I'm without a doubt going to check out this re-release to see how well the 3D conversion turned out. If it's good, then we only have to wait a few more years (and endure two more bad films) before we get to see the original films in 3D. If it's bad, then I can go home and watch my original VHS tapes while weeping.

Are you going to check this out next February or can you not in your right mind give George Lucas anymore of your money?