Nearly 13 years after its initial release, Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace hit the box office as the latest victim of the 3D beast that has reared its ugly head lately. As soon as I heard this was happening, I refused to see it. I felt as though it would ruin the integrity of the series in my eyes for Star Wars has been one of my favorite franchises ever since I was a wee daft boy.Of course, I saw it the opening day. I was incredibly giddy when I received my limited edition Darth Maul RealD glasses (far giddier than an 18 year old should have been). Going into the theater, I felt as though I was five again. Before the movie started, an usher came in and felt she had to remind my fellow moviegoers that, “the use of toy lightsabers will not be tolerated during the film.” I felt as though I was with people that really got me.The movie began and the lightsabers went off. I was awestruck. The movie, with Jake Lloyd’s awful portrayal of a young child and Jar Jar Binks aside, was just as I remembered it. It was still Star Wars. The 3D hadn’t ruined it. If anything, it added a bit of necessary intensity to an otherwise slow movie. The Podracing scenes benefited greatly from the 3D, as did the few battle scenes.

After I left the theater, thoroughly pleased by the lack of headache I usually get following a 3D movie, I went home and began reading up on the film series. As it turns out, the remaining five movies are to be re-released in 3D as well. I’m not entirely all right with this. I feel as though the two more recent films will transition into 3D well, but the original three from the 70s and 80s will have a rough go of it.

Despite any reservations I have about them, I know that I will always see the movies. Be it next year when Episode Two releases, or 2017 when Episode Six finally reaches the silver screen once more.