George Lucas has plans to make you pay even more money to watch Star Wars and it will begin in 2012. We are now able to confirm that Lucas plans to re-release all six Star Wars films in 3D starting in 2012. News of this came about some time ago, but we are now hearing confirmed reports that the Star Wars saga will indeed be heading back to theaters, but this time in 3D. USA Today officially announced that the films will be re-released starting with Episode 1: The Phantom Menace in early 2012. The six films will be released in the actual order they are told in rather than the order they were initially released in. It is not clear at this time how soon each film will be released and if there will be a gap in time between each movie.

So, how does Lucas plan to make these 2D films into 3D features? First he plans to use 3D conversion, but before you swear that off, realize that James Cameron is using this same technology to bring Titanic back to theaters in 3D (which also happens to be in 2012.) Cameron is not one to bring audiences anything but a spectacular visual experience and his 3D upgrade should be of high quality. According to LucasFilm spokesperson Lynne Hale, ” The process is really extensive, and we want to make sure each of the film gets the attention it needs, so we’re not ready to talk about the release patterns of the other films.” Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic will be handling the 3D upgrade with John Knoll, the visual effects supervisor leading the production.

What does everyone think about Star Wars being released in a 3D format? Is this an opportunity to show the film in a new visual style or is it just a chance to cash in on the 3D craze that is in every movie theater?

Source: Coming Soon

The past few hours have rolled out some very interesting news about Marvel’s biggest superhero flicks. First, a new photo from Kenneth Branagh’s Thor has hit the web. It features Thor (with hammer), Loki (his adopted brother) and Odin their father and ruler of Asgard. But there’s some things that just feel weird about the picture. Second, a new rumor has surfaced that Mark Ruffalo is in final talks to take up the role of Bruce Banner/The Hulk in Joss Whedon’s The Avengers. As you may recall, Edward Norton is no longer attached to the roll. Last, both Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger are getting some special Hollywood treatment, which honestly now isn’t so much of a surprise. Check out the headlines below.

Weird #1 – Thor

There’s three things about this picture that strike me in a funny way. First, Chris Hemsworth (Thor) looks like Heath Ledger. I’m wondering with keeping the Norse mythology if they will speak in Olde English or sound Shakespearean. Loki doesn’t have his trademark huge-horn hat, like how Thor doesn’t have his, but I can’t help but feel there’ll be some shot or scene with it considering it’s such a staple of his character. Last, Anthony Hopkins looks like a futuristic pirate.  I’m not feeling the eye-patch but it could be a temporary thing, like Odin took an elbow in the face during a pickup game of basketball or something.

Weird #2 – Hulk in The Avengers

Mark Ruffalo is a good actor. I’ll give him that much. He was fantastic alongside Adrien Brody in The Brothers Bloom. I just wish Norton stayed with the role. According to Edward’s statements, it sounds like Marvel were the ones who cut ties with him. Apparently, Edward Norton is a difficult person to work with, so they might be pulling a Terrance Howard/Don Cheadle swap a la Iron Man 2. Cheadle played the role of James Rhodes differently from Terrance Howard, and I’m wondering how Ruffalo will do if he indeed is cast. He sort of doesn’t look comfortable in his own skin, so maybe Mark Ruffalo will have a deep understanding of having a giant monster caged inside himself.

Obvious – The Third Dimension

I wonder how people who have one eye feel about 3D. I imagine they get dragged to 3D flicks by family and loved ones, yet no doubt think to themselves about talking to movie theater managers about getting cheaper tickets. The best looking 3D features are the ones shot in 3D, like Avatar and Jaws 3-D. However, since Hollywood has caught on that they can make anything 3D and people will go to it, there’s been a major push to make movies 3D, including doing post-production 3D. Post-production 3D looks terrible, but it looks like both Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger will be made 3D in post-production. Speaking about the changes to the films, Captain America director Joe Johnston said they are giving the 3D process a lot of time and effort and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has said that the special effects in both movies began in 3D replication. Hope it looks better than Clash of the Titans or The Last Airbender.

This most likely does not come as a surprise to most, as the majority of blockbusters hitting theaters are now 3D, but nonetheless, Disney has announced the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean sequel will be shot in 3D. The fourth film in the popular franchise, titled Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides has been in the headlines several times over the last year with news of a new director (Rob Marshall taking over for Gore Verbinski), casting, and release date news. Currently the film is set to be released on June 20 2011 and will once again star Johnny Depp as the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow.

What do you think about Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides being shot in 3D? Just another attempt for the studio to make more money or is this the type of big adventure film that could be even more thrilling in 3D? I think Disney is just following the current trend and until the 3D gimmick begins to die, we can expect many more 3D glasses to be used at movie theaters.

Hey folks Roman and Jordan have just recorded the first episode of The Z Cast, Fanboyz.net’s own videocast. It’s filled with Iron Man 2, video games, Kevin Costner, and Playboy 3D. I know, all over the place. Check out the video below and let us know what you think!

This more than likely does not come as a surprise since every big movie these days seems to get the 3D treatment, but THR is reporting that the new Spider-Man reboot will be, you guessed it, 3D. Since Avatar has grossed over $2 billion I would say it is safe to assume any blockbuster action flick will be 3-D. Along with the 3D news is reports that the film has a new release date which has been changed from the original May 2011 release. Looks like the new Spider-Man movie will hit theaters July 3rd 2012.

We reported last month that Sony was scrapping the fourth Spider-Man film and going with a reboot of the franchise. (500) Days of Summer director Marc Webb has signed on to direct the movie, however there has been no reports on casting at this time. Rumors have been flying around on who will be the new Peter Parker, but nothing has been confirmed at this time.

Get ready for a new Spider-Man in 3-D when the Marvel superhero swings into theaters July 4th weekend 2012.

It is being reported (via Heat Vision) that the next two Harry Potter movies as well as this springs Clash of the Titans will be released in 3D. The next Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1, will hit theaters November 19th as a full length 3D feature. The second part to Deathly Hallows is scheduled for release July 15th 2011 and is rumored to be in 3D as well. This news comes on the heels of Clash of the Titans which has been rumored to be a 3D film for a few weeks now, and while Warner Brothers has yet to issue a statement, this news should be confirmed sometime this week.

I can honestly say that the 3D craze is getting out of control. Clash of the Titans in 3D is already bad enough, but now Harry Potter too!? I don’t like when 3D has to be used as a gimmick to lure an audience in. Of course everyone is hopping the Avatar bandwagon of 3D entertainment, but enough is enough. When there was rumor that Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood may become a 3D release I thought every movie studio out in Hollywood had officially jumped the gun.

To make time for the conversion to 3D, Clash of the Titans will be pushed back one week, and will now open on April 2nd. I think Titans looks like a fun adventure, and while the 3D isn’t a terrible choice, I don’t see it adding a whole lot to the film as a whole. I am by no means against the use of 3D in film, however I care for it only in small doses. But maybe that is just me.

3D can be an exciting medium to watch a film, but it definitely depends on the film. What do you think about these movies being in 3D?

A new poster for Disney’s Tron Legacy has arrived online today. The 3D feature arrives in theaters December 2010, and if the buzz from this movie is any indication, Disney could have a big hit on their hands. Check out this poster after the jump and leave your comments below.

Sam Flynn, the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn, looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidant, father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous.

The first big holiday film of the season arrived this weekend to the tune of $30 million. The Jim Carrey Robert Zemeckis collaboration about the classic Charles Dicken’s tale took top honors at the weekend box office. The 3D animated movie made $30 million Friday – Sunday which was a solid debut, however it was below industry expectations. With the added cost of IMAX tickets and digital 3D features, this film had an advantage to rake in more cash. The one bright spot for this film is that it’s early November release will mean a long run through the holiday season. The IMAX version will be in theaters through the 17th of December when Avatar takes over on the 18th. For a full breakdown of the November 6th-8th box office read on!

Three years ago director Robert Zemeckis dove into the computer animated 3D world that was The Polar Express. He followed that with 2007′s Beowulf which featured the same animation technology. A Christmas Carol once again returns the Forrest Gump director to this style of film making. In this film Jim Carrey plays multiple roles including that of Ebeneezer Scrooge. With positive reviews for A Christmas Carol, Jim Carrey and Robert Zemeckis should have happy holidays ahead of them.

Dropping 43% in week two Michael Jackson’s This Is It raked in another $14 million. Sony originally had this as a limited two week engagement but the studio realized they could make more money the longer the film plays (Crazy, I know.) After two weeks MJ has made $57 million.

George Clooney’s The Men who Stare at Goats opened to a solid $13 million for the number three spot. The obscure comedy tracked well with adults who wanted another option than a 3D Christmas film this weekend.

Ironically The Fourth Kind dropped in at number four this weekend with $12.2 million. With a creepy trailer and true story premise, The Fourth Kind opened bigger than anticipated.

Rounding out the top five was Paranormal Activity which is about to cross the $100 million mark any day now. This weekend the low budget horror flick took in $8.2 million in its seventh week of release for a current total of $97 million. Let me remind you this movie only took $11,000 to make.

Next week the box office welcomes the disaster flick 2012 by Independence Day director Roland Emmerich.

Box Office numbers courtesy of Box Office Mojo.

This past July at Comic-Con director Robert Zemeckis treated fans to an extended look at his holiday release of A Christmas Carol. The 3D computer animated movie tells the classic Dicken’s tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts that take him on a journey that will change his outlook on life. This weekend the first official trailer for the Jim Carrey led movie debuted online via Yahoo Movies. Similar to The Polar Express and Beowulf, Zemeckis has made a third film with the same 3D computer technology that captures the look of the actors on screen. I am not sure how sold I am on the technology. I would have liked to see a live action version with Jim Carrey but visually this looks amazing. Check out the trailer after the jump.

Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of an old miser who must face Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-to-Come, as they help to bring kindness to his otherwise cold heart. The Ghosts remind him of the man he used to be, the hard truth of what the world is today, and what will happen if he does not strive to be a better man. Set around Christmas, the most joyous day of the year, Scrooge realizes the sharp contrast of his own personality.

There is a rumor circulating the net via Aint it Cool News that Paramount is considering releasing Iron Man 2 in 3D. There is a one minute clip of the film in 3D that is apparently amazing and Paramount is looking into how much it will cost to make Iron Man 2 entirely in 3D. They are even going as far as looking into converting the first Iron Man into 3D. I have my reservations with taking a movie like Iron Man and tinkering with it in this manner. I have always felt that 3D movies are all about the gimmick. Most of them are not very good (Monsters vs Aliens, My Bloody Valentine) and some are amazing (Pixar’s Up is all that comes to mind.) The idea of taking a good movie like Iron Man and presumably Iron Man 2 is a risk that I don’t believe Paramount and director Jon Favreau should jump into.

Aint it Cool had this to say about the 3D conversion:

Right now, there is a 1 minute demo of IRON MAN 2 converted to high quality digital 3D. I’m told this one minute is totally like Kim Basinger & Mickey Rourke in 9 1/2 WEEKS. HOT! Crazy Hot! Right now the Suits at Marvel & Paramount & now also Disney are considering this 1 minute.

Jon Favreau has been flirting with the 3D idea for some time now so this does not come as a major surprise. I enjoy the fact that Favreau wants to take new technology and run with it, but I don’t believe this is the movie to do that with. As cool as the idea of Iron Man flying through the sky in 3D would be, I think the rest of the film would suffer from the gimmick.

But hey, that is just my opinion. What do you think? Iron Man 2 Hits theaters May 7, 2010.