Variety
It is neither captivating nor transporting, for it lacks any emotional pull, as well as the sense of wonder and awe that marks the best works of sci-fi/fantasy.
Full review
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 3D
The Phantom Menace, the 1999 prequel, is the first 3D re-release of the entire Star Wars saga. George Lucas' Lucas Film and Industrial Light & Magic are undertaking the "cutting edge" 3D conversion process.
Says ILM: "Getting good results on a stereo conversion is a matter of taking the time and getting it right. It takes a critical and artistic eye along with an incredible attention to detail. We will take our time, applying everything we know both aesthetically and technically to bring audiences a fantastic new Star Wars experience."
On the planet of Naboo, peace is under threat from the manipulating forces of evil within the Trade Federation. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) attempt to safely escort Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) from Naboo, but are attacked and forced to land on the planet Tatooine. There, they discover a young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) - a slave boy with the powers of The Force. Together they face Darth Sidious, leader of the Trade Federation, and his dark apprentice, Darth Maul.
2012Rating: PG, contains low level violence133 minsUSA
AdventureScience Fiction3D
- Director:
- George Lucas ('American Graffiti', 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope')
- Writer:
- George Lucas
- Cast:
- Liam NeesonEwan McGregorNatalie PortmanJake LloydPernilla AugustFrank OzTerence Stamp
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 3D / Reviews
Total Film
Worth the wait, so long as you don't expect a masterpiece. Better than Jedi, but not as good as Empire, Episode I should please both adult fans and pre-teen newcomers.
Full reviewThe New York Times
It sustains the gee-whiz spirit of the series and offers a swashbuckling extragalactic getaway, creating illusions that are even more plausible than the kitchen-raiding raptors of Jurassic Park.
Full review
Los Angeles Times
Even without the pre-release hoopla, The Phantom Menace would be a considerable letdown!
Full review
Hollywood Reporter
Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace seems designed more as a promotion for Lucasfilm's billion-dollar merchandising concerns than a meaningful chapter in the Star Wars canon.
Full review
Empire Magazine
The most disappointing film of all time it remains, but with the galaxy of hype now far, far away Menace seems much less of a public menace than it did in the summer of 1999.
Full review
BBC
An often deliriously exciting adventure, hitting the target audience of 10-year olds and satisfying long-time fans.
Full review
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