Distanced from the weight of expectation and the crushing disappointment on its release back in 1999, the first of the prequel trilogy first and foremost looks terrific back on the big screen where it belongs. The 3D makeover is mostly well done, which is fortunate as that is the main reason for the latest re-release, and whilst it becomes patently obvious that digital effects have moved on considerably over recent years, there is still plenty of superb effects work to admire, notably in the beautiful space-set scenes. Viewing the film today, the strengths are clear and the set pieces - notably the pod race and the Darth Maul showdown - work very well. A lot of plot is covered surprisingly nimbly at times, but lots of dialogue remains dull. Jar Jar Binks - a children's comedy creation, lest we forget - can be seen to be a remarkable leap forward in using a fully-CG character, and is neither as offensive or as weak as Jake Lloyd's Anakin performance. What George Lucas absolutely nails here is the look and style of those 1930s serials that inspired him, which was less evident in the other two prequels. Let us hope that this film does enough box-office to warrant the annual release of the remaining (3D) films, and it gives pause for thought that other franchises could do the same - Harry Potter 3D?
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