Star Wars fans will be able to purchase the original trilogy of films via iTunes and other digital services within just days, Disney says. Disney acquired the rights to the films in 2012 after buying Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion. Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi will be available to buy from Friday.
Prequel films The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith are also being released on digital platforms. Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy expressed her joy about the decision, saying: “We’re thrilled that fans will be able to enjoy the Star Wars saga on their digital devices wherever they go”. Kennedy said that special bonus material has also been developed, including previously-unreleased conversations between a number of Star Wars artists.
It’s not yet known which versions of the films are being released. Lucas’ Special Edition cuts appeared in 1997 but sparked anger from some fans who complained about the addition of new CGI content into film shot years before such techniques became commonplace. New bonus footage is also being made available. New Star Wars installment The Force Awakens is due for release in December and will see Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford reprise their original roles. The Force Awakens will be the first installment of a brand new trilogy being developed by Disney.
The old films can be pre-ordered now.