Star Wars empire strikes back in 3D

The film world's obsession with all things 3D continues. After a host of blockbusters hit cinemas with an extra dimension, the Star Wars films are to get the 3D treatment.

George Lucas, the man behind the sci-fi franchise, reportedly was not a fan of the new movie technology sweeping Hollywood, but changed his mind after the success of James Cameron's Avatar.

Lucas's special effects company Industrial Light & Magic will oversee the transformation process.

1999 prequel, The Phantom Menace, will be unveiled in 2012. The rest of the movies will be rolled out one a year, before being released on special edition DVDs.

Star Wars supporters have begun having their say on the internet. Jedi fan Mike Sa wrote: "Excellent. I've been waiting for this for a very long time."