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2007 definitive editions (Blu-ray)

The new CG Yoda in The Phantom MenaceLucas has hinted in the past, and it is most likely assumed, that he will release his definitive (often called "archival") editions of all six of his Star Wars films on a next-generation home-video format in 2007. This release would coincide with, and celebrate, the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars saga. It has been speculated that he will take this opportunity to make any final adjustments, changes, additions, and/or subtractions to his films for this final release. An altered clip from The Phantom Menace included in a featurette on the DVD release of Revenge of the Sith (in which a computer generated Yoda replaces the original puppet) appears to be a sign that the "archival" editions are indeed in the works; however, this is uncertain, as the animation team for Yoda went back and practiced animating him in all his scenes from The Phantom Menace in order to really understand Yoda and become skilled in creating his facial expressions, amongst other things. This was done in preparation for Yoda's appearance in Revenge of the Sith, as the greatest concern of the animation team during production of Attack of the Clones was the duel scene between Yoda and Count Dooku. Regardless, the new animations of the CGI Yoda would most likely be used in the Definitve Edition of The Phantom Menace.

It is said that this edition will be released in a "Grand Saga" box set, and the home video format will most likely be Blu-ray, as 20th Century Fox, as well as Lucas himself, have said they prefer this format. Lucasfilm Vice President of Marketing Jim Ward confirmed that in this final release, Lucasfilm is likely to return to John Lowry to do even more work on the films (possibly digital contemporization of the original trilogy). He says, "As the technology evolves and we get into a high-definition platform that is easily consumable by our customers, the situation is much better, but there will always be work to be done."[8]

Producer Rick McCallum, as well as Ward, have also explained that they have been holding back a large amount of bonus material for this release, including deleted scenes, as well as numerous previous Star Wars "making-ofs," spin-offs, television specials, Documentaries etc.

2007 3-D edition
At a ShoWest convention in 2005, George Lucas demonstrated new technology and stated that he is planning to release all six films in a new 3-D film format, beginning with A New Hope in 2007.