To celebrate the launch of  'Star Wars - Episode 1, 3D' in Romania, the 3D version of the first episode in the epic science fiction film series, Grand Cinema Digiplex in Bucharest along with Club Star Wars Romania are holding a Star Wars festival, running up to the official launch of the film on February 10, 2012.

Moviegoers will be able to watch the film from February 10 and to help get in the mood, the cafe  at the entrance of cinema will serve "Forvish", apparently the favorite tipple of intergalactic heroes.

Conceived as a prequel, 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace', written and directed by George Lucas, was released in 1999 to high expectation, but failed to achieve the popular acclaim of the hit movies from the late 70s and early 80s. The director plans to eventually relaunch all six movies in the Star Wars franchise in 3D after 2012. The move follows Lucas' now familiar 'money for old rope policy.'

In May 1977 in the US George Lucas released the first movie of the saga: 'A new Hope - Episode IV'. It was a huge hit, as were episodes V and VI, which followed shortly after. More than 20 years later Lucas began releasing the prequels, parts I, II and III. So far, Star Wars movies have generated more than USD 4.4 billion in box office earnings.

Alex Camburu, alex.camburu@romania-insider.com

Additional reporting by Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com