Though they’ve been available on a variety of formats in the past as home entertainment has evolved through VHS, DVD and Blu-ray, the first six Star Wars films haven’t hit online download stores. All that will change on Friday worldwide (wherever the outlets are available) when the original and prequel trilogies arrive at the likes of iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, VUDU and more.
It’s perhaps not surprising that the original films would arrive in good quality digital downloads in the months before Star Wars: The Force Awakens launches in cinemas.
The movies will be available as a set or individually and all will come with a pair of new bonus features – Star Wars: Discoveries From Inside (about specific elements of each movie) and Conversations, a Q&A series between key contributors from across the franchise, plus a curated collection of classic Star Wars extras from each film. To check out the full list, head to the official site.
“We’re thrilled that fans will be able to enjoy the** **Star Wars saga on their digital devices wherever they go,” says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “These films broke new ground in technology, design, sound, and visual effects, and we’ve created some very special bonus material which delves into the saga’s rich history, including new and never-before-released conversations between legendary Star Wars artists — the masters who helped George bring his iconic universe to life.” Though of course, we don't know which versions will be coming. Don't bet on original, pre-special edition cuts, folks...
As mentioned, the movies will be available on April 10. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is out on December 18.