You don't need to "use the force" in order to cash in on George Lucas' decision to begin releasing all six films to theaters in 3-D. Beginning with The Phantom Menace in 2012, Lucas plans to re-release the films in chronological order at a multiplex near you.
There are some obvious -- and some not so obvious -- publicly traded winners in this move. Let's go over a few of them.
-
RealD
(NYSE: RLD) : This one is fairly obvious. RealD is the leading player in cost-effective 3-D screen conversions for exhibitors. William Blair analyst Ralph Schackart is so inspired by the move that he told investors today that the first three installments alone could be enough for $0.57 a share in incremental profits for RealD. -
IMAX
(Nasdaq: IMAX) : If Lucas is going all out with the upward conversion, he may as well aim for IMAX 3-D screens as well. Either way, even if the series bypasses the gargantuan IMAX experiences, the move will still validate the premium movie ticket that IMAX needs to continue growing. -
Hasbro
(NYSE: HAS) : As the licensed maker of Star Wars playthings, the toymaker was playing up the third season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars as an opportunity to market new toys during this summer's Comic-Con expo. Just imagine how giddy Hasbro got over the six upcoming theatrical rereleases.
There are other ways to play this, of course. Regal Entertainment
This won't be a slam dunk, though. Re-releases often fare poorly at the box office, appealing only to diehard fans. However, the 3-D conversion will raise the stakes -- and the hype -- behind Lucas' move.
It also wouldn't be a surprise, as Lucas milks the appeal of presenting his films in chronological fashion over several years, that it ends with his decision to film the final three installments in what is supposedly a nine-picture saga.
The force is strong with this one.
Would you go experience Star Wars again in 3-D? Share your perspective in the comment box below.