Disney Cancels Plans of Bringing 4K Version of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK to Theaters

Disney had recently announced their plans to release a 4K version of Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back in theaters along with a number of other films that are getting re-released as theaters slowly reopen after the pandemic. But Disney is, unfortunately, rolling those plans back, Variety reports, “after talks broke down with exhibitors in the last few weeks.”

The film was set to be shown in the U.S. as well as U.K. cinemas, but will now only be shown in the U.K., and only in 2K. The film can only be seen in 4K on Disney+, and on the recent Blu-ray release. While Disney didn’t give an official statement on the about-face, they alluded to the fact that the decision was made due to the uncertainty facing movie theater openings and film releases at this time.

I think that theaters will eventually open, even if it’s later than sooner, and there will need to be films ready to view. I don’t see why they’d take one out of the equation that would undoubtedly put fans in seats, but it’s not up to me.

Would you have bought tickets to see The Empire Strikes Back in 4K in the theater? Yeah, me too.