Disney Cancels Plans to Release 4K Version of The Empire Strikes Back

Last month, Disney announced that they are planning to release a 4K edition of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in UK Vue Cinemas in an effort to entice people to watch in theaters. However, that plan is now scrapped, and the coronavirus pandemic seemingly isn't the reason why they rolled back its release.

In a recent report from Variety, it's now revealed that the Mouse House decided not to go ahead with the release of the remastered version of Empire Strikes Back. It is unfortunate since this would have marked the first time a Star Wars movie from the original trilogy had been screened in cinemas in 4K.

As mentioned, it seems that this has less to do with COVID-19. The outlet says talks broke down with exhibitors in the last few weeks, which resulted in the plan being scrapped, with the film to be screened only in the standard version. It was also noted that European cinema giant, Vue, was initially on board for the film to be shown in 4K across UK cinemas. However, as mentioned before, the House Mouse will not go through the plan.

While Empire Strikes Back won't be screened in 4K, UK cinemas will show a standard 2K version, reportedly apparently still scheduled to take place next month. Disney almost releasing the 1980 film in 4K shows the "moving parts" facing these studios and exhibitors, in the hopes of making a rebound amidst the pandemic.

Would you be interested in watching the standard version of The Empire Strikes Back in theaters? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Also Read: Star Wars Actor John Boyega Has Some Serious Plans for Marvel's Infinity Gauntlet