BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhuanet) -- The 3D version of "Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" will be released on Feb. 10,  2012, according to Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox.

This film is the first 3D version in "Star Wars" saga, since Lucasfilm and Fox claimed to convert the entire series into 3D in September 2010, the two U.S. film makers said Thursday.

"Industrial Light & Magic", which worked on the effects for Avatar, will process the film, according to StarWars.com, the official website of Star Wars saga.

The visual effects supervisors said the film is "perfectly suited to the 3D theatrical experience" and they are confident to satisfy the star wars' fans.

"This 3D conversion is being done with utmost respect for the source material, and with a keen eye for both technological considerations and artistic intentions," said John Knoll, a visual effects supervisor.

The film will compete in a box office battle with Nic Cage's 3D work "Ghost Rider: I Need To Make Castle Payments", which will arrive at the theatre two days after the 3D "Star Wars".