April 29, 2011 — Lucasfilm launched two web ventures anticipating the September arrival of STAR WARS on Blu-ray: first was the new Official STAR WARS Facebook page which gives the saga a social networking presence for fan interaction; and then StarWars.com adds their May the 4th Be With You page, featuring a countdown to that pun-generated date when the site promises "All will be revealed" about the STAR WARS Saga Blu-ray collections, now scheduled to street on September 16th, 2011.

As FilmEdge reported back in January, here's what we know now about STAR WARS' long-awaited debut on hi-def Blu:

• The complete six-film STAR WARS Saga will be combined in one 9-disc box set with over 30 hours of extensive bonus features including never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes
• STAR WARS: Prequel Trilogy (3-disc set includes THE PHANTOM MENACE, ATTACK OF THE CLONES, REVENGE OF THE SITH)
• STAR WARS: Original Trilogy (3-disc set includes A NEW HOPE, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, RETURN OF THE JEDI)
• Rare deleted scenes like Luke building his new lightsaber in JEDI will be included
• Only the Special Editions of the Original Trilogy films will be included on Blu-ray

All three Blu-ray sets are now available for pre-order via Amazon at these links: Complete STAR WARS Saga ($89.99), Prequel Trilogy (Episodes I-III) and Original Trilogy (Episodes IV - VI) at $44.99 each. Note that Amazon's pre-order pricing offer deep discounts on the suggested retail pricing, which Lucasfilm states as $139.99 US/$179.99 CAN for the six-film Complete Saga and $69.99 US/$89.99 CAN for each trilogy, so please feel free to use the links here provided by FilmEdge.

FilmEdge will have more details on the Complete STAR WARS Saga on Blu-ray as more details are released on the 4th. Lucasfilm's official press release is below this official preview trailer of STAR WARS on Blu-ray:

THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE

THE MOST ANTICIPATED BLU-RAY RELEASE IN THE GALAXY
IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR WORLDWIDE PRE-ORDER STARTING TODAY

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 6, 2011) – The most anticipated Blu-ray release ever – the Star Wars™ Saga – emerges from light speed this September 2011. For the first time, all six of George Lucas' epic films (Episodes I-VI) are united in one complete set. Fans worldwide are able to pre-order now with online retailers.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release Star Wars in three distinct sets to meet the needs of every Star Wars fan:

-Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray (9-disc Set includes all six films)
-Star Wars: Prequel Blu-ray Trilogy (3-disc set includes Episodes I-III)
-Star Wars: Original Blu-ray Trilogy (3-disc set includes Episodes IV-VI)

STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA ON BLU-RAY will feature all six live-action Star Wars feature films utilizing the highest possible picture and audio presentation, along with three additional discs and more than 30 hours of extensive special features including never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes, an exploration of the exclusive Star Wars archives, and much more.
Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray will be available for $139.99 US/$179.99 CAN and the Star Wars: Trilogy Sets for $69.99 US/89.99 CAN. Pricing for each set will vary by international territory.

Flanked by a legion of his finest Imperial Stormtroopers, Darth Vader himself joined Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment President Mike Dunn at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to announce the release, vowing "The forces of the Empire will be at your disposal to assure the success of this endeavor.''

"The Star Wars Saga is the most anticipated Blu-ray collection since the launch of the high-def format," Dunn said. "The epic franchise pioneered sound and visual presentation in theaters and is perfectly suited to do it again in the home, with a viewing experience only possible with Blu-ray."

"With all six episodes available for the first time in one collection, this is a great way for families and home audiences to experience the complete Saga from start to finish," said Doug Yates, Vice President of Marketing, Online, Distribution, Lucasfilm Ltd. "And with the quality of high-definition, Blu-ray provides the most immersive home experience possible."

"The Star Wars franchise has been one of the most anticipated Blu-ray releases by Amazon's customers," said Bill Carr, Vice President of Music and Video at Amazon. "We think that Star Wars will be incredibly popular with our customers, and we expect pre-orders to be very strong."

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