The first six "Star Wars" movies will make their digital debut this week, available for online purchase for the first time ever.



Disney, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Fox (the studio that released the first six movies) made the announcement Monday, touting the release of "The 'Star Wars' Digital Movie Collection," which includes every "Wars" flick from 1999's Episode I, "The Phantom Menace," to 1983's Episode VI, "Return of the Jedi." The collection -- which can be purchased in a six-film bundle, or by individual title -- will be available beginning this Friday.



"Since the debut of the first film nearly 40 years ago, 'Star Wars' has become a worldwide phenomenon with legions of fans from every generation," said Walt Disney Studios present Alan Bergman in a statement. "It's only fitting that audiences enjoy this legendary saga and its many fascinating behind-the-scenes stories on a wide variety of platforms, and we're very excited to finally bring all six films to Digital HD for the first time."



Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy added in another statement, "We're thrilled that fans will be able to enjoy the 'Star Wars' saga on their digital devices wherever they go. These films broke new ground in technology, design, sound, and visual effects, and we've created some very special bonus material which delves into the saga's rich history, including new and never-before-released conversations between legendary 'Star Wars' artists - the masters who helped George bring his iconic universe to life."



The bonus material Kennedy cited includes behind-the-scenes featurettes, interviews, and bloopers, among other goodies. The complete list of bonus features can be found here.



"The 'Star Wars' Digital Movie Collection" includes "The Phantom Menace," "Attack of the Clones," "Revenge of the Sith," "A New Hope," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi." It will be available in digital HD at a variety of online retailers worldwide on April 10.







Photo credit: StarWars.com