'Star Wars' to land at Cannes

Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, the young Darth Vader

PARIS, France -- George Lucas's latest "Star Wars" episode is to be shown at Cannes -- on the same day as it is released in the United States.

The film, to be shown out of competition, will show off the digital effects in "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones."

Lucas and producer Rick McCallum will also be highlighting the potential of digital film-making techniques used in the movie.

"Attack of the Clones" was shot entirely on digital cameras and will be screened at Cannes using digital rather than 35mm projectors. Currently, only about 50 cinemas worldwide are equipped with digital projectors.

The film will be screen at Cannes on May 16, one day before it goes on general release in France.

EXTRA INFORMATION 'Star Wars' character guide

The latest chapter of Lucas' epic brings back Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala. Newcomer Hayden Christensen is Anakin Skywalker -- the future Darth Vader.

It is one of the most eagerly awaited movies of the year and when it opens in the U.S. it will take on "Spiderman" in the battle for audiences.

"Spiderman" opened last weekend in the U.S. and broke box office records by taking $114 million.