Strong force of Star Wars fans waits for hours to view first screening of new movie

Nevada Herald

Darth Vader, light sabers and an array of odd yet familiar-looking creatures turned out at movie theaters across the nation for the release of "Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith," just after midnight on Thursday, and the crowd at Nevada's Century Six Cinema was as enthusiastic as any.

Jane Novak of Century Six said two theaters were sold out for the event by Wednesday, as the theater presold the tickets to the special event.

By 8:30 Wednesday evening, several had already arrived, turning the event into a sort of tailgating party. Lawn chairs and cars filled the parking area. One man was set up in style, with a television set up in the back of his pickup, watching previous episodes while waiting for the midnight show.

Costumed moviegoers attended en force, getting into the spirit of the event. Most of the 500 who would fill the theaters' seats for the show came early, and many showed up just to see the costumes and other events prior to the showing.

It's one of the biggest events the theater has participated in, for quite some time, and Novak attributes its success, in part, to the movie's appeal for adults.

Whereas in many communities, children's movies are the best draw, movies geared toward adults often garner greater ticket sales in Nevada.

"It was a great event. People were really excited," Novak said.