Star Wars Episode III
It is very amazing to think that the first release of the original (Ep. 4) Star Wars was the year I entered life. I have a memory of my Grandpa Batchelder and I at six years old sitting in a huge theater, back before it was more economic to have more screens rather than bigger screens, and watching Return of the Jedi. The visual effects were very mind altering. I felt as if I was with Luke in the cockpit of his Star Fighter chasing down the bad guys on the surface of the Death Star. Never would I have imagined that 22-years later I would be standing in line with my wife and two daughters for the midnight opening release of the final addition to the saga.
At 4:00pm the thought crossed Kristy's mind to look into checking the availability of opening tickets to the show. A release this big, only 8 hours away, the chances where slim. To our surprise however, the local Hollywood Regal Cinema where opening screens as needed for the showing. By midnight they ended up selling out 8 screens.
Assuming that my best friend Ray would also be attending the big show, I called him to brag about my 2-hour time zone advantage. You see Ray lives out west and our midnight comes 2-hours sooner than his. However, Ray informed me that he had decided to wait to see it with his Sister and wouldn't be able to meet up with her until three days after the opening.
Kristy, Molly, and Myself were all excited about the show, Neleha probably wondered what all the fuss was about. This was most evident when she slept through the entire movie. We grabbed some blankets, Molly grabbed her Yoda Light Saber, we stopped at the Burger King for a snapshot of the display of Darth Vader on the roof, and then headed out one and a half hours early for the show. Upon our arrival we were taken back by the two lines reaching from the entrance doors around both sides of the building.
The lines were full of costumed Star Wars fans, Storm Troopers, the Emperor, Luke, Lea, and even Darth Vader were all represented. We found some friendly Storm Troopers to pose a photo with us. I tried to talk Molly into a duel with Vader but she was very hesitant. It was so refreshing to be with my family enjoying such a unique experience. The time in line flew by and before we knew it we were entering the doors.
The occasion warranted some special treatment for those willing to attend this opening screening. Everyone received a free copy of a Star Wars comic book and after everyone was seated trivia questions were presented with prizes to the first correct response. Soon the lights dimmed, the music began and "Episode III" in yellow letters rolled up the screen.
Neleha and Molly both fell asleep before the extra long previews were over. I woke Molly when the movie finally started. The time had finally arrived, the Batchelder's of Ohio were viewing Star Wars Episode 3 on a very early Thursday morning.
My emotions during the supposed last chapter of the Star Wars saga back in 1983 were mirrored now 22-years later during the absolute conclusion. Not only was it a true joy to watch the movie but also to see the reactions to the movie by my beautiful wife and daughter. Watching Neleha sleep amidst the excitement was also comforting.
A few days later we stopped in again at the BK and obtained the Yoda and Chewy toy.
So, with that the saga ends, memories are formed, and life goes on just as it should.
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