In a dark local movie theater, something was different in the air. Anyone could sense the force was strong. Aspiring Jedi were below the screen, fighting with glowing light sabers in preparation for the movie to be shown above them.
'Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace' is being shown in theaters across the world, again. This time around it is in 3D and most attendees are already dear fans of the movie. Although 'Star Wars' was competing with the debut of 'The Vow' this past weekend, 'Star Wars' fans showed more enthusiasm in their outward appearance.
Garr VanOrden from Illinois said he is probably the biggest 'Star Wars' fan anyone will ever meet. For the release of 'Episode 3,' VanOrden said he went to Los Angeles and waited in line for weeks in front of the Grauman's Chinese Theater. VanOrden was clothed in the complete Jedi robes — which he sewed himself — while waiting in line in L.A.
While many films buffs are opposed to the resurgence of 3D, VanOrden said he was not bothered.
'Mostly I am just excited for it,' VanOrden said. 'I am not against the 3D at all.'
Peter Taylor, from Springville, was there with several friends. Taylor said 'Star Wars' is way better than 'Harry Potter,' and he too is excited for the 3D action.
'I think it's genius,' Taylor said. 'I haven’t thought about all the other movies in 3D, I only have been dwelling on 'The Phantom Menace.' I think it is going to be phenomenal and I hope that it really succeeds.'
Excited college kids weren't the only ones at the showing. Father and son, John and Briten Patton, were dressed up as Darth Vader and Darth Maul.
'We are going to be zombies,' John said. 'This is a good decision in the long run, but we are going to kind of regret it tomorrow.'
Briten said he enjoys 3D movies more than regular movies and was happy Star Wars is coming out in the new visual format.
'I think it's how they should be viewed,' Briten said.
Another attendee, Thomas Beach, said his childhood was filled with 'Star Wars.' Beach has more than 200 Star Wars action figures but didn't bring them to the show because he said others would want them. Beach described the overall feeling of the theater.
'OK, how can you not support the wars?' Beach said. 'This is 'Star Wars,' it's all about the nostalgia and the wonderful feelings you feel in the theater when the ship flies over your head.'