SWAN HILL will join die hard Star Wars fans from around the world as the first ever Star Wars marathon is held on what has been dubbed “Star Wars Day”, May 4.
The date comes from the pun “May the Fourth be with you”, a modification of the Star Wars catchphrase “May the Force be with you”.
Disney, the owner of the franchise, and Lucas Films are allowing cinemas around the world to hold a Star Wars marathon featuring all of the blockbuster films – something they have never allowed before despite repeated requests from fans.
Swan Hill fans will not be left out, with Showbiz Cinemas opening the marathon screening at 11am on Saturday May 4 with the movie that started it all, Star Wars: A New Hope.
Tickets to each of the movies will be discounted to $12, giving fans the opportunity to see as many of the films as possible on the big screen.
Showbiz Cinemas director Andrew Taylor said it was something that had always been asked for by fans wanting to celebrate May the 4th but for various reasons it hadn’t been allowed by Disney and Lucas Films.
“Each year cinemas want to do Star Wars marathons and are always told no,” Mr Taylor said.
“Believe it or not, Disney finally came to the table with a yes.
“Although, it has copped a little bit of criticism as some people would prefer it in the actual story order, whereas what they (Disney) have insisted on is playing the original trilogy first, and the prequels in the second series.
“The only time I can remember the original trilogy being able to screen in a cinema was way back in the early ’90s when the films were digitally remastered – that is the last time it has happened.”
All the movies will be shown in 4K resolution.
For many fans it will be a first chance to see the original trilogy on a movie screen as when they were first released many of this new generation had not even been born.
