With less than one week left until the first Star Wars spin-off, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, hits theaters, anticipation is higher than ever. And with the final Rogue One trailer recently released, locals are gearing up for the Dec. 16 premiere in a variety of ways.
According to Cindy Jackson, of Bradford, “My four-year-old son had a birthday party last week that was Star Wars themed, complete with printed star fleets, styrofoam lightsabers and wookie stuffed animals. It made the entire family excited for the premier of the new movie.”
For some, preparation means revisiting the classics.
“My daughter and I have been re-watching every single Star Wars movie — Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi and Episode VII: The Force Awakens — in preparation of this movie,” stated Megan Richter, of Foster Brook.
From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.
“I think this new storyline, which is kind of a prequel to some of the earlier movies, will flush out a lot of the gray areas that fans are dying to see on the big screen, as well as introduce some new characters that will become just as loved as the timeless Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi,” Richter added. “I’m anxious to see it; I’ll definitely be going to the theater for this one.”
And for those who just can’t wait, Bradford’s Main Street Movie House will be featuring an advanced showing of Rogue One on Thursday at 7 p.m. before it officially hits theaters on Friday.
Showtimes to follow include 4 and 7 p.m. (in 3-D) and 9:15 p.m. Friday; 1, 4 and 7 p.m. (in 3-D) and 9:15 p.m. Saturday; and 1, 4 and 7 p.m. (in 3-D) Sunday. The film will also run at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 through Dec. 22.
According to marketing director Tomi Dolan, the film is anticipated to be “huge” for locals, as well as those traveling to see the long-awaited continuation of “an epic” saga.
“The Star Wars saga is popular among a wide range of people, so the newest film will sure to bring out fans of all ages,” Dolan told The Era. “I have heard quite a few people talk about coming to see the new movie either for the advance show or the Friday it comes out. We have sold a few advance show tickets already and expect the sales to increase closer to the date. We’re excited that we are offering 3-D viewing for this film, and that alone is a big reason to come see it in theaters.”
Not to mention the whole experience of surround sound, especially during some of the more intense scenes, will make you feel like you’re “right there,” soaring through space, Dolan continued.
“Additionally, going to see a movie in theater is a fun activity for all to enjoy,” stated Dolan. “You can’t experience the comfy theater chairs or buttery popcorn at home!”
Stopping at the Main Street Movie House this holiday season is not only a great activity for families and friends to enjoy together, Dolan noted, but the theater will also be offering holiday gift items for purchase.
“We have new gift cards that can be in any denomination the customer chooses, they can even be customized to be used for movie tickets, concessions or both,” Dolan explained. “We have our yearly popcorn buckets in stock for those who can’t get enough of that movie theater buttered popcorn. We also offer a movie-lovers’ gift basket with the popcorn buckets that include four passes, four boxes of candy and one free popcorn bucket refill. And for the serious movie-lovers, we offer a yearly pass that can be used an unlimited time for all of 2017.”
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be the first of three Star Wars standalone movies that have been confirmed thus far. The second will focus on a young Han Solo, set before A New Hope, which stars Alden Ehrenreich as the beloved smuggler and Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, which is set to hit theaters on May 25, 2018. The third spin-off is believed to center on Boba Fett, which is expected to hit theaters in 2020.
