In May of 2005, the movie to end the trilogy that was the prequels to the Luke Skywalker saga was released to theaters. Crowds were greeted with the betrayal of Anakin Skywalker, the death of the Jedi order, and the rebirth of the Sith. At the time, the movie was ridiculed and seen as the death of Star Wars. Actors Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor were ridiculed for the roles they played. Yet now, 20 years later, it is seen as one of the greatest Star Wars movies ever released. People born after the chance to see it in theaters were ecstatic when they learned of the movie’s theatrical release again. Seeing the very movie I loved as a kid today in a theater was a wild experience. Definitely something off my bucket list,” Caleb Brotherton said.

Some people started out watching Star Wars on their old DVD players, watching the trilogies on loop, trying to absorb as much as they could, ever since the start in 1977. “I’ve been watching Star Wars in general since I found our DVD collection of the complete saga when I was a kid. I would binge them with my dad or by myself for hours, which eventually led to me getting involved in the lore and video games. This movie, though, has always been my favorite, and being able to see it again is pure nostalgia,” said Rian Francis.

Onto the movie in theaters, the comparison from home TV or screen to being able to watch it on the big screen was phenomenal. Star Wars fans flooded the seats just to be able to watch their favorite movie, many for the first time, in theaters. “There is no comparison. The sound system paired with one of the greatest soundtracks ever written makes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The flashes of light brightened the whole room. The tension in the room from everyone during the intense moments, even when they know exactly what happens,” Francis said. Many remarked about how different the sound was. “At the end of the movie, there is a scene where Luke is being held as a baby by his aunt and uncle, and the original song “Binary Sunset” starts playing. When the song came on, everyone in the theater, especially my friends, got chills. Hearing the music in theater surround sound as well as seeing it on the screen was more than amazing,” Kevin O’Callaghan said.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was made special to everyone who holds this movie and the franchise close to their hearts. The opportunity was amazing and should not be missed. No comparison can be made to how much better the movie was to see in theaters, and to be able to see it again after all these years since its release. From new fans to old fans, it was an amazing experience. “I am so glad I got to see it, especially with my friends. It was something I will never forget,” O’Callaghan said.