The Force is strong with this crowd.
On Thursday, crowds filled the lobby of Luxury 5 Cinemas in Mitchell-and the sidewalk-as fans waited in line for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in a special advance screening. The national release date was Friday.
Luxury 5 Cinemas showed "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" on two screens to make 2-D and 3-D shows available for both its 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. shows, which Logan Luxury Corp. President Jeff Logan said isn't typical.
"This movie definitely warrants it," Logan said.
Logan said the advanced showings are approved by the studio, and he estimated the majority of theaters that opened the movie on Friday also held an advance showing-referred to as "sneak previews" in the movie business.
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"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is a continuation to the iconic original trilogy that started in 1977. The newest film is set after the events of "Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi," and features the return of the original trilogy's core cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. Plot details have been shrouded in secrecy despite the excitement surrounding the film.
Logan said advanced ticket sales were some of the strongest Mitchell has had for a movie.
Thursday's 7 p.m. showings nearly sold out, and the later showing was a little less, but still saw a strong crowd-and an enthusiastic one. At the 9:45 p.m. showing, a cheer and applause erupted as the iconic "Star Wars" title crawl appeared on the screen.
"They were pumped," Logan said.
Fans also showed their love for the franchise by dressing up as their favorite characters, including a full-body wookiee costume in honor of Chewbacca, and Princess Leia's iconic side-bun hairstyle from "A New Hope."
Logan said he expects the film to play for four weeks. And, while he hasn't had a chance to see it yet, he's heard good things.
"Everyone loved it," he said. "It's just a neat movie for the holidays."
