Midnight, Star Wars 3...

A few hours ago, twenty-four hours before the rest of the world, France was able to discover Episode III of the Star Wars saga. For the enjoyment of a few thousand fans, and just like they did for the release of the previous chapter, most major cinemas had their first shows at midnight. One mustn't forget that some of us had been waiting to see that since 1977, which is... well, which is a lot!

All right! This is May Tuesday 17, 2005, it is now 10pm; two hours before seeing the movie, let's have a little walk...

The Grand Rex

For a limited time let's forget about all the problems the Grand Rex has been having with a few narrow-minded local politicians! The Grand Rex is by far the largest (2750 seats on three levels) and the most beautiful cinema in Paris, and this is where many fans met in spite of a very long line and French version (the Grand Rex only plays movies dubbed in French). We tried to understand why so many fans didn't mind seeing this movie in French, and reached the conclusion that many of them had seen other Episodes there where they were younger (just as I did), and it was logical to see the new movie there.

Anyway, I saw the crowd and heard people yelling as soon as I got out of the metro station. At least 500 people were there (and let's not forget they still had two more hours to wait), many of them wearing costumes of Star Wars characters. The mood is highly festive, and the show should be more than lively! Tonight the Grand Rex has become a legend again.

The UGC Normandie

A few hundred people are waiting in front of the UGC Normandie too, more than one hour before the movie starts; the show is sold out (820 seats); it's a pity the bills hadn't been changed yet...

The Publicis Cinémas

The only digital projection available in Paris had rather few people waiting outside, since most of them were already inside (the place has also been sold out for several days). Some pictures to show you how it was inside...

It is too bad the place where blockbusters had to be seen in the '90s, the Gaumont Grand Ecran Italie (with it's giant 24m screen and its 650 seats), wasn't open last night, and there wasn't anything more wednesday morning (the first show of Episode 1 started at 8:05 October 13, 1999!) Saddly the cinema is awaiting its death, which should happen sooner than later...

Once again, enjoy the show!

And once again, many thanks to Lawrence Fodot, manager of the Publicis Cinémas, who helped us have a great night!