“A long time ago … in a galaxy far, far away,” a space epic was born. The year was 1977, and the premiere of “Star Wars,” which later became known as “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope,” opened up an entirely new world to viewers.
The franchise has swelled from the original trilogy to seven movies over a span of nearly 40 years, and more are planned.
With robotic droids, space travel and powerful Jedi set to return nationwide to the big screen this week with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Maine theaters and “Star Wars” enthusiasts are set for a lot of intergalactic fun.
At the Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor, for instance, “Star Wars” fans can enjoy an entire week of events dedicated to the next installment of the “Star Wars” epic. On the night of the premiere Friday, Dec. 18, a special street closure of a portion of Cottage Street will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. An “intergalactic passport” can be picked up at the theater and fans can collect stickers from participating shops around town that have been designated as “planetary outposts.”
The theater also will host a juried costume contest, a “Star Wars” photo booth and a Jedi Academy with lightsaber training, among other events. A full schedule can be viewed at Criterion Theatre’s website.
Bangor Mall Cinemas will hold an event of epic proportions beginning Thursday, Dec. 17, to coincide with premiere screenings of the movie. R2D2 will be in attendance in the form of a replica made by Orrington resident Paul Bussiere. The “Galactic Gathering” will run through Sunday, Dec. 20, and feature area stores, gaming clubs, conventions and local artists in a mini convention.
Costume contests seem to be popular with the new release. At Narrow Gauge Cinemas in Farmington, a “Star Wars” premiere event and costume contest will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, in conjunction with the first film preview showing.
Portland’s Patriot Cinemas Nickelodeon, the Harbor Theatre in Boothbay Harbor and the Nordica Theatre in Freeport, among many others, will hold their first preview showings Thursday.
The Colonial Theatre in Belfast will screen the film in all three of their theaters Thursday night, dedicating a total of 400 seats for moviegoers.
But theaters aren’t the only places participating in the fun this week.
From 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, the Waterville Public Library will celebrate the release with a variety of “Star Wars”-themed games, snacks and crafts. The event is free and open to all ages and will take place in the Bartlett Room at the library.
And at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, Camden Public Library will screen “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” in their Reading Room. The event is free, and attendees are encouraged to come in costume.
“Star Wars” fun for the young and old isn’t hard to find this week. May the force be with you.
