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May the force be with you: Edmonton theatre holds Star Wars marathon

EDMONTON – A south Edmonton movie theatre is gearing up for what some might call an event of a lifetime – a Star Wars movie marathon and the release of the seventh installment of the Star Wars franchise.

Starting at 4:45 a.m. on Thursday, the original six Star Wars movies was shown in order at the South Edmonton Common Cineplex. The marathon will culminate with a screening of the newest movie, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. The movie will officially be released Friday.

WATCH BELOW: Hundreds of Star Wars participated in a marathon for all seven of the franchise films, including the newest installment, Force Awakens. Erin Chalmers caught up with some die-hard fans.

The theatre’s general manager said he expects lots of excitement and outfits when the new movie is released. Julia Wong, Global News

 

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The theatre is one of only six Cineplex locations in Canada offering the Star Wars movie marathon.

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“I think it’s going to be one of the biggest [events] I’ve seen. I’ve been with the company a long time. I think this is a very exciting time for us,” said Stuart Passey, the general manager of the South Edmonton Common Cineplex Odeon.

“The hype is super high.”

Passey compares the excitement around the seventh movie to the release of Star Wars: Episode I.

“It’s around the same. Nobody knew what to expect with Episode 1. For this one, it’s so unique to have the original cast come back and reprise their roles,” he said.

The theatre will start screening Episode VII Thursday night. It will dedicate five out of its 16 auditoriums to the film and there will be more than 20 screenings of the movie Friday.

“We’re pretty excited to have this here in Edmonton,” Passey said. “What a lot of people here enjoy is being a part of something so significant, especially a cultural film like this because it’s so unique.”

Passey said the theatre is nearly sold out for the Star Wars screenings, though he declined to provide details on ticket sales.

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WATCH BELOW: Die-hard Star Wars arrived early Thursday morning to watch all seven of the franchise films, including the much anticipated Force Awakens. Erin Chalmers was live at the theatre with details.

The theatre is selling 3D glasses in the style of a Storm Trooper and Kylo Ren. Julia Wong, Global News

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