February 17, 1997

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I just saw "Star Wars" in the theater for the first time the weekend it was re-released. I just missed the original release because I was born 6 months later, in November of 1977. I've seen the movie many times, but there was nothing like being in that theater applauding, gasping, and screaming in a packed house. I loved every minute of it. I've been obsessed with "Star Wars" ever since I can remember. It feels like I've fulfilled some sort of destiny now. Granted, I had to wait 19 years, but it was well worth the wait.

Kimberly Aleski
kialeski@vassar.edu

I first saw "Star Wars" in 1977 when I was 10 years old. I really liked it then, but didn't understand it like I did in later years. (So much action it was hard for me to keep up at 10). Now, I have seen it more times than I can count because I have the tapes at home. The phenomenon has truly affected me because I see more than a movie -- I see what Joseph Campbell called a message of the collective unconscious that appeals to people from all walks of life. George Lucas followed Campbell's book called "A Hero with a Thousand Faces," outlining the classic 'hero's journey.' I believe that is why it appeals to so many people, perhaps without them even understanding why.

Claudine Montes
cmontes@unm.edu

"Star Wars" is the first thing I ever fell in love with. It's kind of like the first girl you ever fell head over heels for -- full of fond, sweet memories. It's all perfect -- the great visual effects, sound, and let's not forget the music by John Williams. What makes this movie so special is its wonderful characters and beautiful story. What adolescent boy didn't want to be Luke or Han, and train to be a Jedi? Also, what teenage boy didn't have a thing for Princess Leia (especially in the slave girl outfit - Hubba, Hubba!)? The force will be with you - always!

David Choi
dchoi1@cs.purdue.edu

I first saw "Star Wars" twenty years ago. It was so popular that I had to stand in line for two hours to buy a ticket. The movie had universal appeal to people of all ages. It was so fresh and different from anything I had ever seen before. Now, twenty years later I saw it for the second time and took my 13 year old daughter with me. We both enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. We plan to see "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi," and any other episodes that George Lucas produces. Although the plot is pretty simple, there's something satisfying about the triumph of good over evil. The thing which surprised me was that "Star Wars" seemed as fresh and new as it did twenty years ago.

Terry Liebel
tliebel@micron.net

I first saw "Star Wars" when it was released here in Malaysia back in 1977. It was awesome! It stirred my imagination of being a fighter pilot like no other show. Since then, I must have seen the trilogy some twenty or thirty times. My initial favorite was Luke Skywalker. Now, it's Han Solo, partly because he got the girl! I've heard there is a new release of "Star Wars" with updated effects. You can bet I will not miss it. The Force Is back!

Eng Hoo, Lim
EngHoo.Lim@ibm.net

I saw "Star Wars" for the first time when I was 4 months old, so I don't really remember it in the theaters. All I remember is the box set edition. Now that I've seen it on the big screen, I know that it is truly the way it was meant to be seen! I can't wait for the "Empire" and "Jedi," which I do remember seeing at the theaters. They will no doubt be better than I remember them!

Aaron Markworth
amark@nwu.edu

I was 9 years old when the original "Star Wars" came to the big screen, and I wasn't to thrilled about it at the time. Last week, I decided to make the trip to the theater to see the newly released version and loved it. I think I was the only one in the theater who hadn't seen the movie from beginning to end before. Now hurry up and release the others so I can run out and see those as well!

Curtis Eckert
caeckert@msn.com