Star Wars fans will be out in full force in Regina theatres this weekend with previews of the new movie opening on Thursday night.
The force is particularly strong at the Saskatchewan Science Centre Kramer Imax theatre.
“We’re one of only 15 theatres in the world and the only theatre in Canada that’s going to be showing Star Wars on Imax film,” explained Ryan Holota, director of visitor services at the science centre.
Imax film is 70 mm instead of the regular 35 mm size. That means the captured image is larger and has a higher resolution than digital projection.
In this video interview, director J.J. Abrams explains why he shot an entire action sequence in the movie on the special Imax film.
The chance to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens on real film instead of the normal digital style is attracting attention from many star systems and putting Regina on the map in the galaxy.
“We’ve sold tickets basically from every corner of the country and even some from overseas and in the United States,” Holota commented.
People working at the Imax theatre and the science centre are getting ready for big lineups.
“Pretty much everybody on staff here is a big Star Wars fan, so we’re certainly very excited,” Holota said.
He is particularly interested to see what happens to characters like Luke Skywalker, 30 years after Return of the Jedi.
One of the local food trucks will be on site for any hungry fans waiting in line.
“We are expecting people to dress up and we encourage them. They can come in full costume, they can bring their lightsabers and everything, the only thing we ask is that they leave their blasters at home,” Holota said.