I know this is a few days late and that almost every fan has probably written about this, but I'm sharing with you my memories of the Star Wars: A New Hope Special Edition re-release.

Friday January 31, 1997. At the time I was 11 years old, in fifth grade, and awaiting the re-release of one of my all time favorite films: "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope." Being such a huge Star Wars fan already I was delighted to see so many people other than myself enjoying the anticipation of seeing this film all over again.

I didn't go to the opening day showing, because I had school and only one theater in the town over was carrying the film, not my two local cinemas. My mom planned that Sunday February 2 to go see the film during the afternoon. Well apparently everyone else had that same idea. The theatre was mobbed. I could imagine it was like this onMay 25, 1977.

Anyway, myself, my mom, and my seven year old sister make our way into the packed theatre and await what's next. The lights dimmed, then I heard that all too familiar sound followed by the 20th Century Fox logo. Then the new Lucasfilm Logo appears on screen.

I can still remember sitting there in my seat, shaking, smiling and almost jumping out of my seat.

A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away...

STAR WARS.... the place erupted.

For the next two hours and 5 minutes I was completely emersed in that film again. It was like seeing it for the first time and in a way it was.

I loved all the new footage and couldn't wait to see what got changed, what was added, and what surprises would appear. I loved it, and even I'll admit I wasn't pleased with Greedo shooting first, but I lived with it.

By the films end, I was so full of joy it was almost overwhelming. When the credits rolled only I, my Mom and my sister remained in the theatre to watch the credits. As we left I couldn't stop talking about it and couldn't wait to tell my friends at school about it.

It was an amazing experience I'll never forget and it wasn't over yet.

The Empire Strikes Back was coming in less than 3 weeks.