May 25, 1977 – it all started at AVCO Center Cinemas.
My friend and I attended UCLA, and had gone to a gathering of science fiction fans and had heard rumors of a new film coming out soon. A short clip reel of Star Wars was shown on a small screen to the fans present – the impact was dizzying. Those watching the fan reaction included Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill – unknowns at the time, able to mingle freely among the hundred or so present. The general uproar forced the Lucas people to reshow the trailer at least five times before we left. We made plans at that moment to take off work to see the first showing on the first day of release.
The AVCO was the perfect place to see Star Wars. Almost new, minimalist decor, huge screen, tremendous sound. People did not yet know how to watch that type of film – there may have been a day when people cheered, shouted, and screamed during a film, but it was before our time. We had to learn all over again that first day.
There was a small line outside – it was before word of mouth had spread, and a lot of people were curious industry insiders – not only the rabid fans we all came to know and love. The very fact that there was a line was an oddity. If I remember correctly, many people were also put off by the high ticket prices. They had the nerve to charge $3.50, when normal admission was $2.50 for a first run film.
Everthing changed after that. People camped out in lines for tickets. Strategy was required – one person went early to get tickets, or waited in the ticket line while the other waited in the line to get in. Movies became events. Repeat business was the norm. Hollywood was revived. But I will always fondly remember the AVCO Center Cinemas in Westwood.
May 25, 1977 – it all started at AVCO Center Cinemas.
My friend and I attended UCLA, and had gone to a gathering of science fiction fans and had heard rumors of a new film coming out soon. A short clip reel of Star Wars was shown on a small screen to the fans present – the impact was dizzying. Those watching the fan reaction included Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill – unknowns at the time, able to mingle freely among the hundred or so present. The general uproar forced the Lucas people to reshow the trailer at least five times before we left. We made plans at that moment to take off work to see the first showing on the first day of release.
The AVCO was the perfect place to see Star Wars. Almost new, minimalist decor, huge screen, tremendous sound. People did not yet know how to watch that type of film – there may have been a day when people cheered, shouted, and screamed during a film, but it was before our time. We had to learn all over again that first day.
There was a small line outside – it was before word of mouth had spread, and a lot of people were curious industry insiders – not only the rabid fans we all came to know and love. The very fact that there was a line was an oddity. If I remember correctly, many people were also put off by the high ticket prices. They had the nerve to charge $3.50, when normal admission was $2.50 for a first run film.
Everthing changed after that. People camped out in lines for tickets. Strategy was required – one person went early to get tickets, or waited in the ticket line while the other waited in the line to get in. Movies became events. Repeat business was the norm. Hollywood was revived. But I will always fondly remember the AVCO Center Cinemas in Westwood.