Star Wars Episode 3 Midnight Premiere - Ziegfeld Theater, NYC - May 19, 2005

Opening night at the Ziegfeld Theater in Midtown New York has been a tradition for every Star Wars premiere I've been alive for. No matter how good or bad those films turned out, nothing could ever dilute the pure distillation of joy these experiences have been for me and the other 1200 people in the room.

10 years ago, on May 19th, 2005, I was privileged to once again attend the midnight premiere for Episode III: Revenge of the Sith at the Ziegfeld. This time, to preserve the memory, I made an audio recording of the audience which plays from the countdown, to the fanfare, and finally through the opening crawl. I cut a video, which I've linked below, to accompany the audio so you can follow along with the audience as the film begins. These brief moments of thunderous applause divided by moments of disciplined restraint capture exactly why Star Wars isn't just a movie; it's something bigger and not quite tangible. I wouldn't be the person I am today without these films and I'm sure it's the same for the other 1199 people in the room.

We're just 3 nights away from yet another Star Wars premiere night at the Ziegfeld. I am so thrilled that I'll have at least 3 more experiences like this one in the near and distant future. No matter how The Force Awakens turns out, one thing is definitely certain - the experience will be unforgettable.