Hucknall’s Arc Cinema is marking the 25th anniversary of the Star Wars movie Phantom Menace with special screenings of the movie. Starting on “Star Wars Day” (4 May – taken from the famous Star Wars catchphrase “may the Force be with you”), the Arc will show the movie six times.
Phantom Menace is the fourth movie in the Star Wars franchise but known as episode one. The original Star Wars film (episode four) was released in 1977. This was followed in 1980 by The Empire Strikes Back (episode five) and in 1983 by Return of the Jedi (episode six).
Fans had to wait 16 years before the next Star Wars movie was released in May 1999. Phantom Menace was the first of three prequels. It was followed by two more prequels: Attack of the Clones (episode two) in 2002 and Revenge of the Sith (episode three) in 2005.
A trilogy of sequels followed, episode seven, The Force awakens was released in 2015; The last Jedi, episode eight, was released in 2017, and the final film in the franchise, episode nine, The Rise of Skywalker, followed in 2019.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, promised cinemagoers the opportunity to “experience heroic action and unforgettable adventures” as Anakin Skywalker begins his life journey.
“Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn discover nine-year-old Anakin, who is unusually strong in the Force”, the official promotional material for the film says. “Anakin wins a thrilling Podrace and with it his freedom as he leaves his home to be trained as a Jedi.
“The heroes return to Naboo where Anakin and the Queen face massive invasion forces while the two Jedi contend with a deadly foe named Darth Maul. Only then do they realise the invasion is merely the first step in a sinister scheme by the re-emergent forces of darkness known as the Sith.”
As the 25th anniversary nears, Star Wars fans will have the opportunity to re-acquaint themselves with one of the most successful movies in film history; while a new generation of fans will get the opportunity to watch the Phantom Menace on the big screen for the first time.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is being screened at The Arc in Hucknall as follows:
- Saturday 4 May: 2.00 pm, 5.00 pm, 5.15 pm and 7.40 pm
- Sunday 5 May: 5.00 pm
- Monday 6 May: 5.00 pm
Check Ashfield Neighbour News’ listing guide for details of all films at The Arc
