Now THIS is Podracing in 3D!

Photo courtesy of BrianKenobi

More and more mission reports are starting to come in from TPM in 3D events worldwide.  So while I "establish a connection trace" for future blog posts, enjoy this mission report by BrianKenobi:

"Members of the Great Lakes Base and Ohio Garrison invaded the Rave Theaters in Huber Heights, Ohio for the midnight premier of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace in 3-D.  There were a total of 15 characters roaming around the theater available for pictures.  Ian Spencer and Curtis Plue from R2-Builders each brought their droids for everyone to see.  Ian built a R5-D4, while Curtis built the ever popular R2-D2.  Both droids were a huge hit with fans and theater staff.  One other rarely seen prop that was present was Jabba the Hutt himself.  Last year, TLobe00 constructed a Jabba the Hutt prop for a local parade.  Since Jabba does make an appearance in The Phantom Menace, what better time for the crime lord to make his prescence known."

Photo courtesy of BrianKenobi

"The photo of the night was Lizzy sitting in the cockpit of a racing game; just like Anakin during the Podrace scene.  The movie lines started flowing, even before the trooping began.  Countless times Lizzy got the line, 'that is soooo wizard Ani.'  Not to be outdone, I responded with, 'why do I sense we’ve picked up another pathetic lifeform?' This drew a look from Lizzy that would have made Vader himself flinch." :D

One of the local TV stations interviewed a few GLB/OG members and recorded some of our jedi in action!  You can watch WDTN Dayton's NBC affiliate bonus footage from the event online.

"While the turnout for the event was smaller than expected, with costumed characters outnumbering customers present for the midnight premier, the theater really enjoyed having our groups present.  Our efforts were rewarded with FREE tickets to the show... our own theater to watch it in... FREE popcorn and drinks!  Big thanks go out to the staff at the Rave Theaters in Huber Heights.  This was a day long remembered and the experience was 'soooooo wizard!'"

Here is a report from JediMasterMark from Echo Base:

"This was my first ‘official’ movie event.  I did troop the original Epi III release at midnight back in the day, but this was a really good opportunity to introduce new people to the franchise."

Photo courtesy of Amy Bryant

"Originally, there were NO release events for TPM in 3D even scheduled in my area.  I happened to be going to see Sherlock Holmes back in December and noticed the promotional 'standee' in the lobby.  I called and spoke to the GM, and he was excited for us to come out!  Based on the public's reaction to us, we’ve already been invited back for the next 5 releases.  It’s a good way to get The Rebel Legion name out in the community… it just takes a little confidence in the Force to make it happen!"

"The crowds varied throughout the day.  Probably the best impact was earlier in the day.  The kids really related to Anakin and a few came in dressed up for the show.  As the day tapered on, we took pictures as one show let out, and before the start of the next.  We also walked in the theater as the movie was playing, up and down the isle, further generating excitement among the patrons that real Jedi and Troopers (even though they weren’t in the movie!) walked among them.  Towards the end of the day, the demographic changed towards an older crowd, and fewer pictures were taken.  But it was still a rousing success for the theater and The Rebel Legion in the area.  I saw a lot of posts on Facebook with us the next day!"