Theaters gear up for ‘Star Wars’

Bangor area cinemas late Tuesday were expecting to sell out tickets for “Star Wars: Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith,” the third and final installment in the epic “Star Wars” series. Bangor Mall Cinemas and Spotlight Cinemas in Orono both will show 12:05 a.m. screenings of the much-awaited film Thursday.

Spotlight manager Nate Anderson said Tuesday the cinema started selling tickets for “Star Wars: Episode III” just over a week ago. He said the film is being shown in two 115-seat theaters, but he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of opening a third theater to accommodate demand.

Anderson doubted moviegoers would camp out Wednesday night to get better seats for the flick. “It’s possible,” he said. “We’ve had some dramatics come and wait and dress up, and that’s great, but I really doubt it. I can’t imagine they’ll be here too early.”

Anderson, who has already seen “Star Wars Episode III,” expected it to be a greater hit than “Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones.” He called the final installment “the best of the three prequels.”

At Bangor Mall Cinemas, manager Don Pete said “Star Wars Episode III” is being shown in two 200-seat theaters and one 240-seat theater. Pete said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if moviegoers started lining up at the door as early as 10 p.m. for the midnight shows.

Neither theater anticipated any major problems handling the crowds since the “Harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings” series drew similar turnouts.

Bangor Mall Cinemas and Spotlight Cinemas can be reached respectively at 942-1303 and 827-7411.