A long time ago, in this very galaxy, brass instruments sounded, a text crawl started and the first Star Wars film burst onto the screen. Thanks to director George Lucas and composer John Williams, it's one of the most iconic movie openings in history — and, in all of its force-wielding, Death Star-destroying, orchestra-scored glory, the sci-fi classic is making a kriffing special return.
With Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope getting the concert treatment for NZ Festival 2018, every jedi, wookiee, droid and even sith around the rest of the country has been crossing their fingers and toes for a similar blend of Star Wars movies and music. Those hopes and dreams are being answered with a repeat screening of Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope and a bonus screening of The Empire Strikes Back at Spark Arena on 4-5 May. The film will roll, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will perform Williams' Oscar-winning compositions, and you'll burst with a Millennium Falcon's worth of happiness.
Whether you're a huge Star Wars buff eager to ride a wave of excitement past Solo: A Star Wars Story's release, just have a casual interest, or have no idea what the term R2-D2 means, prepare to experience history — it's the first time that a live performance has accompanied A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back in Auckland. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's associate conductor Hamish McKeich will be leading the charge, as the country's finest provide the soundtrack to Luke Skywalker meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia sending a message for help, Han Solo oozing his usual attitude and Darth Vader just being a power-hungry jerk.
Tickets go on sale from 9am, Friday, 7 December.