NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Russ Rolle and his friends have been taking turns since May 8 saving a spot along a busy street so they could get choice seats for the opening of "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith."
"This is a big event for all of us," the 23-year-old student said Wednesday outside one of the largest theaters in Southern California.
Rolle`s wristband identified him as No. 7 in line for one of the 1,200 seats in the theater for the sold-out 12:01 a.m. Thursday show. He was among two dozen people holding places for friends and relatives.
Similar scenes played out around the country.
In Boston, the entire 16-person staff of a Web development intended to see the film in an outing paid for by the company - popcorn and soda included.
Seth Miller, the president and chief executive of Miller Systems Inc., said the tradition began with "Phantom Menace" in 1999. The tradition even comes up during job interviews, he said.
Many fans who couldn`t bear the thought of a bad seat began camping out well in advance. At the Newport Beach theater, a second line formed Tuesday for the slightly less obsessed.
"You want to prove that you`re a serious fan by being the first to watch it," said Luis Linares, a 34-year-old government worker.
Like others, Linares and Rolle passed the time watching portable DVDs, reading and chatting with friends and fellow fans, some of whom dressed in "Star Wars" costumes. Several said they`ve seen the movies more times than they can count.
"There`s a real sense of community attached to it," Rolle said. "It`s a time to be around people who are just like you."
Don Trim, an accountant, got into the spirit by dressing in the khaki-colored tunic, leather boots and belt of a Jedi master.
"I`m not as excited as a little kid but I`m still pretty excited," said Trim, 53, who recalled waiting in line for the first "Star Wars" in 1977. "It`s a way of staying young, having fun."