Nice memories! Thanks for sharing.
I recall missing the boat for the first showing at the Seattle Cinerama and standing in line waiting (with various degrees of patience) for the next showing. When the doors were flung open and the ebullient crowd streamed out from the theater I knew that my wait had been worth it.
I remember thinking (as I watched) “I’ve seen better” but the experience raised the bar on my viewer satisfaction. It’s like Rocky Horror - basically a stupid movie rescued and brought to life by the enthusiasm of its viewers.
The first one is still the “best”.
Here we agree on something. :)
Follow up question. Did you cheer for the “Rebels”, or for the “Empire”? :)