Photo Gallery: TPM 3D AMC Chicago Event

Last Saturday, 10 AMC theaters nationwide celebrated the release of Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3-D by hosting exclusive events at select theaters. Theater-goers enjoyed face painting (with Darth Maul being the obvious, hands-down fave), appearances by costumed characters courtesy of the 501st and other costuming organizations, Kinect Star Wars game demos, a LEGO play area and more. In addition, limited edition 3-D glasses, made to look like Anakin's podracing goggles, as well as Hasbro Fighter Pod sample packs were handed out to the first 400 guests.

I attended the event at the Barrington 30 AMC Theater in the Chicago-area where the familiar Star Wars buzz was in the air. Enthusiastic fans, young and old, packed the theater and reacted with loud applause and cheering when the end credits rolled. Stormtroopers, Jedi, and a pretty Padme were on hand for photo ops, while folks lined up to try their hand at podracing at the Kinect Star Wars demo station. Kids proudly wore their Podracing 3D goggles, while some sipped on "Dark Side Hot Chocolate". Also spotted in the AMC theater lobby: A "Tebowing" Darth Maul!

For younger fans in attendance, many who were experiencing the Star Wars theatrical experience for the first time, it was a weekend to remember. For us older fans who remember the original release from almost 13 years ago, seeing TPM back in theaters brought back of flood of memories. Everyone was partying like it was 1999! Check out the photos below to get a taste of the action!

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