May 20 marks the last day of instruction for the spring semester, but to some students May 19 is even more important.

George Lucas’s “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” opens in theaters worldwide today, ending a frenzied wait for fans and drawing to a close one of the most popular sagas in movie history.

While some may question the validity of the "Star Wars" phenomena, cinema majors Matthew Sidley, 21, and David Sandwisch, 27, said that "Star Wars" will always be more than just a movie.

Sidley’s father, Dave, is himself an SF State graduate who worked as a character animator for Lucas’ own special effects house, Industrial Light & Magic on films including Episodes I and II in the “Star Wars” saga.

Matthew said he remembered watching the second film in the series, 1980’s "The Empire Strikes Back,” at his grandfather’s house when he was a little boy.

Sidley got "Star Wars" models for his birthday every year after that, and used his $7.50 allowance to buy action figures every week. But more important than any memorabilia in his room, Sidley said he is most proud of his father being a part of movie history.

“Seeing my dad’s name in the movie credits is better than any generic toy I own,” said Sidley.

Just like his friend, Sandwisch grew up in a household of sci-fi fans, and said he remembers watching "Star Wars" movies on VHS with his family on Christmas morning. For him, the friendships he’s made with other "Star Wars" fans justifies any amount of time he’s spent camping in line.

For 2002’s “Attack of the Clones,” Sandwisch and his friends camped out for two weeks and conducted a “well-coordinated military effort” that consisted of spreadsheets to organize shifts for those waiting in line. Sandwisch compared his experience to that of a tailgate party where friends gather around coolers filled with drinks, munch on food, and have a good time.

“There’s just something about the audience on opening night that heightens the excitement level and you just don’t get that the second or third week,” said Sandwisch.

Although Sidley has already managed to see a sneak preview of “Revenge of the Sith,” he said he will watch it again just to experience it with a large group of friends.

Many fans watch the movie several times for different reasons.

Those with a passion for visual arts in general are fans of the movie because Industrial Light & Magic, which has created the special effects for all , is one of the pioneers in special effects and digital film.

Sandwisch said he usually watches each "Star Wars" film around six times, the first time for his viewing pleasure and the rest to analyze the cinematography. The re-release of "Star Wars" in movie theaters in 1997 helped Sandwisch settle on a career in film after graduating high school, he added.

“In the same way that Boston Red Sox fans love Boston, some people just love 'Star Wars,'” Sidley said.
"Star Wars" fanatics are sometimes stereotyped as geeks, but that doesn’t offend Sandwisch at all, he said. Instead, he feels sorry for those who don’t understand people are into different things.

"I don’t care too much for 'American Idol,' but I respect people who do as long as it makes them happy,” said Sandwisch. “Everyone needs an escape from reality whether it be baseball, 'American Idol,' or 'Star Wars.'”

For both Sidley and Sandwisch, "Star Wars" represented a childhood fantasy. Until then, little boys could only imagine a world where light sabers, super powers, spaceships and aliens existed.

“Everyone wanted to have ‘The Force,’” Sidley said. “And Darth Vader is one of the greatest bad guys ever.”

Although Episode III marks the end of an era, it is not the end of the world of fantasy or friendships formed by "Star Wars" fanatics. Making more movies would make the first six less meaningful, said Sandwisch.

“There is an element of sadness but it’s OK,” said Sandwisch. “It’s the right place to end it.”