Online bookings boost Star Wars opening returns

Picture / Herald file

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith has broken the record for the largest opening day ticket sales (outside of a holiday period) at Village SkyCity Cinemas - due in no small part to bookings made over the internet.

The movie, which opened at one minute past midnight on Thursday, had fans lining up outside the cinema, with some dressed up in character.

Online bookings also broke records. More people have booked online for the film through www.villageskycity.co.nz than for all other movies combined - ever.

According to Village SkyCity Cinemas chief executive, Joe Moodabe, the final instalment in the series is tipped to be even more popular than its predecessors.

"Star Wars Episode III is the final chapter. This is what the fans have been waiting for - it promises to answer a lot of questions."

He tips Mr & Mrs Smith, starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (opening June 9), Batman Begins, starring Christian Bale (June 16), the keenly awaited animated film Madagascar (June 16) and Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds (June 29) as likely to be big over the next two months.