"So this is how liberty dies..." and how it returns to the big screen.
On April 25, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith returned to theaters for a limited one-week run, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Lucasfilm brought the final installment of the prequel trilogy to select theaters across the U.S. and international markets, including AMC, Regal, Cinemark, and more.
This re-release offered me a unique chance to experience Anakin Skywalker’s tragic fall and the rise of Darth Vader on the big screen once again. Notably, this marks the film’s first-ever presentation in 4DX, featuring motion-enabled seating synchronized with over 20 environmental effects to enhance key moments — from the opening space battle above Coruscant to the climactic duel on Mustafar.
Accompanying the re-release was a striking new poster by artist Matt Ferguson. The artwork centers on a hooded Anakin, shrouded in lava and surrounded by war, with the haunting visage of Vader’s helmet looming over him. Of course, I had to obtain a copy of this poster, and it's now proudly hanging up on my living room wall.
Originally released on May 19, 2005, Revenge of the Sith was the first Star Wars film to receive a PG-13 rating, due to its intense themes and imagery. While initial reviews were mixed, fans now regard it as the strongest of the prequel trilogy, with its political themes and portrayal of a crumbling democracy resonating anew with audiences today.
Watching Revenge of the Sith in theaters for the first time during its 20th anniversary screening was nothing short of magical. As a child in 2005, I missed my chance to see it on the big screen — a fact that always lingered in the back of my mind like a faded regret. That regret dissolved into awe as I finally experienced the spectacle in the way it was meant to be seen: larger than life, thunderous, and emotionally devastating.
From the opening crawl to the haunting silence that follows Anakin’s fall, every frame hit harder than I ever expected. The audience gasped together, laughed at Obi-Wan’s wit, and held our breath through the final duel on Mustafar. The film's operatic weight felt magnified in a darkened room full of fellow fans, as if we were all bearing witness to something sacred.
Before the screening, we were treated to a short video message from Hayden Christensen fondly stating, "This is where the fun begins," a well-loved and memeable quote from the film. I also remember how during every meme'd moment from the film, the audience, and myself, couldn't help but burst into laughter, no matter how messed up or emotional the scene was actually supposed to be.
Seeing it now, with older eyes, I appreciated its ambition, heartbreak, and sheer visual power in a way no home viewing ever offered. It was more than just a movie — it was a long-overdue closure to a piece of my childhood. And honestly, I think it was worth the wait.