Sure, the success of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is unprecedented, but the present rendition of unprecedented success can seem vexing. Fans can buy any kind of franchise merchandise they want online, order tickets in advance, can see trailers and talk about the movie weeks and months in advance, with an ocean of video essays and thinkpieces to wade through. But back in the day, you had to wait. Which made the 1984 TV premiere of "Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope" such a big deal that Mark Hamill got dressed up in a tuxedo to present it.
READ MORE: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ The Legacy-Quel And The Rising Danger Of Fan Service
Running six minutes long, this introduction to the CBS broadcast is an amazingly retro look at ‘Star Wars‘ fandom. Kicking off with enthusiasts sharing how many times they had watched the movie (bear in mind, ‘A New Hope’ wasn’t released on VHS until 1985), the intro continues with a visit to the homes of ardent super collectors and a trip down memory lane that includes people getting married in line to see the latest chapter of the saga. It’s the kind of mania that belongs to certain era, and this video is a terrific journey back in time. Watch below. [Boing Boing]