In preparation for the re-release of George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace in 3D, the AMC theater chain has announced a series of exclusive activities and planned giveaways that will take place during opening weekend, Feb. 10-12, at select AMC locations.

For starters, fans who purchase RealD 3D tickets will receive an all-new Hasbro Star Wars Fighter Pod, because toys are – and always have been – an integral part of Lucas’ Star Wars experience. As the release clarifies, Fighter Pods are limited to one per ticket, and are available all weekend long, while supplies last.

But wait … there’s more. Ten AMC locations in major markets also plan on hosting exclusive event screenings on Saturday, Feb. 11, that will be bustling with fan-friendly activities and giveaways.

The 10 participating Star Wars: Episode I theaters are as follows:
Atlanta: AMC Southlake 24
Boston: AMC Loews Liberty Tree Mall 20
Chicago: AMC South Barrington 30
Denver: AMC Highlands Ranch 24
Los Angeles: AMC Tustin 14 at The District; AMC Ontario Mills 30
New York: AMC Empire 25; AMC Garden State 16
Phoenix: AMC Mesa Grand 24
San Francisco: AMC Emeryville Bay Street 16

Activities will begin at 11 a.m. local time, and will include:

· Exclusive Anakin Skywalker Podracer 3D glasses with ticket purchase
· A Hasbro Star Wars FIGHTER PODS collectible toy with RealD 3D ticket purchase
· A LEGO feature area
· Darth Maul face-painting
· Special character appearances for photo opportunities
· Demonstrations of the upcoming Xbox Kinect Star Wars

Phantom Menace isn’t my favorite Star Wars film. But Lucas apparently plans 3D retrofits on all six of his Star Wars films, and I’m anxiously looking forward to seeing how the conversion improves the finished products. I also think it’s cool for the studio to go the extra mile and incorporate fans into an interactive weekend. Too much negativity swirls around the Star Wars franchise these days. If you are a Star Wars fan in one of the above markets, shelve your aggression, swing by, and remember what it’s like to have a good time at a Star Wars movie once again.