Star Wars mania arrives in Vancouver

Star Wars mania has arrived in Metro Vancouver.

The new movie screened at theatres across the region on Thursday evening, and some fans were so eager they camped outside for days in anticipation.

A.J. Lutski slept in a tent outside the Dunbar Theatre in Vancouver for two nights, just to make sure he and his 10 friends got the best seat for the showing Thursday night.  

"Because of our large group of friends, it's been a bit of a struggle ... like who is going to wait in line and who is going to wait in the rain. Are we going to do shifts?"

So  Lutski decided to take the initiative and bought camping gear from Canadian Tire just for the lineup. 

Ken Charko, the owner of the theatre, says he's worked hard as an independent theatre owner to get the rights to show the blockbuster movie. But it's paid off.

"It's great not only with our customers, but with our staff, and the industry as a whole," said Charko.

"And people are buying tickets as gifts ... so it's been fantastic."

Other theatres showing the movie were also enjoying the benefits of presenting the film, with movie-goers filling the seats. 

But it's the Star Wars fans who were the most excited about the premiere.