LOCAL FANS DRESS DOWN FOR `STAR WARS' RE-RELEASE

Even though Town Plaza Cinema was full this weekend with the re-release of "Star Wars," the crowds filing into the shows have lacked the costumed presence of some die-hard fans elsewhere.

Absent from the big screen for 20 years, George Lucas' epic science fiction movie is making its return with new sound, digitally enhanced visuals and 3 1/2 more minutes of action.

"That's what I'm really looking forward too," Greg Holzbauer, 33, of Cape Girardeau said. "The stuff that hit the cutting-room floor."

Holzbauer said he saw the original release 27 times in 1977. He's excited, he said, about it coming back out but he's not going to dress up like one of the characters as he did for "Star Trek: First Contact" last year.

"This doesn't happen as often as "Star Trek," he said. "I'm like a lot of science fiction fans these days. I'm more detail-oriented instead of story line. I want to know how things happen."

Holzbauer said the quiet reaction to the film's release in Cape Girardeau may be due to the lack of a theater with THX capability. The new release has enhanced sound that is best heard on THX systems. Many ardent "Star Wars" fans will be traveling to Carbondale, Ill., and St. Louis to take in the entire up-dated package.

That hasn't stopped many others from reserving their tickets for the big show.

Dave Hagerman, manager of Town Plaza 5 cinema, said his theater has been selling advance tickets since Tuesday. While none of the scheduled shows this past weekend were sold out in advance, Hagerman still made plans for big crowds by having extra employees on hand.

Town Plaza 5 is showing the movie on one screen at 4, 6:45 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased days in advance.

Many of the members of the local "Star Trek" fan club, the USS Sally Ride, attended the show this weekend but none were dressing for the part. They, like Holzbauer, donned uniforms for "First Contact."

"There comes a time when you lose interest in dressing up," Janie McGaugh said. "Unless you're really into costuming."

The re-release hasn't sparked a sharp rise in toy sales.

Doug Rowe, manager of the Cape Girardeau Target store, said sales of the models and action figures have always been steady.

"There was a little activity since we put them on sale but nothing phenomenal," Rowe said. "They have their own little niche. There are collectors in the area that are always looking for something new."

It's the something new that "Star Wars" fans are really excited about. Three new films are set to be released beginning in 1999.

"I'm really looking forward to the prequels," Holzbauer said. "My son's really excited about them, too."