KEY POINTS:
Three decades after the launch of the first iconic Star Wars film, fans are gathering today to mark its 30th birthday.
After six feature films, countless video games, books, toys and other paraphernalia, Star Wars has become one of the greatest pop culture phenomenons of our time, generating
an estimated US$20 billion over the past thirty years.
It was there before Pirates, Shrek or Harry Potter as one of the first-ever blockbuster franchises and it now has a legion of die-hard fans, some of whom met in Los Angeles today, to mark the film's birthday.
All six Star Wars episodes are being screened at a fan convention, with a running time of 17 hours, while US Postal Service officials are set to unveil a commemorative Star Wars stamp tomorrow.
Just two weeks ago, the first Star Wars film was voted the most influential visual effects film of all time by film trade organisation, the Visual Effects Society (VES).
The VES said the 1977 science fantasy classic, directed by George Lucas, topped a list of the 50 most influential visual effects films chosen by the society's 1,500 global members.
Lucas has been praised for ushering in a new era of special effects and visual wizardry with his "Star Wars" films.
BEST AND WORST LINES
To celebrate Stars Wars 30th birthday this week, we bring you some the best and worst lines from all six Star Wars films.
But don't feel you have to agree with us. Send us your favourite ever Star Wars lines, and those that continue to make you cringe today
"May the force be with you."
-Obi-Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker in Episode IV: A New Hope
"I have a bad feeling about this."
-Luke Skywalker in Episode IV: A New Hope
"Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?"
-Princess Leia to Luke Skywalker in Episode IV: A New Hope
"The circle is now complete: When I left you, I was but the learner. Now I am the master."
- Darth Vader to Obi-Wan Kenobi in Episode IV: A New Hope
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
-Darth Vader in Episode IV: A New Hope
"Only a Sith deals in absolutes."
-Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
"You don't want to sell me death sticks...you want to go home and rethink your life."
-Episode II: Attack of the Clones
"I am your father."
-Darth Vader to Luke Skywalker in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
WORST LINES
"Anakin, hold me, hold me like you did at the lake on Naboo."
-Padme to Anakin in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
"Who is more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows the fool?"
-Obi-Wan Kenobi to Han Solo in Episode IV: A New Hope
Padme: "It's because I'm so in love."
Anakin: "No it's because I'm so in love with you."
Padme: "So love has blinded you."
-Anakin and Padme in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- NZ HERALD/REUTERS
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