'Star Wars' still a force 30 years later

LOS ANGELES, May 25 (UPI) -- "Star Wars," George Lucas' film that presented endearing characters memorable lines and great special effects, celebrates its 30th anniversary in Los Angeles.

To recognize the May 25, 1977, opening of the seminal movie, "Star Wars Celebration IV" will be at the Los Angeles Convention Center Friday through Monday. The event includes live entertainment, appearances by cast members, film and video presentations and an exhibit, Hollywood Reporter reported Friday.

"Star Wars" inspired many current visual special effects practitioners. The visual effects supervisors from the 1977's franchise starter through 2005's concluding "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith" are to speak during the convention.

Richard Edlund, Oscar-winner for his work on all three films in the first trilogy, said, "'Star Wars' woke up a sleeping giant. ... Since 'Star Wars,' its audience salivates for new effects movies."

"Suddenly, there were new exciting things happening in the (visual special effect) field," John Knoll, supervisor of the more recent trilogy who was in high school when "Star Wars" first opened, told the Hollywood Reporter. "It was a life-changing experience. It helped me to decide that I wanted to do this for a living."