OK, this is a thread about your thoughts pre-TPM, pre-PT, so no post-TPM/PT movie remarks.

1. What were your expectations going in Episode I?

Pretty damned high. I assumed this great backstory Lucas had talked about was going to be pretty well fleshed out in every way when it hit the screen.

2. What did you think of the trailers released in 1998/99?

I try to keep myself as unspoiled as possible, but I very much enjoyed watching those trailers and the movie looked tremendous based on those trailers.

3. Did you read any SW Insiders magazines, spoilers on the internet? Anything from them that stuck out to you?

Well, the only spoilage I exposed myself to was the trailers, and the clip of Ewan MacGregor saying "Once those droids take control of the surface, they will take control of you." was so very reminiscent of Guiness, it really got me excited for the movie.

4. What did you think of the hype in the Spring of '99, as it seemed like every entertainment show was talking about the first SW film in 16 years?

Since I keep myself in isolation before an anticipated film, the hype didn't really reach me. I don't watch entertainment TV in any case.

5. Did you collect any of the toys, or the merchandise from Taco Bell I think? or was it Burger King?

No. I bought the novelization after the movie came out, and that was it. I didn't read ten pages of it.

6. When did you finally see it, opening night? opening weekend? wait for the crowds to die down and saw it later in the summer?

My friends and I went to the first show the day of, just after noon, at the Barton Creek Cinema in Austin. I regret, and am simultaneously glad, we didn't go to a midnight show.