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"The Force Awakens" will be shown on 70 mm film at the Great Lakes Science Center in March. It is one of less than 20 venues worldwide showing the 70 mm version.

(Lucas Films)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Force is coming to Cleveland. In 70 mm.

A 70 mm film version of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will open at the Great Lakes Science Center Omnimax Theater on Friday, March 4. It will play until April 1.

Great Lakes Science Center is one of less than 20 theaters worldwide that will show the movie on 70mm film.

The screenings are a rare opportunity for fans. Since director J.J. Abrams shot key sequences of the movie using IMAX cameras, the IMAX theater will allow these sequences to expand vertically to fill the screen.

"We're extremely excited to bring 'The Force Awakens' to the 'Star Wars' fans of Northeast Ohio," said Science Center director of communications Joe Yachanin. "We know a lot of people have been looking forward to being able to see the fully immersive IMAX version of the movie, and it's equally exciting for fans of 'film' itself who cherish the opportunities to see movies projected on real film, especially in the high-resolution 70mm format."

Scheduled show times are 5:30 and 8 p.m. on March 4-6 and March 10-13. Show times move to 6 p.m. for March 17-19, March 24-26, and March 31 and April 1.

Screenings will not include any previews or trailers for coming attractions. It is recommended that guests arrive at least 30 minutes before a showing. "Star Wars" costumes are allowed, but toys that look like weapons and light sabers are not.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, and will be available at the Science Center box office, at GreatScience.com or by calling 216-621-2400. They are $11 for adults, $9 for children 12 and younger. Science Center members pay $9 for adults and $7 for children 12 and younger (MAX level member benefits are not available for commercial Hollywood films).

The Great Lakes Science Center is at 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland.