Editor's note: Take a look back into The Dallas Morning News archives.

On May 25, 1977, the Force landed on the big screen and went on to alter popular culture. Upon its release, The Dallas Morning News wrote glowing reviews for the hit Star Wars, which was marked as a classic by many. Take a seat and reminisce about the release of a movie that would soon become a dominant franchise before the new Han Solo movie hits theaters today.

A full-page ad for Star Wars ran in The Dallas Morning News on May 22, 1977.

'It should be around for a long time'

Film Critic Philip Wuntch was on to something when he predicted that Star Wars was going to stick around. The franchise has 10 films under its belt and a following that continues to turn out, so it doesn't seem like it's going away anytime soon.

A perfect film?

Apparently, columnist John Anders couldn't find a flaw with Star Wars upon its release. The only problems that he sees with the film, and others like it, is that they set the bar too high for films to follow.

The cost to join the hype

Was it $1.50 or $3.75? That's what Dallasites wanted to know when they filled NorthPark to see Star Wars. Confusion with advertised matinee prices had people up in arms about having to pay a hefty $3.75 to watch the buzzed-about film. Nevertheless, they paid the price.

A legacy of success

Though characters may have had a bad feeling throughout the movie, there was no bad feeling among fans and they shelled out for the expensive movie tickets and merchandise. Even now, the hype to indulge in the franchise is still felt as excitement grows for the next film in the franchise.