US Business expects Episode II Hooky

[Dave]

As many as 2.6 million people may play hooky from work on May 16 to catch the premiere of Star Wars: Episode II--Attack of the Clones, Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas told the Reuters news service. That amounts to more than $319 million in lost wages for U.S. business, with technology and computer companies taking a particularly large hit because of their geek-heavy payrolls, chief executive John Challenger told Reuters.

"This is a big event," Challenger said. "For a whole [generation], it's seen as kind of foundational to their lives. To be there for the opening--you know, you just need to get your priorities straight."

Challenger based his estimate on the 5.7 million moviegoers who turned up to see Star Wars: Episode I in 1999 on its first day at the box office, the wire service reported.

My daughter heard a news report about the fans camping outside cinemas in tents, "Why dad," she asked me, "Like the video and DVD will be out in 3 months!" I was unable to explain it either, maybe even I am too old to fully appreciate it's importance!