With crystal clear images up to eight stories high, and wrap-around digital surround sound, IMAX takes you to places you only imagined. What happens, though, when the world?s most advanced motion picture technology meets a $50,000 independent movie? Gary Wood is a little scared to find out.

On April 23, "Saving Star Wars" will take him to a place he only imagined?the Indiana State Museum?s IMAX theatre. ?Obviously, it?s a huge honor when IMAX calls and asks to show your movie,? says the Indianapolis-based writer/director, ?But on an eight-story screen, my movie only cost about 50 cents per square foot.?

After failing to book "Attack of the Clones" during Celebration III, IMAX tapped Gary Wood?s ultra low-budget comedy about two "Star Wars" fans who accidentally kidnap George Lucas. While the movie might seem inappropriate to the venue, those who have seen it understand why it?s a perfect fit. It earned a Best Screenplay nomination and a Best Supporting Actor award at this year?s London Sci-Fi Film Festival. Explaining the little movie?s larger-than-life appeal, festival director Louis Savy said, ?The production values may not be 100 percent, but the content is 110 percent.?

For one thing, it features Dave Prowse, the actor who played Darth Vader in "Star Wars," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi." The affable former Dark Lord will make an appearance at the special IMAX engagement. Since "Saving Star Wars" premiered last July, Prowse has attended screenings in ten states, and on two continents.

Even without Prowse in attendance, however, Gary Wood?s movie has drawn a crowd. This year?s South Bend Independent Video and Filmmaker?s Festival had to schedule a second showing to satisfy audience demand.

"Saving Star Wars" may not be as visually splendid as the Hollywood blockbusters that usually get the IMAX treatment, but it?s created a big enough sensation to warrant the oversized screen.