VALLEY VIEW -- The 275 lucky fans who scored tickets to the first sneak preview of Marvel's "The Avengers" movie Wednesday night weren't disappointed.

The comic book movie, headlined by a number of A-list stars, was largely filmed in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio last summer.

Early critics have rated it with positive reviews and now local fans have a chance to see it on the big screen.

Wednesday night's preview screened at 7:30 p.m. in 3D at the Cinemark Theater in Valley View.

Some ticket holders arrived as early as 2 p.m. for a choice seat in the theater. 

Throughout the line, people came dressed as their favorite superhero from the movie.

Because the movie hasn't opened to the general public, security at these early screenings is tight. All recording devices, including phones, cameras and computers, are prohibited.

Next week will bring another series of local screenings ahead of the May 4 opening at the box office.

Tickets to these events are being given away through various radio, television, Internet and promotional efforts.

WKYC-TV