THE good news is that you can see the new “Star Wars” flick before it opens May 19. The bad news is that it’ll cost you a bundle.

Sci-fi fans who just can’t wait for the official opening of “Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” can shell out $500 per ticket to see a special showing three days before the film opens nationwide.

The movie begins its regular run across North America on May 19, but theaters in 11 U.S. cities – including the Big Apple – will have sneak previews on May 16.

All proceeds will be given to a wide range of charities – the majority of which help kids.

“Because ‘Star Wars’ has always meant so much to children around the world, I wanted to provide this opportunity to benefit children in at least this small way,” director George Lucas said.

Tickets will be sold for $500 each, or in packages of $5,000 for 10, $10,000 for 20 and $25,000 for 50.

Each ticket includes admission to post-screening parties to be attended by members of the “Star Wars” cast and crew.

The cities where the movie will be screened on May 16 are: New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Washington.

For information, call Levy, Pazanti and Associates at (310) 201-5033. Requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.