March 27, 2018

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Kevin Taft READ TIME: 2 MIN.

Rian Johnson's divisive but spectacular second chapter in the latest "Star Wars" trilogy, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" lands on Blu-ray in beautiful hi-def and with wonderful extras.

Continuing the stories of Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe (Oscar Isaac) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), we also get a solid return for icon Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The film cuts back and forth between three different stories including new character Rose (Kelly Marie Tran). All of it focuses on the fact that the Resistance is losing steam and people across the galaxy are losing hope they can fight the Empire. With fantastic set-pieces, emotional reunions, and a broadening mythology, "The Last Jedi" is one of the best "Star Wars" films since "The Empire Strikes Back."

But what makes the Blu-ray release so great - and a must-buy for "Star Wars" fans - are the special features. While there aren't a ton of them, what we get is notable, especially the full-length behind-the-scenes documentary "The Director and the Jedi." Clocking in at an hour and thirty-five minutes, this beautifully edited doc offers insight into the development of the story, allows audiences into the making of certain sequences, and permits us to witness filming in progress. One of the most memorable and heartbreaking moments is watching as Hamill and Carrie Fisher film their last scene together, ever.

Other features include:

  • Audio Commentary by Writer/Director Rian Johnson - informative and charming, it's a fascinating and detailed look at the entire film.

  • Balance of the Force - Johnson discusses the mythology of the Force and the reasons for some of the choices he made in the writing of the film. (Good info for all the haters out there.)

  • Scene Breakdowns - A backstage look at the Space Battle, Snoke, and the Showdown on Crait

  • Andy Serkis Live! (One Night Only) - a clunkily named feature that basically shows Snoke's scenes with Rey and Kylo but without the final CGI character, but rather Serkis in his motion capture suit acting up a storm.

  • Deleted Scenes - 23 minutes of deleted scenes that are sort of great and I wished they had been left in; especially an emotional moment with Luke and a learning moment for Rey.

    "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"
    Blu-ray
    https://www.foxconnect.com

    by Kevin Taft

    Kevin Taft is a screenwriter/critic living in Los Angeles with an unnatural attachment to 'Star Wars' and the desire to be adopted by Steven Spielberg.

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