“The Last Jedi” Takes Aim for Home Video

 

 

 

 

Review combined content by John Delia, Sr and John M. Delia, Jr.

Add another sequel of Star Wars to you library as “The Last Jedi” has been released in several formats for home viewing. The new adventure takes its audience further into the future where we find ageing Luke Skywalker and the development of characters from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” including Daisy Ridley’s Ray and Oscar Isaac’s Poe. The film not only brings you up to date on Skywalker, but introduces parts of the galaxy that will probably be used in future saga’s. Although this is a much needed link, you will not find it as powerful as “The Force Awakens.”

After the destruction of the ultimate weapon, the Empire has tracked down the New Republic and has them with their back to the wall. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), in a crazy attempt to give the Rebel’s a chance to escape, risk’s his life by facing the Empire fleet on his own. Like in the previous episode Poe sacrifices himself time after time in attempts to save the resistance and hopes to finally defeat the New Order once and for all.

On the other side of the galaxy, Rey (Daisy Ridley), a young women with strong abilities involving the force is in search of the Last Jedi, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). She hopes that he will teach her the ways of the Jedi order and help her become strong enough to defeat Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). What she runs into however, is a disenchanted Luke, who is distraught after losing his only nephew to the dark side and now fears its influence draining him of his Jedi powers. The force is in danger of losing the Jedi belief forever if Rey doesn’t learn from Luke.

Now that the Rebels are running from the Empire, things have become bleak. Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), commander of the rebel forces, has to find a way to keep everyone alive. Hoping to find help from other supporters or even her brother Luke, remains a small hope. Having Carrie Fisher back for her last hurrah is amazing and she dazzles here showing her leadership in the wake of total defeat.

Director and writer Rian Johnson, does an admirable job presenting the story considering it is a “midiquel” (an interim informational and promotional tactic for future sequels on the part of the franchise). He does however explain the scenario thoroughly and keeps with the traditional presentation of the previous films. He crosses several different storylines throughout the narrative and shows details of each key character to reveal the films plot. Keeping to the tradition of outstanding special effects, Johnson does a fantastic job keeping his audience glued to the amazement of the Star Wars’ universe.

The ‘Star Wars’ franchise is back and on track with the list of sequels, coming in the near future; “Solo: A Star Wars Story” in 2018, and “Star Wars: Episode IX” in 2019. With Disney at the helm you can be sure that these stories will continue on in the future. While the hits keep on coming, the ‘Star Wars’ saga is sure to fill the seats for years to come.

SPECIAL BONUS FEATURES: There are 2 hours of bonus features that includes a full length Documentary.

Blu-ray Extras include*:

“The Director and the Jedi” – Go deep behind the scenes with writer-director Rian Johnson on an intimate and personal journey through the production of the movie—and experience what it’s like to helm a global franchise and cultural phenomenon.
“Balance of the Force” – Explore the mythology of the Force and why Rian Johnson chose to interpret its role in such a unique way.
“Scene Breakdowns”
“Lighting the Spark: Creating the Space Battle” – Get a close-up look at the epic space battle, from the sounds that help propel the action, through the practical and visual effects, to the characters who bring it all to life.
“Snoke and Mirrors” – Motion capture and Star Wars collide as the filmmakers take us through the detailed process of creating the movie’s malevolent master villain.
“Showdown on Crait” – Break down everything that went into creating the stunning world seen in the movie’s final confrontation, including the interplay between real-word locations and visual effects, reimagining the walkers, designing the crystal foxes, and much more.
“Andy Serkis Live! (One Night Only)” – Writer-director Rian Johnson presents two exclusive sequences from the movie featuring Andy Serkis’ riveting, raw on-set performance before his digital makeover into Snoke.
“Deleted Scenes” – With an introduction and optional commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.
“Audio Commentary” – View the movie with in-depth feature audio commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.

* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer.

 

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their in-home viewing experience. The Multi-screen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack) includes Blu-ray, and a Digital copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K UHD Collector’s Edition, including 4K Ultra HD disc with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Blu-ray disc, and a digital copy (where available). Dolby Vision delivers greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Dolby Atmos places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. Together on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, viewers will practically feel the Force in their own home.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sequences of sci-fi action and violence. According to Box Office Mojo, the film was the number one box office winner of 2017 with the biggest opening weekend of $220,009,584 in the USA, largest gross of $619,972,809 in the USA, highest grosses in foreign distribution of $712,263,015, with a combined total of $1,332,235,824. That’s over a billion dollars in ticket sales.

FINAL ANALYSIS: An inspiring look to the future of our galaxy fighters. (4 out of 5 stars – Based mainly on production value, acting and the excellent bonus material)

Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern with Frank Oz, and Benicio Del Toro
Director: Rian Johnson
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-fi, Fantasy, Sequel
Running Time: 2 hrs. 32 min.
Video Release Date: March 27, 2018
Original Theatrical Release Date: December 15, 2017
Language: English (changeable to English Descriptive Audio, French, Spanish
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
Video: 1080p HD Widescreen
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Number of Discs: 2 discs
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Released in: DVD, Blu-ray, 4K, 3D