Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – Blu-Ray Review
Now available on Blu-ray/ DVD combo is “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, the first of many stand-alone feature films set in the “Star Wars” universe. In all honesty, “Rogue One” isn’t high on my list of the best “Star Wars” films. Don’t get me wrong, it looks wonderful and has some fantastic set pieces, but it is so poorly paced. Gareth Edwards has delivered two visually stunning big budget films with “Rogue One” and “Godzilla” but as great as they both look, they are incredibly dull.
Another issue with “Rogue One” is that most of the central characters aren’t very memorable. This is the first “Star Wars” film I have ever seen in which I had trouble remembering the character’s names (not counting the made-for-TV Ewok movies). Donnie Yen is the exception.
With all of the flaws “Rogue One” is saddled with, it still manages to be a better film than the prequel trilogy. It is also one of the most visually impressive films of the year. With the inclusion of a digitally recreated Peter Cushing and the return of Darth Vader, “Rogue One” is a “must buy” for any fan of the franchise. There are tons of bonus features to keep fans busy for hours as well.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- A Rogue Idea – Hear how ILM’s John Knoll came up with the movie’s concept – and why it’s the right film to launch the Star Wars stand-alone films.
- Jyn: The Rebel – Get to know Rogue One’s defiant, resourceful survivor, and hear what it was like for Felicity Jones to bring her to life onscreen.
- Cassian: The Spy – Diego Luna shares insights into his complex, driven character, who becomes a hero through selflessness, perseverance and passion.
- K-2SO: The Droid – Explore the development of this reprogrammed Imperial droid, from initial pitch and character design through Alan Tudyk’s performance.
- Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills – Go deeper into the relationship between these two very different characters, with Chinese superstars Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen.
- Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary – Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed reflect on Saw Gerrera, the broken Rebel leader, and Bodhi Rook, the Imperial pilot who defects.
- The Empire – Meet a dangerous new Imperial adversary…and cross paths once more with the most iconic villain of all time.
- Visions of Hope: The Look of “Rogue One” – The filmmakers describe the challenges and thrills of developing a bold new look for the movie that can fit within the world of the original trilogy.
- The Princess & The Governor – See what it took to bring the vibrant young princess of “Star Wars: A New Hope” – as well as one of her most memorable foes – back to the screen.
- Epilogue: The Story Continues – Filmmakers and cast celebrate Rogue One’s premiere and look forward into the future, to the Star Wars stories yet to be told.
- Rogue Connections – Uncover Easter eggs and film facts hidden throughout the movie that connect “Rogue One” to the Star Wars universe.
By: Marc Ferman