There are still moments where I'll stop and be amazed over the fact that we actually got a seventh Star Wars movie. For many, the franchise and its enjoyment have practically become a way of life. It's safe to assume that anyone with the slightest interest in Star Wars has likely seen the movie by now. That being said, it's also likely those fans have already pre-ordered or purchased the Blu-ray release of the movie.
We won't go into our thoughts on the movie. You can read our original review HERE. It may not have been a completely perfect movie, but it hit the mark at all the right spots. Despite having watched it a couple times in the theater, there is something about watching it in your home. As you would expect, the visuals and audio are stunning. With the Blu-ray, you can now pause or repeat the key and important scenes, over and over.
The big question is, how are the special features? Because we're so eager for more, you'll find yourself watching and scrutinizing every second of each one. Here's what you get:
Special Features
Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey (1:09:14) Four chapters. A big making of and behind the senes feature. Mark Hamill didn't think he could add anymore to the overall story. His character had a beginning, middle, and end. Carrie Fisher said she looked better ten years ago. Harrison Ford didn't realize the potential of the character. The newer actors were nervous. They weren't sure if they could carry the role. George Lucas interview clip from 2012. He wanted to put the company somewhere it would be protected. Disney could offer a lot of opportunities. J.J. Abrams was going to say no when it was first offered to him since he had already done movies that were sequels. Lots of on set filming.
The Story Awakens: The Table Read (4:01) First gathering of the cast. They wanted to document it. Mark Hamill read the script to everyone. This was when the newer actors started to realize it was really happening.
Crafting Creatures (9:34) The importance of shooting with practical effects. They needed to design and construct the different aliens. We get to see how they created and given life. Actors in suits, puppets and animatronics, CG.
Building BB-8 (6:03) The importance of having a physical droid for actors to interact with. We get to see how Abrams first came up with the design and the different versions they built.
Blueprint of a Battle: The Snow Fight (7:02) Abrams wanted a lightsaber fight at night in the snow. Thought the visuals and lighting would give it a different look. They had to decide if they were going to shoot on location or on set. Because they'd be limited with night hours, they went with building a set.
ILM: The Visual Magic of the Force (7:55) The new challenges in pushing themselves further with the visuals. Recreating the Millennium Falcon, making the locations come to life. Making people believe the magic is real.
John Williams: The Seventh Symphony (6:51) Abrams mentions even after working on the movie for a couple years, it's a whole new experience hearing Williams' score with it for the first time.
Deleted Scenes (4:15)
- Finn and the Villager
- Jakku Message
- X-Wings Prepare for Lightspeed
- Kylo Searches the Falcon
- Snow Speeder Chase
- Finn Will Be Fine
Force For Change (3:22) Kathleen Kennedy talks about new charity, teaming with Unicef. It became a worldwide thing. The cast each supported different causes. There was an auction to be in the film and many other activities.
It might be clear how much I enjoyed the movie. There was no doubt I'd include this release in my library. Maybe I am being a little greedy, but part of me was hoping for a little more--especially with the deleted scenes. Even so, it's a fantastic release.
I don't often gobble up every single special feature on a disc. Seeing the moments after a certain character's last scene in the movie was quite an experience. This is a must-buy Blu-ray. Let us know what your thoughts are on the special features once you get a chance to watch them all.