This week saw the home video release of Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. There were a battery of different purchase options available, but I eventually decided to go for the Target exclusive Blu-Ray and DVD set.
This pack includes The Last Jedi on Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital as well as a Blu-Ray disc containing the standard assortment of special features and the Target Exclusive DVD disc with the "Meet the Porgs" featurette. The included special features give some wonderful insights into the film-making process, but the real standout is The Director and the Jedi - a heartfelt feature-length look behind-the-scenes of The Last Jedi. It's a wonderful tribute to the contributions of both Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill to the saga, and might just be my second favourite Star Wars documentary yet (after the wonderful Empire of Dreams that accompanied the 2004 DVD release of the original trilogy).
The deleted scenes are another great highlight. Whereas these scenes are usually dull and uninspired - making clear the director's reasons for their omission - the deleted scenes from The Last Jedi are, for the most part, truly excellent. More than once, my fiancee and I found ourselves saying "I wish they'd left that in". It's a real credit to director Rian Johnson that - even after assembling a two-and-a-half hour film (the longest Star Wars movie to date) - there was still a raft of great scenes left on the cutting-room floor.
Also included is a gorgeous 40-page 'Gallery Book' featuring factoids, concept art, and behind-the-scenes photographs. The packaging features stunning photographs of the cast - all suffused with the red palette that became the signature of this film. At only $27.99US ($38.71NZ) it is - in my estimations - the best way to go if you're looking to add this movie to your collection!
The deleted scenes are another great highlight. Whereas these scenes are usually dull and uninspired - making clear the director's reasons for their omission - the deleted scenes from The Last Jedi are, for the most part, truly excellent. More than once, my fiancee and I found ourselves saying "I wish they'd left that in". It's a real credit to director Rian Johnson that - even after assembling a two-and-a-half hour film (the longest Star Wars movie to date) - there was still a raft of great scenes left on the cutting-room floor.
Also included is a gorgeous 40-page 'Gallery Book' featuring factoids, concept art, and behind-the-scenes photographs. The packaging features stunning photographs of the cast - all suffused with the red palette that became the signature of this film. At only $27.99US ($38.71NZ) it is - in my estimations - the best way to go if you're looking to add this movie to your collection!
