Published on September 26th, 2018 | by Craig Silliphant
0Solo: A Star Wars Story – The Blu ray and Digital Release
The home video version of Solo: A Star Wars Story was released this week. Oddly enough, it’s one of the best mainstream releases of the year.
The home video version of Solo: A Star Wars Story was released this week, and oddly enough, it’s one of the best mainstream releases of the year.
My hot take on the movie is that while it took a pounding in the public sphere, that animosity was largely unfounded. I liked the movie. It may not have been the best Star Wars movie we’ve seen, but it was a fun, swashbuckling adventure. I took my five-year-old son to it — his first full movie in the theatre — and we had a great time. It’s time that we slow down some of the toxic fandom and just enjoy these movies for what they are. The fact that we’ve put a hold on future Star Wars movies (aside from Episode IX) saddens me.
But no matter what your opinion is on Solo itself, it’s well worth buying the blu ray for the special features alone. Of course, the movie itself looks and sounds amazing. But I’ve noticed in recent years that Disney is doing a great job with home video releases, almost up there with the boutique companies like Criterion or Scream Factory. The special features on Solo (and The Last Jedi) are more than the stock EPK you get with most other home video releases these days. It adds a great deal of value to the purchase in an age where many people are content to stream it somewhere.
To give you an idea of the smuggler’s bounty of riches:
There are eight deleted scenes: some fun moments that fill in details. One especially fun scene where we get to see Han as a TIE fighter cadet (getting in trouble, of course).
Solo: the director & cast roundtable
Becoming a droid: L3-37 – we meet the woman (and the humour) behind the droid
Into the Maelstrom: The Kessel Run
Remaking the Millennium Falcon – the design of everyone’s favourite new/old ship
Kasdan on Kasdan – this one is especially great. Father and son talk about writing this movie together as well a joking about their different levels of fandom.
Scoundrels, Droids, Creatures, and Cards: Welcome to Fort Ypso – a look at the 100% practical set.
The Train Heist
Team Chewie – all about bringing your favourite wookiee to life.
My only complaints are slight — there’s no director’s commentary (it was excellent to see one on The Last Jedi). And it’s a little weird that there’s no mention anywhere of Lord & Miller, but I guess that makes sense, even if they still have producer credits. However, the special features give a great look behind the scenes, and a look at just how much hard work and talent goes into making one of these films.
I maintain that Solo is a fun movie and I can’t wait to watch it again with my son at home. And I really appreciate that Disney is taking time and effort to give us some value for our money with a physical copy, through an excellent package of special features and bonus material.