Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Blu-ray review

Apr 01, 2017- Permalink

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a standalone story film that fills in some of the gaps between Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. The events that unfold and the characters we meet take us right up to the opening moments of the film that enthralled audiences starting in 1977. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is now available for your home library as a Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD combo pack.

Shot digitally, the 1080p transfer is gorgeous and in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Textures sing in this release, from the grit and the grime, the rain and the dirt, to the cold interiors of the Death Star. While Rebel costumes are gritty and frayed, the shine of spit and polish on the Stormtroopers’ uniforms only underline the order and lack of individuality in the Imperial forces. The depths of space are obviously a great test of black levels and the depth and detailing are flawless. And in a story so full of CGI, the digitally-created environments and characters blend excellently into the real actors and sets. All in all, this is an excellent video presentation.

On the audio side of things, viewers get an English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack as well as French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Subtitles are available in English, French and Spanish. The soundtrack is gorgeous and makes perfect use of the channels. Dialogue is clear. The score, from composer Michael Giacchino and with John Williams’ famous refrains, is rich and powerful but never overpowering. The surround and low-frequency tracks put you in the middle of the action, whether it’s the pounding footsteps of the Imperial walkers or a rebel X-Wing fighter roaring from one side of the screen to the other. A perfect soundtrack to complement a perfect video presentation.

The package for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is also overflowing with extras. We get detailed looks at many of the new characters introduced in this film as well as the actors behind them. There are also looks at the production design as well as a look at the various cameos and character secrets.

All in all, the home entertainment release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a must-have. You won’t be disappointed adding it to your collection.