Fast-paced and fun, nostalgic and new, Star Wars: The Force Awakens dominated the holiday box office in 2015, taking in over $2 billion worldwide. Fans young and old packed theaters excited to meet the new characters that would take us through the next trilogy about a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
If you’re buying the Blu-ray, chances are you’ve already seen the film or read about the film, or had the film spoiled for you thanks to Facebook, Internet memes, or that one friend who likes to spoil movies for you because they can. Since you already have an opinion or opinions about the film itself, let’s take a look at the special features included on the Force Awakens Blu-ray.
I love special features. From the commentary to all the behind-the-scenes featurettes, special features give us an inside look at the complexity of filmmaking. It truly is amazing how hundreds, if not thousands, of people are able to work together to create on single film through what can only be described a harmonic synchronized chaos.
The Force Awakens has its special features on their own Blu-ray disc, and there’s a myriad featurettes to choose from.
Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey
Explore how the creative team and cast jump-started the Star Wars franchise once again in this mesmerizing hour-long special that takes us from initial concept to final product. Find out just what it takes to create a film of this magnitude, scope, and scale, and meet the creative minds behind it all.
The Story Awakens: The Table Read
A look at the initial table read of the script for The Force Awakens with the primary cast. It’s pretty cool to see the cast in street clothes reading what would eventually become one of the second highest-grossing film of all time (before inflation)!
Building BB-8
No, it wasn’t CG! Take a look at how the creative minds behind the film created, designed, and performed the newest droid in the Star Wars universe: BB-8.
Crafting Creatures
Check out the wide variety of practical effects used to bring the many creatures in the Force Awakens to life. From traditional puppetry to complex animatronics, the creative team guides us through the process of bringing these characters to life for the big screen.
Blueprint of a Battle: The Snow Fight
It’s a behind-the-scenes look into the dynamic climactic lightsaber showdown between good and evil that punctuates the final act of the film. See how they brought all the elements together into a visually stunning finale.
John Williams: The Seventh Symphony
The man. The music. The legend. If you’ve ever seen a Spielberg or Lucas film, you’ve heard his music. Check out this great interview with the masterful composer as he waxes nostalgic about his decades-long journey writing and conducting scores for seven Star Wars films.
ILM: The Visual Magic of The Force
Industrial Light and Magic has been a mainstay of big-budget, effects-heavy cinema for decades. Have a look at how they used their magic and wizardry to bring the continuing world of Star Wars to life once more.
Force for Change
How has Star Wars influenced people around the world to be more charitable to their fellow humans? Find out in this inspiring featurette.
Deleted Scenes
Was there something in the film that wasn’t explained? Perhaps the answer can be found in one of these deleted scenes.
Any film, no matter how big or small, has a small army of dedicated people working together to bring a common vision to their viewing audience. Through the special features, we get the opportunity to meet these creative people and in a small way truly appreciate the hard work and dedication that they bring to their jobs each and every day.
I highly recommend Star Wars: The Force Awakens. However, if you’ve never seen the previous six films, check those out first THEN see his movie. You’ll be glad you did!
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is available NOW on DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital Download!
Which of the seven Star Wars films has been your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!