Star Wars: The Last Jedi Blu-ray review

Mar 24, 2018- Permalink

When I reviewed the theatrical release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi (or for sticklers, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi), I said it could be summarized in four words: “Fun. Humour. Heart. Go.” With the release of the Blu-ray, that fun and adventure can now be part of your home entertainment library.

The 1080p AVC-encoded Blu-ray disc is presented in the movie’s original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Textures and details are amazing from facial hairs and fabrics to the battered and worn spaceships of the Resistance. While the Resistance is battle-worn, the First Order’s ships and equipment sparkle like an evil regime that went on a shopping spree. The colour palette is dull where necessary but pops when we visit Canto Bight. Black levels are deep and there is nothing worth reporting in terms of digital noise. Simply put, this is an amazing looking disc.

On the audio side, we get an English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack as well as French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks and an English 2.0 Descriptive Audio track. Subtitles are presented in English SDH, French and Spanish. If you’re looking for a Dolby Atmos track, you’ll need to go 4K and get the UHD release, but the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track on the Blu-ray is great. The surround tracks are put to great use as spaceships fly through the soundscape. You’re so immersed in the action, you might as well get a uniform. Low-end frequencies give the soundtrack some weight and scope, the music of John Williams has exceptional clarity, and dialogue is clear and centred. Just like the video presentation, the audio presentation is a master class on what Blu-ray audio can be.

Besides a digital download code (Movies Anywhere in the US, iTunes in Canada), The Last Jedi has over 2 hours of extras that warrant a second Blu-ray disc. Besides audio commentary from writer/director Rian Johnson, which gives great insight into his process, there’s a 90+ minute documentary called The Director and the Jedi that gives us insights from Johnson and the cast and crew, set visits and the rehearsal process. Johnson also discusses The Force and Luke, Rey and Ren’s place in it in another ten minute doc. There’s also detailed breakdowns on the making of three pivotal scenes in the film. There’s a look at Andy Serkis’ motion capture performance as Snoke and the usual look at deleted scenes.

A great film gets a great Blu-ray disc release. There’s no reason not to add this to your home library.