It’s easy to get snarky about yet another Star Wars blu-ray release and more bonus featuers that probably should have been included the first go-round. That said, it’s hard for me to complain considering I have multiple versions of Star Wars at home in unplayable formats (LaserDisc, Betamax, several VHS versions, and even 8mm), I don’t have much room to complain.
Today, Lucasfilm/Disney has revealed a brand new The Force Awakens blu-ray release, a 3D four disc Collector’s Edition, that will be launching on November 15th (but earlier in other parts of the world). It will be coming with a slew of new bonus features, including never before seen deleted scenes, for fans to gobble up. Best of all, it will finally include a director’s commentary track with JJ Abrams. Some more specific details follow:
The latest film in Star Wars saga is coming home — for the first time in immersive 3D — with Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D Collector’s Edition. Announced today, the four-disc collection will release this fall, rolling out October 31 and arriving in the US and Canada on November 15. Encased in stunning collectible packaging, the set contains the film’s original theatrical release on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, Digital HD, and DVD, along with originally released bonus features and brand-new bonus material, including additional deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes conversations with cast and crew, and revealing, never-before released audio commentary by director J.J. Abrams.
3D COLLECTOR’S EDITION BONUS FEATURES:
Audio Commentary with J.J. Abrams – Enter the mind of visionary director J.J. Abrams as he reveals the creative and complex choices made while developing the first film in the new Star Wars trilogy.
Foley: A Sonic Tale – Foley artists, consisting of old pros and new talent, unite to bring the world of Star Wars: The Force Awakens alive through the matching of sound to action.
Sounds of the Resistance – Hear how the epic sound design of Star Wars: The Force Awakens moves the Star Wars legacy forward.
Deleted Scenes – View never-before-shared scenes that didn’t make the film’s final cut.
Dressing the Galaxy – Costume designer Michael Kaplan reveals how the costumes of the original Star Wars movies were re-envisioned for a new generation.
The Scavenger and the Stormtrooper: A Conversation with Daisy Ridley and John Boyega – The two new stars share the thrill of working together on the adventure of a lifetime and becoming part of the Star Wars legacy.
Inside the Armory – Take a fascinating tour through the design and creation of the weaponry in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Classic Bonus Features – These offerings from the April release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens include the complete story behind the making of the film, an unforgettable cast table read, insights from legendary composer John Williams, and deleted scenes, as well as features that dig deeper into the creation of new characters such as BB-8, the design of the climactic lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren, the film’s remarkable digital artistry, and the Star Wars: Force for Change global aid initiative.
If you already own The Force Awakens on blu-ray, you might feel a little chagrined at having to buy another set just for the new features, but collector’s like me are going to happily lay down the money. I mean, just LOOK at that packaging!
Will you be getting this one again?
-Jordan
