Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi Blu-ray Movie Review

We normally don't review store exclusive titles that are also being widely distributed by way of a standard edition sold at all outlets, but with the immense popularity of the 'Star Wars' franchise and the new films under the Disney regime in particular, we've decided to offer a real-world glimpse at some of the store exclusives available to buy beyond the standard wide release, which has been reviewed here. Skip below to the "Supplements" section on this page for a review of the Target exclusive.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

This Target exclusive DigiPack release contains the same Blu-ray video transfer as the wide release counterpart. Please click here for a full video review.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

This Target exclusive DigiPack release contains the same Blu-ray audio presentation as the wide release counterpart. Please click here for a full audio review.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This Target exclusive release of The Last Jedi is the only store exclusive to contain unique bonus content (though I cannot get my hands on a copy of the Wal-Mart release to verify that claim). On a separate DVD disc, one of four total discs in the set, is a lone supplement (480p 6:02) that explores Porg origins and inspiration, design, transition from sketches to final physical puppet, puppet control, sound effects, and digital support features. There is no menu on the disc. This set follows suit with last year's Rogue One, which contained the new extras on disc, while the previous year's The Force Awakens offered them digitally only. It also appears to be only one of two Blu-ray or UHD sets (along with the Wal-Mart set, based on the front-cover image) to contain a DVD copy of the film. This set, which does not include a UHD version of the film, simply carries over the same 1080p Blu-ray disc and Blu-ray bonus disc found in the wide release. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase.

The packaging, more a highlight than the single extra, differs from the Rogue One Target exclusive, which contained the change-out front covers; that's this year's Wal-Mart edition, again based solely on the packaging image on Blu-ray.com). This one features an oversized slipcover featuring a red-clad Rey as well as a collage of other characters from the film -- Luke, Leia, Kylo Ren, and a smorgasbord of support figures -- who are placed against that familiar red Crait terrain, surrounded by the familiar undisturbed Crait white surface. The slip's rear side features an image of BB-8, tinted heavily red, particularly his bottom ball. The sides are simple dark gray with the movie's title running along it.

The DigiPack's front cover features a red-clad Rey, lightsaber in hand, ready for battle. The rear panel features Kylo Ren in a similar pose, facing the opposite direction. The first two panels one sees when opening the set features red-tinted Leia and Luke Skylwaker portraits. Open again to reveal the plastic hubs that house the movie's four discs, which are stacked two per side in staggered formation. Underneath the discs and the plastic hubs are similarly red-tinted images of Poe Dameron and Finn.

Beyond the DVD bonus disc, the draw extra in the Target exclusive release is a Last Jedi "Gallery Book." It's not exactly hardback, but its front and back covers are made out of a sturdy, and glossy, cardboard, featuring Rey in training on Ahch-To on the front and Kylo Ren on a First Order ship on the back. The book is impressively put together, beginning with a forward by Rian Johnson and includes character profiles, full-color photos, and sketches of Rey, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Poe Dameron, Finn, Rose Tico, Amilyn Holdo, DJ, Kylo Ren, Snoke, and Captain Phasma. Additionally, Crait and Canto Bight receive the same treatment. The book ends with a couple of full-spread concept artwork images and still photos from the shoot, including some from Rian Johnson's personal collection.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

If one isn't hung up on getting a SteelBook and isn't interested in, or cannot play, the UHD, this Target release is a very attractive alternative to the vanilla BD release. Packaging is kind of big, but it's impressive. A separate DVD is included with an all-new extra, and the included semi-hardback booklet is a great addition. It might have been more desirable as a straight DigiBook release rather than a DigiPack with the book separate, but it's still a very good, first-rate set. Highly recommended.