Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, came out Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on March 24, and will be on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on April 4. We are huge  Star Wars fans here and by we I mean me. This is the first of the Star Wars standalone films and I will tell you I was a little confused at first. I didn’t realize that it actually takes place right before A New Hope.

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When I say right before I mean that the events here lead right up to the beginning of A New Hope. So if you are familiar enough with that one then you already know there are some sad moments in Rogue One. Once I realized where it took place in the timeline I was fine. The story itself is so great.If you aren’t familiar with what it’s about here you go:

From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

We met all sorts of new characters and there are some old ones as well. I will say they did an awesome job of ensuring that Mon Mothma, a senator in A New Hope, looks just like she does in that film. You would almost think the actress hadn’t aged a day rather than a different one playing her.  James Earl Jones is also back as the voice of Darth Vader which super important for me. The one thing about Vader though I will tell you is that the actor in the suit didn’t quite have his walk down. He didn’t have that much swagger when he walked but hey maybe his young self did.

New characters abound and I will tell you that my favorite was the droid, K-2SO,  who was a bit of a smart aleck. I loved it! He was like CP3O if he didn’t worry so much about etiquette. He was the comic relief in the best sort of way and the kids enjoyed him as well. Felicity Jones is wonderful as Jyn and although I wasn’t sure about her at first I found that by the end I really liked her. Cassian was another character I wasn’t sure about. There a moments when I wondered which side he was really on but by the end I understood him better. Diego Luna did a great job in the role as Cassian. In fact all of the actors did amazing jobs in their roles. Now I feel like the Star Wars story is a little more complete. Especially since I know have witnessed things they mention throughout the series.

It includes the following Bonus features*: 

• A Rogue Idea – Hear how ILM’s John Knoll came up with the movie’s concept – and why it’s the right film to launch the Star Wars stand-alone films.
• Jyn: The Rebel – Get to know Rogue One’s defiant, resourceful survivor, and hear what it was like for Felicity Jones to bring her to life onscreen.
• Cassian: The Spy – Diego Luna shares insights into his complex, driven character, who becomes a hero through selflessness, perseverance and passion.
• K-2SO: The Droid – Explore the development of this reprogrammed Imperial droid, from initial pitch and character design through Alan Tudyk’s performance.
• Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills – Go deeper into the relationship between these two very different characters, with Chinese superstars Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen.
• Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary – Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed reflect on Saw Gerrera, the broken Rebel leader, and Bodhi Rook, the Imperial pilot who defects.
• The Empire – Meet a dangerous new Imperial adversary…and cross paths once more with the most iconic villain of all time.
• Visions of Hope: The Look of “Rogue One” – The filmmakers describe the challenges and thrills of developing a bold new look for the movie that can fit within the world of the original trilogy.
• The Princess & The Governor – See what it took to bring the vibrant young princess of “Star Wars: A New Hope” – as well as one of her most memorable foes– – back to the screen.
• Epilogue: The Story Continues – Filmmakers and cast celebrate Rogue One’s premiere and look forward into the future, to the Star Wars stories yet to be told.
• Rogue Connections – Uncover Easter eggs and film facts hidden throughout the movie that connect “Rogue One” to the Star Wars universe. 

* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer. 

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