Versions of “Star Wars” on physical media come out pretty frequently, at least if you collect different versions of the films it seems like that. I own dozens of VHS copies of the films, a few different releases of the laserdiscs, a couple of different versions on DVD, and now I’m the proud owner of two different sets of the Blu-rays.
The most recent release comes in a series of absolutely gorgeous and sturdy steelbooks. They look handsome on the shelf and might be the best looking packaging I have on any release of a “Star Wars” film. They’re solid and the artwork, front and back is great. Two minor quibbles about the art: for one, they should have chosen another villain for the cover of “Attack of the Clones.” There are villains on 5 of the 6 covers, and then Yoda. Count Dooku would have made a much better choice.
The other thing is that the art on the back of the boxes is far superior. They use the classic posters embedded in the metal and it just looks fantastic.
As for the movies themselves, the Blu-rays are the definitive release, as in that this is the content that is canon for what “Star Wars” is. We all might have our preferences of version and there are two or three things I’d change about the most recent versions of the films, but for the most part this is the best these movies will ever look or sound in a physical media format.
They’re simply gorgeous.
Interesting note: These are not the same versions that were released digitally. They all have the 20th Century Fox Fanfare. In fact, the discs are, as far as I can tell, exactly the same discs as the last Blu-ray release. There are also virtually no special features available for the steelbook release because the bonus discs were where all of that extra content was housed. So unless you’re looking for a really good looking, stripped down version of the films, you might as well move along… move along…
Now, if you’ve been waiting on the Blu-rays, don’t need the special features, and want to introduce someone to “Star Wars” for the first time, this is the perfect set to get.
I would simply recommend you introduce them to your friends in the Episode IV, V, I, II, III, VI order. Coupled with many of the unifying changes to the films on the Blu-ray, this creates the most satisfying experience for someone new to the saga. And with “The Force Awakens” driving interest to all new audiences, more and more people are going to be looking to you to introduce them to these six, beautiful, brilliant movies.
Snag the blu-rays and don’t let them down.