Kyber Crystal Corner: Ten Rogue One Observations

Kyber Crystal Corner: Ten Rogue One Observations

Ten Rogue One Observations

The digital release of Rogue One is less than a week away. It has now been several months since its initial theater debut and I’m finding the need to share some further thoughts about the film. Yes, it’s time to take a look at some Rogue One observations!

Star Wars Musings

Rogue One Readings

It’s meaning and overall impact upon the Star Wars experience is getting clearer for me. A busy work schedule, family events, a Royal Caribbean Cruise, and a bout of bronchitis prevented me from seeing Rogue One for a third time in the theater. However, I was able to spend several hours reading and reviewing a few of the guides and other texts that have been published since December. By the time I (and probably most of you!) was itching to really sit down and absorb its visual impact once again, the announcement for the digital and Blu-ray releases were made! I guess I can wait a few more days! 😉

Star Wars

During these months of contemplation, I’ve developed these Rogue One observations that I want to share.

Rogue One Books

Star Wars Reading Materials

Rogue One Observations

1. Gareth Edwards is an extraordinary filmmaker.

It is clear that he was destined to have a lasting impact on the Star Wars experience. It really does not matter if the ending or other aspects of the film were reshot. Gareth’s love for the Star Wars cinematic experience runs deep and it is demonstrated throughout the film making process and the finished product of Rogue One. I am wholly impressed at his dedication to bringing a new story and chapter into the Star Wars experience. Yep, I am a huge fan!

Oh, another store at Disney Springs!

2. Rogue One very clearly stands within the upper most tier of the Star Wars films.

Its visual style, storytelling, and heart make it so when placed among the other seven films. It’s so well done, that it feels as though it was meant to be made. Although I refuse to resort to the pointless efforts at ranking the Star Wars movies in any way, Rogue One should be extremely high on anyone’s list.

3. Rogue One significantly alters one’s perception and understanding of the Star Wars cinematic experience.

It’s ingenious execution adds an astounding level of meaning to the entire saga.

More Star Wars Shopping at Disney Springs

4. Death Troopers are indeed awesome.

The mystery of their existence and their frightening appearance will ensure their legacy in Star Wars from this point forward.

5. Michael Giacchino’s film score is outstanding.

It has been a staple in my playlist rotation since December!

6. The third act of this film could possibly be one of the most exhilarating ,visually stunning, and emotional 20 minutes that I have ever seen on film.

Additional multiple viewings are in order to fully comprehend and appreciate the impact of those final 20 minutes.

7. Disney is demonstrating to be a responsible and competent steward to the Star Wars experience.

Regardless of how you feel about Disney as a company, it cannot be denied at this time that its acquisition and subsequent management of LucasFilm has been nothing short of extraordinary for the Star Wars fandom.

Rogue One Observations

I love the Rogue One promo signs at Disney Springs!

8. My appreciation for Rogue One notwithstanding, I am somewhat hesitant to embrace the upcoming Han Solo film.

Something tells me I’m not alone in this, so time will tell if my uneasiness is warranted.

9. I am now breathlessly awaiting December and the release of Episode VIII.

A trailer will be dropping at any time and that will only fuel the anticipation.

10. Rogue One surely did not assist me in overcoming my “problem” related to Star Wars merchandise.

Yes, I continue to pick up merchandise throughout my travels — much to the dismay of my family!


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Star Wars Merchandise at Disney Springs

Star Wars Merchandise at Disney Springs

Bravo LucasFilm and Disney!

Now it’s your turn; share your Rogue One thoughts in the comments below!

The Kyber Crystal Corner: One Week Until Rogue One

The Kyber Crystal Corner: One Week Until Rogue One

One Week Until Rogue One

The anticipation for the release of the very first standalone Star Wars film, Rogue One, is something I am enjoying. Much like last year at this time, where the anticipation for Episode VII, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was ongoing, it is a time to look forward to a new chapter in the Star Wars films.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Fan Chatter

Although there has been a significant amount of both positive and negative chatter within and among the fan base, I am trying not to prejudge the film in any way. The re-shoots, the Gareth Edwards issues, the alleged changes in the tone of the film, the change in score composer from Alexandre Desplat to Michael Giacchino, and any other various ”controversies” are only adding to my anticipation. I can’t wait to watch Rogue One in IMAX 3-D at my favorite cinema location this month.

Dark Side vs Light Side Icons

As has become an integral aspect to my history (and yours too!!) with Star Wars, there will surely be a fair share of iconic images, sounds, characters, and scenes in Rogue One. Based on my observations of the trailers, photos, and other media representations, it is the Death Troopers that seem to be intriguing me the most at this point.

Star Wars

For the vast majority of my fandom for Star Wars, I have always tended towards the “good” or the light side. Some of the important references to the Light Side are the Jedi, the Rebellion, Han Solo, R2-D2, and X-wing Starfighters.

R2-D2

R2-D2 and Princess Leia

Beginning with Episode III and its relentless portrayal of Anakin’s transformation to the Dark Side, the icons related to the Dark side became more appealing to me. (I am not sure what that is saying about me as I am getting older. Perhaps a consult with a therapist is in order!)


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Within Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith are images that are epochal for the entire Star Wars saga. These include: the appearance of  General Grievous, the scene where Anakin takes out Mace Windu’s lightsaber (and his arm!), Anakin’s eyes turning red, the not-so-subtle imagery associated with the light saber battle between Obi-Wan and Anakin along with the film score in the scene, and Anakin physically transforming into Darth Vader with the placement of the mask and the breathing. In The Force Awakens, it’s Kylo Ren and all that he represents and what he does. Of course, it’s also the voice in the mask that is really cool!

Kylo Ren

Right now the images of the Death Troopers in Rogue One are having an impact on me. We will see if that holds true and if any additional ones appear while viewing the film.

[yop_poll id=”1″]

In your opinion, what are the two most iconic aspects (images, scenes, sounds, characters, etc.) of the Star Wars films and why?