When Lucasfilm and Disney announced the upcoming release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” on 3D Blu-ray, complaints rolled in as to how the art doesn’t hold the same artistic style as the previous blu-ray and DVD releases for Episodes I through VI. All the press leading up to the premiere of the film was relatively clear that the seventh installment in the space saga wasn’t going to reference the prequels, but pay homage to the original trilogy. The marketing department also decided to veer away from the visual style of the previous packaging when the home entertainment editions hit store shelves.
What we got for the blu-ray / DVD packaging of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was basically the same poster and promotional artwork we’d seen leading up to the movie hitting theaters. While the main poster image featuring the lead characters with Starkiller Base looming in the background did resemble a slicker more modern version of what we’ve seen from Drew Struzan, it was far from the classic vintage vibe those original posters drummed up. The new style for the 3D Blu-ray continues the trend by simulating one of my favorite posters for “Return of the Jedi”.
The cover art for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” 3D Collector’s Edition features Rey’s hand holding Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber in front of a background of snow and the woods of Starkiller Base. It looks very similiar to Artist Tim Seamer’s Style A poster for “Return of the Jedi”. The 1983 masterpiece had Luke Skywalker’s hands gripping his lightsaber against a backdrop of space with the Death Star orbiting Endor in the distance. Both posters are highlighted by their blue coloring. Once again, Darth Vader’s line, “The circle is now complete”, comes to mind as we see a modern update of a classic piece of art brought to life for a new generation of “Star Wars” fans to enjoy while discovering its creative roots.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” 3D Collector’s Edition is coming to 3D Blu-ray this November! The four-disc set will include all new special features, including new deleted scenes and audio commentary by J.J. Abrams!
