DVD Corner

Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out DVD Review

“Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out” is another fun animated special.

“Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out,” the follow-up to the hilarious “Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace,” is set post episode 4 after the destruction of the Death Star. While the Imperials are trying to track down the rebels, Luke, Han, Leia and others are looking to destroy a stormtrooper base on Naboo. There are also two main side stories involving Chewbacca and C3PO teaming up and Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine and Darth Maul squabbling.

While not as funny or clever as its predecessor, ‘Empire’ will undoubtedly put a smile on many “Star Wars” fans’ faces (assuming they can handle the jokes that is). It’s no secret that some fans are rather protective over the Wars and are not amused by more lighthearted fare like the “Robot Chicken” specials and now the Lego specials. However, if you don’t mind some playful jokes about such things as Jar Jar Binks and the Death Star 2 and are open to anything involving the “Star Wars” universe, there’s much to admire here. From the Boss Nass slobber gag and the Droid phone bit to R2-D2 disguising himself as an Ewok and a “Duel of the Fates” reference, ‘Empire’ is littered with plenty of sight gags throughout the breezy 22 minute runtime. Sure, I could probably do without the running joke about a gaggle of girls running after Luke Skywalker, but it’s a minor quibble for an otherwise enjoyable animated special. Recommended.

Video/Audio:

First of all, I have to say I am very disappointed by the lack of a Blu-ray release of this title (or at the very least a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack like with “The Padawan Menace”). ‘Empire’ is a beautifully CGI animated special that deserves to be viewed in hi-def, not standard definition. Yes, there are rumors of an eventual Blu-ray release down the road, but who knows if that will actually happen. With all of that said, this is still a stand-out DVD transfer filled with vibrant colors. Note: The special is presented in 1.78:1 in case you were interested.

As one would expect, the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track delivers top notch SW sound f/x and music.

The only extras here are a “Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace” ad and a Darth Vader Lego mini-figure.

April 16, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out DVD Review