DVD Corner

A Disturbance In The Force Blu-ray Review

The Force is strong with “A Disturbance In The Force.”

Directed by Jeremy Coon and Steve Kozak and produced by Adam F. Goldberg and “Fanboys” director Kyle Newman, “A Disturbance In The Force” is a documentary film on the infamous “Star Wars Holiday Special.” The film features a wide range of interviews with celebrities, fans, historians, press, authors, Star Wars experts and even numerous people who worked on the special. Among the interviewees are Seth Green, Kyle Newman, Kevin Smith, Weird Al, Donny Osmond, Jonathan Rinzler, Steve Sansweet, Leonard Ripps, Bruce Vilanch, Gilbert Gottfried, Bob Mackie, Pete Sears of Jefferson Starship, and Mick Garris. Via the interviewees, archival clips (from talk shows, variety shows, public mentions and pop culture references), and segments from the Holiday Special itself, the documentary explores the story behind the special. If you ever wanted to learn how it got made, why it only aired once, and why it turned out the way it did, you’ll get all that information and more. 

To this day, “Star Wars Holiday Special” remains such a curiosity to the Star Wars fanbase. Made between “Star Wars” and “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” the special has never received an official release and has been disowned by George Lucas. Over the years the special has become heavily bootlegged and has even developed a cult fanbase. At the same time, it is also notable for 2 elements that have gone on to become rather popular with the first appearance of Boba Fett on screen (in the visually stunning Moebius inspired animated short) and the introduction of the Life Day holiday.  

While Star Wars devotees may already know a lot about what is presented in “A Disturbance In The Force,” the documentary does a thorough job in doing a deep dive into the project’s history. The film covers the TV landscape at the time (particularly variety television), the special being used as a marketing tool for the Star Wars toys, behind-the-scenes stories (including stars that were originally going to be cast), the original treatment, the director change during production, the special’s many oddities, and even some production artwork. It really covers all the bases here and provides numerous viewpoints, opinions, facts, and commentary from a varied collection of interviewees. 

It’s safe to say this is the definitive take on the “Star Wars Holiday Special.” Whether you’re a hardcore Star Wars fan or know absolutely nothing about this hidden piece of 70’s entertainment, this documentary has something for everyone. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. Grade: B+

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: B+

The lone extra is “A Disturbance In The Force” trailer.

December 14, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | A Disturbance In The Force Blu-ray Review, documentary, George Lucas, Kevin Smith, Seth Green, Star Wars, Star Wars Holiday Special