10 reasons to own ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY on DVD and Blu-ray

Lucasfilm’s first-ever standalone Star Wars adventure, ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY is out on DVD and Blu-ray today! I know from experience that the last few months have been torture for Star Wars mega fans everywhere. My son must have asked every singe weekend if he could go see "Rode One", and sadly our budget didn't allow for weekly screenings. But, then he happened to catch a commercial about the DVD release and it was all over after that. So, as for the probability that we would eventually one Rogue One? It was high. Very high.

Here are 10 reasons why you should own ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY:

1. Easter Eggs and multiple viewings – As I said before, there are a lot of names, places, and situations alluded to in the film that come at you fast. I know I needed a few viewings before I fully caught all the little details, and that added a whole new dimension to many other parts of the movie… and the Star Wars empire as a whole. Watching the film in theaters was great to experience it on the big screen, but there's something really awesome about being able to rewind and rewatch at will, and owning the movie is the only way that's possible.
2. Feel like part of the Rebellion – This is a darker Star Wars than we've seen in the past with grittier and more realistic battle scenes. This may be because there is more ground-level fighting as opposed to ships shooting from a distance, or it may be camera angles and effects. But, whatever the reason, it ends up feeling more personal in a way, like you are really part of the Rebellion. When that rebellion is taking place right in your living room, it's impossible not to feel invested in the battle.
3. No Star Wars collection is complete without it – Just because ROGUE ONE is a side story doesn't mean you should skip it. Admittedly, there have been additions to the Star Wars empire I could have done without {I'm looking at you, JarJar}, but a true fan takes the not-so-great with the amazing. This film is firmly in the "amazing" column, and it adds so much to the Star Wars story that it seems crazy to not have it as part of your collection.
4. It fills in gaps in the beloved trilogy – Rogue One tells the story of the mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, something that was an important part of the first Star Wars movies, but the actual events weren't discussed in previous films. Seeing the side story of how the plans were stolen and how this came about in the Rebellion not only filled in gaps, but also added a lot to the Star Wars series. After seeing Rogue One, I couldn’t wait to rewatch A New Hope to see the lead up to the movie. Although Rogue One stands by itself nicely, there were so many things I couldn’t wait to rewatch in the Trilogy with my new perspective on the older films.
5. It's a cool film, even for non-Star Wars fans – There's no excuses or concessions to be made to enjoy Rogue One. With an amazing cast, a great story and incredible action, anyone can jump in and still enjoy what it has to offer.
6. How else will you ever know about Jedha? Rogue One takes us to some never-before-seen places in the galaxy, including Jedha, a small desert moon frosted by a permanent winter. Jedha was at one time a world important to the Jedi Order, and served as a holy site for pilgrims from across the galaxy seeking spiritual guidance. In Rogue One, the Empire occupies Jedha, and a prolonged battle between Imperial forces and scattered Rebels is apparent in the worn streets.
7. Anything that allows you to stay immersed in the world of Star Wars is a very good thing – I was quite relieved that Rogue One nails the look and feel of a Star Wars movie. Just like The Force Awakens, these news movies are giving us all sorts of new characters, places, backstories, and filling in gaps, but instead of feeling foreign or alien, they quickly feel like they belong in the Star Wars universe. This comforting Star Wars feel is so important to fans everywhere, and the new movies are nailing it while still utilizing new technology and film making techniques. 
8. The film gives you yet another strong female role model – Much like Rey from the The Force Awakens, my oldest daughter also absolutely loves the character of Jyn Erso, which is played by Academy Award nominee Felicity Jones. I loved that Star Wars offered me such strong female roles growing up, and I'm thrilled that they are giving the same to my girls.
9. It might just give you a new favorite Driod – Speaking of new characters, I hate to say this because I adore C3PO, R2D2 and BB8, but there's now a new droid in the running: K-2SO. K-2SO is a reprogrammed Imperial security droid and he is absolutely hilarious. He ended up being one of the funniest parts of the movie, and our kids haven't stopped quoting him since the first time they saw him.
10. It will get you super excited about what's to come in the Star Wars universe – Rogue One has us super excited about what else the upcoming movies will add to the Star Wars story. As much as I loved Star Wars in my youth and love to watch the older movies, these new movies are adding a whole new dimension to the Star Wars universe that I didn’t even realize was missing.

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY is available on DVD and Blu-ray at retailers everywhere today. Do yourself a favor and pick one up and then go home and have a Star Wars marathon while you process everything.
Want some Star Wars fun? Check out this clip of the designing of K-2SO:

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