'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' Featurette Breaks Down The VFX Of The Opening Space Battle

By Ethan AndertonFeb. 22, 2018 9:00 am EST

We just found out Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be arriving on digital download on March 13, 2018 and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray disc on March 27, 2018. The release will feature all sorts of special features, including a full director's commentary and a feature length documentary about the making of the film. But before that, we've got something else cool for hungry Star Wars fans.

Industrial Light and Magic has just released a short video about the visual effects that went into creating the opening space battle, where the Resistance tries to hold off First Order fighters while bombers slowly make their way over the surface of the massive Dreadnought. This The Last Jedi visual effects breakdown shows how footage entirely generated with visual effects was combined with green screen set coverage to create the exciting action sequence. Check it out.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Visual Effects Breakdown

It never ceases to amaze me how these sequence go from simple animatics to incredibly detailed shots. The explosion of the Dreadnought alone is a visual feast and it looks as real as an explosion in space could look (even though those kinds of things aren't supposed to happen in space). Plus, the seamless composition of set footage with all of these elements created from scratch have only helped make the world of Star Wars that much more immersive.

Hopefully, we'll see an even more in-depth look behind the scenes with all of these special features on home video:

The Director and the Jedi – Go deep behind the scenes with writer-director Rian Johnson on an intimate and personal journey through the production of the movie—and experience what it's like to helm a global franchise and cultural phenomenon.

Balance of the Force – Explore the mythology of the Force and why Rian Johnson chose to interpret its role in such a unique way.

Scene Breakdowns

Lighting the Spark: Creating the Space Battle – Get a close-up look at the epic space battle, from the sounds that help propel the action, through the practical and visual effects, to the characters who bring it all to life.

Snoke and Mirrors – Motion capture and Star Wars collide as the filmmakers take us through the detailed process of creating the movie's malevolent master villain.

Showdown on Crait – Break down everything that went into creating the stunning world seen in the movie's final confrontation, including the interplay between real-word locations and visual effects, reimagining the walkers, designing the crystal foxes, and much more.

Andy Serkis Live! (One Night Only) – Writer-director Rian Johnson presents two exclusive sequences from the movie featuring Andy Serkis' riveting, raw on-set performance before his digital makeover into Snoke.

Deleted Scenes – With an introduction and optional commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.

Audio Commentary – View the movie with in-depth feature audio commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.