Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson; Rent) first appeared in the Star Wars universe in the 2008 animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars as the teenage apprentice of Anakin Skywalker. She was then a character in the animated television series that ran from 2008 to 2014 and the sequel Star Wars Rebels from 2014 to 2018. After that, she was in the animated miniseries Tales of the Jedi until she finally made her live-action debut in the second season of Disney+'s The Mandalorian. Next, she appeared in the live-action limited series, The Book of Boba Fett until finally in 2023 she was given her own Disney+ series simply entitled Ahsoka.
As the series begins Ahsoka has apprehended and interrogates the former Galactic Empire fighter Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto; The Sensei), whom Ahsoka believes knows of a map that will lead her to Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen; Headhunter), as well as rebel fighter Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi; The Inspection) who went missing after the war. Once she has the map in her possession, General Hera (Mary Elizabeth Winstead; Birds of Prey) suggests Ahsoka ask for help reading it from Ahsoka's old Padawan, Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo; The Society). However, when the map falls into Morgan's hands, she, Ahsoka, Sabine, Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson; Thor), and Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno; The Spy Who Dumped Me) all find themselves in another galaxy searching for Thrawn and Ezra.
Ahsoka has a terrific cast led by Dawson. Her stoic portrayal of the former Padawan, the title character is exactly what is needed to balance much of the emotion Sabine and Hera bring to the story. Winstead has a commanding presence as one would expect of a general, and Bordizzo plays Sabine Wren as no pushover but as someone who has heart. Stevenson also gave a commanding performance and reminded us that he was a talented actor who we lost entirely too soon.
What has been nice about all the Disney 4K limited series releases is the technical specs. Each release has its virtues but all are clean with sharp details, and Ahsoka is no different. While the color palette is muted and grey, the overall look is deep with true color saturation and various tones. The Dolby Vision with 2160p resolution is the perfect combination, and unlike the newly released Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, the special effects are extremely well done, which is showcased by the video quality.
The Dolby Atmos audio is equally as impressive as the video quality with fighters flying overhead as they cross the screen. The score is muted but still below the dialogue and fight scenes. The 4K comes in a beautiful steelbook with Ahsoka outlined in a bluish-grey outer casing with complementing artwork inside. It also has concept art collector's cards included, which are a nice keepsake for any Star Wars fan. There are approximately 45 minutes of extras including Ahsoka: Legacy, Path of the Apprentice, Ghosts of the Past, and Darkness Rising, plus Audio Commentary on Part Five: Shadow Warrior by Dave Filoni, and Audio Commentary on Part Eight: The Jedi, the Witch and the Warlord by Dave Filoni.
Ahsoka is a unique character with layers and depth hidden beneath a hardened shell, and this special edition steelbook 4K is a perfect way to accent her in this limited series. If there is any complaint at all, it would be that the script is a little weak and stretched thin as if the story could have been told in 6 episodes instead of 8.
As previously mentioned, Disney does a terrific job with these releases, making them a perfect gift this holiday season and a must-purchase for the Star Wars fan in your life. Grab one before they hit hyper speed and fly off retailers' shelves.
Grade: A-
