“The Clone Wars” is a fun-filled “Star Wars” animated film.

“The Clone Wars,” which is essentially the first four episodes of the new CGI animated series, finds Anakin and his new apprentice Ahsoka fighting droid armies and embarking on a mission to rescue Jabba The Hutt’s son in order to give the Republic save passage through his territory. The only question is, who has kidnapped Jabba’s son and why?

 

Some fans have had harsh words for “The Clone Wars,” and I honestly can’t understand why. ‘Clone’ has everything you could possibly want as a “Star Wars” fan. There are countless lightsaber duels involving Anakin, Obi-Wan, Count Dooku and Asaji Ventress and thrilling battles between clone troopers and droids on the ground, in space, and even on the side of a mountain!

 

Additionally, not only do we get glimpses of familiar faces (and places) like Admiral Yularen, Jabba (and his palace), Twi’leks, the IG-88 droids, and Jawas, but we are also introduced to new characters such as Ahsoka, Captain Rex, and Zero The Hutt. I will say that Ahsoka can be a bit annoying in spots (especially her whining and nicknames for everyone) but it’s nice to see a character that can relate to Anakin as they are closer in age.

 

Rex is a great character because we finally get to know a clone trooper. One of the many aspects I admire the most about the “Clone Wars” is that the writers get to dig deeper into the “Star Wars” universe and allow us to get to know the characters more, including secondary characters and new ones like Rex.

 

As for Zero The Hutt, he is undoubtedly the most bizarre character in the “Star Wars” universe (in a good way). The best way to describe him is a cross between Truman Capote, Jack Sparrow, Eric Cartman, a cross-dresser, and Droopy. He has to be seen to be believed.

 

The CGI animation is generally quite visually pleasing. Yes, the character models take some getting used to, but the starships and battle sequences look absolutely perfect. I would be lying, however, if I said I didn’t miss Genndy Tartakovsky’s stunning traditional animation from the first “Clone Wars” animated series.

 

The only downside to ‘Clone’ is that the writers (Henry Gilroy, Steve Melching, and Scott Murphy) tend to go overboard with the droid humor. Granted, there are several moments that are funnier than anything in the prequel films, but they really need to tone the silliness down.

 

Summary: "The Clone Wars" is an action packed and satisfying "Star Wars" adventure. Highly recommended.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 EX audio track does not disappoint. The booming score, clear dialogue, roaring action, lightsaber sound f/x, and space battles sounded as clear as can be for a TrueHD track.

* Digital copy.
* 2 trailers and a “Clone Wars” video game trailer.
* 4 deleted scenes titled “Cargo Bay,” “Platform Droid Fight,” “Rancor Pit,” and “Through The Tanks.” The deleted scene involving a fight between Asaji Ventress and Ahsoka/Anakin in a Rancor pit is quite cool and should have been left in the movie.
* A “Hologram Memory Challenge” game which allows you to unlock 3 sneak peeks at the “Clone Wars” TV series.
* Gallery of concept and production art.
* “A New Score” is an 11 minute featurette about the creation of the catchy new score composed by Kevin Kiner.
* “The Voices Of Star Wars- The Clone Wars” (10:00)- A behind-the-scenes look at how Dave Filoni directs the voice actors and actresses of not only the “Clone Wars” film, but the series as well.
* “Star Wars: The Clone Wars- The Untold Stories”- A 25 minute featurette that discusses the series. The highlight here is seeing new clips of upcoming episodes. I am looking forward to seeing what Filoni and company come up with.
* 6 webisodes titled ‘Introducing Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Epic Battles,” “The Clones Are Coming,” “Heroes,” “Villains,” and “Anakin’s Padawan.”
* Video commentary by Dave Filoni, Catherine Winder, Henry Gilroy, and Jason W.A. Tucker. The group chats about creative choices, characters, fun tidbits, etc.