7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 4.3 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.3 |
A subtly maimed surgeon finds a new life when a wizard trains him to become the new Sorcerer Supreme of Earth.
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads MikkelsenAdventure | 100% |
Action | 95% |
Comic book | 84% |
Fantasy | 76% |
Surreal | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 MVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, 1.90:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
English SDH, French, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (2 BDs, 1 DVD)
Digital copy
DVD copy
Blu-ray 3D
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Doctor Strange may dazzle with all sorts of world-bending, time-questioning, supernatural power-wielding mayhem, but at its core are several simple questions to ask but several difficult questions to answer: what makes a man, what defines a man's place in the world, and what are the true limitations -- better said possibilities -- of his existence? Is there something beyond the mind-body-soul trifecta, or at least a new way of knowing and understanding them and how they work individually and in a higher-plane collaboration? Can man reach beyond the known textbook and mathematical formulation limits and even the theoretical boundaries to harness a power greater than most any man has ever known and even impossible to imagine? And if so, how are these powers discovered and harnessed, and most importantly, how can they be used? Man is so set in the established routine, understanding and experiencing the linear, here-and-now life through physical qualities -- taste, sight, sound, touch -- but has only a crude understanding of what might lie beyond. Doctor Strange tells the story of a gifted surgeon stripped of his gifts and set on a path of destruction but who finds purpose, redemption, and a power far greater than his healing hands could ever offer. But with that power, as these films are so fond of saying, comes not just responsibility but a necessary use of it to defend what he already does, and will come to, hold dear.
A new beginning.
Doctor Strange's Blu-ray 3D release is quite good, taking serious advantage of what the format has to offer. The movie shifts aspect ratios,
rather frequently, between 2.39:1 and ~1.78:1, opening up for some of the bigger scenes and moments that are more advantageously presented in a
larger vertical presentation. 3D depth is often amazing, particularly in the larger shots but more generally, too. Overhead cityscapes are breathtakingly
open and push far back into the screen. The windy road around which Strange drives before his accident snakes about with fantastic spacing. The car
interior looks like virtual reality. Even rather static character shots and dialogue are impressive; environments open up as well as they can and even
characters and clothes are appropriately shapely. But it's during action that Disney's 3D presentation shines. The format takes seriously interesting
advantage of the shifting landscapes. Depth and dimensionality are ever-evolving. Characters move around on walls or within some skewered
perspective that, with the increased depth and sense of space (and often larger format), offer a brand new appreciation for the movie's scale, effects,
and drama.
Detailing remains fine, mimicking the standalone 2D Blu-ray in terms of delivering tangible texturing on bricks,
concrete, odds and ends around various locations, faces, and clothes. The only real drawback is that colors are a little less punchy and nuanced. An
already dark film is a bit more dim in 3D; even brighter locations, like the hospital when a bloodied Strange is rolled in after his accident, doesn't enjoy
the same intensity as the standard Blu-ray has to offer. Still, color holds solid enough; oranges still dazzle and the abundantly colorful dimensions are
still nicely saturated; they're all just a step or two down from the general release and represent the only real drawback on offer. Black levels are
appropriately deep and detailed and skin tones appear neutral, if not, again, a hair less full. Overall, however, this is a tremendous 3D presentation;
few movies take advantage of the 3D format as well as this in terms of complimenting the movie's visuals and structure.
Doctor Strange features a reference-quality DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack. The presentation is first-rate, never wanting for any more power or depth. The low end is prodigious, deep and boomy and balanced to the action on the screen. It can get intense, but it can also be nuanced, pushing both extremes to compliment many of the movie's largest-scale, bending, and off-kilter action sequences. Surround engagement is regular in action, music, and atmospherics alike. Clarity is always fantastic, wether aggressive musical numbers, score, crashes, or big waves of energy. The track enjoys effortless, large-area width and depth as the entire stage is saturated with nary an audible gap to be found. Supported by well prioritized, lifelike, and center-positioned dialogue, this is everything one could want in a Superhero movie soundtrack.
Doctor Strange contains featurettes, deleted scenes, and a commentary track on the included 2D Blu-ray. No unique 3D content is included.
A DVD copy of the film and a
Disney digital copy are included
with purchase.
Doctor Strange is certainly the most fundamentally thought-provoking film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the character is an excellent example of why the Marvel films tend to click with audiences. It's more than just action-filler and special effects, offering an interesting journey through the human condition, a sensational one to be sure and one far detached from the reality that man understands, but it leaves the audience with something more than just another round of good versus evil, environmental mayhem, and special effects, even if all of those are integral to the story and one's overall enjoyment of the movie. It's a film that might require multiple viewings to truly appreciate, but it is, perhaps in its own way, the most fundamentally fascinating film of the bunch. Not the most entertaining or well put-together, but the one that just might resonate the longest. It'll be interesting to see how the character is utilized in future films and if his films can stick to the greater themes and not simply turn into a sight-and-sound extravaganza. Disney's Blu-ray 3D compliments the movie. The film is a natural fit for the 3D format, and there are plenty of great moments on offer that push the 3D effect in new and interesting ways. This package is otherwise identical to the standard 2D release. Very highly recommended.
Mondo X Series #41
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