7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 3.8 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 3.8 |
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 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
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
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Digital copy
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
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.
Disney has released Doctor Strange to Blu-ray (and Blu-ray 3D) with a typically high-end 1080p transfer. The film was digitally photographed and presents with a slightly flat texturing that, coupled with the film's somewhat darker contrast, doesn't give it all that much room to sparkle. It's more or less technically sound, though, its only real issues being errant noise and slightly uneven blacks that tend to fluctuate between excess paleness and mild crush. Otherwise, the transfer appears good-to-go. The image is nicely detailed, though, again, with every passing UHD review it's becoming easier and easier to notice the unavoidable textural deficiencies of a common Blu-ray release, even one near the top-end of the what the format can offer, such as this one. That holds true here. Facial complexities are fine if not a touch smooth, with only intimate close-ups revealing very fine pores, hairs, and other attributes. Environments are nicely defined, particularly some of the old woods and bricks at Kamar-Taj. Clothing and fine object detailing is good-to-striking, with fabrics and props showing effortless complexity. As noted, the film is fairly dark, certainly not at all devoid of color but never showing a seriously bright, eye-catching palette, either. Even some of the inter-dimensional areas made up of various shades of purple and red are a little reserved but well saturated under the movie's parameters. Flesh tones hold accurate to the picture's intended appearance. When it's all said and done, Doctor Strange ranks rather high as a Blu-ray release; fans should be happy with Disney's efforts.
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. 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 is excellent, featuring high-end video, top-tier audio, and a nice assortment of extra content. Very highly recommended.
Cinematic Universe Edition
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Mondo X Series #41
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