Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.5

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the second installment in the Doctor Strange film saga. As part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a must-see entry in the franchise. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock), Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness takes viewers in a new direction for the Marvel films: it is the first MCU entry to have some traditional horror elements (alongside the action-adventure quotient).

Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is joined by the young teenage girl America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) on a journey across the multiverse. Doctor Strange and America are in over their heads while traveling across the multiverse battling against one notorious threat after another while encountering villainous versions of characters they already know and love – including an evil Doctor Strange and more heroes turned villains. Giant monsters wreaking havoc in the city also come in their way.

Seeking help on the dangerous multiverse mission, Doctor Strange is also aided by Wanda, The Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). With higher stakes than ever before, it is now up to Doctor Strange, The Scarlet Witch, and America to find the solution. Other allies return to the threshold as well: Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) has returned and the story between Christine and Doctor Strange is far from over. Can the universe be saved? As the tale unfolds, events with The Scarlet Witch build to even more unexpected complications.

Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect as Doctor Strange. Cumberbatch is one of the best casting decisions made to date in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In fact, Doctor Strange seems poised to become an even bigger player in the Marvel universe in future installments. With each appearance in the film series, the character becomes even more essential to the overarching saga storyline. Cumberbatch is a gifted actor and has the perfect skill set and mannerisms to make the character compelling.

A must-see 3D experience.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a beautifully lensed film. The cinematography by John Mathieson (Logan, Mary Queen of Scots) is excellent and there is a lot to appreciate about the vivid cinematographic style. Mathieson provides vibrant imagery with a spectacular eye for the surreal throughout the film. Indeed, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has some of the most creatively stylized visuals in the MCU and the horror element is on clear display with this entry.

The production design by Clint Wallace (Black Widow, Eternals) and Charles Wood (Avengers: Endgame, Guardians of the Galaxy) delivers the goods as well. The filmmaking showcases the epic scope of the Marvel films. This is a great looking production – the sets are ambitious (even for a Marvel production). The use of a multiverse in the story makes the production design tap into a more creative and varied aesthetic.

The score composed by Danny Elfman (Batman, Spider-Man 2) is one of the less impressive elements of the film. Though the score sounds good in its own way, Elfman seems to be phoning it in on this score somewhat – it doesn’t come close to his more iconic superhero scores (for Batman or Spider-Man). Certainly not a top-tier Elfman score. It also doesn’t help matters that the score doesn’t reference the themes created by composer Michael Giacchino for the first Doctor Strange film. Elfman’s score here acts as if the first film’s score doesn’t exist in the Doctor Strange universe. Despite my enthusiasm and love for Elfman’s music, this was not the highlight.

Written by Michael Waldron (Loki, Heels), Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness doesn’t have the best script but it is still entertaining and full of surprises. Waldron doesn’t quite “knock it out of the park” like with Loki but the script is still entertaining and has some good moments throughout. An enjoyable effort but it doesn’t quite match the quality of the first Doctor Strange film.

If there is one element that excels a great deal despite some shortcomings, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is well directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man 2, Army of Darkness). This is a component of the film that becomes even more noticeable on repeat viewings: Raimi doesn’t pull shortcuts and his keen directorial style is on full display. Raimi is a great filmmaker and he has some fun adding some horror elements to the Marvel films. Even if Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is not top-tier Marvel in some respects, the sense of excitement and creativity on display from Sam Raimi makes up for some of the other elements not delivering a total knock-out. Raimi should come back and play in the Marvel sandbox some more.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on 3D Blu-ray from Disney and Marvel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. The presentation is one of the most impressive 3D presentations to date for any of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. This is a wonderful development as the first Doctor Strange also contained excellent 3D. The 3D in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is even better. It is converted by Stereo-D (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker).

Sam Raimi was involved directly in the conversion process and designed Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to be seen in 3D. Raimi wanted the 3D to be seen on as big of a screen as possible in the 3D format. The film was perfectly designed for the presentation format and is beautifully converted. The 3D conversion is so exceptional that one could be forgiven for mistaking it as native 3D (as Raimi had done when filming Oz). The effect is an outstanding one. Watching the 3D Blu-ray, it preserved the same detail and clarity as when I first viewed the film in IMAX 3D opening weekend.

The presentation is crystal clear and the 3D depth is outstanding. The 3D makes the film so much more immersive and enveloping. The action scenes benefit from this especially (with one sequence with Doctor Strange battling a giant monster making a particularly huge impression on the format). The effects are not minimal in any capacity. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness demands to be seen in 3D – and is an essential 3D disc.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround sound. The lossless, high resolution audio sounds clear and dynamic. The sound mixing on the track is phenomenal. The LFE output is even better with the DTS-HD Master Audio than it is on the Dolby Atmos sound mix. This is a high-quality lossless encoding and the surrounds are actively utilized throughout the entire presentation. The score and sound effects are well integrated together.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes the same supplemental package included on the standard Blu-ray release. For more information on the bonus features, please refer to the review of the standard edition by my colleague Martin Liebman here.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is incredible in 3D. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is one of the best 3D Marvel films to date. A special and exciting experience: one that every 3D fan should consider essential. A must-own 3D disc. Director Sam Raimi was directly involved in the 3D process and made this one of the best elements of the film. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness demands to be seen in 3D. Make no mistake: 3D is the best way to experience this film. Highly recommended.