7.6 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
In Marvel Studios' 'Loki,' the mercurial villain Loki resumes his role as the God of Mischief in a new series that takes place after the events of Avengers: Endgame.
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wunmi MosakuComic book | 100% |
Fantasy | 89% |
Sci-Fi | 83% |
Thriller | 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 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Some might jokingly argue that the so-called expanding (real) universe may still eventually not have enough room for the expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it looks like things are only going to get more "crowded" in that regard. If Loki is commonly thought of as being something of a trickster, the ultimate trick with regard to this latest MCU series may be trying to keep track of where and how both the title character and the, well, galaxy if not universe of other characters in this "little" corner fit together and as part of the greater whole. That niggling qualm aside, Loki in its first season tended to remind me (however odd it may sound) as its own kind of alternate universe version of a combo platter of elements from Doctor Who and Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. For those who have seen both of those properties, that comparison may be intrinsically intriguing, but my hunch is more people are probably familiar with the good (?) Doctor than with the addlepated Dirk, so let me just clarify by saying in this particular setup, Loki is what might be whimsically described as a Time Lord, though in this case, a la Dirk Gently, he's caught in a loop of sorts where he seems to be chasing a version of himself. Trivia fans may already be aware of a connection between Doctor Who and Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, namely the involvement of the inimitable Douglas Adams as either a contributing writer or the actual source writer, and with that connection in mind I'd also argue that Loki is often rather brilliantly Adams-esque, which is frankly one of the highest compliments I personally can pay any effort which attempts to combine a whirlwind of often incredibly labyrinthine activity within what might be termed a rather bracingly metaphysical context.
Loki: The Complete First Season is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Disney / Buena Vista and Marvel Studios with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. While I'd certainly recommend that those with the suitable equipment opt for the 4K release of this series, this 1080 presentation benefits from what were evidently source capture resolutions of up to 6K and a 4K DI. The show's riotous production design and especially lush uses of both lighting and grading choices give every episode a really amazing look that offers secure fine detail and really nice tonal values for an amazingly diverse palette. Detail levels are beautifully consistent throughout the first season, and that extends to both practical items like props and costumes, but also commendably to virtually all of the CGI, which has an unusual crispness and overall detail level. The variety of colors in the palette is almost phantasmagorical at times, and while again I'd certainly argue that the 4K UHD's release with its HDR offers more nuance, this 1080 presentation is really an eyeful.
Somewhat interestingly, this 1080 version offers "only" a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, while Disney's 4K UHD release sports Dolby Atmos (I'd also note in passing that despite this, at least according to my experience, the 1080 release is selling for a higher price than the 4K UHD release). The DTS- HD Master Audio 5.1 track is perfectly excellent on all counts, lest anyone be overly concerned, but this is another place where I'd recommend those with the proper equipment opt for the 4K release. This track provides near constant immersion, though, and even without some of the fun "multidimensional" effects that are heard in the Atmos version, offers really intelligent use of directionality and discrete placement of individual ambient effects. There's some fun LFE that will give your subwoofer a workout as well. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English, French and Spanish subtitles are available.
Disc One
Hiddleston is on hand in the main making of supplement at the end of the first day of shooting expressing his amazement that he's still wearing the Loki costume ten years later. The energy and excitement of this first season of Loki may suggest he has another ten to go. While I personally recommend those with the right setups to opt for the 4K UHD release, technical merits are first rate and the supplements very enjoyable. Highly recommended.
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