Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Shazam! 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

A modest 3D presentation for an entertaining comic book film gem

There's something magical about Shazam. It's almost like a modern day family classic which injects a breathe of fresh air into the comic book universe. While most of the other DC (and even, to an extent, Marvel) comic book adaptations might be taking things a little “too seriously” at times, Shazam is its own thing and in its reality it just wants to have fun. Zachary Levi (Chuck) is a total blast in the lead role and his manic energy makes the film massively entertaining and comedic. The supporting cast is equally great with Jack Dylan Grazer (It) being the film's MVP as Shazam's sidekick buddy Freddy Freeman. With great energy and a sense of originality, Shazam is one of the best comic-book films produced in the last few years.

"ka-me-ha-me-ha!"

For more information on the feature and a full film review please review to my colleague Randy Miller III's review here.

Shazam! 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Shazam arrives on 3D Blu-ray with a MPEG-4 MVC encode. The feature is presented in the original 2.40:1 widescreen theatrical aspect ratio. There is no alternating aspect ratio (and for a good reason: theatrical presentations of Shazam did not have an expanded aspect ratio in theaters for its IMAX release). The presentation on this release is true to the theatrical 3D roll-out. The quality of the 3D certainly is worth evaluating in comparison to other big comic-book features: Wonder Woman and Aquaman, for instance, both had incredible 3D presentations which were capable of utilized the 3D effect enormously well and with terrific results. For some reason this DC effort did not fare quite as well.

Shazam doesn't live up to the same level of quality 3D these other DC features had in spades. That's not to say the 3D presentation is without merit: I certainly had a lot of fun watching the film with an extra dimension. However, the 3D itself is not as creative and the depth isn't as invigorating. There's never a moment in the feature where the 3D dips down to truly obtrusive or distracting levels (like some poor conversions have had in the past) but there's also never a moment where it feels like an "A" grade 3D presentation. It essentially remains consistently "good" and is never "great" at any point during the presentation.

The image is also a bit dimmer in comparison to the standard 2D/4K presentations. For viewers with adjustable 3D glasses I'd recommend tweaking the brightness levels somewhat, simply due to the level of darkness found during some sequences (particularly the conclusion). A decent if unspectacular 3D presentation, Shazam is nonetheless fun to experience this way and I modestly recommend this release to 3D enthusiasts.

For a complete evaluation of the video quality on the standard Blu-ray release please click here to view the published review on the standard edition.

Shazam! 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Unlike the 4K or 2D editions of the film presentation (which received Dolby Atmos audio), Shazam 3D is presented with a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio presentation. While some viewers might hear that information and be disappointed to hear it, don't be: though the track lacks the additional atmospheric information found within the Atmos track the DTS HD MA is certainly no slouch either. This is a rambunctious and exciting sound mix which has plenty of surround sound activity and immersion. While it might not be as immersive as the Atmos track is (and it's a shame one can't simply alternate tracks between the two audio encode formats) there's still plenty to enjoy here. From the sounds of the adrenaline-infused action scenes (especially during the intense climax of the film) to quieter character moments, Shazam 3D sounds lively and invigorating.

For a complete evaluation of the audio for the standard edition please click here to view the published review.

Shazam! 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

For a complete break-down of the on-disc supplements please click here to view the published review on the standard edition. The special features included on the 3D edition remain the same as the main Blu-ray release and no supplements are included on the 3D disc itself.

Shazam! 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Shazam is a total blast of energy which was well needed within the DC comic book feature-film universe. Zachary Levi is a superb lead and fans of the vastly underrated television series Chuck (starring Levi) will delight in seeing him play a superhero. The film is action packed, family friendly, and massively entertaining. The 3D release is an entertaining way to experience the film. While never a total knockout presentation for the 3D, there's still something remarkable about experiencing the film with a added dimension. I highly recommend the fun ride and the 3D release is worth adding to the collection. Now can we get a sequel, please?