BLU-RAY
REVIEW: DOCTOR STRANGE
02/26/2017
OVERVIEW: Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange,” the story of Dr. Stephen Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, has mesmerized both audiences and critics, pulling in more than $658.3 million at the worldwide box office to date and earning a 90% critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. The biggest single-character introduction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it also carries on Marvel Studios’ winning streak as the 14th consecutive MCU film to debut at #1 at the domestic box office.
On Feb. 14, “Doctor Strange” fans can bring home the critically acclaimed blockbuster early on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere, or on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, Digital SD, DVD and On-Demand on Feb. 28. The Blu-ray and Digital releases come packaged with over 80 minutes of fascinating, never-before-seen bonus materials, including five behind-the-scenes featurettes, five deleted scenes, hilarious outtakes, part two of the comical mockumentary “Team Thor,” audio commentary, and an exclusive look at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
SYNOPSIS: From Marvel Studios comes “Doctor Strange,” the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.
FILM REVIEW:
Kaecilius: You'll die defending this world, Mister...
Dr. Stephen Strange: Doctor!
Kaecilius: Mister Doctor?
Dr. Stephen Strange: It's Strange!
Kaecilius: Maybe, who am I to judge?
It IS very strange, very mystical, very confusing, very bizarre, but it is also very stunning and very entertaining. One question is, is it live or is it Memorex? (I probably just dated myself). I mean is this a dream or is it real? Is this like Inception? I would say this is Marvel's version of Inception because it will remind you a lot of that particular movie which is not a bad thing. The only difference is, this isn't a dream. On that note, it is needless to say that the visual effects of this film are mindblowing. It is right up there with films like Inception and Avatar. This brings me to my next point which is that this is definitely worth considering seeing it in 3D. In other words, it is 3D worthy. Disclaimer: I am not a big spender type of guy so most of the time I would rather just pay to see the 2D version of a film because not much is gained by paying the extra amount just to see it in 3D. I find this to be true of many of the 3D movies of recent past. However, in this case, as it is for a movie like Avatar, you almost gotta see it in 3D to really appreciate and get the full effect of the amazing special effects.
Wong: Heroes like the Avengers protect the world from physical dangers. We safeguard it against more mystical threats.
Marvel, it seems, can do no wrong at this point in the game cinematically speaking. Now they're expanding the realm from just physical to include the mystical and spiritual and doing it in a fascinating way. As each episode of the Marvel Universe unfolds, I don't know about you but it just makes me want more and more. Now with the addition of the Doctor, I can hardly wait to see what is yet to come. By adding this dimension to the Avengers team, it is just going to be too cool. It is just really exciting and I shed a brief tear for DC . . . cinematically speaking. I am rooting for them, but they are so far behind to what Marvel has accomplished thus far.
The Ancient One: Arrogance and fear still keep you from learning the simplest and most significant lesson of all.
Dr. Stephen Strange:
Which is?
The Ancient One:
It's not about you.
This film presents us with the mere beginnings of the Doctor Strange character and from what I've heard, it is only scratching the surface as what he will be capable of doing. It is extremely satisfying to see Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role. I don't think anyone else could have done better. Talk about perfect casting, and not only him, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Tilda Swinton were also perfectly cast for their roles. I've always been a huge fan of Chiwetel. I believe him to be one of the better actors of our time. Same goes for Tilda. Ever since I saw her for the first time in Constantine, no matter what she does, she shines. She never fails to impress me and her role in this movie is right up her alley. And there is Rachel McAdams who plays a small but meaningful role as the "love interest". Priscilla might get mad at me, but I've got to admit that Rachel looks to be that kind of woman that you could just melt in her presence and could just easily fall in love with her, probably at first sight. As you can tell, the cast did a great job with this film, and the casting crew did a great job getting this cast. And of course, be on the lookout for the ever fun Stan Lee cameo. Also be on the lookout for 2 end credit scenes.
This is probably Director Scott Derrickson's most light hearted film, not that this film is light hearted but if you look at his directing filmography you will see what I mean. He is exactly what a film of this nature calls for and did it right. If you are a Marvel fan, this is a must see.
Review
By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
BLU-RAY:
The film is
presented in widescreen in a 2.39:1 aspect ration preserving its
theatrical format. The picture is just flawless. Not only the
picture looks great in this release, also the sound it is good,
a 5.1 Dolby Digital in English that provides a good complement
to the picture. It also includes English subtitles.
VIDEO:
Widescreen (2.39:1) 16x9
AUDIO:
English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio,
Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks
Subtitles -
English SDH, Spanish and French
SPECIAL
FEATURES:
Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.
DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet™ lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
Featurettes
A Strange Transformation
– Open your eye to a new dimension of the Marvel Cinematic
Universe, and see how the filmmakers brought one of comic
books’ greatest characters to life.
Strange Company
– Find out what it’s like for the cast to work on a Marvel
film, and how Director Scott Derrickson engineered one of
the most ambitious, imaginative films ever.
The Fabric of Reality
– Take a closer look at the movie’s extraordinary sets,
meticulously crafted costumes and amazingly detailed
production elements.
Across Time and Space
– Explore the countless hours of dance and fight
choreography the actors endured in preparation for their
physically demanding roles.
The Score-cerer Supreme
– Join Composer Michael Giacchino and a full orchestra
during live recording sessions, and experience the movie’s
mind-bending music.
Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look
– Get an early peek at Marvel’s spectacular upcoming
films, including Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy
Vol. 2, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther and Avengers:
Infinity War.
Team Thor: Part 2
– See more of the hilarious partnership between Thor and
his roommate Darryl in this satirical short.
Deleted Scenes
Strange Meets Daniel Drumm
Kaecilius Searches for Answers
The Kamar-Taj Courtyard
Making Contact
Lost in Kathmandu
Gag Reel
Audio
Commentary by Director Scott Derrickson
