Wednesday, July 30, 2025

4K Digital Review of Thunderbolts*

 


As Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes to an end, Thunderbolts* gets the MCU back on track with a story of misfits who end up working together for a greater cause. These misfits include Yelena (Florence Pugh), her dad the Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell) and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen). They join forces with Bucky Barns (Sebastian Stan) and CIA Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Valentina, who is being investigated for her possible connection to a secret project, sets all of them up to gather them together to be eliminated. Bob (Lewsi Pullman) is the only successful part of this secret project and might be the key to stopping Valentina. 

The movie stands on its own as we make way for Phase 6. We get an impressive band of people who feel alone for different reasons and what they do to get through and not let the darkness win. We don't get the polished fight sequences. We get the fight sequences of those that have no superpowers, just the ability to punch and shoot. And at the end we get a tease of things to come in the future of the MCU. 


Video:

The 4K streaming video is wonderful. Colors are vibrant and details are razor sharp. Black levels are nice and inky. Another fine transfer from Disney and Marvel.



Audio:

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is another solid effort from Disney and Marvel. The dialogue is crystal clear. The action sequences, especially those towards the end of the film, really engage the surround channels. Just another Marvel-ous listening experience. 

Bonus Features:

  • Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut.
    • Door is Unliftable
    • Gary Announcement
  • Assembling a Team to Remember – Spend a bit of quality time with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts* as they divulge how the film’s fictional team of superpowered mavericks, misfits and antiheroes was assembled.
  • Around the World and Back Again – Discover the eclectic locations and astounding production design that helped make Thunderbolts* a rousing reality, including a visit to the sprawling sets in Kuala Lumpur where we join Florence Pugh performing stunts atop one of planet Earth’s tallest buildings and blowing up buildings on the streets.
  • All About Bob, Sentry & The Void – Deep dive into the making of three different characters: Bob, Sentry, and The Void  all performed by Lewis Pullman.
  • Gag Reel – Enjoy fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts*
  • Director’s Audio Commentary – Watch the film with audio commentary by director Jake Schreier.
Conclusion:

The MCU is back on track with Thunderbolts* as Phase 5 comes to a close. A powerful film on what it feels like to be alone and to not let the darkness win. Top tier video and audio along with decent supplements make this a welcome addition to your library.

Thunderbolts* is available on digital, Blu-ray and DVD. 

*The film was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

Sunday, July 27, 2025

4K Digital Review of The Amateur

 

The Amateur has all the tools for a great one-man-army story but sadly fails on the execution. Rami Malek plays Charles, a CIA crytographer, who loses his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) to a terrorist attack. Charles begins to go through the evidence and with a CIA training session with Robert (Laurence Fishburne) is off to track down the terrorists. 

What starts off as a great movie is bogged down in the second act with needless rehashing of what Charles is going through. Strange story choices as well as new characters that have nothing to do, pull you out of the momentum of the film.    


Video:

The 4K UHD streaming video is a great presentation. Everything is sharp and crisp with lots of details. Another fine transfer from Disney. 


Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track here is practically perfect. Wait until you hear the big pool scene. The way that the sound washes (sorry for the pun) over you is phenomenal. The environmental effects are consistent and engaging throughout the movie. The score plays well in the surround channels. Dialogue is crisp and clean.

Bonus Features:

  • The Team – Join the cast and crew as they reflect on what drew them to this bold project. Rami Malek shares his dual experience as both actor and producer. Director James Hawes and others discuss how the script blends emotional depth and high-stakes action.
  • The World – Explore how the film’s production combined real-world locations with intricate set designs to create a visually stunning and immersive world, from the shadowy halls of CIA headquarters to the bustling streets of Europe.
  • The Pool – Go behind the scenes as the talented creative team uncovers how Charlie’s ingenious plan involving the sky pool was conceived, planned and executed, blending practical effects and cutting-edge technology to deliver a show-stopping moment.
  • The Score – Listen in as the composer and director talk about the challenges of creating the score’s various themes — and using unusual instruments and techniques — to bring emotion and drama to this unique thriller.
  • Deleted Scenes:
    • Sarah Wonders How Charlie Can Trust His CIA Bosses 
    • Henderson Blasts Heller for Failing a Training Exercise
    • Heller Tracks Gretchen Through Paris
    • A Third Assassin Chases Heller Through the Hotel Basement
    • Heller Asks Inquiline Some Personal Questions
Conclusion:

The Amateur starts off really strong and then struggles to get to the finish line. The audio and video quality is solid with some enjoyable bonus material. 

The Amateur is available on digital and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is my strictly my own opinion.*