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.*

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.*

4K Digital Review of Snow White (live-action)

 

This live-action Snow White was called by many as a disaster. Most of the internet buzz was highly negative and definitely from more people that clearly did not see the movie than by those that actually watched it. There are some story changes that might be deemed as "Disneyfied" modern approaches here. There is a large multi-ethnic cast. There are also several new songs that have more of a contemporary feel. Rachel Zegler as Snow White was delightful and her songs were perfect for her. 

I guess it could be argued that the story changed made this more of a Cinderella story than a Snow White story but for me they fit the modern approach to telling this tale. All in all, a good effort that sadly got more slack than it deserved. 

Video:

The 4K streaming video is stunningly gorgeous. Here the CG elements almost flawlessly combine with the practical elements. The colors literally explode off the screen. Take time to enjoy the highlights of Snow White's color palette or the darker tones of the Evil Queen's palette of teal and jade. This is a masterclass in digital transfers.

Audio:

The Atmos audio track matches the video quality note for note. Dialogue is crisp and clear. The score feels like it is floating around you through the surround channels. The environmental sounds, especially those of the forest, are noticeable throughout the movie. Scenes with the Magic Mirror and the wild mine car sequence make the most of creating an immersive audio experience. 

Bonus Features:

·       Sing Along with the Movie: Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with onscreen lyrics.

 

·       Deleted Scenes:

o   Anguish and Opportunity

o   Danger in the Woods

o   Hunt for Snow White

 

·       Fearless, Fair, Brave, and True: Making Snow White – Take a look behind the scenes with director Marc Webb, cast and crew as they share their vision for this live-action reimagining of Snow White, highlighting how they honor the legacy of the original story, including the characters, set design and more.

 

·       Merry Tunes – Go behind the songs with filmmakers and songwriting duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Hear about their new songs and how they beautifully intertwine with the classics.

 

·       Fairy Tale Fashion – Get an in-depth look at the fashion and costuming for the film, featuring legendary costume designer Sandy Powell. Along with filmmakers and cast, Sandy provides insight into how she brought iconic looks to life for Snow White, the Evil Queen and more.

 

·       Bloopers – Discover all the fun and laugh along with the cast as they have the time of their lives making Snow White.

Conclusion:

This version of Snow White has very impressive visuals and fun, new songs. Zegler is great as Snow White. The technical aspects of the film are stellar. The bonus materials are few but enjoyable. A welcomed addition to your library.

Snow White is available on digital now. 

*This film was given to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment solely for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

Trailer Now Available for Marvel Television’s “Ironheart”

 

Check out an exciting new trailer and image for Marvel Television’s “Ironheart,” launching exclusively on Disney+ on June 24. Says Dominique Thorne, who stars as young, genius inventor Riri Williams, “What was interesting for me was how different Riri’s story and entrance into the MCU was in comparison to other characters. After bringing Riri to life in the world of Wakanda, we had an amazing opportunity to follow that up with a deep dive into the character that allows for the exploration of her origin story. We’re not necessarily going back in time; it’s more of catching up and seeing the effects of how those first pivotal moments of her life have shaped her, and seeing the person that she’s trying to become.”

 

Set after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Marvel Television’s “Ironheart” pits technology against magic when Riri Williams (Thorne), determined to make her mark on the world, returns to her hometown of Chicago. Her unique take on building iron suits is brilliant, but in pursuit of her ambitions, she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins aka “The Hood” (Anthony Ramos).The series also stars Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam and Anji White. Chinaka Hodge is head writer; episodes are directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes. Executive producers include Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Zoie Nagelhout, Chinaka Hodge, Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler. Produced in association with Proximity Media.

“Elio” – New Trailer and Advance Tickets Now Available

 

Tickets are now on sale wherever tickets are sold for Disney and Pixar’s “Elio,” the cosmic misadventure that introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. Opening exclusively in theaters on June 20, “Elio” features a fun and funny array of aliens with whom Elio aligns himself in hopes he can relocate to outer space permanently. Moviegoers who can’t wait till the release date can check out early-access screenings on June 18—check local theaters for more information. Plus, showcasing fun alien characters like liquid supercomputer Ooooo, friendly ambassador Helix, Elio’s new alien friend, Glordon, and space warlord Grigon.

 

For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film “Elio,” the universe calls back! When Elio is beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio’s all in for the epic undertaking. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be. Directed by Madeline Sharafian (“Burrow” Sparkshort), Domee Shi (“Bao” short, “Turning Red”) and Adrian Molina (co-screenwriter/co-director of “Coco”), and produced by Mary Alice Drumm (associate producer of “Coco”), the film features the voices of Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Zoe Saldaña as Aunt Olga, Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa and Shirley Henderson as Ooooo. 

4K Digital Review of Tombstone

 

In the year 1878, Tombstone in the Arizona territory is a boomtown. Ex-lawmen Wyatt (Kurt Russell) and Virgil Earp (Sam Elliot), and their younger brother Morgan (Bill Paxton) have moved here along with their wives. Wyatt's friend "Doc" Holiday (Val Kilmer), who is suffering from tuberculosis, has also come to town in hopes the dry weather will help him get better. 

A gang known as the Cowboys have also settled down in Tombstone. Their illustrious leader is "Curly" Bill (Powers Boothe). They have a skilled gunman in Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn). They want the freedom to do what they want and the innocent people of Tombstone stand in the way. The Earps feel that they need to protect the town's people. This all leads towards a fateful and historic showdown at the O.K. Corral.

Video:

This 4K transfer is a brand new scan of the original negatives and is absolutely spectacular. Every detail is vastly superior to the Blu-ray release back in 2010. The textures of materials, to the clouds in the sky are all sharp and crisp. Dimly-lit scenes are as detailed and focused as daytime scenes. One of the finest transfers from Disney.

Audio:

The audio track is essentially the same from the Blu-ray. Dialogue is rich and clear, the surrounds are enveloping and there is a lot of atmospheric ambiance. An excellent audio track then and an excellent audio track now.

Bonus Materials:

• The Making of Tombstone 
• An Ensemble Cast
• Making An Authentic Western
• The Gunfight At The O.K. Corral

• Director's Original Storyboards: O.K. Corral Sequence
• Trailers & TV Spots

Conclusion:

A solid film with an amazing cast surrounding a legendary story of the Wild West. The video and audio are some of the best ever. A highly recommended addition to your library.

*The movie was given to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment solely for the purpose of this review and the review is strictly my opinion*

4K Digital Review of Captain America: Brave New World

 

Captain America: Brave New World, picks up where we left off on the Falcon and the Winter Soldier Disney+ series. Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is still trying to take on the mantle of being Captain America from Steve Rodgers. General Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) has just become President of The United States and wants Sam to work with him. Sam is hesitant after the Sokovia Accords but agrees to work with the reformed Ross. 

While at the White House, Sam's friend, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), attempts to assassinate the President. Sam and Joaquin (Danny Ramirez), the new Falcon, try to find out what really happened. Every lead goes to Professor Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson). Sterns has been alive all of these years and has been working with Ross to create super weapons for the United States. Ross changed his mind about letting Sterns free and now Sterns is out for revenge. Now Captain America must summon all of his strength to take down Sterns and save the world from the brink of disaster.

Video:

The 4K stream is beautiful here and is a visual treat for the eyes. All of the details are marvelous here from cloth, to skin tones, to the energy coming from Cap's new wings. The colors are bright and vivid here. Another stellar transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio completely compliments the video transfer. Audio levels are perfect and the audio mix is fantastic. The surround and main channels are all working overtime with the sheer amount of action that takes places throughout the entire movie. One of the better streaming audio tracks from Disney.

Bonus Features:

●      Deleted Scenes:

○      A Heartfelt Thanks

○      The Mission

○      Stick Around

●      Assuming the Mantle

●      Old Scores, New Scars

●      Gag Reel

●      Audio Commentary

Conclusion:

Captain America: Brave New World does a great job of bringing Sam Wilson's Captain America to the forefront. Sam is making Cap his own and shows his heart and his intelligence are his greatest strengths. A solid audio and video presentation along with some fun bonus features, including audio commentary, make this a welcome addition to you library.

Captain America: Brave New World is out on digital platforms, DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD.

* This movie was sent to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment strictly for the purpose of review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

4K Digital Review of A Complete Unknown

 

Robert Zimmerman (Timothee Chalamet), a complete unknown 19 year old, hitchhikes his way to New York. He is trying to meet his idol Woodiy Gurthie (Scoot McNairy). Zimmerman finds him in a hospital in New Jersey where Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) is keeping Woody company. Woody is near death and Zimmerman, soon to change his name to Bob Dylan, plays a song of his. Seeger becomes Dylan's mentor and introduces his to other stars such as Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). 

Here we enter the evolution of popular music. The radical changes from the music after the World War 2 era. We see the rise of Rock and Roll and the growth of "folk music". The popularity of "folk music" in the 1960s with its powerful messages and how Dylan helped shaped and influence that music for years to come.  

Video:

The 4K streaming video is beautiful. The movie was shot using Sony's CineAlta cameras that gives the movie more of an actual shot on film look. There is a graininess that gives the movie the look and feel of a documentary from the time period rather than being a modern digital movie. The level of detail is still phenomenal from close-ups to wide shots taking in all the scenery. Another solid transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The streaming Dolby Atmos audio mix is impressive. The music is such a huge part of this story and the audio mix takes full advantage of the speakers in front of you and behind you. The live performances immerse you into the movie. The surround channels are very activate for not only the music but the environmental sounds. The dialogue is rich and clear from the front channels. Just an elevated audio experience from Disney. 

Bonus Feature:

• The Making of A Complete Unknown
• The Story
• Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan
• The Supporting Cast
• The Design
• Audio Commentary by James Mangold

Conclusion:

A solid movie with powerful performances that not looks at the music and the early days of Dylan, but the incredible world of changes happening around these events. A solid video and audio package with two wonderful bonus features makes this a highly recommended addition to your library. A Complete Unknown is currently available on digital.

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

4K Digital Review of Mufasa: The Lion King

 

After the success of the live-action The Lion King in 2019, another movie was more than likely. Who knew that it would be a prequel of how Mufasa became king. 

The film opens where The Lion King ended, with Simba as King. As he and Nala expect a new cub, they leave their first-born Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) with Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogan). When a huge storm hits, Rafiki (John Kani) comes to help calm Kiara. Then Rafiki begins to tell the story of how Mufasa and his adoptive brother Take (Kevin Harrison Jr.) leave their homeland when the evil Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen) arrives. Heading towards the land of mythical land of Milele, they meet new friends Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), Zazu (Preston Nyman) and a young, wise baboon. 

The story and the characters grow and develop as they discover what it means to be family. The animation has greatly improved from the 2019 The Lion King. Everything from the foliage, the fur, the scenery all look incredibly photorealistic. All help to tell the story and make you a part of this world. A fine prequel to the legacy of The Lion King.

Video:

The streaming 4K video is stunning. The level of detail has vastly improved since the live-action versions of The Jungle Book and The Lion King. The fine details of the fur, the feathers, the plants and the scenery are breathtaking. The visuals are borderline true to life. There is a depth and a weight to the characters that wasn't felt in the 2019 movie. The colors are gorgeous and the blacks and shadows bring that weight and depth alive. Another fantastic video transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos mix here is solid. The dialogue is crisp and clear. The Lin-Manuel songs are catchy and fun and really fill the surround channels. The mix really shines in the various environments. The grasslands feel vast, the snowy mountains feel cold and windy, and you can feel the rumble of the loud crashes of falling rocks and the elephant stampede. Another fine audio mix from Disney. 

Bonus Features:

Full Length Sing-Along – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.

 

Finding Milele: The Making of Mufasa: The Lion King – Join visionary director Barry Jenkins and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King on an epic journey to create a brand-new chapter in the story of The Lion King. Explore how the story was developed and the technology used to make Mufasa's world come to life.

 

Songs of the Savanna – Director Barry Jenkins and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda sit down to discuss the excitement and challenges of creating the music for Mufasa: The Lion King.

 

Ostrich Eggs with Timon & Pumbaa – Timon and Pumbaa reveal fun facts and some of the hidden references in the movie.

 

Outtakes – Watch the cast having fun in the recording booth.

Deleted Scenes:

• Who's the Mole Rat?
• What Do You Feel in There?
• Have Faith in Her
• Taka's Dream

 

Music Video: "I Always Wanted a Brother" – Join Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King as they perform "I Always Wanted A Brother" backstage at a film shoot.

 

Song Selections:

• Milele (First Rain)
• I Always Wanted a Brother
• Bye Bye
• We Go Together
• Tell Me It’s You
• Brother Betrayed

 

Protect the Pride – Learn how Disney and The Lion Recovery Fund are working to protect the pride and conserve lions in the wild.

Conclusion:

I wasn't sure that this was a film that we needed, but I was wrong and Mufasa: The Lion King ended being a great movie. The story was engaging and the more emotive characters looked photo-real. The 4K transfer along with the Dolby Atmos audio mix are stunning. As always, I wish there were more substantial bonus features like an audio commentary. Mufasa: The Lion King deserves a place in your library. The movie is available on digital now.  

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