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Showing posts with label benedict cumberbatch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label benedict cumberbatch. Show all posts

Sunday, November 23, 2025

4K Digital Review of The Roses

 


The Roses is a modern take on The War of The Roses that came out in 1989. That movie starred Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. This version stars Olivia Colman as Ivy and Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo. We see the two meet in London, where Theo's architectural firm is having a confab at a restaurant, where Ivy is the chef. It's love at first sight and the two move to Southern California, get married and have children. 

Suddenly, Theo's career tanks, while Ivy's skyrockets. As their relationship begins to fall apart, the dream home that Theo designed for Ivy becomes an obsession for both characters. And while there are differences between the source book and the first film, the rough outline of the story is similar. It falls apart with the sidekicks of this version. They actually bring the movie to a screeching halt rather than helping it propel forward. Sadly, this version never captures the magic of the first one. 


Video:

The 4K streaming video is fairly solid. Fabric textures on clothing and skin tones look fantastic. The Roses' home looks amazingly detailed as well. Some of the blue screened backgrounds though do not blend in as seamlessly as they should but this is a minor issue.


Audio:

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is solid. Dialogue is clean and clear. There is a lot of environmental effects which makes good use of the side and rear channels. The soundtrack is lively and immerses you. 

Bonus Materials
  • Bloopers
  • Featurettes:
    • A House To Fight For – A behind-the-front-door look at the epicenter of both beauty and acrimony. See the construction of the Roses’ home, hear from the designer and the filmmakers on their vision, and discover the actors’ wish to take everything from the house home with them.
    • The Roses: An Inside Look – Hear from the cast and filmmakers about making The Roses. Learn about the actors’ connection and chemistry, and join the grounded, satirical, British, wry wit that only Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch can pull off.
    • Comedy Gold – This cast is stacked with comedy talent bringing Tony McNamara’s witty dialogue to life with Jay Roach directing. Even Olivia Colman had to ask about this special cast, “How the F did we get them?”
Conclusion:

This remake of The War of The Roses has great performances from Cumberbatch and Colman. Technical specs are solid and some decent bonus materials make this a good recommendation to add to your library.

The Roses is out on digital now and out on Blu-ray and DVD November 25th. 

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

Sunday, July 17, 2022

4K Digital Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness


Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness takes place a few months after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. It opens with Strange waking from a nightmare, where he is being helped by a young girl as they are being chased by a monster. As he attends the wedding of his ex, Christine Palmer, a monster attacks New York City. As Strange springs into action he realizes the monster is the one from his nightmare. That monster is chasing the young girl Strange also saw in that same nightmare. 

Strange, with the help of Wong, defeats the monster and they save the young girl. This young girl is America Chavez and she is able to travel the multiverse. She tells strange and Wong that someone is after her to use her powers for their own needs. 

Strange realizes that a witch is controlling the monster and seeks out Wanda to help him discover who this witch may be. When it becomes apparent that the Scarlet Witch has taken over Wanda, Strange and America find themselves traveling the multiverse to find a way to stop the Scarlet Witch.

Sam Raimi was the perfect choice to direct the darkest film in the MCU to date. The film is filled with his quick camera moves and dark humor. Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen are both fantastic but Olsen really shines here. Her performance is power, emotional and compelling. 

There are a lot of surprises, some fantastic easter eggs and two post credit scenes so, as always, stay until the very end. 

Video
The streaming 4K video is stunning as to be expected from Disney. The attention is in the details from skin tones, to costume textures and all the details in the multiverse whether it is real or computer generated. The colors are bold and leap off the screen from Strange's cape to America's denim jacket. This is as perfect as you can get.

Audio
Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is pretty solid. Some of the action scenes could use more depth from the sound field but other than that the surround sound is rich and enveloping as to be expected from Marvel and Disney. The dialogue is clear and centered throughout the entire movie.

Check out the trailer for the home video release below:


Bonus Features*
There are some fun bonus features but the real star is the audio commentary that is insightful of the story and film making process and maybe gives some clues into the future of the MCU.

Featurettes

  • Method to the Madness - Join various crew members and Marvel employees in interviews as they discuss their love of Sam Raimi and all the details of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that make it quintessentially Raimi.
  • Introducing America Chavez - In this short and fun profile piece, we’ll learn about America’s humble beginnings in the comics. We’ll meet Xochitl Gomez and discuss the complications her character's unique power presents for the future of the MCU.
  • Constructing the Multiverse - Writing a feature film for Marvel is no easy task. In this playful yet informative featurette, we’ll dive into the challenges that writer Michael Waldron faced in creating the twisting and turning story of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Bloopers

  • Gag Reel - Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Deleted Scenes

  • A Great Team - A journalist questions Doctor Strange's integrity.
  • Pizza Poppa - Bruce is relieved when Doctor Strange's spell ends.
  • It's Not Permanent - Bruce tries to accuse Doctor Strange of being an imposter.

Audio Commentary

  • View the film with audio commentary by Sam Raimi, Richie Palmer, and Michael Waldron.

Conclusion
Another solid entry into the MCU as Phase 4 moves right along. Near perfect video and audio with some fun bonus features and a fantastic audio commentary makes this a must have in your collection. 

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now available for digital download and will be available on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on July 26th.

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

Thursday, June 9, 2022

DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS Arrives on Digital June 22 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD July 26

 


BURBANK,CA (June 9, 2022) – Described as a “psychedelic mind-flip masterpiece” (Larry Carroll, LooperDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has enthralled audiences and critics around the world. Sam Raimi’s exuberant film is a global phenomenon and “undoubtedly mesmerizing” (Jenna Anderson, ComicBook.com).

 

Witness the mind-bending alternate realities of the multiverse when Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness debuts on all major digital platforms June 22 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on July 26. Embrace the madness by adding the latest MCU film to your Marvel movie collection. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will also stream on Disney+.

 

Film Synopsis

Journey into the unknown in Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. When the MCU unlocks the Multiverse, Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) must enlist help from old and new allies as he traverses mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities in order to confront a surprising adversary.


Bonus Features*

Featurettes

  • Method to the Madness - Join various crew members and Marvel employees in interviews as they discuss their love of Sam Raimi and all the details of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that make it quintessentially Raimi.
  • Introducing America Chavez - In this short and fun profile piece, we’ll learn about America’s humble beginnings in the comics. We’ll meet Xochitl Gomez and discuss the complications her character's unique power presents for the future of the MCU.
  • Constructing the Multiverse - Writing a feature film for Marvel is no easy task. In this playful yet informative featurette, we’ll dive into the challenges that writer Michael Waldron faced in creating the twisting and turning story of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Bloopers

  • Gag Reel - Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Deleted Scenes

  • A Great Team - A journalist questions Doctor Strange's integrity.
  • Pizza Poppa - Bruce is relieved when Doctor Strange's spell ends.
  • It's Not Permanent - Bruce tries to accuse Doctor Strange of being an imposter.

Audio Commentary

  • View the film with audio commentary by Sam Raimi, Richie Palmer, and Michael Waldron.


Thursday, June 2, 2022

“DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS” COMING EXCLUSIVELY TO DISNEY+ JUNE 22

 


Disney+ announced today that Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ June 22. Watch the new online spot to see a special “fan thank you” from Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong and Xochitl Gomez.

 

In Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

 

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams. 

 

The film is directed by Sam Raimi, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Scott Derrickson and Jamie Christopher serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Michael Waldron. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” released in U.S. theaters on May 6, 2022.


Wednesday, May 4, 2022

MARVEL STUDIOS’ “DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS” WORLD PREMIERE PHOTOS

 


Monday in Hollywood, stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Rachel McAdams, Jett Klyne, Julian Hilliard, Sheila Atim, Adam Hugill and Charlie Norton joined director Sam Raimi, producer Kevin Feige, executive producers Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Carroll and Scott Derrickson, screenwriter Michael Waldron and composer Danny Elfman for a walk down the red carpet to celebrate the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”

 

Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” opens in theaters this Friday, May 6.














Saturday, April 14, 2018

PHOTOS FROM THE SEOUL “AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR” FAN EVENT


Photos from the Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR fan event held in Seoul, South Korea!

Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR opens in U.S. theaters on April 27.





Monday, April 9, 2018

“AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR” LONDON FAN EVENT PHOTOS


Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Sebastian Stan, Tom Hiddleston, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen and Letitia Wright joined directors Anthony and Joe Russo to greet enthusiastic fans at a special London fan event for the upcoming Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. 





Saturday, January 14, 2017

MARVEL STUDIOS' "DOCTOR STRANGE" on Digital HD Feb. 14 and Blu-ray Feb. 28


MARVEL STUDIOS’ “DOCTOR STRANGE”
on Digital HD Feb. 14 and Blu-ray™ Feb. 28

Own the critically acclaimed blockbuster with 80+ minutes
of extras highlighting the award-winning cast!

BURBANK, Calif., January 6, 2017 — 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.

The film boasts an award-winning cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game,” “Black Mass”) as Dr. Stephen Strange, Chiwetel Ejiofor ("12 Years a Slave," “Triple 9”) as Mordo, Rachel McAdams (“Spotlight,” “Southpaw”) as Dr. Christine Palmer, Benedict Wong (“The Martian,” “Prometheus”) as Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg (“A Serious Man,” “Steve Jobs”) as Dr. Nicodemus West, Benjamin Bratt (“Traffic,” “Piñero”) as Jonathan Pangborn, and Scott Adkins (“El Gringo,” “The Expendables 2”) as Lucian/Strong Zealot, with Mads Mikkelsen (“The Hunt,” “Casino Royale”) as Kaecilius and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (2007 Best Supporting Actress, “Michael Clayton”; “Julia”) as The Ancient One.

Bonus Features (Bonus features may vary by retailer. The DVD does not include any bonus materials.):
DIGITAL HD & BLU-RAY:
  • 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. 2Thor: RagnarokBlack 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

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE:
  • Through the Keyhole: The Science of the MCU – Discover how Marvel grounds all its films in real science, and explore the connection between science, magic and imagination.
From Marvel Studios comes Doctor Strange, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident renders his hands useless. When traditional medicine fails him, he travels to the remote Kamar-Taj in search of a cure, but instead discovers the mystical arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer battling dark forces bent on destroying our reality.

Scott Derrickson (“Deliver Us from Evil,” “Sinister”) is directing with Kevin Feige, p.g.a., producing. Louis D’Esposito, Stephen Broussard, Victoria Alonso, Charles Newirth and Stan Lee serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Jon Spaihts (“The Darkest Hour,” “Prometheus”) and Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill (“Sinister,” “Sinister 2”).

The talented team of filmmakers assembled for “Doctor Strange” includes Ben Davis (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), cinematographer; Charles Wood (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), production designer; Alexandra Byrne (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), costume designer; Wyatt Smith (“Into the Woods,” “Ricki and the Flash”) and Sabrina Plisco (“Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow,” “Charlotte’s Web”), editors; Stephane Ceretti (Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Thor: The Dark World”), visual effects supervisor; and Paul Corbould (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), special effects supervisor.

DISC SPECIFICATIONS (applies to film content only):
PRODUCT SKUs: Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy),
Blu-ray 2D Combo Pack (Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy),
DVD, Digital HD/3D/SD and On-Demand
RUN TIME:  Feature run time is approximately 115 minutes
RATED: PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence
ASPECT RATIO:  Blu-ray 3D = 1080p High Definition Widescreen (2.39:1/1.90:1)
Blu-ray = 1080p High Definition Widescreen (2.39:1)
DVD = 2.39:1
AUDIO: Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio,
Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks
DVD = English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks,
English 2.0 Descriptive Audio
SUBTITLES: English SDH, Spanish and French

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: Facebook.com/MarvelStudios
Website: Marvel.com/DoctorStrange
Twitter: Twitter.com/MarvelStudios
Instagram: Instagram.com/MarvelStudios

ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT: 
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. ©MARVEL

ABOUT DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE (DMA): 
Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) is an engaging and family-friendly cloud-based digital movie service that makes it easy to buy Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars movies once and watch them anywhere. Viewers can enjoy their digital movies from the comfort of their living room and across multiple mobile platforms by simply adding the free DMA app or channel to their devices, such as iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android mobile phones and tablets, Android TV, Amazon’s Fire tablets, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Roku, and Xbox 360, and connecting to their DMA account with participating providers including iTunes, Amazon Video, VUDU, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV and Fios by Verizon. DMA users can explore Disney’s library of over 450 digital movies, discover hours of new and exclusive short-form content, redeem Digital Movie codes found in eligible Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars product, and earn Disney Movie Rewards points with every digital purchase.    

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Doctor Strange - One of The Best Marvel Origin Films to Date!


The 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe takes us into the mystical world. One of the best origin Marvel films and surely the most visually spectacular, Doctor Strange skillfully combines several different film genres including superhero, martial arts, horror and fantasy. I will do my best to provide a spoiler free review.


Doctor Strange is played to perfection by Benedict Cumberbatch in perhaps his best performance to date. Strange is a brilliant surgeon, who is extremely arrogant, falls and struggles to regain his self-worth. The basic formula for every legendary figure.

Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) is another surgeon who was once more than a friend to Strange. After his accident, she tells him that he can be so much more, that he simply needs to open his mind. Strange of course refuses and this speaks to one of the larger themes of the movie.


Strange's accident brings him to Nepal where he meets Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who turns out to be the right hand sorcerer for the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who reluctantly teaches Strange the mystic arts.

The Ancient One serves as a mentor and teacher to Strange. Her role becomes more clear as the movie progresses as well as her story arc. Mordo, on the other hand is a man just as flawed as Strange but has taken to the rules of magic and has no tolerance for those that do not uphold the rules as he does. Together they help Strange understand that he is capable of so much more than just saving lives with his skills as a surgeon.


As Strange travels his path of enlightenment, he learns of Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), a former master who may very well be one of the best villains in the MCU.  Smart, funny and above all, he feels that what he is doing is right. In many ways Kaecilius feels that he is the good guy in this story. Strange even begins to feel that Kaecilius has a point. This leaves Strange conflicted. What will happen? Well find out when Doctor Strange lands in theaters on November 4th!


But before I sign off, I have to discuss the special effects. The visuals in this film are truly stunning. While I am not a fan of 3D, I cannot stress how much IMAX 3D is the only way to go. The 3D here is immersive and well worth the added expense. The image above is from an epic battle in New York with so many twists, turns and drops that the 3D puts you right in the middle of the action. This is a truly one of several moments that will literally leave you breathless!

In the end Doctor Strange is perfectly paced with a stellar cast, unbelievable visuals and a story about overcoming your own fears about yourself. A comic book movie that could never be fully realized until now.

Monday, October 17, 2016

MARVEL'S DOCTOR STRANGE - Shanghai Fan Event Photos


Yesterday in Shanghai, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton, the stars of Marvel Studios’ DOCTOR STRANGE joined director Scott Derrickson and China's biggest fans to celebrate the film.

Marvel Studios’ DOCTOR STRANGE is in U.S. theaters November 4th in 3D, RealD 3d and IMAX 3D!  



Thursday, October 13, 2016

Marvel's Doctor Strange - Hong Kong Fan Event Photos


Today in Hong Kong, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton, the stars of Marvel Studios’ DOCTOR STRANGE joined director Scott Derrickson and producer Kevin Feige along with hundreds of fans to celebrate the film.



Monday, October 10, 2016

Universes Within - Marvel's Doctor Strange Featurette


In celebration of today’s (October 10th, 2016) global IMAX 3D Sneak Peek of Marvel Studio’s "Doctor Strange," we’d like to share this special look at the “Universes Within.”

Tickets to tonight's Marvel Studios Expand Your Mind: An IMAX® 3D Exclusive First Look are free and are distributed for U.S. and Canadian screenings on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information and to download tickets, go to: http://www.seeitfirst.net/pin/13138

Tickets for “Doctor Strange” are now available at Fandango.com. “Doctor Strange” is in theaters November 4 in 3D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D!