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.*

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, Looper) Doctor 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.

“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.

MARVEL STUDIOS UNVEILS PHASE FOUR PLANS AT SAN DIEGO COMIC CON

Today in Hall H at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige officially announced the lineup of feature films for the next two years and shared exciting new information on the brand-new Marvel Studios’ series created exclusively for Disney+, Disney’s upcoming streaming service launching in the U.S. on November 12.

Following is a recap of Kevin Feige’s presentation, which was moderated by Jessica Chobot, the host of Nerdist News.

THE ETERNALS

Feige kicked off with an overview of the feature film “The Eternals,” an exciting new team of Super Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Feige introduced the director, Chloé Zhao, followed by stars from the film, including, Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo,  Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Don Lee as Gilgamesh and Angelina Jolie as Thena.

“The Eternals” will make their Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in theaters on November 6, 2020.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER 

Feige brought news on the Disney+ original series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” which pairs up two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most popular heroes—Sam Wilson aka The Falcon and Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier—in a series of action-filled adventures as they fight together against evil after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.”

Anthony Mackie (The Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier) came on stage to greet the fans, and it was revealed that Daniel Brühl will return as the villain, Baron Zemo.

“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is set to debut on Disney+ in the fall of 2020.

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS

Feige spoke about the feature film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and detailed how the legend has been hinted at in the MCU films since the first “Iron Man.”

In an unanticipated surprise for all, Kevin Feige then announced the confirmed casting of Simu Liu in the title role of Shang-Chi and both the actor and the director, Destin Daniel Cretton, came on stage to greet the audience. Kevin also shared with the audience the casting of Awkwafina in a yet-to-be-disclosed role. Then, Kevin revealed to the Hall H audience that the real Mandarin will be played by celebrated Chinese actor Tony Leung.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” will be in theaters on February 12, 2021.

BREAKING: MARVEL STUDIOS' AVENGERS: ENDGAME TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!

Tickets are now on sale everywhere tickets are sold!

Also, watch the special, brand-new look at Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: ENDGAME!

Check this out, too!

In 12 North America theaters (11 U.S. and one Canada), fans will have the chance to experience the Marvel Cinematic Universe like never before at the Marvel Studios’ 22-Movie Marathon. Starting Tuesday, April 23rd, fans will be able to see every film in the MCU, culminating with Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame” at 5 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 25th.

For more information about the Marvel Studios’ 22-Movie Marathon visit:

https://www.fandango.com/marvel-studios-22-movie-marathon-218156/movie-times

It’s not about how much we lost, it’s about how much we have left.

Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: ENDGAME opens in U.S. theaters on April 26.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME Character Poster for Dr. Strange

Check out the character poster for Dr. Strange! Avenge the fallen! 

Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: ENDGAME releases in U.S. theaters on April 26.

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR CHARACTER POSTER: DOCTOR STRANGE

Take a look at the character poster for Doctor Strange in Avengers: Infinity War.

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR Character Group: Iron Man

An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. 

Anthony and Joe Russo direct the film, which is produced by Kevin Feige. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Trinh Tran, Jon Favreau, James Gunn and Stan Lee are the executive producers. Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay.

MARVEL STUDIOS' "AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR" OFFICIAL TRAILER & POSTER

An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. 

Anthony and Joe Russo direct the film, which is produced by Kevin Feige. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee are the executive producers. Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay. “Avengers: Infinity War” releases in U.S. theaters on April 27, 2018.

MARVEL STUDIOS’ “AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR” OFFICIAL TRAILER

"There was an idea…" Avengers: Infinity War. In theaters May 4.

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. 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

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!.

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TO HIT INDUSTRY-FIRST $7 BILLION AT GLOBAL BOX OFFICE

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TO HIT INDUSTRY-FIRST $7 BILLION AT GLOBAL BOX OFFICE TODAY

Releases From Disney, Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm Combine for Industry Record Year

BURBANK, Calif. – December 19, 2016 – Today, The Walt Disney Studios will become the first studio ever to reach the $7 billion threshold at the global box office, setting a new industry record. With a powerful $290 million global debut for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Disney’s year-to-date grosses are $6,988.3 million from Jan. 1 through Dec. 18, 2016, including $2,700.4 million domestically, also an industry record, and $4,287.9 million internationally, a Disney record.

These phenomenal box office results are driven by films from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm, representing the first time that all five of these world-class brands have released films in the same calendar year. 

“This historic achievement is possible because all of our film studios are bringing their absolute best to the table, telling great stories of all kinds that resonate with audiences across borders, gender, and generations,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “These films work because each one has not only something for everyone, but everything for someone. It’s our honor to be able to create these experiences for audiences, and we’re thankful to them for continuing to come out to the theater with us.”

Currently, Disney holds five of the top 10 films of the year globally, domestically, and internationally, including the top four global, with three topping $1 billion and a fourth over $960 million, as well as the top three international and the top two domestic. All 12 Disney-produced domestic releases this year earned A-range CinemaScores from audiences, with seven additionally earning critics scores over 90% on RottenTomatoes. Four releases opened above $100 million, more than any other studio in a single calendar year. With Captain America: Civil War’s $179.1 million debut, Disney now holds five of the top six domestic openings in industry history; four are Marvel Cinematic Universe films. With Finding Dory and Zootopia, Disney holds four of the top five animated films of all time. Also this year, both Pixar and Marvel Studios crossed $10 billion in combined lifetime grosses for their films.

Captain America: Civil War (Marvel Studios) is the #1 global and international and #2 domestic film of the year. Released domestically on May 6, its $179.1 million debut is the #5 opening of all time, and it went on to earn $408.1 million domestically and $745.1 million internationally for a global total of $1.15 billion, ranking as the #12 industry release of all time. 

Finding Dory (Pixar Animation Studios) is the #1 domestic and #2 global release of 2016. Released on June 17, it posted the biggest animated debut of all time with $135 million and went on to earn $486.3 million to become the #7 industry release of all time domestically. Internationally, it has taken in $541.3 million for a global total of $1.028 billion. 

Zootopia (Walt Disney Animation Studios) is the #3 global and #2 international release of the year. It opened to $75 million domestically on March 4, ultimately earning $341.3 million for an outstanding 4.5 domestic multiple. It earned $682.5 million internationally, including $235 million in China where it is the #1 animated release of all time (admissions), for a global total of $1.024 billion. Named among American Film Institute’s top 10 movies of the year, it is Disney’s best reviewed film of the year with 98% on RottenTomatoes. 

The Jungle Book (Disney) is the #3 international and #4 global and domestic release of 2016. It debuted in the US/Canada on April 15 with $103 million, going on to earn $364 million domestically, $602.6 million internationally, and $966.6 million globally. It is the biggest Western release of all time in India.

Doctor Strange (Marvel Studios), the second Marvel Cinematic Universe release in 2016, is the #9 film of the year domestically and internationally and the #10 film of the year globally. Still in release and not yet opened in Japan, it debuted domestically on Nov. 4 with $85 million and has earned $226.2 million domestically and $426.6 million internationally for a global total of $652.8 million to date. 

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Lucasfilm) began its global rollout on Dec. 14, opening domestically Dec. 16 with $155.1 million and a global day-and-date debut of $290 million in five days of release. The film is yet to open in South Korea (Dec. 28) and China (Jan. 6).

Additionally, Disney’s 2016 grosses have been bolstered by Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which debuted in December 2015 and earned $736.6 million of its $2 billion global total during the 2016 calendar year, as well as new release Moana, the second Walt Disney Animation Studios’ release of the year, which opened domestically on Nov. 23, becoming the #2 Thanksgiving debut ever with $82 million and earning $162.9 million to date in the US/Canada. Internationally, it has only opened in approximately 53% of territories, with debuts in Germany, Italy, and Australia over the next week and Brazil, South Korea, and Japan still to come in 2017.

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.