Ralph Potts reviews the latest big screen entry from Marvel Studios that tells the story of a former neurosurgeon that embarks on a journey of healing only to be drawn into the world of the mystic arts.
The Review at a Glance:
(max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/3D Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
93
Details:
Studio and Year: Disney – 2016
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 115 minutes
Genre: Fantasy/Action
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC/MVC
Video Aspect: 2,39:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio, Spanish/French Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen, Benedict Wong
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Music by: Michael Giacchino
Written by: Jon Spaihts, Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: February 28, 2017
“Question Reality. Change Your Destiny”
My Take:
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.
As I have previously mentioned in other Blu-ray reviews of films based on comic book heroes, I grew up reading Marvel comics and was a fan. As such, I knew of Doctor Stephen Strange, and his pivotal role in maintaining the balance between our world, and the unseen mystical realm surrounding it. I don’t think I read single comic about the character, and honestly, had little interest, as I couldn’t connect with nature of his adventures and adversaries. When I read that Marvel’s latest project centered on his character and who was portraying him, I was surprisingly quite interested. Unfortunately, despite hearing nothing but positive things about the film, I never got around to checking it out in the theater.
I went into viewing Doctor Strange with fairly high expectations, which were easily met. At 115 minutes the film is perfectly paced, beginning with setting up the character’s backstory, followed by his introduction to the mystical arts, then his mind-bending journey into mystical universe that would pit him against unimaginable foes bent on crossing over to this world, changing it forever. There is ample action to be found in the film, although it feels more like a top tier action/drama, thanks to an intelligently crafted script that doesn’t overplay either, and slickly shifts back and forth (love the extended chase/battle that takes in Manhattan’s Mirror Dimension) . The special effects are as you would expect, top notch, and fun to watch.
I found Benedict Cumberbatch to be a perfect match to the character’s persona. I could watch Rachel McAdams all day long, and hope to find her character with more of a role to play going forward. Tilda Swinton and Chiwetel Ejiofor are spot on and my man Mads Mikkelsen had zero problems handing the villainous Kaecilius. Doctor Strange is a rousingly entertaining addition to the Marvel Cannon. Its big-ticket action sequences, epic style plot, and solid performances make it lots of fun. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Parental Guide:
The rating is for violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence.
AUDIO/VIDEO – By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100/EXCELLENT = 83-91/GOOD = 74-82/AVERAGE = 65-73/BELOW AVERAGE = under 65
**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**
Audio: 96
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Dynamics:
Low frequency effects:
Surround Sound presentation:
Clarity/Detail:
Dialogue Reproduction:
DSU Rating * (non-rated element):
3D Presentation: 90
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Depth (Onscreen):
Dimension (Beyond the screen):
Realism:
Clarity/Detail:
Color Reproduction:
Marvel’s Doctor Strange 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from Disney featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.5 Mbps.
This film wasn’t shot natively in 3D and was converted in post-production. 3D conversions have shown discernible improvement since the format’s inception but can still be hit or miss. I have found that the subject matter can sometimes have an effect on what I am willing to accept from 3D in terms of how zealous its implementation is. A film like Doctor Strange seems like a good choice for a more “active” 3D presentation. That isn’t to say that natural depth and proportionate dimension should take a back seat. I found this to be a solid 2D to 3D conversion that kept me engaged without distraction. Detail is well preserved as the image retains its high level of clarity as objects within the frame are delineated and sharp.
Depth is appreciable as evidenced by a predominantly natural sense of dimension as objects or people are layered in the foreground/background. Occasionally near field placement of people standing or moving through the frame had a bit of the cardboard cutout effect but it wasn’t a big deal. There are sequences that provide reach out and touch dimension as well as a bit of screen popping wizardry. This primarily revolves around the action based sequences and features flying objects, debris, or rotating landscapes. Comparing contrast, color, skin tone reproduction and detail reproduction to the 2D presentation I think that they appear identical. I didn’t observe any instances of crosstalk/ghosting. Overall Doctor Strange makes for an excellent and complimentary 3D experience that I preferred to the 2D version.
I had high expectations for this soundtrack on Blu-ray and this 7.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio presentation didn’t disappoint. This lossless soundtrack is reference quality and treated me to an impeccably detailed, dynamic, and enriching surround sound experience. Dialog has excellent presence with clear, defining vocal character and noteworthy room penetration. Multi-layered sound effects are appropriately placed within the soundfield so that their purpose is definable yet never overstated. The sequence where Stephen’s car careens off of the roadway, and crashes is a great example as the mix places you within the vehicle from multiple perspectives replicating the intensity of accident.
The front and rear sound fields are integrated with precision which enables a seamless transference during panning sequences. The active sound design utilizes the subwoofer to accentuate its already extended dynamic range. The battle in Hong Kong during the finale brings everything together in excellent room shaking fashion. The quality of the bass is excellent as it is fills the room with clean, hard hitting, and resonating low frequency detail. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute with this terrific soundtrack. Doctor Strange is demonstrative worthy and makes for an entertaining home theater experience.
2D Video Quality:
Video: 94
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Resolution/Clarity:
Black Level/Shadow Detail:
Color Reproduction:
Fleshtones:
Compression:
Doctor Strange comes to Blu-ray Disc from Disney featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 26 Mbps.
This is a reference quality video presentation that looks great on Blu-ray. Shot in high definition, images have a rich dynamic quality that highlights its near flawless rendering of detail. The video has excellent dimension, smooth rendering and defining clarity. The visual design features a limited color scheme that is aesthetically perfect for the subject matter. The majority of the film boasts deep shades of gray, blue, sepia, white and black. These colors are not vivid in tonality but their depiction is stark and fully appreciable onscreen. Contrast is strong and blacks are deep without compromise to delineation. Shadowy areas exhibit excellent depth of field and visible gradational stages that only occasionally obscure the finest details. The various wide angle shots, darkened interiors and brightly lit open exterior expanses look terrific. Flesh tones are not overtly complex in tone but appear diverse in subtle structure and complexional makeup. This is a sophisticated visual design that successfully combines live action and CGI. The end result is a rewarding video presentation that evokes the spirit of the film.
Bonus Features:
Disc 1: Doctor Strange 3D Blu-ray
Disc 2: Doctor Strange Blu-ray
(HD) A Strange Transformation – 9 minute featurette
(HD) Strange Company – 12 minute featurette
(HD) The Fabric of Reality – 12 minute featurette
(HD) Across Time and Space – 13 minute featurette
(HD) The Score-cerer Supreme – 9 minute featurette
(HD) Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look – 7 minutes
(HD) Team Thor: Part 2 – 4 minutes
(HD) 5 Deleted Scenes
(HD) Gag Reel
Audio Commentary by Director Scott Derrickson
Bonus DVD
Digital HD Copy
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Final Thoughts:
Doctor Strange is a rousingly entertaining addition to the Marvel Cannon. Its big ticket action sequences, epic style plot, and solid performances make it lots of fun. It comes to Blu-ray in this 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack from Disney featuring reference quality high definition video, invigorating DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio surround sound, a complimentary 3D rendering and a fan friendly supplemental package. Doctor Strange looks and sounds great on Blu-ray, and comes highly recommended for Marvel film fans.
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Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS500 3D/4K Ready High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6-HDR Meter from Spectracal)
Stewart Filmscreen – Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16×9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Electronic Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8802A 13.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies – 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton “Ergo” and Canton In-Ceiling Series Speakers
SVS Ultra Surrounds (Gloss Finish in Bipolar Configuration)
SVS PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
SVS SB-13 Ultra (Piano Gloss finish)
Panamax M5400-PM Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) – Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components – CP-CP102 cooling package
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