CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR – Blu Review

Review by Brandon Krzysztof
Films are being released in clusters lately each Tuesday and September 13th continues that trend with CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, one of many sequels released that day. It’s safe to say this was the most anticipated new release of the week. It was released on Steelbook at Best Buy, which was an exclusive. It also had a 3D version with a beautiful slip cover and a standard version without a slip cover which I believe was very weak for the price; it had no digital HD to go with no slip cover for $19.99.

THE SYNOPSIS
After an incident that kills innocent civilians, political interference in the Avengers’ activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man.

THE REVIEW
I saw CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR twice in theaters; once in IMAX 3D on opening night and a second time which was a standard showing later that weekend. On both occasions I gave the film a 4.5/5. Even watching it for a third time in four months, I stand by that rating. Superhero films have been getting a little old for me but in this one I really enjoyed the tension and continuous conflict throughout the run time. The airport scene was gold. It was what everyone wanted to see and it delivered. My favorite parts of the film were definitely Black Panther, Bucky, and Spider-Man. And in case you were wondering… Team Cap all the way.
4.5/5
THE QUALITY
Once again Disney did not release this film with a 4K transfer but it really doesn’t matter because it sounds and looks immaculate on blu-ray. The dialogue is clear enough to hear and the bass on my subwoofer was booming. I felt like I was back in the theater. It is definitely a must own and makes any home theater better.

THE FEATURES

Just like The Jungle Book, the blu-ray is loaded with features, actually longer ones that The Jungle Book. I was very content.

The first featurette, United We Stand, Divided We Fall: The Making of Captain America: Civil War, is a two part behind-the-scenes look at the film at all stages through pre-production to post-production and everything in between. I love seeing how a film comes together and these two parts, which total 45 minutes, delivers. Cast interviews, transferring the comic to screen, shooting certain scenes, etc. Very informative feature.

The second and third featurette, Captain America: The Road to Civil War and Iron Man: The Road to Civil War, are both just over 4 minutes each and they both dive in to the character’s role in the split and performances by the actors.

The fourth featurette, Open Your Mind: Marvel’s Doctor Strange, is just over four minutes and is a quick sneak peak into Marvel’s next big film, Doctor Strange.

The audio commentary is with directors, Joe and Anthony Russo, along with writers, Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. They cover all sorts of information about the film, set design, characters, and the whole nine yards. It’s such a long movie so right after watching the film, I’d let it resonate before watching this; perhaps on a rainy day.

There also is funny gag reel and a few deleted/extended scenes that didn’t quite make it the film.

THE VERDICT

Captain America: Civil War is fun film that you can watch either by yourself or with a group of friends. You can put it on at any point and be invested it. The blu-ray looks and sounds great and is loaded with features. I’m sure Marvel fans rushed out this Tuesday to add this to their collection. I’m not a die-hard Marvel fan but I sure did.

QUICK BONUS REVIEW

Now You See Me 2 was released the week before and my girlfriend saw a screening of it and theaters and we decided to do a marathon of the two films and it was by far one of the most marathons I’ve endured. The first film was okay, I gave it a 2.5/5. But this second one was awful. It is a certified 1/5 for me. The 4K picture really wasn’t mind blowing and the plot and tricks and stuff were so far-fetched. If I offended you, I apologize but this film wasn’t for me.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @bksta
Instagram: @bksta
Letterboxd: @bksta
http://youtube.com/bek14