BLU-RAY REVIEW

Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness 4K Ultra HD

Featured In Issue 262, July/August

Picture5
Sound4.5
Immersive3
WSR Score2.5
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Walt Disney Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
213373
(MPAA Rating):
PG-13
(Rating Reason):
Intense sequences of violence and action, frightening images and some language
(Retail Price):
$39.99
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-100)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
127
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
ABC
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
7/26/2022
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Sam Raimi
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD 7.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(French Language):
(Spanish Language):
(Subtitles):

In Marcel 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. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Sam Raimi, Richie Palmer and Michael Waldron, the featurettes: "Constructing The Multiverse" (HD 11:10), "Introducing America Chavez" (HD 03:29) and "Method To The Madness" (HD 05:02), gag reel (HD 02:28), three deleted scenes (HD 03:06) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD HDR10/Dolby Vision picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, was photographed in anamorphic Panavision® using the Panavision Millennium DXL2 IMAX | Red Ranger Monstro IMAX (8K) camera systems and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. Enter the fantasy world of visualization of CGI visual effects and a form of humanity. The color spectrum is insanely diverse with a made-up color palette in the multiverse and natural in the real world. Hues are strongly saturated in both worlds with flesh tones exhibiting generally realistic tones. Hue variation are revealing and enhance the sense of conceivable realism. HDR contrast i revealing of good black levels and shadows, as well as well illuminated white levels. Resolution is excellent with clarity and sharpness exhibited throughout. Fine detail appears in facial features , monsters, magic, costume attire and object textures. This is a visual extremity that appears dynamic in presentation. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack require at least a 6 dB increase in volume to attain theatrical reference, which then energizes the sound elements. Deep boomy bass is a prominent, but not dominant, element in sound effects.Danny Elfman's orchestral/choral score is well recorded, expansive and dynamic. Sound effects and the music offer strong segments of intensity. Both deliver an expansive enveloping soundfield. Surround intensity is aggressive, which creates effective holosonic® depth. Environment elements enhance the sense of realism. Monsters carry the prerequisite heavy stature. Foley sound effects keep in perfect sync to picture. Dialogue sound intelligible with generally good spatial integration..

The Immersive Sound element is essentially comprised of an extension of the orchestral/choral score and occasional subtle atmospherics and sound effects. A voice is heard announcing "memory lane," as well as grunts and various low level environmental elements and the occasional sound effect projected to the height layer. So much opportunity was not developed making this a mediocre height layer experience.

This is a soundtrack that delivers haunting sound elements which complements the dark visuals. (Gary Reber)