PIC of the Week – Black Panther
Article series by Ray Schillaci
Sure, Paramount, FOX, and Shout! Factory give you some reasons to double dip with 4K versions of Braveheart, Gladiator, Die Hard, and a steelbook Blu of The Adventures of Buckeroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, but I cannot help but have second thoughts when Marvel Studios ushers in their billion dollar plus grossing Goliath, Black Panther. Never mind the film is probably the most grounded Marvel movie ever with well-rounded characters, but Ryan Coogler’s film also has some memorable bad-ass women as well. In 4K, the movie is a visual stunner. For those of you that have not upgraded, the Blu is a solid example for home entertainment systems as well.
As mentioned in my earlier review of the movie, Coogler, who gave us Creed, brings rousing excitement into this notable Marvel superhero. It’s not all action, there’s great storytelling here, and a cast that is exemplary. This is also one of the few Marvel entries that nearly stands on its own. Sure, there are a few moments where previous knowledge of other Marvel films would help explain things, but for the most part Black Panther enthralls on its own.
T’Challa/Black Panther is the king of the mythical and technologically advanced African nation, Wakanda. When he returns home, T’Challa not only finds that the tribe’s most valuable commodity, Vibranium, is being stolen and sold on the black market, but also finds his leadership challenged by an outsider, the illegitimate son of his father, Erik Killmonger. Michael B. Jordan brings as much angst and power as Killmonger as he did with Creed, and Chadwick Boseman delivers a regal performance as T’Challa. If you, at first glance, and if you are unfamiliar with the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), find that this story sounds hokey, you need to give this one a chance, because it’s far from it. Coogler has delivered an involving drama filled with deep meaning.
Walt Disney Studios/Marvel Studios give us the kind of 4K presentation we want to show off to our friends, demonstrating the power of this newer medium. This UHD version almost comes across 3 dimensional. Although, the Blu is quite impressive as well. Both maintain the the grand cinematic 2.39:1 as intended for the big screen. The 4K Dolby ATMOS with its expansive sound and detail on vocals is very similar to the DTS provided by the Blu version. So, little is lost. Extras include:
¥ Intro by Ryan Coogler
¥ Commentary by Ryan Coogler and Hannah Beachler, production designer
¥ Crowning of a New King
¥ The Hidden Kingdom Revealed
¥ The Warrior Within
¥ Wakanda Revealed: Exploring the Technology
¥ Gag reel
¥ Deleted scenes
¥ From Page to Screen: A Roundtable discussion
¥ Marvel Studios the First Ten Years: Connecting the Universe
¥ Exclusive sneak peak at Ant-Man and The Wasp
Of course, the 4K package comes with a Blu + a Digital Download while the Blu comes with just a Digital Download.
Best Price (depending on your preferred packaging) Black Panther – Steelbook – 4K package – Best Buy – $34.99 or Black Panther – 4K package – Amazon and Target $27.99
Also, multiple versions of the Blu – Walmart has a streamlined version with no DVD or Digital Download at $19.99, Target has included a Digital Download and throws in an exclusive behind the scenes gallery book with pictures from the film at $24.99, and Amazon supplies a Blu with Digital Code for $22.99
