PIC of the Week – Avengers: Endgame
Article series by Ray Schillaci
Yes, I am spotlighting Disney/Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame for this week and last. It’s that damn good! Besides, the releases of this week were blah to say the least. A female version of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in The Hustle was worse than the female version of Ghostbusters (which was not awful). Both made me long for original cast members.
Then there was Brightburn, which proves it pays to have family in the business. Brian and Mark Gunn are related to…take a guess. And, because James made such a splash with the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, they were given the blessing to go ahead with a script that was half-baked at best. I love horror, but Brightburn is just horrible. The film is the Superman origin story meets The Bad Seed. As cool as it sounds, the writers never rise above the premise.
Avengers: Endgame is everything The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was and so much more, since you have to consider this was not just a trilogy. This Marvel masterpiece is the culmination of a painstaking ten years in the making and twenty-one movies! Now, to the group of people who are not into superhero movies (Bill Maher), these movies were never made for you. They were made for so many of us that grew up with the comic universe and those who came to love the cinematic universe that was beautifully depicted.
Do you have to see all 21 movies to appreciate this latest and greatest installment? It helps for so many in jokes. But, here are four you can skip to lessen the blow for those not interested in making such a commitment:
1. The Incredible Hulk
2. Iron Man 2
3. Iron Man 3
4. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Not that these films are bad. Some are incredibly entertaining, but they are not necessary to get caught up in the universe and see what the ending battle is all about. Infinity War basically sets the stage for the big battle and ends on a dour note that makes The Empire Strikes Back feel cheery. That’s what makes Endgame all the better.
The Marvel directing team of Joe and Anthony Russo, who wowed us with Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and their team of writers humanize our heroes in such a down-to-earth and sometimes comical way that their uphill battle becomes just as rousing as Rocky’s first fight with Apollo Creed. Somehow, some way. the Russos and their writers not only top Infinity War, they also branch out into a levity that is becoming a fun signature of Marvel (Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor: Ragnarok, Ant-Man) even through these characters’ darkest times.
I am not going to go into detail. But, for those of you that have been living in a cave, after Infinity War the main villain, Thanos, was able to make half of all the creatures on Earth become non-existent with the “snap” of his fingers, leaving very few Avengers left to deal with the fate of the world. What’s a superhero suppose to do with an enemy so omnipotent? Well let’s see, anybody see Back to the Future? It’s not as simple as that, but it is just as much fun.
Now, let’s start with (of all things) the 4K disc artwork. It’s so blasé that I thought for a moment I had a pirated disc. Just a muted picture of Cap and Hawkeye looking very serious. It’s just so unimpressive for this pinnacle of the Marvel universe. I wish Disney and Marvel made an effort to give us something that was a collectors’ item.
The same can be said of the 4K picture. It’s a solid presentation that pops out now and then, but it just does not have the wow factor one would expect. Colors can be great at times, and at other times it also feels muted. But, it is an improvement over the Blu (which is not bad, either), but once you see the 4K version you’ll have no reason to watch the 1080 version. Although, I have been informed that those who have the OLED screens get a far more dynamic presentation.
On the other hand, the Dolby Atmos sound is epic in every way. The bass will rock your house or apartment. The sound is beautifully balanced from huge battle sequences to the quiet moments that tug at your heart or leave you breathless (Hawkeye’s family disappearing). Here is a great reference disc for your sound system, although as with other Disney products, you will probably be turning up the sound a notch or two to get the full effect.
Extras are divided among two Blu discs and it’s quite unexpectedly short. Why Disney/Marvel became so chintzy with the grandest film of their library is beyond me (unless they are planning a long version down the road, but I haven’t heard a word). For God’s sake, they only gave Stan Lee a seven minute dedication. WTF! This is the hand we are dealt with…
• Audio commentary by writers Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely and the Russo Brothers discussing production and the franchise
• Intro by the Russo Bros.
• A Man Out of Time (HD, 12 min): Looking at Captain America and Chris Evans’ performance.
• Remembering Stan Lee (HD, 7 min): Touching tribute to the legendary comic-book icon.
• Black Widow (HD, 7 min): The character’s role and Scarlett Johansson’s performance.
• Setting the Tone (HD, 5 min): Spotlighting the role of Robert Downey, Jr.
• The Russo Brothers (HD, 5 min): The duo’s contribution to the series leading to this movie.
• The Women of the MCU (HD, 5 min): Praise for the characters of the Infinity Saga.
• Bro Thor (HD, 4 min): Amusing vignette on the character’s story arc.
• Deleted Scenes (HD, 5 min):
• Gag Reel (HD, 2 min)
For Marvel fans, this is a disc worthy to finish the Marvel library, even with the blemishes and disappointing extras. Disney/Marvel offers a steelbook edition. But, I am not blown away by the artwork. Just the simple Avengers insignia. I just can’t see the worth in that. But, with so much to catch in this film it definitely bears repeated viewing.
Lowest Price – $24.96 – Amazon
