BLU-RAY REVIEW: Captain America - The Winter Solider

[JessHorsley]

Marvel's Latest Home Video Release Delivers Action, Adventure and Espionage Fun...

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One of the most exciting films of the first half of 2014, Captain America: The Winter Solider hit theaters on April 4 and delivered an action-packed, fun-filled espionage thriller which swayed from the previously released Marvel films. No doubt it impressed die-hard comic fans as well as film fans who enjoyed the first film, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Winter Solider tells a more mature, less naive story more political in prospective. Likewise, thanks to the on-going ABC series Agents of SHIELD, watchers weekly throughout the spring had the opportunity to tune in and see the ramifications of the events which happened on the big screen.

Winter Solider tells a story which closely follows a number of comic story lines from nearly 10 years ago courtesy of comic writer Ed Brubaker. With the comic creation credits going to Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, it's amazing writers like Brubaker who've helped shape the modern day Star-Spangled Avenger into a fan-favorite. Tied together in a Hollywood-friendly way thanks to the writing team of Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely and directed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, The Winter Solider deliver an all-around engaging film that's a treat for both comic and non-comic fans alike.

The film itself picks up following the events of 2012's The Avengers, with Captain America and Black Widow working as agents of SHIELD. Working behind the scenes to protect Americans from terrorists - both domestic and international - seems like a long way down from defending the entire planet from an alien invasion; however, when it's revealed that the organization that's been tasked with the world's security is actually a front for the terrorist organization known as HYDRA, it's not only Captain Steve Rogers' bravery and strength that is tested, but his faith and resolve as well.

The Winter Solider does a great job of developing Captain America's character, providing a more humanistic look at a man who can - for all intents and purposes - be considered the greatest solider to ever exist. But what does a super hero like Captain America enjoy? Why does he put his life on the line day in and day out? And who can he trust if he's working for an organization like SHIELD, that might work just as much in the shadows as the terrorists who they fight? These are all questions we find Captain America forced to address and, thankfully, the writers bring us these questions in a meaningful and thoughtful way thanks to Cap's partner Natasha Romanoff a.k.a The Black Widow and Sam Wilson a.k.a. Falcon. Both Widow and Falcon provide a much needed look into the character of Rogers thanks to the way they relate to him; one as his partner who needs his abilities as much as his attitude; the other, as a mentor and fellow vet seeking a bond shared of similar experience. Together, Widow and Falcon provide viewers with a look behind the shield and mask, so we might recognize the man who is Captain America.

The film features a beautiful assortment of suspense and thrills compounded by exciting action sequences which continue to be a mainstay of each and every Marvel film to date. To top off the experience, The Winter Solider features an amazing cast including returning actors Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and Samuel L. Jackson as Director Nick Fury. Adding to the acting roster's awesomeness is Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Falcon, Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce, Frank Grillo as Brock Rumlow (Crossbones in the comic) and some great minor parts by Emily VanCamp as Kate/Agent 13 (Sharon Carter in the comic). It's exciting to see some of the comic characters make their first appearance here and here's hoping we'll see more of both Rumlow and Agent 13 in the future films and/or the TV series.

As far as video and audio go, The Winter Soldier scores a home run. The gorgeous 1080p video is bold and beautiful throughout with no signs of any issues. Crisp, sharp and bright, this is one that'll have home video fans singing praise for Disney and Marvel Studios. Likewise, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track audio is exceptional and resonates throughout the sound stage. Water splashes and laps against boats and bodies, bullets impact and ricochet and explosions reverberate throughout. Maybe most impressive, the dynamics and use of pans across the speakers make for an awesome audio experience, especially during the amazing final battle sequence when Falcon dodges canon fire and flies over Washington D.C..

As for special features, this is the first new Marvel film to not feature a Marvel short. While that's a bit of a disappointment, The Winter Solider blu-ray still features plenty of extra goodness, including an impressive Audio Commentary with directors Anthony & Joe Russo and screenwriters Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. This is one that's well worth watching - especially for comic fans - for the sheer fact that these creators made some amazing decisions on what to include and not include in the production of this film. Everything from conspiracies and casting to effects and fight scenes; it's all included and available to listen to during the film.

Other special features on this blu-ray include the 10-minute "On the Front Line: An Inside Look at Captain America's Battlegrounds," a look into the film courtesy of Marvel Studio's Kevin Feige, the Russo brothers and other members of the cast and crew; the short but hilarious 2-minute "On Set with Anthony Mackie: Cut the Check!," a fun and funny look at the actor behind Sam Wilson, the newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's super hero roster; and the short 3-minute "Steve Rogers' Notebook," a look at how, through the use of Cap's small notebook, Marvel brought the film to life and made the film more personal for countries other than the good old U.S.A. Other extras also included here are a number of deleted and extended scenes (available with and without commentary by the Russo Brothers) as well as a short yet sweet 3-minute Gag Reel.

Overall, Captain America: The Winter Solider is maybe the best Marvel film to date. Not only does it feature an amazing amount of action and adventure and a storyline ripped right from the comics, but it also features a super-talented cast of actors and an excellent creative team...not to mention some important political commentary and a good sense of humor. Be sure to pick up Marvel Studios' Captain America: The Winter Solider , available on Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday, September 9.

- Jess C Horsley