Captain America: The First Avenger Blu-ray Review
Score: 72
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
Captain America: The First Avenger' impresses with its fun, action-packed story and strong character development, though its 3D conversion is decent but not standout.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 72
Despite being a converted 2D transfer, 'Captain America: The First Avenger' impresses with its commendable 3D effects, boasting significant depth and dimensionality, though not without occasional flat scenes. The film maintains excellent detail, color fidelity, and minimal digital artifacts, making it a visually engaging experience.
Audio: 70
Captain America: The First Avenger's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track creates an immersive and balanced experience with precise surround usage, clear dialogue, strong directional effects, and dynamic highs, though bass depth could be more thunderous in line with the on-screen action.
Extra: 72
The Blu-ray extras for 'Captain America: The First Avenger' provide a solid, informative, albeit sometimes underwhelming experience with a strong focus on technical filmmaking aspects and character origins. Highlights include detailed featurettes on costume evolution, digital transformation of Chris Evans, and the history of Red Skull, though some commentary tracks fall short in engagement.
Movie: 75
Captain America: The First Avenger" effectively combines high-octane action, character-driven narrative, and a nostalgic wartime setting, delivering a compelling origin story with impressive 3D visuals, exceptional sound quality, and engaging extras—making it one of Marvel's finest cinematic endeavors alongside "Iron Man.
Video: 72
The 3D Blu-ray release of "Captain America: The First Avenger" showcases a 1080p 2.35:1 widescreen transfer that is region-free, featuring a 2D to 3D conversion. Overall, the 3D effect is commendable, though it is not without limitations. The conversion attempts to create solid, well-defined layers within the frame. Characters' faces and objects have more depth, with highlights such as the Red Skull’s inset eyes and the tangible fronts and backs of vehicles. However, some scenes fail to deliver the same level of depth, disappointing viewers expecting a more impactful 3D experience. Nevertheless, the 3D presentation effectively uses foreground and mid-ground layers to furnish a sense of depth and includes a few standout moments such as the zipping shield and scattered debris from explosions.
Technically speaking, the remainder of the picture is exceptional. Detail is crisp and well-defined, from skin textures to clothing and environmental elements like wood grain and metal damage. The color palette stands out with bold primaries, particularly in the vibrant hues of Steve's outfit and Red Skull’s head, maintaining clarity even in sepia-toned flashbacks. Black levels are deep and rich, bolstering shadow detail and overall atmosphere. The presentation is free from digital artifacts, crosstalk, compression issues, edge enhancement, or banding problems. The 2D version remains superior in many respects, showcasing flawless detail and color representation.
Ultimately, while "Captain America: The First Avenger" in 3D does not quite achieve the same immersive experience as native 3D films, it is still a notable improvement over other converted titles like "Thor". The consistent application of 3D effects and high detail retention make it an engaging watch, despite occasional flaws such as depth perception inconsistencies and rare instances of aliasing or ghosting. This disc succeeds in providing an active and visually captivating experience for 3D enthusiasts.
Audio: 70
The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track presented on the Blu-ray of "Captain America: The First Avenger" is an invigorating and immersive experience, demonstrating a balanced yet dynamic soundscape. The action sequences are defined by pinpoint steering, with detailed sound effects such as explosions, gunfire, and futuristic blasts filling the surround channels vividly. Subtle nuances like the whine of futuristic guns and the tinkle of spent shell casings contribute to a well-rounded auditory experience. Ambient sounds including wind, rain, and crowd murmurings are seamlessly integrated, enriching the overall atmosphere.
Despite being slightly shorter in scope compared to some other Marvel releases, the lossless DTS-HD MA 7.1 track remains impressive. The bass is robust and energetic, effectively supporting the film’s numerous LF effects, though it might not plumb the absolute depths seen in peak audio experiences. Directionality is expertly handled, ensuring dialogue remains clear and natural throughout, even amidst intense action scenes. Alan Silvestri’s score and the "Star Spangled Man" theme resonate powerfully across the audio channels, ensuring a cohesive and enthralling musical presence.
Though not quite reaching a level of spectacular, this track covers all essential bases for an action-oriented soundtrack, handling everything from high-energy scenes to delicate ambient cues with equal precision. The surround speakers take heavy involvement during action sequences, immersing the listener fully in the chaos of WWII battles and futuristic conflicts alike. While the bass may not entirely match the on-screen carnage, the overall audio fidelity makes up for it, delivering an engaging and exhilarating auditory experience.
Extra: 72
The Blu-ray extras for "Captain America: The First Avenger" offer a comprehensive suite of supplemental content, highlighting the enthusiasm and meticulous detail that went into creating the film. The Audio Commentary, featuring Director Joe Johnston, Director of Photography Shelly Johnson, and Editor Jeffrey Ford, delves deeply into technical aspects, covering special effects, locations, and performances, making it both informative and enjoyable. Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer is a brief yet entertaining comic short with Agent Coulson. The featurettes, despite their brevity, are rich in behind-the-scenes information, covering topics from costume design to digital transformations. Deleted scenes and various trailers round out the package, providing further insight into the film's universe. All extras are available on the 2D Blu-ray disc, offering fans a well-rounded view without exclusive 3D content.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion on technical and creative elements.
- Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer: Short film about Agent Coulson stopping a convenience store robbery.
- Outfitting a Hero: Evolution of Captain America's costume.
- Howling Commandos: Insight into Captain America's supporting team.
- Heightened Technology: Examination of futuristic weapons and vehicles.
- The Transformation: Process of digitally shrinking Chris Evans.
- Behind the Skull: History and creation of the Red Skull character.
- Captain America's Origin: Overview of Captain America's comic history.
- The Assembly Begins: Teaser for The Avengers.
- Deleted Scenes: Four scenes with optional commentary.
Movie: 75
Joe Johnston's "Captain America: The First Avenger" offers a compelling and genre-defining cinematic experience. The movie, anchored by Chris Evans' portrayal of Steve Rogers, follows a scrawny young man transformed into the superhero Captain America through a top-secret serum. Supported by a stellar cast including Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, and Hayley Atwell, the film combines elements of action, adventure, comedy, and suspense to give it a classic 'Saturday morning serial' vibe that is both charming and engaging. The narrative excels in depicting World War II-era heroics while injecting it with a healthy dose of mad scientist fantasy that blends seamlessly into the comic book origins.
From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release demonstrates near-exceptional quality. The 3D picture exhibits substantial depth and standout moments despite the inherent weaknesses usually observed in 2D conversions. The overall image quality is top-notch, complemented by an equally impressive sound mix that ensures an immersive viewing experience. This Blu-ray set is a comprehensive package that includes not only the 3D version but also the 2D Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital copy, ensuring future-proofing for varied viewing preferences.
Character performances boost the overall quality of the film, with Chris Evans delivering a balance of wide-eyed enthusiasm and action-hero gravitas. Hugo Weaving's portrayal of Johann Schmidt/Red Skull is over-the-top yet fitting for the film's tone. Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones provide strong supporting roles that add to the film’s emotional depth and humor. The film paints an evocative picture of wartime heroism using advanced Nazi technology, adding a unique twist that supports its comic book roots and delivers a well-rounded package of action, drama, and historical fantasy perfect for both comic enthusiasts and general audiences.
Total: 72
Review: Captain America: The First Avenger (Blu-ray)
"Captain America: The First Avenger" is a quintessential comic book movie that perfectly blends action, character development, and a solid plot. The film is playfully fun and filled with numerous callbacks, making it an addictive watch. It stands out in the Marvel universe with strong direction, a compelling cast, and top-notch production elements, making it a must-see for fans of the superhero genre. The patriotism in the story is well-handled, evoking pride rather than anger and propaganda. The film's dual finales are particularly noteworthy, setting the stage for future Marvel installments seamlessly.
Paramount's Blu-ray 3D release of "Captain America" presents a commendable 2D to 3D conversion. Although it isn't groundbreaking demo material, the 3D experience is engaging and often almost indistinguishable from native 3D content. The 7.1-channel lossless soundtrack is potent and immersive, placing viewers in the midst of explosive action scenes, while the colorful characters and great story remain a strong point. The combination of visual and auditory elements makes for an enjoyable home theater experience.
Conclusion
Captain America certainly isn't at the head of the pack in terms of comic book movie greatness, but it epitomizes that genre better than many of its contemporaries. Paramount's Blu-ray 3D release yields a decent, if not spectacular, presentation that will satisfy most viewers. With its strong cast, solid direction, and fun-filled yet substantial plot, "Captain America: The First Avenger" is everything a movie fan could want from a big-budget summer movie. While the 3D version is good for those willing to spend a bit more, most will find the 2D presentation to be their go-to choice. Either way, this Blu-ray combo is a worthy addition to any home video library.
avforums review by Simon CrustRead review here
Video: 70
These are, of course, highlights, because for the vast majority of the picture the 3D is framed to give a reasonable amount of depth to the frame, set ups anchor the foreground with an object while the...
Audio: 90
First and foremost this is an action adventure film and it has the required amount of bombast to fill that quota, explosions, bullet shots, ricochets, aircraft engines, motorbike engines, futuristic blasts,...
Extras: 80
Outfitting a Hero (10.52, HD) – A short piece about the evolution of the Captains iconic uniform and how it was represented in the movie, from a straight up copy during the ‘stage shows’ to the full combat...
Movie: 80
As a Region free 3D Blu-ray set, Marvel has produced a very nice package, the 3D picture contains plenty of depth and stand out moments, though still suffers from the inherent weaknesses that a 2D convert...
Total: 80
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 80
Unfortunately, the case remains that there are many scenes where, other than the need for 3D glasses to see the image clearly, there's no perceptible difference between the versions....
Audio: 50
Whether a chilled Arctic wind that blows through the listening area at film's start or minor ambience like Brooklyn traffic, buzzing insects, or the rumble of a prop plane as heard inside the cabin, the...
Extras: 90
Outfitting a Hero (1080p, 10:52): A thorough, enjoyable, and informative behind-the-scenes piece looking at the history of the character's costume and the evolution and development of the Captain's in-movie...
Movie: 90
It's all about setting the right tone, and just as Director Johnston achieved in another, similar World War II-era Fantasy picture -- The Rocketeer -- he just nails it in Captain America, creating a diverse...
Total: 70
The movie is playfully fun, an addictive watch, and loaded with action, but still smart enough to offer fair character development and a good plot line, both of which aid in enhancing the movie's dual...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
This disc shows from the start that it's going to try to make the film look as much like a native 3D film as possible, as even the opening shots, seen through a snowstorm, have that little added bit oomph,...
Audio: 80
This disc sports some solid volume spikes, and some good thumps and bumps, as well as gunfire pops, while rear speakers get more than their fair share of activity, particularly in action sequences, which...
Extras: 60
A mega-tank, more battle sequences with the soldiers before Cap joins 'em prematurely showing off the special weaponry, a scene explaining the no-show, and an extension of the final moments of the film....
Movie: 80
Though thrown against a number of superior soldiers, none show the bravery or humanity that the runt does, and soon he's the first, and tragically last, American changed into the ultimate soldier....
Total: 80
This Blu-ray 3D combo release of the film from Paramount isn't demo material, but is more than certainly solid, with a great conversion making this 2D to 3D experience almost indistinguishable....
Director: Joe Johnston
Actors: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson
PlotIn 1940s World War II-era America, scrawny but spirited Steve Rogers is determined to serve his country despite being repeatedly rejected for military service due to various health and physical issues. Upon discovering Steve's unwavering desire to contribute and his inherent goodness, Dr. Abraham Erskine enlists him for a secret project: the creation of a super-soldier. Rogers undergoes an experimental procedure that successfully transforms him into a powerful warrior with enhanced strength, agility, and endurance. Dubbed Captain America, he initially serves as a symbol to boost morale on the home front, touring the nation and promoting war bonds.
As the war intensifies, Captain America's role shifts from mere propaganda tool to active combatant. He joins forces with British agent Peggy Carter and his friend Bucky Barnes to form a select team aimed at taking down HYDRA, the Nazi's advanced weapons division led by the ruthless Johann Schmidt. Schmidt, also known as the Red Skull, has obtained a mysterious artifact with untold powers, intending to use it to turn the tide of the war in favor of the Axis powers. As Captain America and his team delve deeper into enemy territory, they encounter technological marvels, face harrowing battles, and uncover the full extent of HYDRA's plans for global domination.
Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Joe Simon
Release Date: 22 Jul 2011
Runtime: 124 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English, Norwegian, French