Captain America Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Captain America" from Shout! Factory boasts an impressive 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Fans will find satisfaction with this release, especially compared to previous subpar broadcast prints. The elements used in this transfer are largely free from damage, maintaining a clean and clear image throughout most of the film. Fine object detail is exceptional—so detailed that the seams of Captain America's latex suit are easily visible. Although there are minor issues such as mosquito noise in a few stock shots and dimly lit nighttime scenes, the natural grain structure is well-preserved, albeit slightly heavy at times. Additionally, slight haloing issues appear sporadically but are not overly distracting.

The high-definition presentation benefits from deep and vibrant color saturation, particularly with the blues and reds that truly pop. Black levels are generally robust, though some scenes exhibit minor crushing. This intense colorization complements the comic book aesthetic of the film, lending it a bright and visually engaging appearance. The transfer has been diligently cleaned to remove aging flaws; scratches are non-existent while dirt and grime become noticeable only briefly around the 22-minute mark. Despite occasional Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) softening a few textures, the overall fine detail remains robust and impressive. This painstakingly restored release completely transforms the visual experience of "Captain America," making it a worthwhile upgrade for fans and collectors alike.

Captain America’s Blu Ray edition features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that is commendable given its format's limitations. The dialogue is exceptionally clean and well-articulated, although some may find the transparency of the track revealing of the original recording's flaws. Notably, the audio unveils certain raw elements such as the echoes within stage walls and vehicle cabins, highlighting imperfections that might have been less noticeable in less refined mixes. Despite this, Foley effects remain crisp and well-rendered, adding to the overall fidelity of the presentation. The audio mix maintains a decent low-end presence, especially during scenes involving significant action sequences like the rocket blast-off.

The sound effects, vocals, and music, despite the latter's somewhat cheesy, synth-laden score, generally exhibit proper balance throughout the film. However, there are occasional moments where the music overshadows vocal delivery, albeit briefly. Two particular audio flaws stand out: an abrupt audio cut when Steve locates his girlfriend at their favorite beach spot, and a distorted scream in a later scene involving a character's discovery of a family member's murder. These glitches suggest issues inherent in the source material rather than faults in the remastering process.

Overall, while the Captain America DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix may expose some raw aspects of its original recordings, it still offers a quality audio experience with clear dialogues, crisp effects, and generally well-mixed components that enhance the viewing experience. This mix stands as a solid example of how even a 2.0 track can deliver an engaging auditory presentation when executed with careful attention to detail.

The Blu-ray extras for "Captain America" offer a comprehensive and engaging retrospective look at the film's production and challenges. With candid reflections from Director Albert Pyun and actor Matt Salinger, these features provide an honest exploration of the numerous obstacles the team faced, including budget constraints, casting challenges, and lack of studio support, which significantly impacted the final product. The detailed recollections cover everything from the ambitious initial plans for dual casting to the last-minute script changes necessitated by financial limitations. This featurette is highly beneficial for fans and insightful for those interested in behind-the-scenes filmmaking dynamics.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Look Back at 'Captain America': Candid interviews with Director Albert Pyun and Matt Salinger on the movie's production and challenges.

The 1990 iteration of Captain America remains an intriguing albeit problematic piece of cinema history. Set against the backdrop of a deeply troubled production, this version had to overcome numerous adversities including studio changes, a negligible budget, and minimal support from Marvel. The film infamously missed a theatrical release in the United States and was relegated to video with select international showings, achieving a sort of cult status over time. Directed by Albert Pyun and starring Matt Salinger, the film explores a unique angle on Captain America's origin by portraying Steve Rogers as a polio survivor—an alteration that intensified his transformation into Captain America.

In terms of plot, both the 1990 and 2011 versions maintain fundamental similarities: Steve Rogers becomes Captain America through a top-secret super-soldier project. However, the '90s adaptation features specific deviations, such as Red Skull's origin as an abducted Italian boy subjected to experiments by Fascists. As Steve becomes Captain America, he engages in a series of ill-fated encounters culminating in his near-disastrous flight on a Nazi rocket aimed at the White House—a scene that stands out despite the limited budget. The film's low production value is evident in several poorly executed World War II action sequences and subpar special effects, yet these limitations add a certain charm reminiscent of its era.

Years later, Steve re-emerges in modern times to confront Red Skull once more, setting up a strained storyline that sees him reconnecting with an old flame's daughter. Despite Salinger's earnest portrayal and Scott Paulin's commendable turn as Red Skull, the film is marred by mediocre scriptwriting and unimpressive romantic subplots. While the film may never escape its B-movie status or shaky special effects, it retains a nostalgic charm evocative of '80s TV favorites like The A-Team and Knight Rider. Ultimately, Captain America (1990) serves as a nostalgic curiosity that underscores the journey Marvel had to undertake before ascending to its current cinematic glory.

The Blu-ray release of "Captain America" offers an intriguing look into a lesser-known chapter of Marvel's cinematic history. Despite its undoubtedly low budget and unabashedly cheesy aesthetics, the film manages to provide moments that hint at its untapped potential. The video and audio quality of the Blu-ray are commendable, surpassing the expectations set by the film's modest production values. A standout feature of this release is the retrospective featurette, offering insights from the director and star that shed light on the movie's production challenges and creative decisions.

This release stands out primarily due to Marvel and Shout! Factory's commitment to preserving even their most contentious projects. It would be easy to dismiss or overlook a film like this, but Marvel's choice to bring it to Blu-ray underscores a respect for their history and a willingness to cater to their dedicated fanbase. This approach is commendable, as it provides fans with an opportunity to explore a piece of Marvel lore that, while flawed, possesses a certain nostalgic charm. Moreover, such releases encourage a broader understanding of the genre's evolution.

In conclusion, revisiting this version of "Captain America" after many years reveals a film that, despite its many flaws, holds a quirky charm worth exploring. While fans of the Chris Evans portrayal may initially approach it with skepticism, the combination of solid video and audio quality, alongside a valuable behind-the-scenes featurette, makes this Blu-ray a worthwhile addition for enthusiasts. The film's camp factor and historical significance offer enough merit to warrant a recommendation for fans setting their expectations appropriately. This release exemplifies how Marvel's lesser-known efforts can still find their place in the modern entertainment landscape.