Marvel’s famed cosmic superhero team’s blockbuster return to theaters earlier this year finally arrives on ultra high-definition in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Cinematic Universe Edition (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, rated PG-13, 137 minutes, 2.40:1 aspect ratio, $42.99).
This release should not only satisfy fans looking to absorb the film’s rich comics pop culture, but it marks the first time Disney has delivered a film in the 4K UHD disc format to home entertainment connoisseurs.
It also helps that writer and director James Gunn’s latest effort is not only as great as his first Guardians’ film, in both grandiose action scenes and humor, but also arguably transcends the original thanks to its emotionally charged plot.
Once again, viewers get to appreciate the complex lives of the incessantly bickering Guardians’ team of Peter Quill aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and baby Groot (voiced by Van Diesel).
After saving the universe just months earlier, they take an assignment from Ayesha, the high priestess of the Sovereign to protect a power source from a massive, gooey monster.
After a successful mission, Rocket steals some of the employer’s batteries (aka power source) and sets off a chain reaction of conflict that finds the Guardians hunted by both the Sovereign and the pirate Ravagers led by a disgraced Yondu (Michael Rooker).
Luckily, a welcomed distraction arrives when a matter-manipulating and god-like Celestial named Ego (Kurt Russell) claims to be Star-Lord’s father and takes the Guardians to his planet, which is actually Ego.
Well, Star-Lord’s daddy has a bigger plan for his offspring, and its potential repercussions cause the Guardians to go into universe-saving mode once again.
The story about a family persevering no matter the challenges and a finer look at the good, the bad and the ugly world of relationships between father and son as well as sisters really resonates.
Besides the core cast embracing their roles, viewers will appreciate performances by Karen Gillan as Gamora’s adopted sister Nebula; Pom Klementieff as Mantis, a naïve empath who initially helps Ego; and Sylvester Stallone as the high-ranking Ravager Stakar Ogord.
As usual, Mr. Gunn dives deep into comic book and pop culture lore with appearances by Howard the Duck; the obscure Guardians’ Charlie-27 (Ving Rhames), Martinex (Michael Rosenbaum) and Mainframe (voiced by Miley Cyrus); the omniscient Watchers; David Hasselhoff; a hidden Adam Warlock; and even Pac-Man.
References to Mary Poppins, Skeletor and Heather Locklear did not go unnoticed, and Mr. Quill using a Mattel’s vintage, handheld Classic Football video game was just plain awesome.
It’s also worth noting that Marvel Comic venerable patriarch Stan Lee makes a couple of appearances in the film, as he has done with most all of the movies from the Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. I could not be happier to see the spry 94-year-old still in action and being honored for his work.
4K UHD in action: From reports, it appears Disney upscaled the digital transfer to 4K from its 2K master format (the film was actually shot using the Red Weapon Camera System with its astounding 8K resolution).
Along with some stunning clarity, viewers will embrace the power of high dynamic range in the action, thanks to the eye-popping color schemes chosen by Mr. Gunn and cinematographer Henry Braham in bringing the universe to life.
Ego’s planet is a prime example as Star-Lord, Gamora and Drax ride on a porcelain white craft while a mass of colorful globules float above them like rainbow-containing bubbles. When Drax pops one, the vibrant colors literally explode on the screen.
In fact, any scene on the planet’s exterior is a celebration of color. Mr. Gunn explains in a commentary track that he was referencing Maxfield Parrish’s work throughout those moments.
Just as great is the 2160p resolution that quickly starts off by showcasing the special effects magic offering a gorgeously recreated version of young Kurt Russell driving an appealing 1979 Ford Mustang Cobra. Mr. Gunn refers to his youthful look from the actor’s “Used Cars” days.
Next, the intricate detail and scene-stealing performance of baby Groot further comes to life, thanks to the transfer’s clarity. Notice the delicate green leaves sprouting on his shoulder, moss on the top of his head, the wood grains making up his body, or the cloth texture of his mini, red Ravager’s suit.
Also, facial hair is finely noticed to a near distraction in the film as the impeccable special effects work of Rocket’s whiskers and facial fur shows strands that sway independently depending on wind or motion.
Or, look closely at the light brown hairs on Mr. Quill’s moustache, glistening in the sunlight, or Yondu’s facial stubble standing out against his bright blue skin.
A mega-colorful fireworks display near the end of the movie truly cements what I consider a home run for Disney and its first foray in the ultra high-definition format.
The Dolby Atmos soundtrack also offers a strong accompaniment to the visuals highlighted by a booming and noisy chase in an asteroid field, plunging the viewer aurally into the battle.
Countering the room-quaking explosions are more subtle sounds such as when Gamora slices off the head of a few plants with her retractable blade, featuring an acutely discernable swishing and clang of the sword from her hilt.
Best extras: It’s hard to top an optional commentary track from Mr. Gunn recorded a few days after the movie’s theatrical release. One can hear in the timber of his voice how happy he is to talk in a near nonstop narrative about a movie that consumed three years of his life.
He explains how he meticulously chose a complex color pattern for near every scene, even referencing his work on the video game “Lollipop Chainsaw” as inspiration, the mistakes he made in the first Guardians, and the importance of his rehearsal and storyboard process.
Personal and production nuggets revealed include Mr. Gunn being the motion reference for a dancing baby Groot; how the director pretended to be Snake Plissken and Rambo growing up (thus the casting of Mr. Russell and Mr. Stallone); and why Yondu had to have a larger fin on his head for this film.
Viewers should also enjoy four featurettes (38 minutes in total) focused first on Mr. Gunn’s well-prepared vision, with gushing compliments from cast and crew.
Next, we get an analysis by Mr. Gunn describing the musical score and too-hip song choices for the soundtrack (often played on the set when the actors performed scenes) and telling a story through colors.
Finally of the featurettes, an 11-minute segment on special effects explores the colorful space scapes created and scenes inspired by some concept painting masterpieces.
More specifically, interviews with key production personnel cover the marriage between practical and visual effects, creating baby Groot and the trillion polygons used to shape the inside Ego’s planet.
And, perhaps the silliest or most memorable extra is a 1970s-inspired music video starring the core movie cast performing as the Sneepers band along and David Hasselhoff. All are dressed up in vintage disco garb while dancing and singing the song “Guardians Inferno.”
Additionally, lucky owners of the package will find a 10-inch-wide by 15-inch-tall, full color poster of the Sneepers with Mr. Hasselhoff all dressed for disco success.
• Joseph Szadkowski can be reached at jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com.
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