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Blu-ray Review Captain America: The Winter Soldier Blu-ray Review (1 Viewer)

Matt Hough

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Captain America: The Winter Soldier Blu-ray Review

A comic book film with real invention, humor, heart, and soul (not to mention a succession of action sequences that are second to none), Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Solider takes no prisoners and certainly represents a high water mark for the Avengers franchise since the original Iron Man movie. The tonal and narrative shift generated by this inspired sequel proves the studio is willing to take big risks in keeping its franchise characters vital and continually interesting, and this second Captain America movie should please lots of people (but especially those who come into it knowing none of its many surprises).

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Studio: Disney

Distributed By: N/A

Video Resolution and Encode: 1080P/AVC

Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1

Audio: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish 5.1 DD, French 5.1 DD

Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Rating: PG-13

Run Time: 2 Hr. 16 Min.

Package Includes: Blu-ray

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Disc Type: BD50 (dual layer)

Region: ABC

Release Date: 09/09/2014

MSRP: $32.99




The Production Rating: 4.5/5

During a rather routine hostage rescue mission, Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) recognizes that he’s heading a mission about which there are team members with their own agenda, and he doesn’t like it. A conversation with S.H.I.E.L.D. head Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) leaves him wondering if his ideals will have to be compromised if he continues to work with the agency to thwart evil around the globe. But Fury has bigger worries than Captain America. Unsettling forces from within the agency seem to be at work, and questioning Head of Operations for Project Insight Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) leaves him similarly dissatisfied and later confused when a major strike team bares down on Fury in the middle of busy city streets and attempts to take him out. Knowing the stalwart Captain America is the only one he can trust, Fury instructs him to get to the bottom of the conspiracy leaving Rogers with only a handful of people on whom he can rely: Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and soldier Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) who will eventually become the Falcon.Designed to meld the comic book action film with the conspiracy thrillers of an earlier era, the Christopher Markus-Stephen McFeely screenplay establishes fairly quickly the mistrust paramount in making this kind of genre film work smoothly. The surprises begin to pile up as more and more of the characters whom we originally thought to be the good guys truly aren’t, and each revelation leads to the movie’s major action set pieces which are all magnificently staged and shot by director siblings Anthony and Joe Russo. From the smooth-as-glass opening raid on the cargo ship carrying hostages where Steve and Natasha stealthily eliminate their foes to the later car chase, an elevator encounter (certain to be among the most talked about sequences in the movie and in the entire franchise), and the climactic showdown between the Captain and his arch rival (and seeming equal with the added benefit of a mechanized super arm) the Winter Soldier while three gargantuan helicarriers aim their guns on twenty million innocents, the excitement builds to peak levels within each of these scenes. And because Rogers fights with his body and his shield but generally without other weapons, the fight scenes are always very intriguing in his films. The screenwriters and directors attempt to make the identity of the Winter Soldier one of the big shocking reveals in the movie, but they do telegraph his identity a bit too hamfistedly for it to be a true surprise. Never fear, there are plenty of other unexpected events in the movie for first timers for that rather tepid revelation to be given a pass. And the film sets up next year’s Avengers sequel quite brilliantly as well as giving a new burst of propulsion to the TV offshoot Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. which had been foundering prior to the release of this movie. The directors have also directed this movie with great attention to pacing; there's not a wasted moment, and its two-plus hour running time passes quickly.Once again, Chris Evans is marvelously appealing as Captain America, and the movie actually spends quality time showing us his melancholy fish-out-of-water existence: living and trying to adapt in the present but with his heart and memories still longing for a simpler time. Scarlett Johansson likewise embodies a character filled with memories of her past but hers with regrets that her past can’t be forgotten. The two of them while assisted by amazing stunt doubles are clearly doing much of the action stuff and doing it wonderfully well. Robert Redford plays a central role in the conspiracy motif for the film, and his charisma and presence is such an asset for the character he’s portraying. Anthony Mackie is a stupendous addition to the heroes’ side as the Falcon with an earnestness and dedication to duty mixed with the sass and sturdiness needed for the job. His antithesis, Frank Grillo’s duplicitous Brock Rumlow, is also a memorable asset to the movie. Samuel L. Jackson continues to refine his Nick Fury as a man of many emotional colors (some of them hidden). From previous Marvel assignments, Cobie Smulders is as reliable as always, and Emily VanCamp joins the cast as a potential love interest down the line for Steve. Look for Stan Lee in a cameo as a guard at the Smithsonian who gets a nice laugh with one of his lines, and Sebastian Stan certainly establishes his Bucky Barnes character as one we’ll hear from again.


Video Rating: 4.5/5 3D Rating: NA

The film’s theatrical 2.40:1 aspect ratio is delivered in a 1080p transfer using the AVC codec. Color is wonderfully achieved and beautifully under control throughout with believable and appealing skin tones. Sharpness while generally excellent is sometimes toned down a touch to better mesh with the green screen environments where many scenes transpire. Black levels are very good but occasionally less than inky though shadow detail is never lacking. Contrast has been consistently maintained. The film has been divided into 18 chapters.The film was also offered in theaters in a converted 3D release (and there is a 3D Blu-ray set available), but it was not sent for review.



Audio Rating: 5/5

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 sound mix offers a perfect complement of quiet scenes with the thrilling and awesomely immersive action stuff that one expects from this kind of comic book thriller. Split effects make use of the expanded soundfield with continual pans across and through the soundstage as guns blaze, bombs explode, and as planes and the Falcon whoosh by. The LFE channel will also get an extensive workout with this aggressive mix. Henry Jackman's driving music gets the full surround treatment, and the dialogue has been well recorded and placed in the center channel.


Special Features Rating: 3/5

Audio Commentary: directors Anthony and Joe Russo and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely share the commentary track and do a great job not only imparting information about the writing and direction but also not talking across one another in doing it. Fans are certain to enjoy it.On the Front Line (10:11, HD): producer Kevin Feige, directors Joe and Anthony Russo, screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, and the stunt persons for Evans and Johansson comment about the film’s big three action scenes set outdoors. Behind-the-scenes looks as they’re staged and shot aid in giving relevance to their comments.On the Set with Anthony Mackie (1:55, HD): the actor is shown shooting action scenes with his infamous “cut the check” comment when they’re successfully completed.Steve Rogers’ Notebook (2:26, HD): variations of Rogers’ notebook detailing cultural things he needs to catch up with in the modern world as changed for many different countries watching the movie are shown.Deleted Scenes (3:36, HD): four scenes may be watched individually or in montage and with or without the directors’ commentary.Gag Reel (2:37, HD)Promo Trailers (HD): Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season One.


Overall Rating: 4.5/5

The best Marvel entertainment since the original Iron Man film, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a beautifully sustained action film filled with emotional content and lots of surprises. The Blu-ray offers wonderful picture and reference quality sound as well. Highly recommended!


Reviewed By: Matt Hough


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Matt Hough

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And just a note for those curious about no Amazon link for this item, this seems to be one of the Disney titles Amazon is withholding from sale in their current contractual dispute with Disney. When the disc is offered, I will amend the review to include the sales link.
 

michael deakin

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Thanks for the review Matt.
I received my copy on Sunday but not had a chance to watch it yet. I went for the 3d, Which was only $3 more than the 2d only version. Saw at the cinema and agree a very good movie indeed.
 

Bryan Tuck

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Thanks for the review, Matt! This was definitely one of Marvel's best movies yet.

My only disappointment was that although Henry Jackman's score was effective, I wish there had been a few more references to Alan Silvestri's theme from the first film than just the one appearance at the beginning. It's an iconic, full-blooded, and (most importantly) malleable superhero theme that could still have represented Cap in the darker, modern environment the sequel puts him in. I hope it's brought back for future films.
 

Ldizzle

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Bryan Tuck said:
Thanks for the review, Matt! This was definitely one of Marvel's best movies yet. My only disappointment was that although Henry Jackman's score was effective, I wish there had been a few more references to Alan Silvestri's theme from the first film than just the one appearance at the beginning. It's an iconic, full-blooded, and (most importantly) malleable superhero theme that could still have represented Cap in the darker, modern environment the sequel puts him in. I hope it's brought back for future films.
As a huge fan of Alan Silvestri's score for The First Avenger your comments represent my exact line of thought. The new Captain America theme track pales in comparison imho.
 

Ldizzle

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Bryan Tuck said:
Thanks for the review, Matt! This was definitely one of Marvel's best movies yet. My only disappointment was that although Henry Jackman's score was effective, I wish there had been a few more references to Alan Silvestri's theme from the first film than just the one appearance at the beginning. It's an iconic, full-blooded, and (most importantly) malleable superhero theme that could still have represented Cap in the darker, modern environment the sequel puts him in. I hope it's brought back for future films.
As a huge fan of Alan Silvestri's score for The First Avenger your comments represent my exact line of thought. The new Captain America theme track pales in comparison imho.
 

Adam Lenhardt

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Anybody know what the digital copy options are going to be on the 3D combo pack? I'm hoping UV and/or Vudu will be among the options.
Ldizzle said:
As a huge fan of Alan Silvestri's score for The First Avenger your comments represent my exact line of thought. The new Captain America theme track pales in comparison imho.
I agree. Silvestri's one of those composers who never seems to get as much work as he should. I thought his scores for both First Avenger and The Avengers were terrific, and his Captain America theme one of the few really memorable classic themes in recent years. Jackman's work definitely complements the movie, but it doesn't compare to the score for the first film.
 

Adam Lenhardt

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Ldizzle said:
+1I think the digital download options will probably be WMP or ITunes, similar to the First Avenger set.
I picked up my copy, and the digital copy insert takes you to a proprietary Marvel site, which in turn triggers a proxy error and nothing loads. So I'm still not sure what options are available for the digital copy.EDIT: Going to Vudu's redeem page, selecting Captain America: The Winter Soldier and entering the code from the Marvel insert does work. However it is NOT an Ultraviolet title.
 

EdHoch

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Does anyone know if there is a combo pack with Blu-Ray and DVD? That's what we picked up for The First Avenger, and we'd like that flexibility with this film as well! Blu-Ray at home, portable DVD player for the car, etc. You know how it is
 

Dave Moritz

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Does anyone know if this movie had a Dolby Atmos track in the theaters? Am thinking of holding off on this title if there is a possibility of it being released with a Dolby Atmos track. Just do not have the money to keep rebuying titles every time they include a better audio track.
 

schan1269

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Dave Moritz said:
Does anyone know if this movie had a Dolby Atmos track in the theaters? Am thinking of holding off on this title if there is a possibility of it being released with a Dolby Atmos track. Just do not have the money to keep rebuying titles every time they include a better audio track.
It was released in all the "extra" formats.It is one of the titles mentioned in the press kit for the Auro Auriga $17,000 AVR.(Still waiting to see if Ron can scare one up for review...)
 

Ldizzle

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Dave Moritz said:
Does anyone know if this movie had a Dolby Atmos track in the theaters? Am thinking of holding off on this title if there is a possibility of it being released with a Dolby Atmos track. Just do not have the money to keep rebuying titles every time they include a better audio track.
Yeah, I actually saw this in Atmos at Harkin's. Definitely a first rate soundtrack experience.
 

Dave Moritz

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Ok this one is off my list for now and hopefully they will not wait to re release this title with Atmos
 

Jake Lipson

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I'm bumping this very old thread because I rewatched The Winter Soldier tonight and had a very weird experience with the disc. This thread seems as good as any place to put this post.

I bought this, the single-disc Blu-ray-only version Matt reviewed, on its street date way back in 2014. I have watched it multiple times over the years, though not especially recently. It has always worked perfectly for me...until tonight.

During the scene where Natasha tells Steve about The Winter Soldier, the disc froze up and then skipped a couple minutes into the next scene where Pierce is talking about resignation with the council members. I was confused and thought I might have accidentally pressed something on the remote, so I backed it up and tried to play the scene again. It froze again at the exact same point as before and jumped to the middle of the next scene again. I did it a third time and that time it froze at a different point in the Natasha scene and moved ahead to the Pierce scene again.

I took the disc out and looked at it carefully and there do not appear to be any visible scratches as far as I can tell. I am always very careful with my discs.

I have Disney+ so I pulled up the app and streamed the movie to finish it. Incidentally, another big advantage of discs are programmed chapter stops. I had to use my remote to fast forward a few seconds at a time to find the scene where I left off on the Blu-ray without having to repeat the entire first 50 minutes or so of the movie again first. Having the movie on Disney+ was certainly helpful for finishing it tonight, but long-term, I want a working disc of this film.

There is another Blu-ray player in the family room which I could try the disc on tomorrow, but everyone else is asleep right now so I can't. Even if it happens to work in one of them, I always watch movies in my room with the Blu-ray player that the disc malfunctioned in, so a disc that works in the other player still isn't of practical use to me. My current player is the newest and therefore most top of the line model in the house (purchased in 2017), so I would be really surprised if the disc works In older players but not the newer one.

I have dealt with Disney customer service in regards to replacement discs, but it has been so long that I don't remember what the last one was for. It might well have been 20 years ago when my Snow White DVD cracked and they sent me another one. So I really don't know what they'll do with this if I have to call them. I certainly don't have a receipt for this purchase anymore either because it was almost seven years ago (wow.). So we'll see what happens.

The Disney Movie Insiders rewards program does have The Winter Soldier available as the Blu-ray 2D + Blu-ray 3D + digital copy combo pack for 2000 points. So if they refuse to send me another copy, I could get it for free with points. However, it would be kind of sad to use points to replace a movie I already have instead of adding something new to my collection.

Thanks to anyone who read this rant. Any advice would be helpful. This is the first time that I can recall that a working disc of mine just stopped playing correctly so it feels very strange.

The movie holds up, though, and was a pleasure to see again regardless of the annoying circumstances.
 

Robert Crawford

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You need to try to wipe the disc with a micro cloth as it could be a speck of dust that you can't see with the naked eye which I had a similar issue with my "Rear Window" 4K disc last week. Once I wiped it off, it worked fine.
 

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