Guardians of the Galaxy Blu-ray Review
Co-written by director James Gunn and Nicole Perlman, the film is alive with the kind of sardonic wit and tongue-in-cheek byplay that singularizes it from other Marvel comic book adventures and while needing to establish the introductory backstories for a slew of new characters, it never mires itself into the tedium of too much detail (all that information can come in future sequels of which there should be many). Though lives are certainly on the line and there are deaths and destruction in the mix, the film (like its hero Peter Quill) never takes itself too seriously with sarcastic witticisms emanating from Quill and the plucky Rocket throughout the movie, even in times of peril (suggesting nods to Indiana Jones or even the heroes of The Princess Bride). On the other hand, more serious-minded characters like Gamora and the literally speaking and thinking Drax balance the frivolity that Rocket and Quill bring to the table making for a most balanced and appealing team of protagonists (and while these characters could not exactly be called superheroes in the same sense as Captain America or Thor, they all have talents and abilities that make the fivesome rather a formidable one). Of course, as in any space opera, there’s a bad guy out to take over the universe that must be stopped, and there is the expected girl-on-girl fight scene (between sisters Gamora – now having switched sides – and Karen Gillan’s still-loyal-to-the-opposition Nebula) that seems de rigueur, so there is going to be some bits of formula even in this most unique of science fiction fantasies, but the battles don’t go on too long, and one has never had his fill of a scene before director Gunn is ready to move us somewhere else equally as interesting. And one would be remiss not to mention that these galactic adventures are all accomplished to a soundtrack of 1970s pop-rock that additionally helps give the movie its own quirky but engaging personality.
Peter Quill is certainly a star-making role for Chris Pratt, and he superbly handles both the physicality and the verbiage with a light deftness that makes his hero one around which quite a few sequels should be built. No less appealing is the voice work of Bradley Cooper as the rascally raccoon Rocket imbued with a sensitivity beyond his wisecracks and banter that makes him imminently huggable. It’s a great showcase for Dave Bautista’s Drax, too, as he earns both laughs at his complete literal mindedness and sympathy at his dedication to his revenge. Zoe Saldana handles the warrior aspects of Gamora with aplomb, and Glenn Close as the head of the Xanderites who are under threat of destruction adds nobility to her few scenes. Lee Pace is almost unrecognizable in his effectiveness as the menacing giant Ronan, and Michael Rooker seems to having a whale of a time in heavy make-up as the galactic scavenger king. Seen briefly in roles that may be built up in later installments are John C. Reilly as a guard, Djimon Hounsou as a soldier, and Benicio Del Toro as The Collector, a kind of pawnbroker to the cosmos.
A 3D disc will be included in all commercial Blu-ray packages of this release, but it was not included in the review materials sent.
Guide to the Galaxy (20:56, HD): director James Gunn describes the look he was after for the movie and then presents the people who gave it to him, among others set decorator Richard Roberts, production designer Charles Wood, executive producer Victoria Alonso, and actors Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Lee Pace, and Benicio Del Toro.
Intergalactic Special Effects (7:11, HD): director James Gunn and producer Victoria Alonso discuss the importance of getting the characters of Rocket and Groot right and show behind-the-scenes looks at how live action actors (including the director’s brother Sean) stood in for characters that would later be added using CGI.
Deleted Scenes (4:22, HD): five scenes may be viewed separately or in montage and with or without commentary by director James Gunn.
Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron (2:27, HD) a sneak peek at the upcoming Avengers sequel.
Gag Reel (3:54, HD)
Promo Trailers (HD): among others, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Marvel TV series and video games.
Digital Copy: code sheet enclosed in the case.
If any Hollywood studio could be said to be sitting in the cinematic catbird seat at the moment, it’s Marvel Studios. Not only has it been enjoying unprecedented success with its series of superhero franchise movies (which then led to the gargantuan Avenger combination action epics), but now it’s established yet another brand with Guardians of the Galaxy, a foundation film which can likely spawn numerous sequels, prequels, and epics of its own. Completely unique in its tone and point of view, Guardians of the Galaxy is a comic space opera that’s as funny as it is exciting and features a cast of core characters which form one of the most eccentric albeit appealing teams in comic book movie history.
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. 1 Min.
Package Includes: Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, Digital Copy
keep case in a slipcoverDisc Type: BD50 (dual layer)
Region: ABC
Release Date: 12/09/2014
MSRP: $39.99
The Production Rating: 4/5
Co-written by director James Gunn and Nicole Perlman, the film is alive with the kind of sardonic wit and tongue-in-cheek byplay that singularizes it from other Marvel comic book adventures and while needing to establish the introductory backstories for a slew of new characters, it never mires itself into the tedium of too much detail (all that information can come in future sequels of which there should be many). Though lives are certainly on the line and there are deaths and destruction in the mix, the film (like its hero Peter Quill) never takes itself too seriously with sarcastic witticisms emanating from Quill and the plucky Rocket throughout the movie, even in times of peril (suggesting nods to Indiana Jones or even the heroes of The Princess Bride). On the other hand, more serious-minded characters like Gamora and the literally speaking and thinking Drax balance the frivolity that Rocket and Quill bring to the table making for a most balanced and appealing team of protagonists (and while these characters could not exactly be called superheroes in the same sense as Captain America or Thor, they all have talents and abilities that make the fivesome rather a formidable one). Of course, as in any space opera, there’s a bad guy out to take over the universe that must be stopped, and there is the expected girl-on-girl fight scene (between sisters Gamora – now having switched sides – and Karen Gillan’s still-loyal-to-the-opposition Nebula) that seems de rigueur, so there is going to be some bits of formula even in this most unique of science fiction fantasies, but the battles don’t go on too long, and one has never had his fill of a scene before director Gunn is ready to move us somewhere else equally as interesting. And one would be remiss not to mention that these galactic adventures are all accomplished to a soundtrack of 1970s pop-rock that additionally helps give the movie its own quirky but engaging personality.
Peter Quill is certainly a star-making role for Chris Pratt, and he superbly handles both the physicality and the verbiage with a light deftness that makes his hero one around which quite a few sequels should be built. No less appealing is the voice work of Bradley Cooper as the rascally raccoon Rocket imbued with a sensitivity beyond his wisecracks and banter that makes him imminently huggable. It’s a great showcase for Dave Bautista’s Drax, too, as he earns both laughs at his complete literal mindedness and sympathy at his dedication to his revenge. Zoe Saldana handles the warrior aspects of Gamora with aplomb, and Glenn Close as the head of the Xanderites who are under threat of destruction adds nobility to her few scenes. Lee Pace is almost unrecognizable in his effectiveness as the menacing giant Ronan, and Michael Rooker seems to having a whale of a time in heavy make-up as the galactic scavenger king. Seen briefly in roles that may be built up in later installments are John C. Reilly as a guard, Djimon Hounsou as a soldier, and Benicio Del Toro as The Collector, a kind of pawnbroker to the cosmos.
Music from the Morag Scene
Video Rating: 4.5/5 3D Rating: NA
A 3D disc will be included in all commercial Blu-ray packages of this release, but it was not included in the review materials sent.
Audio Rating: 5/5
Special Features Rating: 3.5/5
Guide to the Galaxy (20:56, HD): director James Gunn describes the look he was after for the movie and then presents the people who gave it to him, among others set decorator Richard Roberts, production designer Charles Wood, executive producer Victoria Alonso, and actors Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Lee Pace, and Benicio Del Toro.
Intergalactic Special Effects (7:11, HD): director James Gunn and producer Victoria Alonso discuss the importance of getting the characters of Rocket and Groot right and show behind-the-scenes looks at how live action actors (including the director’s brother Sean) stood in for characters that would later be added using CGI.
Deleted Scenes (4:22, HD): five scenes may be viewed separately or in montage and with or without commentary by director James Gunn.
Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron (2:27, HD) a sneak peek at the upcoming Avengers sequel.
Gag Reel (3:54, HD)
Promo Trailers (HD): among others, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Marvel TV series and video games.
Digital Copy: code sheet enclosed in the case.
Bloopers Dance Off
Bradley Cooper as Rocket
Overall Rating: 4/5
Reviewed By: Matt Hough
Support HTF when you buy this title:
