Director Sam Raimi takes the reins of Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, taking the MCU down a darker path than ever before.
The Production: 4/5
Marvel’s Disney+ series What if… introduced us to the multiverse, which then carried over to the widely popular Spider-Man: No Way Home and now Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Benedict Cumberbatch reprises his role as the famed sorcerer, Doctor Stephen Strange, who finds himself battling demons in the streets of New York with some assistance from Sorcerer Supreme Wong (Benedict Wong) during former flame Christine Palmer’s (Rachel McAdams) wedding reception, eventually saving a young girl, America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), who has the power to transport herself across multiverses but unable to control that power. Those demons have been sent to capture her and take her power by an unknown entity. Seeking further assistance, Strange contacts Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), only to discover that she is the one after the young girl. Wanda is still not only mourning the loss of Vision, but also reeling from the events in WandaVision, where she conjured a family, including two young boys as her sons, and now longs to find the multiverse where that reality actually occurred, regardless of the cost.
This sequel to Doctor Strange, which is also a sequel to the Disney+ series WandaVision, takes us down a much darker path than anything in the MCU before it, with elements of horror thanks to director Sam Raimi, marking his return to a Marvel production since his Spider-Man trilogy from 2002 thru 2007. The plot does get a bit convoluted, especially with the jumping thru multiverses and meeting different versions of many of the characters (plus some surprise cameos that some entertainment sites could not help but spoil on social media), and of course Strange breaks several rules to rescue America Chavez and humanity. It’s a fun ride, but those darker elements of horror may be off-putting to some, but not this reviewer.
Video: 5/5
3D Rating: NA
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was captured in 8K resolution on Panavision Millenium DXL2 IMAX and Red Ranger Monstro IMAX cameras and completed as a 4K digital intermediate in the 1.90 aspect ratio for IMAX engagements and in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision high dynamic range for its premium theatrical engagements. The movie is presented on this 4K UHD Blu-ray in a 2160p HEVC-encoded transfer in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 high dynamic range on a BD66. From the moment the movie starts, this transfer is vibrantly rich in colors that pop. Contrast is excellent, with incredibly deep blacks and strong shadow detail, as well as highlights that never appear blown out. Fine detail is off the charts (likely thanks to its 8K source photography and native 4K DI). The intricate stitching on Doctor Strange’s cloak and Wanda’s Scarlet Witch outfit, for example, are clearly visible. Although this is a 24-frame transfer, the movie is not quite film-like, lacking artificial film grain that is often added to digital productions, giving it a slightly sterile look. Regardless, this is still very much a reference-level visual experience.
Audio: 4.5/5
The default Dolby Atmos track is an auditory feast once you raise the master volume up one or two notches, noticeable once the opening Marvel logo ends. This is an immersive track for the most part, with sounds swirling around and above where needed and strong LFE. Highlights include the opening sequence, the travelling montage of mulitverses at the 37:15 mark, and the drugging of Strange and America at the 49:00 mark. Dialogue is clear and understandable throughout.
Special Features: 3/5
As expected, the UHD Blu-ray disc contains no extras. All of the special features can be found on the included Blu-ray edition.
Constructing the Multiverse (1080p; 11:10): A by-the-numbers EPK piece on developing and making the film.
Introducing America Chavez (1080p; 3:29): A brief look at the history of the character and Xochitl Gomez’s performance.
Method to the Madness (1080p; 5:02): A look at Sam Raimi’s style and influence.
Gag Reel (1080p; 2:28)
Deleted Scenes (1080p; 3:06): Three scenes are included, with the latter two being extended scenes – A Great Team, It’s Not Permanent, and Pizza Poppa.
Audio Commentary: Director Sam Raimi is joined by writer Michael Waldron and co-producer Richie Palmer in this rather lively track in which the three talk through nearly the entire running time (they keep coming back as the credits roll) discussing the development and production of the film, as well as the challenges of shooting during the pandemic.
Digital Copy: An insert contains a code to redeem a digital copy in UHD on Movies Anywhere, and is eligible for Disney Movie Insider rewards points.
Overall: 4/5
While Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may be too dark for some, this reviewer enjoyed it despite its sometimes convoluted plot. The presentation is excellent on 4K UHD Blu-ray, although the extras are pretty much average.
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Todd Erwin has been a reviewer at Home Theater Forum since 2008. His love of movies began as a young child, first showing Super 8 movies in his backyard during the summer to friends and neighbors at age 10. He also received his first movie camera that year, a hand-crank Wollensak 8mm with three fixed lenses. In 1980, he graduated to "talkies" with his award-winning short The Ape-Man, followed by the cult favorite The Adventures of Terrific Man two years later. Other films include Myth or Fact: The Talbert Terror and Warren's Revenge (which is currently being restored). In addition to movie reviews, Todd has written many articles for Home Theater Forum centering mostly on streaming as well as an occasional hardware review, is the host of his own video podcast Streaming News & Views on YouTube and is a frequent guest on the Home Theater United podcast.
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