Marvel’s “Black Panther” Now on Home Video

 

 

 

 

Review by John Delia Sr. and John Delia, Jr.

Enter Marvel’s Black Panther a complete movie about one of the Avengers with a new character originally introduced in the film Captain America: Civil War. Now on Blu-ray, DVD, 4K and Digital HD, here we experience his tale from his beginnings in the world of Wakanda to the city streets of modern Earth where we witness the power of this exciting superhero.

Many years ago a war existed between five tribes over a meteorite that was made up of an alien metal, called Vibranium. After one warrior eats one of the heart shape herbs that was infected by the metal and becomes the “Black Panther”, the five tribes unit to become the kingdom of Wakanda. Now hiding as a third world country to protect their secrets from reaching the outside, the Wakandans use this precious metal to discover innovative technology.

During a conference in Vienna, an explosion that destroys the building where the conference was held takes the life of T’Chaka King of Wakanda leaving the poor nation in mourning (Captain America: Civil War). T’Challa / Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), claims his right to become the new King of Wakanda and must face a challenge from M’Baku (Winston Duke), the leader of the rival Jabari Tribe.

Flash forward to The Museum of London where Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), a South African black-market arms dealer, smuggler, and gangster, along with Erik “Killmonger” Stevens (Michael B. Jordan), a black ops soldier, steals a relic. They discover it’s made out of Vibranium. With this information in Ulysses’s hands, the Wakandan secrets are in danger of being released to the world.

With support from his closest advisers, Okoye (Danai Gurira), Leader of the Dora Milaje tribe and protector of the Wakandan king, Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), human rights activist and an undercover spy for the king, Romonda (Angela Bassett), the mother of the king and former queen, Shuri (Letitia Wright), sister of the king and high ranking scientist, and finally W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), closest friend of the king and the head of border security, they must find a way to stop their secrets from being revealed.
­­

Director and writer, Ryan Coogler does a spectacular job recreating this comic book world. He includes an excellent storyline that covers every detail to the story’s past and the most recent history that ties everything into its exciting conclusion. His vision of the narrative I feel stayed true to the way the comic book artist envisioned and it gets presented very well on screen. The special effects bring exciting realism to the film and as with other Marvel films, makes it a winner.

BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

The Blu-ray Disc has the following features and bonuses:

“Director’s Intro”- turn it on as an option before playing the movie
“From Page to Screen: A Roundtable Discussion” – Delve into the film’s making
Crowning of a New King – Explore the world of “Black Panther” in all its color and complexity
“The Warriors Within” – Get to know Wakanda’s women and the actors who portray them
“The Hidden Kingdom Revealed” – Wakanda’s diverse people
“Wakanda Revealed: Exploring the Technology”
“Deleted Scenes”: Include
“U.N. Meet and Greet”
“Okoye and W’Kabi Discuss the Future of Wakanda”
“T’Challa Remembers His Father”
“Voices from the Past”
“Gag Reel”
“Exclusive Sneak Peek at “Ant-Man and The Wasp” with comments by Director and Stars
“Marvel Studios the First Ten Years: Connecting the Universe”
“Director’s Commentary”

Digital Exclusives:
“In World Wakanda Tourism Ads” Include
“Come to Wakanda ‘Before’”
“Come to Wakanda ‘After’”

Black Panther is packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their in-home viewing experience. The Multiscreen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack) includes Blu-ray, and a Digital Copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K UHD Collector’s Edition, including 4K Ultra HD disc with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Blu-ray disc, and a digital copy (where available). Dolby Vision delivers greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Dolby Atmos places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. Together on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, viewers will fully experience the sights and sounds of Wakanda.

Editor’s Note: A box office smash when it was released in January 2018 Marvel’s Black Panther keeps its number one worldwide status with $1,339,214,027. But, it’s being encroached upon by another Marvel film, Avengers: Infinity Wars that has already pulled in $1,251,016,406 since May 9th. Combined the two are standing at over 2 and a half billion dollars in 2018.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A welcome addition to Marvel’s Avengers Family. (5 out of 5 Stars)

Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.
Directed and co-written by: Ryan Coogler
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture.
Running Time: 2 hrs. 14 mi.
Video Release Date: May 15, 2018
Original Theatrical Release Date:  February 16, 2018
Language: English (Changeable to English Descriptive Audio, French or Spanish
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
Video: 1080p HD Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
Subtitles: English SDH, French or Spanish
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Released in: 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD Code