4K Digital Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness takes place a few months after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. It opens with Strange waking from a nightmare, where he is being helped by a young girl as they are being chased by a monster. As he attends the wedding of his ex, Christine Palmer, a monster attacks New York City. As Strange springs into action he realizes the monster is the one from his nightmare. That monster is chasing the young girl Strange also saw in that same nightmare. 

Strange, with the help of Wong, defeats the monster and they save the young girl. This young girl is America Chavez and she is able to travel the multiverse. She tells strange and Wong that someone is after her to use her powers for their own needs. 

Strange realizes that a witch is controlling the monster and seeks out Wanda to help him discover who this witch may be. When it becomes apparent that the Scarlet Witch has taken over Wanda, Strange and America find themselves traveling the multiverse to find a way to stop the Scarlet Witch.

Sam Raimi was the perfect choice to direct the darkest film in the MCU to date. The film is filled with his quick camera moves and dark humor. Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen are both fantastic but Olsen really shines here. Her performance is power, emotional and compelling. 

There are a lot of surprises, some fantastic easter eggs and two post credit scenes so, as always, stay until the very end. 

Video

The streaming 4K video is stunning as to be expected from Disney. The attention is in the details from skin tones, to costume textures and all the details in the multiverse whether it is real or computer generated. The colors are bold and leap off the screen from Strange's cape to America's denim jacket. This is as perfect as you can get.

Audio

Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is pretty solid. Some of the action scenes could use more depth from the sound field but other than that the surround sound is rich and enveloping as to be expected from Marvel and Disney. The dialogue is clear and centered throughout the entire movie.

Check out the trailer for the home video release below:

Bonus Features*

There are some fun bonus features but the real star is the audio commentary that is insightful of the story and film making process and maybe gives some clues into the future of the MCU.

Featurettes

• Method to the Madness - Join various crew members and Marvel employees in interviews as they discuss their love of Sam Raimi and all the details of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that make it quintessentially Raimi.
• Introducing America Chavez - In this short and fun profile piece, we’ll learn about America’s humble beginnings in the comics. We’ll meet Xochitl Gomez and discuss the complications her character's unique power presents for the future of the MCU.
• Constructing the Multiverse - Writing a feature film for Marvel is no easy task. In this playful yet informative featurette, we’ll dive into the challenges that writer Michael Waldron faced in creating the twisting and turning story of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Bloopers

• Gag Reel - Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Deleted Scenes

• A Great Team - A journalist questions Doctor Strange's integrity.
• Pizza Poppa - Bruce is relieved when Doctor Strange's spell ends.
• It's Not Permanent - Bruce tries to accuse Doctor Strange of being an imposter.

Audio Commentary

• View the film with audio commentary by Sam Raimi, Richie Palmer, and Michael Waldron.

Conclusion

Another solid entry into the MCU as Phase 4 moves right along. Near perfect video and audio with some fun bonus features and a fantastic audio commentary makes this a must have in your collection. 

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now available for digital download and will be available on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on July 26th.

*The digital copy was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of this review and the review is strictly my own opinion.*