Popcorn & Coffee: Doctor Strange Blu-ray Review

PG-13; 115 minutes; Amazon

Available today on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD from Marvel Studios is the fantasy comic book adventure Doctor Strange. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen, and Tilda Swinton.

Created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, Doctor Strange debuted as a comic book supernatural superhero in 1963. The film adaptation stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange, a brilliant (but arrogant) neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands after a terrible car crash. After having several unsuccessful surgeries to restore the nerves in his hands, Strange travels to Kamar-Ta to seek out the Ancient One (played by Tilda Swinton), who has been known to help others heal from wounds.

Shortly upon arriving, Strange learns that the Ancient One is a powerful sorcerer, who shows him that magic is real, as well as the astral plane and other dimensions. He learns there are are three buildings called the Sanctums (one in New York City, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) that protects the world from the other dimensions.

Under the guidance of the Ancient One and another sorcerer named Mordo (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), Strange begins his training as a sorcerer, and hopefully he will one day be able to regain control of his hands. Using his photographic memory, he easily learns their ways and starts to gain magical powers, such as bending time with the mystical Eye of Agamotto.

Unfortunately, Strange also learns there are evil sorcerers, lead by Kaecilius (played by Mads Mikkelsen), who are going to destroy the Sanctums and summon Dormammu of the Dark Dimension.

Blu-ray Bonus Extras includes:

Featurettes

A Strange Transformation – Open your eye to a new dimension of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and see how the filmmakers brought one of comic books’ greatest characters to life.

Strange Company – Find out what it’s like for the cast to work on a Marvel film, and how Director Scott Derrickson engineered one of the most ambitious, imaginative films ever.

The Fabric of Reality – Take a closer look at the movie’s extraordinary sets, meticulously crafted costumes and amazingly detailed production elements.

Across Time and Space – Explore the countless hours of dance and fight choreography the actors endured in preparation for their physically demanding roles.

The Score-cerer Supreme – Join Composer Michael Giacchino and a full orchestra during live recording sessions, and experience the movie’s mind-bending music.

Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look – Get an early peek at Marvel’s spectacular upcoming films, including Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War.

Team Thor: Part 2 – See more of the hilarious partnership between Thor and his roommate Darryl in this satirical short.

Deleted Scenes

Strange Meets Daniel Drumm

Kaecilius Searches for Answers

The Kamar-Taj Courtyard

Making Contact

Lost in Kathmandu

Gag Reel

Audio Commentary by Director Scott Derrickson

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE:

Through the Keyhole: The Science of the MCU – Discover how Marvel grounds all its films in real science, and explore the connection between science, magic and imagination.

Final Thoughts: Besides for a few graphic novels that I have reviewed on this blog over the years, I don't actually follow comic books, so I had no other knowledge of the world of Doctor Strange before I watched the Blu-ray this morning.

Just like all the advertisements from last year suggested, the special effects in the film are mind blowing; sort of a combination of The Matrix and Inception. The main plot is pretty thin, but Cumberbatch's terrific performance as Doctor Strange, as well as the colorful visuals, makes up for the lacking story. Of course the film is in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it's barely connected by a brief mentioning of the Avengers. However, there's a cameo by Thor (played by Chris Hemsworth) in a mid-credits scene which sets up this year's Thor: Ragnarok film.

There are plenty of special features on the Blu-ray, including a looking into the filming of 2018's Avengers: Infinity War.

Overall, Doctor Strange is a weird (but in a good way) comic book fantasy with great special effects and an outstanding cast. It's nothing ground breaking, but it's fun to watch.