Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Exploring the adventures of a lesser-known team from the Marvel Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy was something of a surprise hit. The plot is well worn, almost clichéd, as a group of disparate beings learn to work together, and we can spot the few twists light-years away. Perhaps the filmmakers are acknowledging all that has come before but have chosen to enliven this tale by infusing a vast quantity of smart-ass humor. And that decision pays off remarkably well, yielding one of the most entertaining space operas since Star Wars.

An Earthling of mysterious origin, Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), is a career criminal, but his latest score—a jewel of devastating power—attracts the attention of the widely despised warrior Gamora (Zoe Saldana), daughter of the supremely evil Thanos. Before long, bounty hunters Rocket and Groot, voiced respectively by Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel playing a scientifically enhanced raccoon and a walking tree, are on their trail, and soon this quartet is breaking out of a maximum-security prison together, joined by the vengeful, muscle-bound Drax (Dave Bautista). These very different personalities are brought to life by some extremely talented actors, and so much of the charm of Guardians is born of their electric interplay. But time is running out for them to prevent a fundamentalist member of the imposing Kree race from destroying the entire planet of his enemy, despite a recent treaty. It’s fast-paced and action packed, if not especially memorable after the end credits.

The movie is executed on a truly grand scale, as almost nothing here is set in our mundane reality. Instead, we visit some big, beautiful worlds—and some big, ugly worlds, too—full of strange creatures and advanced technology. The elaborate, ubiquitous special effects are stunning, rife as they are with fine nuance, none of which seems to be lost in this outstanding 2.4:1 Blu-ray presentation. Brightly hued digital overlays are frequently employed as a storytelling tool, always with pleasing, credible sharpness. Color is used inventively throughout, as when Gamora’s green skin is boldly contrasted against her red leather outfit. Villainous Ronan seems forever surrounded by darkness, and these scenes are admirably clear and stable. A converted Blu-ray 3D version of this title is also available.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 accompaniment is likewise exemplary. The “.1” is generously portioned and wonderfully evident throughout: in the mighty spaceship engines, fierce explosions, and a particularly epic crash. That bass is also counterbalanced by clean highs, as in the bright zing of energy blasts during a dogfight. The surround channels are seam- lessly integrated, not solely for the enormous action sequences but the ample, thoughtful atmospheric fill that keeps the whole movie sonic- ally alive and vibrant. Quill’s prized possession is a first-generation Walkman loaded with ’70s favo- rites, and it’s a hoot to hear these gems in the room-filling, high-resolution soundtrack, alongside Tyler Bates’ original score.

Director/co-writer James Gunn’s audio commentary offers helpful backstory in addition to production nitty-gritty. He returns for the dense behind-the-scenes “Guide to the Galaxy,” while another featurette focuses on the CGI Groot and Rocket. A gag reel and five deleted/extended scenes—in various states of completion, with optional commentary—are also included. And a preview of Avengers: Age of Ultron, reminds us that the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains a sprawling work in progress.

Blu-Ray
Studio: Disney, 2014
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Audio Format: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
Length: 121 mins.
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: James Gunn
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista