Oh Marvel Universe, how good you’ve been to us as of late. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER was the icing on the upcoming AVENGERS cake. We’re glad we now have this on DVD/Blu-ray to hold us over until its release.
Taking place during the Second World War, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER tells the story of Steve Rogers, a skinny kid from Brooklyn who wants nothing more than to show his patriotism and help his country fight in the war. After trying (and failing) to enlist many times, he volunteers to participate in an experimental program that transforms his scrawny physique into a buffed –up ultimate soldier machine. Now going by the name Captain America, he joins forces with the US military and Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to try and not only end the war, but take down the evil HYDRA organization led by the evil Red Skull.
This charming tale doesn’t reek of patriotism, rather it sends a message about bravery and humility, making the story endearing. Beyond that, the visuals and special effects – while technically well done – are pretty silly and over the top, but in a hilarious way that makes it work. Director Joe Johnston took the story and made it entertaining while not taking it too seriously, and we can appreciate that. The blend of “courageousness” and “ridiculous” goes over well!
DVD/Blu-ray Combo pack bonus features include:
– Feature film with commentary by director Joe Johnston, director of photography Shelly Johnson and editor Jeff Ford
– Trailers
– Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer
– Featurettes:
Outfitting a Hero
Howling Commandos
Heightened Technology
The Transformation
Behind the Skull
Captain America Origins
The Assembly Begins
– Deleted Scenes with commentary by director Joe Johnston, director of photography Shelly Johnson and editor Jeff Ford