Doctor Strange Blu-ray Review

By: Lynn Barker

Doctor Strange introduces Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) who thinks he is all that and a bag of expensive chips. He gets away with being dismissive of his one-time boo Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) because he can be charming. He’s also the best neurosurgeon in the world and his hands are magic…until he loses the use of them in a horrible car wreck. He’s off on a quest to regain his surgical talent but instead, finds a whole other magical reason to exist.

A confused Christine tries to help the new Doctor StrangeCourtesy of Marvel

Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, Nepal, the sorcerer Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelson) and his followers murder the librarian of Kamar-Taj, a secret compound where mystical texts are kept. He steals a ritual from a book belonging to The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), a seemingly eternal sorcerer who was his teacher in the mystic arts, and escapes into another dimension.

Kaecilius stealing the Ancient One's spellCourtesy of Marvel

Crushing Wreck

Dr. Stephen Strange, an acclaimed neurosurgeon with a ginormous ego, loses the use of his hands in a car accident. No amount of surgeries and sympathy from surgeon and ex-lover Christine will help him. When Strange learns of Kamar-Taj a mystical healing place in Nepal, he’s on his way. There Mordo (Chewitel Edjiofor), another sorcerer taught by the Ancient One, welcomes him. He wants to learn about the astral plane and other wonders but can’t let go of his ego, much like her student Kaecilius.

Strange and Mordo face the Dark DimensionCourtesy of Marvel

Good Student

Strange begins magical training under the Ancient One and Mordo. He quickly reads the ancient books in the library and learns that Earth is protected from other dimensions and evils dwelling there by a spell tying together three Sanctums in NYC, Hong Kong and London. It’s up to the sorcerers to protect the Sanctums. Still trying to get his surgeon’s hands back, Strange reads forbidden texts and learns to bend time with the Eye of Agamotto containing one of the famous Marvel Universe Infinity Stones.

Strange in the New York SanctumCourtesy of Marvel

Strange Vs. Kaecilius

Strange is warned that using the power he has found goes against the laws of nature. Kaecilius used it believing that there should be no death. Why can’t everyone live as long as the Ancient One? Kaecilius and his followers use the stolen spell to summon powerful Dormammu of the Dark Dimension where time doesn’t exist. This destroys the London Sanctum and Strange and Mordo hurry to protect the New York Sanctum. A powerful object, the Cloak of Levitation chooses Strange and this helps him hold off the baddies.

Kaecilius becomes more consumed by the Dark DimensionCourtesy of Marvel

Secrets and Lies

Kaecilius reveals that The Ancient One’s long life is owed to her own use of the Dark Dimension’s power leaving Strange and Mordo disillusioned with her. Kaecilius mortally wounds the Ancient One and escapes to Hong Kong. In NYC, the dying Ancient One tells Strange that he will also have to break the rules, because Mordo won’t. Meanwhile, Strange has involved Christine Palmer in a lot of this and she is totally freaked and confused.

The Ancient One zaps Strange out of his bodyCourtesy of Marvel

Chinese Sanctum

The last of the Sanctums in Hong Kong is under attack and the Dark Dimension is spreading over the Earth. Strange uses the Eye to turn back time, face Dormammu and create a time loop where they will both be trapped forever unless the demonic creature agrees to leave Earth forever and take Kaecilius and pals with him. Will this work? Where will Strange end up? Will he also decide to reject the mystical guardianship of Earth and selfishly just use his power to restore his hands?

Strange begins his sorcerer trainingCourtesy of Marvel

Special Extra Features

This Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo pack is loaded with cool extras! There are a series of featurettes.

A Strange Transformation offers filmmakers and actors talking about Marvel’s entrance into the mystical universe not offered in The Avengers films. Benedict talks Strange’s character growth and we see and hear about costumes, locations, sets, stunts, music etc. – Really fun. Strange Company focuses on casting the actors for key parts and why they were chosen. The production waited six months to get Benedict who was on stage in “Hamlet”. Cool extra! Great actors in this film. The Fabric of Reality deals with great costuming, sets, props and production design. These are great to see in detail, especially Benedict’s costume as he walks into an NYC comic book store, blowing the minds of the owners. Fun.

Across Time and Space showcases stunts, choreography and we see cast training in different styles and moving their hands so that the magical glowing line effects can be put in later. Pretty awesome. Benedict did most of his stunts and admits he kept tripping on the cape. The Score-cerer Supreme gives us details on the wonderful film score by Michael Giacchino as he composes themes for various characters and scenes. Cool.

Benedict Cumberbatch talks to director Scott DerricksonCourtesy of Marvel

• Audio Commentary: Writer/Director Scott Derrickson’s commentary track passes on some interesting scene info with unknown tidbits. He doesn’t just tell us what we can see is happening on the screen. He gets quiet sometimes but when he talks he gives cool details. Worth a watch.
• Deleted Scenes- There are four and some really do a lot to expand on and develop the Kaecilius character. Too bad they were cut. I also liked a sweet scene in the streets of Kathmandu when Strange sets the broken leg of a street dog. Awwww.
• Gag Reel – I love these things. Some fun stuff here as we see Benedict goofing off, everybody blowing lines, dancing, playing air guitar and making puppets out of Strange’s bandaged hands.
• Team Thor- Part 2 is a mockumentary, a short showing Thor’s roomie Darryl who cleans up after him as he tries to live a “normal” human life. Silly but fun!
• Marvel Studio Phase 3 is an overview and preview of upcoming Marvel films, featuring Thor, Avengers, Black Panther and The Guardians of the Galaxy. Worth a watch for sure.

Thor with human roomie DarrylCourtesy of Marvel

Wrapping Up

Doctor Strange is an eye-popping departure from the rest of the Marvel Universe and you can’t beat Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role. SPFX visuals are great, as is costuming, story etc. The film looks and sounds amazing on Blu-ray or even DVD.

Doctor Strange enters the astral planeCourtesy of Marvel

Extras really add a lot to your enjoyment of the movie. They cover everything you could have a question about and are just packed with actor commentaries as well as filmmaker secrets.  I can’t think of what else could have been added to make this a keeper for your collection or an impressive gift for a fellow fan unless it was a gallery of the impressive costuming and production art. Going five stars on this one.

Doctor Strange Blu-ray Rating: 

Doctor Strange Blu-ray ReviewCourtesy of Marvel

Doctor Strange is now available on Blu-ray & DVD!

Have Your Say

Are you anxious to collect the home entertainment version of Doctor Strange? Are you a Benedict Cumberbatch fan, just like the comic book or not your thing? Comment below.