Avengers: Endgame has taken up a lot of the MCU oxygen lately which makes the release of Captain Marvel seem like ages ago, even though iit has only been three months. But now that the Infinity Saga is over, we can take a step back and give Captain Marvel its proper due as it is released for digital download.
In addition to the film, the digital release comes with a unique audio commentary. Captain Marvel co-directors and co-writers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck come from the world of independent film so their commentary is very focused on the filmmaking process. You learn a lot about films that inspired shots in the film as well as more technical conversation than you would normally expect. They also spend a lot of time giving credit to below-the-line talent, many of whom are Marvel veterans, who deserve their moment of recognition. In addition to that, you also get to learn how Disneyland helped build the relationship between a few of the characters.
The digital release also leans into the 90’s characteristic of the film. The menus are reminiscent of all the worst websites of the 90’s. That being said, the navigation is simple and intuitive. Just one piece of advice, don’t let the mundane bonus feature titles fool you. There are many hidden gems.
The first highlight is that the gag reel is better than most. It isn’t just silly faces and flubbed lines. You truly get the sense of the fun that the cast and filmmakers had on set. Even screen legend Annette Benning seems to have had a blast during the production.
But the most important part of the release is that there is a whole Goose sub-menu. In addition to getting concept art and on-set pictures, there is a featurette discussing the star turn of Reggie as Goose. The whole thing is done in a 90’s-era style with 90’s-era video quality. If you remember those Disney Channel making-of specials from the 80’s and 90’s, this will bring back many memories. And with all due respect to Brie Larson, Goose may be the biggest new star of the MCU.
Bonus Features
- Viewing Modes:
- Original Theatrical Version
- With Intro: Movie with an introduction by Co-Writers/Directors Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck
- With Commentary: Movie with commentary by Co-Writers/Directors Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck
- Gag Reel (2:03): A better than average gag reel whose highlights include screen legend Anette Benning being goofy, tossing around a plush Goose stand-in, and the Skrulls getting their groove on
- Featurettes:
- Journey Into Visual Effects with Victoria Alonso (7:20): Experience how filmmakers’ visions of the MCU come to life on-screen through the skill of the Visual Effects team.
- The Dream Team (2:44): Discover why Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck are the perfect pair to direct Marvel Studios’ most powerful hero.
- The Skrulls and the Kree (3:32): Take a deeper look into the Skrulls and the Kree, their ongoing conflict, and the importance of shifting perspectives in the film.
- What Makes a Memory: Inside the “Mind Frack” (4:37): What does it take to craft an action-packed sequence for a Marvel Studios film? Nothing short of an epic team effort
- Deleted Scenes:
- Who Do You Admire Above All Others? (1:52): Kree Commander Yon-Rogg must answer to the Supreme Intelligence, who questions his leadership ability.
- Starforce Recruits (2:02): Yon-Rogg lectures a roomful of students on the Kree’s mission to defend all nations from the scourge of the Skrulls.
- Heading to Torfa (1:19): Vers and her fellow Starforce members banter as they prepare for their rescue mission to Torfa.
- What, No Smile? (1:16): In this alternate version of a scene from the movie, Vers in consulting a map when she receives a dubious offer of assistance.
- Black Box (1:01): Keller attempts to track Vers and Fury after their escape in a quadjet from the Joint USAFA Facility
- Rookie Mistake (1:20): Novice S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Phil Coulson helps Director Keller out of an embarrassing situation.
- The Heroes: Captain Marvel:
- Becoming a Super Hero (6:40): Follow Brie Larson’s journey as she joins the MCU, and see what it takes to be a Marvel Super Hero in every sense of the word.
- Big Hero Moment (3:31): Explore how impactful Captain Marvel’s entrance into the MCU is, and how she inspires audiences around the world.
- Concept Art
- On-Set Images
- The Heroes: Nick Fury:
- The Origin of Nick Fury (3:37): Witness some of the MCU’s most significant events through Nick Fury’s eyes, and see how his influence helped shape the MCU.
- Concept Art
- On-Set Images
- The Heroes: Goose:
- Hiss-sterical Cat-titude (3:23): The cast and crew dish on working with Goose and the raw talent it takes to portray such a complex character on-screen.
- Concept Art
- On-Set Images
Final Thoughts
Captain Marvel may be remembered as the movie that preceded Endgame, but the digital release gives us a chance to fully appreciate the film on its own merits. The digital release helps build an appreciation for the film while also embracing some of the elements that made the film stand out such as the time period and Goose. Captain Marvel is the most powerful hero in the MCU and her origin story gives her the respect that she deserves.