Deadpool 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Kristy Sturdivant
May 21st, 2016
In a genre overwrought with conflicted superheroes struggling with their powers and place in the world, it was more than refreshing to see an “enhanced” superhero doing what he wants without his conscience getting in the way. But DEADPOOL didn’t succeed because it was rated R or because Deadpool killed countless people, it succeeded because everyone involved loved and respected the source material. They perfectly captured the Deadpool character and kudos to Fox for allowing them to do it.
DEADPOOL is an origin story of the Merc with the Mouth, aka Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds). Wilson is a former Special Forces operative who has gone down the path of mercenary with a “soft spot”. When he is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he decides to undergo an experimental treatment to unlock his mutant gene. The results give him accelerated healing powers, a disfigured face and a chip on his shoulder. He adopts the alter ego of Deadpool in order to track down the sadistic scientist who performed the experiment.
DEADPOOL feels almost tailor made to fit the acting talents and personality of Ryan Reynolds. Any residual thoughts or emotions you had towards his portrayal of the DC superhero Green Lantern will be swept under the rug and forgotten once you’ve seen him as the wise-cracking Deadpool. From the first frame in the film during the opening credits to the very last time he is on screen, Deadpool will tickle the teenaged boy side of your nature and make you chuckle at lines and scenes that would not be so funny were it done by a regular comedian. What is really impressive is how Ryan Reynolds manages to entrance the audience with his performance which is done over half of the movie with either a mask on or an extraordinary amount of make-up. Maybe it’s because the film utilizes the “breaking the fourth wall” technique so well, but I left the film feeling like I just had a great adventure with a friend whom I don’t want to make angry.
Although Ryan Reynolds was great in the film, his supporting cast of Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, Stefan Kapicic, Brianna Hildebrand and T.J. Miller did a fine job as well. It’s hard to look past the over the top character of Deadpool, but the rest of the crew complimented Reynolds performance and helped make the film what it is.
DEADPOOL was one of my most anticipated films for 2016, and I’m very happy to say that it did not disappoint at all. We’ll probably never know the exact circumstances that led Fox to allow this movie to happen, but whatever the case, Fox has hit the jackpot with this franchise. The beginning of this franchise will definitely make the end of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine easier to swallow.
4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY REVIEW
Video: Is DEADPOOL the first must-own 4K title? I guess that’s a personal opinion, but as an early adapter, this is the disc I would/will use to impress anyone that’s on the fence about whether or not to upgrade. The Blu-ray version of DEADPOOL is impressive enough, but the 4K video quality takes things up a notch and gives a whole new level of detail. Even as Deadpool was flying through the air, you could see the details of his suit perfectly. Of course, I didn’t need the level of detail when he wasn’t wearing his mask, but you have to take the good with the bad. Given the lack of CGI, the action scenes were visually stunning in 4K. This is a great example of what 4K gives you.
Audio: You know that brand new, expensive Dolby Atmos home theater setup you bought but haven’t really put to good use yet? Well, prepare to be blown away. DEADPOOL takes full advantage of the every speaker available.
The following features are found on the Blu-ray version of DEADPOOL.
Commentary with “Wade”/”Deadpool”/Producer Ryan Reynolds and Screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick: A great commentary that is almost as entertaining as the film. This is for the fans that want a fun track but don’t necessarily want to hear all the technical details about how the film was made.
Commentary with Director Tim Miller and Deadpool Co-Creator/Comics Artist Rob Liefeld: Not quite as fun, but this is the track for fans that want to know more about how the film was made and the reasoning behind some of the choices.
Deleted/Extended Scenes (9:15): There’s nothing here that’s earth shattering, but they’re worth the time.
Gag Reel (6:11): See above.
From Comics to Screen…to Screen (1:20:00): This is an exhaustive making-of documentary (sort of) that has some of the Deadpool humor sprinkled throughout.
Deadpool’s Fun Sack: This is made up of videos (23:55), which is an assortment of interviews and quick features, along with some stills.
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