Why So Blu?

Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3 (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)

Marvel’s original high risk title that proved to be a phenomenon comes to a close with Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. The summer kick off movie was James Gunn’s swan song before he takes the helm of the DC universe and marks the end of an era for the MCU. It became on the year’s biggest films and best reviewed blockbusters. Now its arriving on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray. Coming with an Atmos track, a pair of featurettes, deleted scenes and the mandatory gag reel, you’ll be able to own this latest piece of MCU physical media when it arrives August 1st. You can pre-order yourself a copy of Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3 by using the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review.

Film

In Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, our beloved band of misfits is looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from a terrible loss, must rally his team and embark on a dicey, action-packed mission to defend the universe and protect Rocket. Meanwhile, a new, unpredictable force threatens to bring the Guardians down for good. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is written and directed by James Gunn.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a wonderful return to form after mingling with The Avengers in the Infinity War/Endgame saga that sweeps in to remind us of just how good these Marvel movies can be at their peak. Having a strong creator like James Gunn behind the helm really stands out among the pack, giving us a film that never once feels of the assembly line franchise picture motif these MCU movie constantly get labeled as. I can’t tell you what exactly it is, Gunn is at the same studio, with the same toys to play with as everyone else. However, from the cinematography to the characters, the action and the story all feels much more personal, unique and lively than most of the others.

The film is one that not only excels at completing a full thought that occurs in a journey through 3 Guardians of the Galaxy films, but one that responds to events that happened outside of those with Infinity War, Endgame, Love & Thunder and the Holiday Special. Every characters experiences a journey of accepting who they are and what path lies ahead for them. Its centered around Rocket Raccoon, but everyone from Peter Quill to Mantis to Kraglin takes that journey. And where we end perfectly caps a nod to where it all sort of began. As thrilling as the journey is, its quite emotional as well and definitely will hit you. That’s a testament to not only Gunn, but the characters and actors who built this unlikely popular team 9 years ago.

James Gunn’s curtain call on the group of oddballs that took the MCU by storm is a touching and engrossing final chapter. Its a film with the whimsical humorous nature they’ve been known for to go along with yet another killer soundtrack, terrific action, impressive visuals and one of the strongest villains the MCU has seen. Broadening out beyond the MCU, the Guardians Of The Galaxy may argue for the strongest part 3 of any film series, and depending on your feelings of Vol. 2, one of the strongest trilogies this side of the millennium.

Video

Disclaimer: Screen captures used in the review are from the standard Blu-ray disc, not the 4K UHD Blu-ray disc.

Encoding: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: 4K (2160p)

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 & 1.85:1

Layers: BD-66

Clarity/Detail:  Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 provides a lovely looking 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray image. Its quite striking and colorful with also being pretty sharp and crisp. The aspect ratio shifts to allow for the IMAX footage to be shown as intended. Fine details come through with natural ability and the computer generated visual effects hold up very well under this 2160p high resolution scrutiny.

Depth: Depth of field is strong and easily lends itself to 3D qualities even on a 2D presentation. There’s strong pushback and good spacing here where the characters move freely, smoothly and face no challenges with rapid action causing a blur/jitter distortion.

Black Levels: Blacks are deep and natural. The film comes with some nice shading and impressive detail shown within the shadows and patterns/textures on surfaces or garments. No crushing witnessed.

Color Reproduction: Colors pop right out here and the film utilizes many vibrant ones in its palette. Purples are strong, golds look very refined. The Orgocorp scenes are probably the highlight of the whole transfer with a lot of good bright colors on space suits and the whole world being vivid. HDR comes in handy with explosions, displays, fire, blaster glows and more.

Flesh Tones: Skin tones are natural and consistent throughout the film. Facial features and textures, even those on aliens as well as the prosthetic make-up effects impress with such detail and never unveil any of the strings behind the curtain. Its all fluid and realistic.

Noise/Artifacts: Clean.

Audio

Audio Format(s): English Dolby Atmos, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio,  French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, Japanese 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus

Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish, Japanese

Dynamics: Now, the Atmos track is definitely set lower than your default. But roughly 5 notches higher, this is as good as any above average, close to top tier Atmos track. It has power to it and some good layering and depth. The music in particular sounds lovely and as if its in concert.

Height:  From above you get characters floating, ships passing over, debris, fire, blasts and a lot more with good strength on the volume.

Low Frequency Extension: The subwoofer hits in ways you anticipate with good strength as things crash, explode, punch, shatter, blast, roar and more.

Surround Sound Presentation: As expected, this mix is playful and wanders around the room. Rear and side channels provide some nifty ambiance to help bring to life every environment. They also expertly track off screen activity and really hope to powerfully roll sound on traveling across the room.

Dialogue Reproduction: Vocals are clear and crisp.

Extras

Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3 comes with the standard Blu-ray edition and a redeemable digital code. All bonus materials are found on the standard Blu-ray disc.

Audio Commentary

• by director James Gunn

The Imperfect, Perfect Family (HD, 11:08) – “I feel like this movie is really…ME” says Gunn. Many feel its a movie about every character being able to put trauma behind them and move forward. For as quick as this featurette is, it has such good personalities like Gunn, Gillan, Pratt and the like who are direct and honest. The featurette goes through each of the actors/characters and their journeys.

Creating Rocket Raccoon (HD, 9:25) – “The first is the story of the mother. The second is the story of the father. And the third is the story of the self” is how Gunn sees the trilogy. This piece is all about the character of Rocket Raccoon, from James Gunn’s love for the character and who the thinks he is, the appreciation of Sean Gunn’s physical performance in the trilogy and how Bradley Cooper fit all the things Gunn was looking for in the vocal performance.

Gag Reel (HD, 5:59)

Deleted Scenes (HD, 8:27)

Summary

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 is a reminder to all that these movies can feel like the personal touch of an artist and deliver with non-conveyor belt thrills. Is it the one last tip of excellence for the MCU or will they head into exciting territory that hits the highs of the early years. Time will tell. As the bonus materials continue on in their basic fashion, these 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray releases are still the way to go in terms of owning and watching the films.

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