STACK #149 Mar 2017

DVD&BD REVIEWS

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Open your mind. Change your reality. DOCTOR STRANGE

Release Date: 01/03/17 Format:

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A Strange Transformation Strange Company The Fabric of Reality Across Time and Space The Score-Cerer Supreme Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look The Score-Cerer Supreme Team Thor: Part 2 Deleted & Extended Scenes Audio Commentary with Director Scott Derrickson

Strange things are happening in the MCU with the introduction of Marvel’s Master of the Mystic Arts, Doctor Stephen Strange, as incarnated by Benedict Cumberbatch sporting a Machiavellian goatee, a high- collared Cloak of Levitation (which has a life of its own), and possessed of an ego to rival Tony Stark’s. When this

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Limited Edition Steelbook

DID YOU KNOW...

In the comics, the Ancient One is an old man; in this film, the Ancient One is played by a woman. This was a deliberate decision as Scott Derrickson felt the Ancient One was a title rather than a person.

arrogant neurosurgeon’s hands are ruined in an auto wreck, the solution to repairing the nerve damage and regaining his skills turns out to be spiritual, not medical. Tutored in the power of mind over matter by the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), Strange proves a quick learner and together with fellow mystics Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Wong (Benedict Wong), must prevent a rogue master, Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen),

from using forbidden knowledge to open a portal to the Dark Dimension. Strange is an atypical Marvel hero, using magic not muscle to get results. This arcane adventure both refreshes and expands the MCU while retaining the trippy quality of the comics and the sixties’ sensibility in which the character has his roots. As John Lennon would say, “Strange days indeed.” SH (See page 26)

FURTHER VIEWING

Batman Begins

The US war hero who never fired a shot. HACKSAW RIDGE

Release Date: 15/03/17

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EXTRAS

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Alternative Artwork Limited Edition Steelbook

DID YOU KNOW...

Desmond’s Bible was actually lost during the battle, but was not retrieved until after he had returned home due to his injuries. His division, after capturing the area, searched for some time until they had found it. The battlefield sequence was staged near Sydney on a dairy farm that was about 100 meters squared. Smoke trucks circled the perimeter to ensure that any ‘scenery’ that didn’t look like Okinawa was effectively blocked out.

There are certain immutable facts about war, the chief amongst which is that you may be required to kill. Due to both a childhood experience and his religion – after all, “thou shalt not kill” – this didn’t sit well with young Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield). Yet he still wished to serve his country during WWII. So what to do? Become a combat medic! Easy, right? No, actually, as Doss soon discovers

when he ships off to Fort Jackson for training. His refusal to touch a weapon – not to mention declining to train on Saturdays for religious reasons – sees him become the company’s outcast. Yet despite being tormented by his fellow enlistees and attempts by his army superiors to have him kicked out on psychiatric grounds, Doss remains resolute. He ends up in

Okinawa, in the heat of battle, and you can likely guess how things play out... Akin to a singular Revenge of the Nerds , just without the comedy and sexism, director Mel Gibson’s tale – based on actual events – combines gritty and horrifying battle recreations with a love story and father/son politics. But ultimately it’s Garfield’s show. Highly recommended. AF (See page 28)

FURTHER VIEWING

The Pacific

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MARCH 2017

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