The MCU has taken a bit of a detour with the release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, dipping its toes into the horror genre thanks to director Sam Raimi (Evil Dead franchise). While he is not new to Marvel, having directed the Spider-Man trilogy starring Tobey Maguire for Sony Pictures, the inclusion of Raimi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe seemed an odd choice. And one that I fully supported.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now available on Digital and streaming on Disney+ and will release on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD July 26, 2022.
Fans recognize that the mystery and magic surrounding Doctor Strange sets his storyline apart from other Avengers’ arcs, thrusting him and those closest to him into a multiverse of possibilities. Under the guidance of Sam Raimi, those possibilities take on a thrilling shroud as only Raimi truly could execute, complete with his signature creatures. For audiences that can set aside expectation from The Infinity Saga and embrace Phase Four of the aptly named The Multiverse Saga, this fantastical pursuit will leave you with new questions about what we already know to be truth.
In terms of the film timelines, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness takes place after Spider-Man: No Way Home and before the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder. So many questions just from that placement, but feel free to drop a comment [watch for spoilers] if you care to discuss! The Disney+ limited series, WandaVision is discussed at length in the film and certainly watching that prior to seeing Multiverse of Madness will greatly enhance your understanding, perhaps even opinion of characters in the film.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness begins with a series of bizarre visions had by Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), he meets a mysterious, frightened teenager by the name of America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) who has the ability to travel the multiverse. Strange visits Wanda, The Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) in hopes that she might join with him and Sorcerer Supreme (Benedict Wong) in defeating the next great foe of unknown origin and power. Lost in her own grief after the events of Infinity War and WandaVision, Wanda warns Strange of the dangers of meddling with the multiverse. Together, they traverse the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.
Bonus Features*
Featurettes
- Method to the Madness – Join various crew members and Marvel employees in interviews as they discuss their love of Sam Raimi and all the details of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that make it quintessentially Raimi.
- Introducing America Chavez – In this short and fun profile piece, we’ll learn about America’s humble beginnings in the comics. We’ll meet Xochitl Gomez and discuss the complications her character’s unique power presents for the future of the MCU.
- Constructing the Multiverse – Writing a feature film for Marvel is no easy task. In this playful yet informative featurette, we’ll dive into the challenges that writer Michael Waldron faced in creating the twisting and turning story of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Bloopers
- Gag Reel -Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Deleted Scenes
- A Great Team -A journalist questions Doctor Strange’s integrity.
- Pizza Poppa – Bruce is relieved when Doctor Strange’s spell ends.
- It’s Not Permanent – Bruce tries to accuse Doctor Strange of being an imposter.
Audio Commentary
- View the film with audio commentary by Sam Raimi, Richie Palmer, and Michael Waldron.
*bonus features vary by product and retailer
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