Living idealized suburban lives, super-powered beings Wanda and Vision begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.
For in-depth thoughts on WandaVision, please see my colleague Tia Fabi’s review from its original streaming release below:
For a look at the SteelBook packaging, please check out the photos at the end of the review.
Video Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of WandaVision offers a fetching uptick in quality over the highly compressed Disney+ stream, marking another glorious win for fans who thought these MCU shows would only be seen on streaming. The release comes with the nine episodes from the series spread across two discs without the inclusion of additional Blu-Ray discs, so make sure you are 4K UHD capable if you are going with this format. The amount of discrete detail in the costumes and production design is mind-blowing with texture pouring out of every frame with this increased resolution. There are very subtle elements of both the real world and “fantasy TV world” costumes which you can see with more clarity here. Skin tones are natural and consistent with exceptional detail apparent on faces, especially unique facades like Vision.
The HDR allows this series to thrive as it expands the color spectrum in narratively unique ways. Even with a good portion of the early season in black-and-white in the TV world, the HDR comes alive to get the most out of the aesthetic. Highlights are more defined with whites pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Black levels likewise are especially strong in this presentation, staying deep and inky with fantastic detail. The elements taking place in shadow are vivid and finely delineated. This format avoids banding, compression artifacts, and other digital anomalies. When you shift into full color, you are given a world of deep, vibrant colors that radiate off the screen. This 4K UHD presentation is the ideal way to experience this series. Disney has impressed once again with this presentation, and we cannot wait for more on physical media.
Audio Quality
The set comes equipped with a tremendous Dolby Atmos presentation that brings a complex soundscape to the material from the opening moments to the last. The Christophe Beck score perfectly matches the tone, and it permeates the room in a formidable manner. Dialogue emanates clearly without ever being drowned out by any of the competing sonic elements. The sounds of the different locations provide a thematically nimble audio experience that comes together nicely. The low end is engaged sparingly in the early episodes, but even the “quiet” moments find an excuse to add some texture to the world.
The soundscape provides an expansive experience that allows this one to feel as significant as the feature films. Sounds are properly rendered with precise directionality from the more active scenes to interpersonal moments of dialogue. The overhead channels work in tandem with the other channels rather than stealing focus, which adds a nice sense of dimension to this unique tale. Ambient details are consistent and satisfying in the rear and overhead channels. Audiences will be quite pleased with this sonic journey. There are optional English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles provided.
Special Features
- Through The Eras: A seven-minute featurette in which the cast and creative team discuss this unique direction for the MCU, the efforts that went into capturing the different types of television sitcoms, the traditional comic book fighting elements, the direction of Matt Shakman, the Agatha spinoff, and more.
- Gag Reel A two-and-a-half-minute collection of flubbed and forgotten lines, goofing around on set, ruined takes, and more that is quite delightful.
- Deleted Scenes: Two unused scenes totaling one minute are included here featuring brief humorous moments with Agatha and Pietro. They are interesting even if we understand why they were cut.
- Assembled – The Making Of WandaVision: A terrific 57-minute documentary on the making of this series which is impeccably produced and filled with interviews with the cast and creative team. You get some background details about the initial casting of the two leads in the MCU and their journey before landing on this series and how it was developed into its own important piece of the puzzle.
Final Thoughts
WandaVision was the first small-screen MCU outing on Disney+, and it remains the best thus far. Some episodes feel a bit padded, but overall this is a very focused, emotionally resonant journey topped off by incredible performances from Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany. The balance of humor and mystery works very well as things build up to an exciting conclusion. We wish all of the television efforts felt so fresh and unique. Disney Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a stellar A/V presentation and a pleasing assortment of special features. Even casual fans of the MCU should pick this one up. Recommended
WandaVision will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray SteelBook and Blu-Ray SteelBook on November 28, 2023.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Disney Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.