Ultimate Avengers 2 (Animated feature film/Lionsgate/Marvel)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: A Film: B
Lionsgate
and Marvel Studios bring Ultimate
Avengers back with this second installment of animated action and
adventure. In this follow-up to last
year’s successful debut, the Avengers must once again battle an alien menace
from beyond the stars. Ultimate Avengers (which we shall refer
to as UA2 henceforth) packs plenty of action, character development, and
surprises into its 73 minute run-time, but once again, fans of the original Ultimates comics may be disappointed by
the script’s distinct lack of comic writer Mark Millar’s edgy tension. Still, like its predecessor, UA2 manages some tough moments that
elevates it well beyond standard “kiddy” cartoon fare.
The
exploration into Captain America’s character continues as he struggles to
adjust to life in the modern era. Meanwhile the other Avengers get a bit more
face-time as we learn of their personal lives and struggles. Is Thor really a Norse god? Is Iron Man more than just a playboy? Does the Wasp have the strength to leave a
destructive relationship? Is Giant Man
really as big an asshole as he seems? And
will the Hulk spend the entire movie in a drug-induced stupor? Answers to these and many other questions are
provided in UA2.
Perhaps
most exciting about this DVD is the addition of the Black Panther and his
African kingdom Wakanda to the UA
world. Every action sequence featuring
the Panther is a feast for the eyes and harkens back to Jack “King” Kirby’s
first renderings of the jungle hero. More recent fans of the Panther’s late 1990’s
series might also think of artist Mike Manley’s excellent (but too-brief) stint
on that title when enjoying Panther’s screen time in this one.
The
picture and sound on this disc is adequate. The anamorphically enhanced 1.77:1 ratio
widescreen is a nice touch and does a good job of conveying the full panoply of
superhero action. In spots the picture
shows some annoying flickering and the crash of explosions and action threatens
to wash out bits of dialogue, but these are minor issues. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is not bad, though
DTS would have been nice considering how well-recorded this all is.
Generous
content and clear, easy to use menus make the extras on this disc a real plus. An incredible documentary on the Ultimates
comic, DVD-ROM game, gag reel, first look previews of Dr. Strange and Iron Man
animated features, and more provide plenty of extra value on this already solid
package. In all fans of the original UA
will find UA2 to be more of the
same great fun. Not the Ultimates
comic brought to life, but a solid of amalgam of the Ultimates and the original Avengers
comics.
- Scott Pyle
