Captain America: The First Avenger is the first fully formed, complete movie from Marvel Studios. The first Iron Man film is a lot of fun, but the second half drags in parts. Thor has great characters, but the story doesn’t seem as strong as it could’ve been. All of the studio’s other films have worked in spite of some flaw, in which the better parts overcome it with varying results. Captain America boasts strong characters, and a solid script.

Captain AmericaIt’s 1941 and Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a man with an incredibly slight physique and various other ailments, is desperate to sign up and join his friends in the fight against the Nazis in Europe, but is repeatedly rejected. Steve still hasn’t given up hope of serving his country when Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) offers him the chance to participate in an experimental super soldier program. Instead of being sent into battle, however, the newly dubbed Captain America is sent around the country as a pitchman for war bonds—at the climax of the act, he knocks out an actor playing Hitler in the worst stage-punch of all time. Taking his pitch to the troops, Steve finds that what worked for civilians in various U.S. cities doesn’t play for tired GIs slogging through a bloody campaign in Italy—Nice boots!” They shout, and “Bring back the girls!”

Meanwhile, Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving), the leader of the Nazi’s science division HYDRA, has found an ancient artifact called the Cosmic Cube that gives him control of an energy source capable of world domination. The U.S. military is completely unaware of Schmidt’s true intentions, however, so Steve decides to embrace his new alter ego and take the fight to HYDRA in order to end the war once and for all.

Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (co-writers of The Chronicles of Narnia series) wrote the screenplay, and Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer, Jumanji, October Sky) directed it. They do a good job providing a back story without getting bogged down with too many characters or storylines. We get a good sense of just who Captain America is, and what drives him to do the things he does. Using a mixture of good humor and solid action, they’ve created an adventure that all viewers can enjoy whether they’re familiar with the comic books or not.

Along with Chris Evans as the title character, the cast does a fine job. Hayley Atwell as Agent Peggy Carter is a suitably strong heroine and romantic interest for Steve. Sebastian Stan does an effective job as Steve’s stalwart best friend Bucky Barnes. Tommy Lee Jones turns in another tough, yet funny performance as Col. Chester Phillips, the head of America’s anti-HYDRA forces. Dominic Cooper plays the dapper, billionaire entrepreneur Howard Stark, the father of Iron Man Tony Stark and Samuel L. Jackson turns up as Nick Fury, director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Captain America: The First Avenger is fun from start to finish. Be sure to watch to the very end—through the closing credits—for the Avengers tie in scene. Personally, I can’t wait until that hits the theaters!

Presented in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer is very nice. Subdued by design, fine detail is brilliant throughout. It should be noted that that banding is noticeable in a few scenes, but it’s not enough to discount the transfer. Black levels are inky and consistent throughout. There are no instances of compression artifacting, and edge enhancement is kept at a minimum.

The DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack is well rounded. Completely enveloping, this track puts you right in the middle of the action.  Exceptionally dynamic fidelity allows both high-and low-ends to be presented raucously here, with both clear dialogue and loud effects coming across perfectly. Surrounds are used to expert effect throughout—great stuff.

French, Portuguese and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks are included, as are English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

The following special features are available:

  • Audio Commentary: Director Joe Johnston, Director of Photography Shelly Johnson, and Editor Jeffrey Ford deliver a breezy but informative track. The three deliver a technically-oriented commentary that shares filmmaking secrets, the picture’s extensive special effects , shooting locales, the performances of the cast, anecdotes from the set, and more.
  • Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer (1080p, 4:03): A short film with a comic edge about a convenience store robbery.
  • Outfitting a Hero (1080p, 10:52): A thorough, and informative behind-the-scenes piece looking at the history of the character’s costume and the evolution and development of the Captain’s in-movie suit.
  • Howling Commandos (1080p, 6:07): A brief piece that looks at the supporting players who helped Captain America throughout the movie.
  • Heightened Technology (1080p, 5:43): This brief piece looks at the “secret arms race” that plays out in the film and the future-inspired weapons and vehicles that appear in the movie.
  • The Transformation (1080p, 8:50): An in-depth look at the process of digitally shrinking Actor Chris Evans for the film’s first act.
  • Behind the Skull (1080p, 10:24): A look back at the history of Red Skull, casting the role, and creating the character’s right look for the movie.
  • Captain America’s Origin (1080p, 3:55): Captain America Co-Creator Joe Simon looks back at the history of the character in comics, and the piece ends with red carpet interviews with Simon’s friends and family.
  • The Assembly Begins (1080p, 1:46): A short look ahead towards The Avengers.
  • Deleted Scenes (1080p, 5:32): Attack in Norway, The Battle at Azzano, Steve Rogers Gets his Medal, and Steve Rogers Meets Nick Fury. Available with optional Director, D.P., and Editor commentary, except for Steve Rogers Meets Nick Fury.
  • Trailers (1080p): Theatrical Trailer 1 (2:35), Theatrical Trailer 2 (2:35), Sega Game Trailer (2:18), and The Avengers Animated Trailer (1:19).
  • Digital Copy:
  • DVD Copy.