Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 appears in a varying aspect ratio of approximately 1.85:1 and 2.35:1 on this Blu-ray Disc. Because the entire film was shot 1.90:1 with digital IMAX cameras, this alternating pair of ratios seems perplexing on the surface.
However, director James Gunn states that he prefers this “combo pack” of ratios. I’d rather see the whole thing in the 1.90:1 IMAX dimensions I witnessed when I watched the film theatrically, but if Gunn wants dual ratios, then I respect his wishes.
At all times, sharpness appeared positive. I thought the image seemed accurate and well-defined from start to finish, with virtually no signs of softness on display. I noticed no signs of shimmering or jaggies, and the movie lacked any print flaws.
Like most other modern action flicks, V3 favored stylized colors, and as usual, those colors tended toward teal and orange. Actually, the palette broadened at times, so while it stayed heavily oriented toward orange/teal, at least some added hues emerged. Given the visual choices, the tones looked positive.
Blacks were always deep and tight, and I saw good contrast as well. Shadows seemed clear and appropriately opaque. The Blu-ray became a strong reproduction of the film.
I felt just as pleased with the impressive DTS-HD MA 7.1 soundtrack of V3. A movie packed with mayhem and action, the mix used all the channels in a lively, involving manner. Various violent elements popped up from all around the room and delivered a smooth, engrossing soundscape.
This meant nearly constant material from the surrounds. The back speakers delivered a high level of information and created a great sense of place in that domain. All of this melded together in a vivid, satisfying manner.
Audio quality was also strong. Music seemed full and bold, while speech was consistently natural and crisp.
Effects became the most prominent component, of course, and packed a solid punch, with positive clarity and range. The audio of V3 delivered the goods.
As we launch the extras, we find an audio commentary from writer/director James Gunn. He brings a running, screen-specific discussion of story/characters, cast and performances, sets and production design, music, photography and editing, effects, action, and related topics.
A veteran of the format, Gunn makes good use of his time. Gunn delivers a solid look at the film and makes this an engaging chat.
Two featurettes follow, and The Imperfect, Perfect Family runs 11 minutes, eight seconds. It brings notes from Gunn, producer Kevin Feige, and actors Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, and Zoe Saldaña.
With “Family”, we learn about the trilogy overall as well as story/characters and cast and performances. A few nuggets emerge but this mostly feels like a superficial summary.
Creating Rocket Raccoon spans nine minutes, 25 seconds. It features James Gunn, Saldaña, Sean Gunn, and Pratt.
We look at the different elements necessary to bring our favorite humanoid critter to the screen along with some V3 story/character beats. It becomes a fairly informative little reel.
A Gag Reel goes for five minutes, 59 seconds and presents the usual goofs and giggles. We do get a few alternate lines of dialogue, but mostly we see a lot of laughing.
Eight Deleted Scenes occupy a total of eight minutes, 27 seconds. For the most part, these bring fairly minor extensions and additions.
In general, they offer decent intrigue. We do get to see Pete Davidson in his cameo before James Gunn eventually decided to hide him, at least.
An era ends with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. It finishes a version of the franchise on a positive note, as it provides arguably the strongest of the trilogy. The Blu-ray brings very good picture and audio along with a mix of bonus materials. V3 turns into a winning adventure.