Shazam! Fury of the Gods bursts onto 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray as the follow-up to its lighthearted and enjoyable predecessor. David F. Sandberg returns as director and balances humor, action, and family dynamics together once again, making the film a fun and engaging watch. While not without its flaws, the movie manages to entertain fans, although some may find it lacks the emotional depth and impact that made the first installment special. We checked out the 4K home release.
The story picks up with teenage Billy Batson, now comfortably settling into his superhero alter ego, Shazam, and living with his foster family. However, the newfound powers of the gods come with their challenges as the Daughters of Atlas, vengeful ancient goddesses, arrive on Earth seeking their stolen magic. The ensuing battle not only tests the team’s superpowers but also their bond as a family.
The sequel explores the dynamics between the foster siblings further, addressing their individual struggles and insecurities. It’s unfortunate that the film sometimes sidelines these human connections in favor of CGI-laden action sequences though. The heart of the first film, which focused on Billy’s journey to find his true family, is somewhat diluted this time around, and the heroes spend more time in their superhero personas than as insecure teenagers.
Zachary Levi reprises his role as Shazam and brings his wise-cracking comedic charm to the screen. While his humor worked well in the first movie, it’s sometimes overplayed in the sequel, robbing the film of the first one’s freshness and emotional weight. However, the young ensemble cast, led by Asher Angel, delivers solid performances, and their camaraderie continues to be a bright spot throughout the film.
When it comes to the villains, Shazam! Fury of the Gods falls slightly short. Although Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu bring a certain gravitas to their roles, the generic CGI-heavy antagonists lack the impact and complexity that a character like Black Adam could have provided. Despite these shortcomings, the film manages to find its footing later on, with the family vibe and heroics coming to life a bit more.
Visually, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of Shazam! Fury of the Gods offers a stunning experience. The film is presented in a native 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR10+), delivering impeccable picture quality. The Dolby Vision transfer presents a vibrant and colorful image with excellent contrast and meticulous detail. Practical effects shine, showcasing intricate costume designs and facial features, while the HDR adds depth to the color palette. Black levels are solid, providing exceptional clarity even in dark scenes. The overall visual presentation perfectly complements the film’s fantastical and action-packed sequences, making it a feast for the eyes.
Accompanied by a Dolby Atmos audio track, Shazam! Fury of the Gods boasts an excellent sound design that elevates the viewing experience. The audio mix engages all channels to create an immersive soundscape during action-heavy sequences and magical/transformation effects. The audio dynamics and deep, powerful bass that accentuate every punch, explosion, and spellbinding moment make this a great fit for a home cinema setup, and the Dolby Atmos soundtrack places you in the heart of the action. Whether you’re watching on a high-end home theater system or a soundbar, the audio quality will impress, enhancing the film’s audiovisual impact.
The bonus features included on the disc definitely add value to the release. The audio commentary from director David F. Sandberg offers insight into the film’s production, and deleted scenes give viewers a glimpse of what didn’t make the final cut. Featurettes like “Let’s Make a Sequel” and “Sisterhood of Villains” provide behind-the-scenes glimpses and highlight the performances of the cast, including newcomers Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler, and there’s a good amount of extras to dive into here.
In conclusion, Shazam! Fury of the Gods may not reach the heights of its predecessor, but it remains a fun and entertaining superhero adventure. With its impressive video and audio quality and a satisfying selection of bonus features, this 4K release is a solid addition to any fan’s collection. While it may not be the most memorable superhero film out there, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is still worth a look for its enjoyable cast dynamics and superhero shenanigans. Here’s hoping that future installments find a stronger balance between humor, heart, and thrilling action.
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