Black Panther: Blu-Ray Review

“Wakanda Forever!”

The record shattering, awe inspiring, and revolutionary, Black Panther, has made the journey home with a Blu-Ray/Digital and 4K Ultra HD release. From start to finish, the set packs a punch with up close looks at story development, cultural inspirations, and the evolution of Black Panther from the early comic book panels to a full feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In the feature, “From Page to Screen”, director Ryan Coogler, sat down in a round table discussion with some of the thinkers and storytellers behind Black Panther both in the world of Marvel Comics and film. Coogler and company weaved together the timeline from Black Panther’s earliest days as a beacon of strength during the Civil Rights movement and how his character has evolved into a powerful symbol, tearing down boundaries of story and characterization that have inspired the world over for decades. The history of the character alone is fascinating. For those who may be newer to the Marvel Universe, this is a great way to fill in any gaps and learn what impact the character has in the larger world of comics and pop culture.

Another interesting aspect to take away from the discussion is the risk involved at bringing Black Panther into the MCU. Though in hindsight, he may seem essential and an unquestioned part of the franchise, the round table discussed the challenges at introducing T’Challa to the world in a way that would test the waters for what was to come. Being brought into the fray during the hit, Captain America: Civil War, Coogler and company could not have anticipated the fan reaction, and as we now know, the gamble paid off in a way nobody could have imagined. Yet, along with the man and the iconic story, other elements stand out, including the powerful women and warriors brought to life on screen.

Grace and ferocity reign, and “The Warriors Within” feature brings that front and center. A small preview can be seen above, but the set gives the well deserved tribute to all the hard work and dedication each actress brought in creating an inspirational glimpse into the importance of female leadership.

They are at the forefront of the entire narrative, as warriors, advisors, and powerful leaders for the world around them. Black Panther takes every advantage, creating role models and new faces for viewers to look up to. There is no damsel in distress to be seen, shattering conventional gender stereotypes. That’s incredibly vital, as young women need more strong characters to relate to, more versatile roles to see themselves in. It’s a key part of this set, and one that is definitely worthwhile.

Going beyond gender, the inclusion of so many elements of African culture and tradition really took the world by storm when the film hit theaters. The set does not disappoint, as we get a full look at the production’s research on locations, cultural heritage, fashion, and ways of life. Though Wakanda is a place of marvelous advancements in technology and innovation, the featurettes guide us along the path taken to meld a world of future and fantasy with a world deeply rooted in ethnic diversity and culture.

It was important for the crew to keep those two contrasts in sync, and as fun as it is to see what makes Vibranium so powerful, effects used to create awesome technology, and props that represent the impossible, it is just as entertaining to see the level of effort that went into fine tuning the elements used to reflect a truly real and prominent African culture. There is plenty of content worth your time that will make the world of Black Panther feel a little bit closer to home.

Here’s a full list of features below!

Blu-ray:

• Director’s Intro
• From Page to Screen: A Roundtable Discussion – Delve into the film’s making
• Crowning of a New King – Explore the world of “Black Panther” in all its color and complexity
• The Warriors Within – Get to know Wakanda’s women and the actors who portray them
• The Hidden Kingdom Revealed – Wakanda’s diverse people
• Wakanda Revealed: Exploring the Technology

• Deleted Scenes

• • U.N. Meet and Greet
  • Okoye And W’Kabi Discuss the Future of Wakanda
  • T’Challa Remembers His Father
  • Voices from the Past

• Gag Reel
• Exclusive Sneak Peek at “Ant-Man and The Wasp”
• Marvel Studios the First Ten Years: Connecting the Universe
• Director’s Commentary

Digital Exclusives:

o   In World Wakanda Tourism Ads

• • • Come to Wakanda “Before”
    • Come to Wakanda “After”

You can order your copy of Black Panther at most major retailers that include Best Buy, Target, and Amazon. Keep an eye out for any exclusive sets and collector’s editions, as they only be available in limited quantities.