Marvel’s newest direct to DVD feature from their ongoing deal with Lionsgate finally brings to the screen perhaps Stan Lee’s greatest creation: Spider…er Sorcerer Supreme himself, Dr. Stephen Strange.  Huh?  Who?  For those unfamiliar, the good doctor is a self important, albeit gifted, surgeon who enjoys his playboy lifestyle until an accident renders his hands useless.  Refusing to give in, he does what any sane man would do, he heads off to Tibet to find a cure and instead becomes an apprentice to the greatest sorcerer on the planet.  Eventually taking up the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme himself, Strange battles the forces of darkness, hoping to protect our world from evil.  While perhaps not Marvels’ most marquee character, Strange’s story does provide many colorful characters as well as many an interesting twist and turn for this adaptation.

Video/Audio/Extras

As with Marvel’s other DVD outings, this disc is sparse on special features.  The trailer gallery serves up other features, while the BEST OF MARVEL VIDEO GAME CINEMATICS serves up a little advertising.  The marketing continues in A FIRST LOOK AT AVENGERS REBORN, Marvel’s next DVD release. 

The section on concept art is an interesting behind the scenes look at the production, though not quite as welcome as a commentary track would’ve been.

The only real feature of substance is the featurette entitled WHO IS DR. STARNGE?  In it, we are introduced to Marvel’s Master of the Mystic Arts by creator Stan Lee and other Marvel personnel.  A short history lesson is given where we learn about Dr. Stange’s strange creation.  Then writer Bryce Johnson takes over to briefly detail the process of transferring the character to the screen.

Final Words

It should come as no surprise that Dr. Strange is not most people’s favorite marvel Character.  Some brilliant appearances in AMAZING SPIDEMAN and his current amusing quips in NEW AVENGERS aside, he has rarely been more than a decent supporting character at best.  At worst he’s the second least likable hero I can think of off the top of my head.  However, anyone familiar with the character in comics will want to take at look at this DVD.  As Marvel has done with its previous direct to DVD titles, they have boiled down years of comic book continuity to fit within the confines of a feature.  And, as in previous outings, the result is high on quality. 

The script by Greg Johnson clips along at a nice pace for both the uninitiated as well as readers of the comic.  The middle drags a bit, but picks up in time for the finale.  Perhaps the script’s best feature is that it doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the story. You actually get to care a bit about Stranger’s life and losses, instead of just thinking he’s a spoiled brat who suddenly is given more power than anyone else in the universe.  The voice acting is top notch, especially Bryce Johnson as Dr. Strange.  My only real complaint would be that the animation feels a little too Anime inspired.  Anime is great, but its influence on the film’s style can be overwhelming at times.  While the good doctor is still by no means my favorite character… For fans of the book, superheroes, and animation the DVD is a nice addition to any collection.