Read our review of the UHD 4K edition of Avengers: Infinity War!
A decade ago, in May, a film starring Robert Downey Jr. called Iron Man premiered. Its end credits featured a short scene where Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) teased the formation of a superhero team. Roughly six weeks later that same year, The Incredible Hulk premiered, also including a scene hinting at significant future events. Fast forward to 2012, and the first Avengers film arrived in theaters. This proved to be a considerable success, showcasing a notable number of superheroes—yet still fewer than what was to come. In 2015, Avengers: Age of Ultron (arguably a weaker entry) was released, followed in 2016 by Captain America – Civil War, often described as “Avengers Light” (though featuring more characters than the original Avengers film). The anticipation for Avengers: Infinity War grew steadily; the trailer depicted Thor encountering the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Spider-Man meeting Doctor Strange. The ultimate superhero crossover seemed imminent. But did the film deliver?
Thor (Chris Hemsworth), having escaped with the remnants of Asgard, faces immediate peril when their ship is attacked by the intergalactic supervillain Thanos (Josh Brolin), who swiftly overcomes their resistance. Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), with assistance from Heimdall (Idris Elba), manages to flee to Earth to warn Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) of the impending threat. Thanos seeks to acquire all six Infinity Stones for his gauntlet. Possessing them would grant him absolute power, capable of eliminating any being with a mere snap of his fingers. The Avengers confront their greatest challenge, with the fate of the universe hanging in the balance.
First, let’s address the film’s strengths. The gathering of numerous heroes in a single film, a longtime aspiration of comic book fans, is realized here. The interactions between these characters remain a highlight. Despite the involvement of different directors across the various spin-offs, the Russo Brothers have successfully maintained a consistent style. The special effects are impressive; Thanos, a fully animated character, exhibits convincing facial expressions and emotions. This allows for complete immersion in the character without being distracted by the animation. The opening eleven minutes are particularly brutal and represent some of Marvel’s finest work. The acting is generally strong across the board, but the scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr. and Josh Brolin stand out. The picture and sound quality are reference-grade, offering sharp visuals and a palpable blockbuster feel. The sound design effectively utilizes a home theater system’s capabilities. The Blu-ray includes an informative commentary track with the screenwriters and directors, as well as an amusing blooper reel. However, the behind-the-scenes documentaries are somewhat lackluster, primarily summarizing the film’s plot without providing significant insight into the production or special effects. The deleted scenes offer glimpses into the creative process, albeit incidentally.
Having initially seen the film during its theatrical release, I recall a positive impression of a genuinely good superhero film. While minor issues existed, the overall experience was epic. Upon re-watching the Blu-ray for this review, the experience was notably different. The aforementioned strengths remained, but a more detailed analysis revealed certain shortcomings.
The sheer number of characters vying for screen time can lead to a somewhat disjointed narrative. While centering the plot around Tony Stark might have been beneficial, the multiple diverging storylines prevent a focused and cohesive narrative. The film features several potentially impactful emotional scenes that are ultimately undermined by the need to advance the plot. The pacing is rapid, yet certain character arcs fail to engage the viewer. The subplot involving Vision (Paul Bettany) and Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), who are hiding in an inexplicably deserted Edinburgh, is particularly odd. The ensuing battle scene lacks any extras, giving the impression of budget constraints. Having visited Edinburgh at night, I can attest that it is rarely deserted. Furthermore, the final battle in Wakanda suffers from its heavily forested backdrop, which at times makes the film resemble a well-produced fan project.
A particularly egregious scene occurs approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes into the film. Without divulging specifics, a character makes an utterly illogical decision that undermines their credibility. This action directly precipitates subsequent events, with unfavorable consequences.
The ending also presents a quandary. Knowing that several characters who ostensibly perish are slated to appear in upcoming spin-off films in 2019 and 2020, Avengers: Infinity War feels like an extended trailer for the next Avengers installment.
In conclusion, Avengers: Infinity War has been downgraded from a strong recommendation to a more moderate rating. While the spectacle and humor remain appealing, the narrative ultimately falters, and the film fails to sustain the promise established in its opening minutes. The acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney, granting access to previously unavailable Marvel characters (including the X-Men), raises expectations for an even more expansive film in the future. Hopefully, future events will carry lasting consequences, avoiding the perception of characters being temporarily sidelined only to be resurrected for their respective solo projects.
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