Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Seeing Captain America: The Winter Soldier in the theaters my initial reaction was that the Captain America: The First Avenger sequel was an improvement over the first film and one of Marvel Studio's best efforts. I'm happy to say the movie holds up on Blu-ray. I actually enjoyed it a little more the second time around.

The wide sweeping conspiracy of Hyrda begins sweeping changes in the overall Marvel Universe, immediately effecting Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (leading to the TV show's strongest episodes), but more than that The Winter Soldier is a good Captain America story full of strong performances (making great use of Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow) along with plenty of intrigue and action. Sure the movie wastes Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp) and the final battle feels a bit too much like a video game with infiltrating and swapping out the chips in hovercrafts of death, but those don't detract from a strong storyline filled with plenty of comic book goodness. For more on the movie read my original review.

Available on DVD, Blu-ray, and 3D Blu-ray, extras include a featurettes on the making of the movie, an examination of the items Steve Rogers notebook (things he's missed over 60+ years), and a look at Anthony Mackie on set, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and commentary from directors Anthony Russo & Joe Russo and screenwriters Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. The 3D version also includes a digital copy of the film.

[Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Blu-ray $32.99 / DVD $29.99 / 3D Blu-ray $39.99]