Fantastic 4

Review by Richard Lee

Fox Home Entertainment / 2005 / 106 Minutes / Rated PG-13
Street Date: December 6, 2005

Specifications:
-DVD-Video
-DVD-9
-Region 1

Aspect Ratio:
-2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen

Audio:
-English 5.1 DTS
-English 5.1 Dolby Digital
-Spanish Dolby Surround
-Cast Commentary

Subtitles:
-English
-Spanish
-None

Main Menu:
-Play Movie
-Language Selection
-Scene Selection
-Special Features
-Inside Look

Special Features:
-Cast Commentary
-Deleted Scenes
-Fantastic Four Video Diary
-Making of Fantastic Four
-Fantastic Four: Making a Scene
-Fantastic Four: Casting Session
-Music Videos
-Trailers

Another cinematic entry from the seemingly inexhaustible supply of Marvel Comics heroes, Fantastic Four finally gets their first big-screen treatment. Although an earlier attempt to make a movie occurred in 1994, that version (according to creator Stan Lee) was never intended to be released but rather produced to fulfill an ownership rights issue with the studio. That older version is available via bootleg copies on the internet - but why bother? For any fan who grew up reading the comic book or watching the Saturday morning cartoons, this is a thoroughly enjoyable and often humorous adaptation that covers the origins of the characters’ super powers and sets itself up for a sequel that is currently in the works. Irish actor Ioan Gruffudd (“Titanic” and “Horatio Hornblower”) dispenses his heavy accent and portrays Reed Richards, a doctor/scientist who is attempting to conduct experiments with cosmic rays and their effect on human DNA in the hopes of finding cures for genetic diseases. Funding this project is doctor/industrialist Victor Von Doom played by Julian McMahon (“Nip ‘N’ Tuck”) who has his reputation riding on this research and takes an active role in the experiment which is to take place on a space lab orbiting the Earth. Along for the ride are Reed’s good friend and protector Ben Grimm (Michael Chiklis of “The Shield”), Reed’s ex-girlfriend and fellow scientist Susan Storm (Jessica Alba “Dark Angel”) and her brother Johnny (Chris Evans “The Perfect Score” and “Cellular”). Of course, things don’t proceed quite as planned and the five all get heavy doses of cosmic rays. Each are affected in their DNA structures and the manifestations turn up in unique ways according to the person’s demeanor. Reed, whose scientific work often calls upon him to stretch the limits of his mind, gains the power of elasticity. Susan, whose fragile emotional state has her feelings neglected by Reed, gains the power of invisibility and the ability to cast a force field. Her brother Johnny, who is a part-time athlete part-time thrill-seeker, gains the power of flame and flight. Ben, whose loyalty to Reed is “solid as a rock”as it were, becomes a walking rock formation and gains the power of brute strength. Victor, whose insensitiveness and thirst for power put him at odds with the other four, gains a bio-metallic skeletal frame and the ability to conduct electricity. Mass mayhem ensues as the five learn more about themselves and how they come to adapt to their new powers.

Director Tim Story is a curious choice to direct a big budget action film such as this, his previous movie credits include “Barbershop” and “Taxi”; not the kind of resume that screams out action director. But the producers took a chance with him and, depending on your love of the source material, he does an admirable job - definitely better than his previous two efforts. Casting is also well done, going with less-established actors rather than well-known stars. Some have complained about brunette Jessica Alba going blonde for the role of Susan Storm but it’s nice to see her return to a more action-oriented role such as Max from “Dark Angel”. Michael Chiklis and Chris Evans hit all the right notes as The Thing and The Human Torch and their playful banter as they pick on one another bring the more light-hearted moments to the story. Ioan Gruffudd and Julian McMahon have the right look for scientists Reed Richards and Victor Von Doom. Where I find the movie to be weak is in the script department; not enough character development. But then again, “The Hulk” was panned for having too much character development so it seems you just can’t win with the critics. Here the producers decided to play it safe and kept the script simple and concentrated more on action sequences and special effects and on that level it works - pure popcorn entertainment for an easy-to-please summer audience.

Picture Quality:

Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen (there is also a full-screen version available), the picture preserves the scope of a sci-fi action spectacle. Colors are rich and at times overly-saturated, especially the reds whereas the deep bluish tones of the heroes’ super-suits are well-textured. Black levels are deep and contrasting well-authored.

Audio Quality:

Both a Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 track are provided so naturally I will cover the DTS one. This is one dynamic sound experience set forth from the first special effects sequence and on. Spatial directionality of the rear speakers is well-defined during action scenes and the overall volume seems pumped up especially when MTV type music is blaring during Johnny Storm’s motocross and ski sequences. The LFE channel really comes through during the action sequences and especially when Ben Grimm as The Thing is simply walking around or breaking stuff.

Scenes for Demonstration Purposes:

1. (12:30) - The Cosmic Storm. 2. (32:00) - Incident on the Brooklyn Bridge. 3. (84:30) - Flame On! 4. (87:58) - It’s Clobberin’ Time! 

Special Features:

On start up we are treated to a preview of an upcoming Martin Lawrence comedy “Rebound”. “Inside Look” has producer Avi Arad giving us a preview of “X3", the second X-Men sequel.

There is a feature-length Cast Commentary with Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, and Ioan Gruffudd. We learn that Michael is the only one of the cast who grew up reading the comic and watching the cartoon. They also mention throughout about the impending production of the sequel and how much better it should be. 

Deleted Scenes of which there are three include: “Reed Tests Plants”, “Reed and Sue in Planetarium”, and “Reed and Sue Walk and Talk: Wolverine Insert”; all totaling less than 3 minutes. These were understandably cut for pacing issues and redundancy on the part of Reed’s lack of initiative with Susan - though the Wolverine bit would have been a nice touch had it been left in.

“Fantastic Four Video Diary” (19:46) is Jessica Alba using her digital video camera to keep a journal of the casts’ travels during their promotional press junkets. The most interesting thing here is that she often uses hair extensions for her media appearances. 

“Making of Fantastic Four” (5:09) is your run-of-the-mill featurette with cast and crew explaining the basic premise of the movie and the characters’ motivations.

“Fantastic Four: Making a Scene” (8:05) covers the tedious undertaking in filming the action sequence on The Brooklyn Bridge. Here we learn that the film-makers constructed a full-scale section of the bridge because they would not have been able to close the bridge for filming.

“Fantastic Four: Casting Session” (8:05) covers how important it was to get the right people cast as the leads. We see creator Stan Lee express his enthusiasm and approval over the choices.
“Music Videos” include “Everything Burns” performed by Ben Moody featuring Anastacia; “Come On, Come In” performed by Velvet Revolver and a Music Soundtrack Spot.

Lastly, “Trailers” gives us the theatrical teaser and trailer as well as an ad for the February 2006 release of the animated DVD “Marvel Avengers”.