Captain America brings his patriotic fight for justice to DVD

By Sharlene Celeskey, December 2011
Contemporary Culture Editor

“Captain America: The First Avenger” was the third Marvel Comic superhero to hit the theaters this summer. The film is a close second in box office gross to “Thor” the most popular of all the summer superhero films. Audiences who sit through the credits get a glimpse of Marvel’s highly anticipated film, “The Avengers.” “The Avengers” stars Captain America and Thor with four other superheroes defending the world and hits theaters in May 2012.

As the plot unfolds, Steve Rogers is a very small asthmatic weakling who wants to fight for his country during World War II. After being turned down numerous times by the army, he is accepted when brilliant scientist, Dr. Abraham Erskine, recruits him for a top secret military experiment. Rogers is instantly turned into a tall muscular super soldier.

Computer Graphic Imaging is used to turn the muscular actor Chris Evans, who plays Rogers, into a scrawny diminutive man. The computer graphics are impressive and believable. Although Rogers, who is always picked on, had never w on a fight, he never backs away from one either. In the first part of the film, he shows his bravery, loyalty and use of intellect in basic training. These noble qualities are why he is chosen to be the first super soldier over a larger, stronger, more macho rival. Roger’s admirable traits make the audience immediately like and cheer for him from the very beginning of the film.

Rogers is not dispatched to fight for his country after his transformation, but sent on a war bond selling tour. He becomes a symbol for the war bond effort while wearing a patriotic red, white and blue costume. When he finally gets to fight the enemy and use his super powers, he proves to be the outstanding soldier Erskine had envisioned. Captain America spends the remainder of the film fighting the German villain, Johann Schmidt known as Red Skull, a one-time protégé of Hitler and head of the terrorist organization HYDRA.

The film has a sepia cast to it that gives it a ‘40s look and has authentic costumes, props and sets. “Captain America: The First Avenger” has lots of action, a likeable hero, an over- the- top wicked villain well played by Hugo Weaving and a good supporting cast led by Tommy Lee Jones. The historical, patriotic element of the film sets it apart from other superhero films. Quality editing combined with an interesting script creates a film that holds your attention from beginning to end. You also look forward to seeing more of Captain American in next year’s “The Avengers.”

The film is available as a Blu-ray, DVD and digital combo, 3-D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD and digital combo and single DVD. If you are a comic’s fan, superhero fan or Avengers fan, you will want to add this to your collection.

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