Marvel Studio's Guardians Of The Galaxy [Blu-ray]

Although Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) has a few moments of corniness, generally speaking it's an hilarious, action-filled fantasy/sci-fi with convincing visual effects, whacky characters, and a great script. The cast is surprisingly star-studded with Chris Pratt in the leading role and arguably more well known stars taking back seats. For example, Glenn Close and Benicio Del Toro have minor roles. Nathan Fillion of Serenity-fame merely does the voice-over of a minor player, and Josh Brolin, as Thanos, is uncredited. Speaking of voice-overs, what a pity that only the voice of Vin Diesel, a favourite of mine, was used in this lively escapade. It seems such a waste and it surprised me that he wasn't cast in the role of hunky Drax (one of the good guys) which went to Dave Bautista, a WWE champion. Having said that, 6ft 4in Bautista, didn't disappoint. Quill is one of the few Earthlings in this 'out there' extravaganza, and the variety of aliens runs from a hard-nosed green woman (Zoe Saldana), to blue men (Michael Rooker), to a magical and daunting tree giant called Groot (voice of Vin Diesel) and an irascible raccoon-like invention called Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper). My favourites in this movie though, and I expect they are the favourites of many, are the nutty duo: Groot and Rocket. They could have a show of their own. Groot can only say 'I Am Groot' which means that Vin Diesel wouldn't have needed to spend hours learning his lines. I wonder how much he got paid? Rocket was a psychiatrist's dream or nightmare, and the funniest of the lot. Talk about complex. Ronan kept reminding me of Tom Hiddleston's Loki, except that Ronan's lugging around a great big (Thor-like) hammer. And, if all that isn't enough, the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack is a treat.So, what's not to like? Guardians of the Galaxy is such fun. I saw it some time ago and decided to buy the BluRay because I have just ordered the Guardians of the Galaxy II, and I wanted to watch the first one first, if you get my meaning. The video and audio of the BluRay are excellent. The movie has such vibrant colours with equally vibrant characters. The soundtrack is superb, especially if you enjoy the early 70s music, and I do, and it fits the tone of the movie perfectly. The character, Peter Quill, who likes to be called Star Lord (Chris Pratt) loves his ancient Sony Walkman and the cassette he plays upon it. He will burst into dance at the strangest of times. Don't we all???The BluRay comes with the usual extra which shows us how the movie was made. I would suggest that anyone new to the movie should watch the extra afterwards as, for me, finding out how special effects are done can spoil a movie for me. Who wants to visualise wires or a blue screen while trying to be mentally transported in the movie's world?If your spirits are low and you need a bit of a lift and your sense of humour remains intact, check it out. Oh, and it's not for young children.

What can I say, this is simply the best. I’m sure Tina Turner agrees. Guardians of the Galaxy shocked cinema audiences when it graced our screens last year. Everyone expected it to flop and who can blame them. If you explained the plot of the film to someone, it just sounds completely mental. However, Marvel really pulled out all the stops to make a highly entertaining, thrilling adventure that appeals to all the family.The film follows Chris Pratt’s character Peter Quill/Starlord from his alien abduction as a young boy then jumping ahead to him as a grown man, being a wise-cracking bounty hunter. When he inadvertently steals an all-powerful orb coveted by Ronan, an evil villain looking to commit genocide and conquer the universe, he makes an alliance with an unlikely group of individuals to save the day: a genetically-enhanced racoon called Rocket, a tree-like humanoid of few words called Groot, a green-skinned female assassin called Gamora and a revenge-driven, blue-skinned, muscly Drax.The main cast all give top notch performances: Chris Pratt completely owns his character and absolutely nails his one-liners – a superb lead. Bradly Cooper similarly is excellent bringing Rocket to life. You don’t even know it’s him voicing the character. Vin Diesel, all credit to him, somehow manages to convey an awful lot from just the same 3 words “I am Groot”. Gamora is wonderfully played by the gorgeous Zoe Saldana, showing the character’s inner torment with superb acting whilst being a badass. The former WWE wrestler Dave Bautista also, I’ll admit surprisingly, puts in a good performance, giving the audience many laughs with his dead pan delivery. I tip my hat to Lee Pace (Ronan), Michael Rooker (Yondu) and for you Doctor Who fans, Karen Gillan (Nebula), who also give it their all.The film rattles along a great pace and by the end, you’re sad that it’s over. I cannot convey how enjoyable a film it is. It has everything you could possibly want: fantastic visuals, captivating performances, developed characters, laugh-out-loud moments, jaw-dropping action, scenes that tug on your heartstrings and ones that make you cheer plus a wonderfully chosen selection of 70s classic tunes that you can’t help but sing along to or at least tap your foot to. I took my partner and father-in-law to see it and though initially sceptical, they came out with big grins on their faces. They loved it and you will too.Overall, for the reasons given, I have to say that this is probably my favourite Marvel film, even beating the incredible ‘Avengers Assemble’. The film never misses a beat and hits every nail on the head. It’s flawless! Definitely pick up a copy on blu ray, so you can enjoy the beautiful settings, graphics and colours in the best-quality picture. I can’t wait for the sequel in 2017!Highly Recommended: 10/10!