Plot: What’s it about?
Hulk vs. Wolverine is just what the title suggests. Hulk has been sighted in Canada and his path has left a trail of violence and destruction in his wake. Wolverine is tasked to hunt down the Hulk and end his run, either by capture or death. But when it becomes clear that Weapon X is involved and they have twisted plans for the Hulk, both heroes have to rethink their situation. Both the Hulk and Wolverine are soon held hostage at the Weapon X labs, but can they somehow forge an uneasy alliance and turn the tables on their captors? Hulk vs. Thor finds Loki up to no good, having separated Bruce Banner from his violent half, only so that Loki himself can control the savage beast. But when the spell breaks and the Hulk rampages through Asgard, even Loki realizes he has made a crucial mistake. But with Bruce Banner dead and the Hulk bearing down on the sleeping Odin, can even Thor manage to come up with a solution?
The Marvel Studios animated projects have been met with lukewarm response to this point, but that should change with the release of Hulk Vs. This double feature turns the tide and shows that Marvel Studios can conjure up some fun, well crafted tales with their animation division. These are rather short, with a total of 82 minutes between the two programs, but not a second is wasted and the action is non stop. I loved Hulk vs. Wolverine, which was like an adrenaline shot for just over half an hour, showcasing two of Marvel’s coolest properties. Both programs are a lot of fun however, with solid stories that place the focus on comic style action and epic battles. The shows aren’t deep in terms of plot, but they’re adequate and in truth, Hulk Vs. is all about brisk fun, not complex storylines. This release is a big step in the right direction for the Marvel Studios animation division, so if you’re into comic book style action, Hulk Vs. is highly recommended.
Video: How does it look?
These are both presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The animation level here isn’t up to feature film standards, but it looks solid and is well represented here. The image is clean, bright, and fun to watch. The detail is limited because of the simpler nature of the animation, but this still offers a superior visual presence over the DVD. The colors bound off the scree with vivid hues, which helps bolster the programs’ comic book texture. All in all, these look superb.
Audio: How does it sound?
I was impressed with the audio here, as these DTS HD 7.1 options sound awesome. These might be animated direct-to-video releases, but the sound design is on par with the best action popcorn movies out there. The surrounds pulse with activity here, so you will feel like you’re being pummeled by the Hulk yourself. The power is deep and frequent, as these movies are straight to the point and the action rarely lets up. Not just loud, these tracks are well crafted and deliver an excellent audio experience. The dialogue and other lighter elements are well handled also, great work all around. This disc also includes a Spanish language option, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
was impressed with the audio here, as these DTS HD 7.1 options sound awesome. These might be animated direct-to-video releases, but the sound design is on par with the best action popcorn movies out there. The surrounds pulse with activity here, so you will feel like you’re being pummeled by the Hulk yourself. The power is deep and frequent, as these movies are straight to the point and the action rarely lets up. Not just loud, these tracks are well crafted and deliver an excellent audio experience. The dialogue and other lighter elements are well handled also, great work all around. This disc also includes a Spanish language option, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
