In order to properly inaugurate the new 7.1 surround sound setup, we watched Hulk Vs. on Blu-ray. This is a 2009 direct-to-video set of two short films starring Marvel’s Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Wolverine comic book characters. I didn’t mind seeing them, as the kids obviously animated films featuring comic book heroes. We don’t allow the kids to watch stupid stuff like Spongebob. No way.
More importantly, I wanted to put the new back surround back speakers through the paces. I was sure they would be fine, but still, I want to rent a few more loud bombastic action films, and decide if it’s better or not.
Regarding the disc itself, it features two short 30+ min films featuring Hulk fighting each marque character, but the plots were very basic. Heads up on spoilers:
- In Hulk Vs. Wolverine, the Hulk leaves a path of destruction in the Canadian wilderness. The Canadian military flies Wolverine in to stop the Hulk any way possible. The first half of the short film has Wolverine up against the Hulk. However, Deadpool, Omega Red, Sabretooth, and Lady Deathstryke are on a mission to capture both Wolverine and the Hulk. Their objective is to capture them, so that the evil scientist can weaponize them. Wolverine must then work together to escape their fate.
- The second short film is Hulk Vs. Thor. Loki, the Norse God of Mischief intends to use the Hulk to attack Asgard during the last day of the Odinsleep. Loki eventually loses control of the Hulk, and the Hulk’s destruction is likely to bring about Ragnarok.
So what did I think of both short films? I sat and watched both with the kids, and there wasn’t too much that was inappropriate for the kids. The Hulk/Thor story was much stronger, but I didn’t feel either film was all that. The characters were more interesting in the Thor film, but not by much.
Regarding the audio and video quality in either film? Video and audio quality was good in both, but I didn’t find the back surrounds were utilized all that much. I know in a good home theater setup, the audience shouldn’t be surprised to hear noise behind them, but I want to hear something.