Review: The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Home Video Release

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now available digitally and on various disc formats.   The 2022 Marvel blockbuster takes us back to Wakanda where they are mourning the loss of King T’Challa.  The Wakandans face challenges from known and unknown peoples.      For more on this film here is Maggie’s review of the theatrical release in November 2022.

I was sent the Blu-ray/Digital version of this release to review.   It included the single disc with the film and a half dozen bonus features and a digital code for a streaming version that included the same features plus two minute Coming of Age featurette.  For more details on the release specifications here is the initial home video press release with details.

My first impressions of the bonus features:

• Envisioning Two Worlds (11 min) – This featurette discussed the making of the film with the director, production designer and costume designer. It is a traditional featurette and I found it to be the most interesting offering, but with such a big film this felt too short and not really in depth on any points.
• Passing the Mantle (5:50) – This featurette takes a look at how all the characters of the film are evolving now that King T’Challa is gone and how they evolved for this film.  This is a typical character featurette looking at the development of several key characters.
• Gag Reel (2:30) – A couple minutes of outtakes from the set showing the cast having some fun. As with all gag reels your reactions will vary.
• Audio Commentary – A full length commentary by Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw. I have not listened to the full commentary but the portion I did was what you would expect.  They were sharing some of their thoughts, intentions and stories.
• Deleted Scenes (10 min) – Four deleted scenes that can be played one at a time or all together. There is no commentary or description just a title slide then the scene. I always prefer to have some context and appreciate when some insight from the director is shared about the scene and why it was not included.

The bonus features on this initial home video release are average for films now a days.   I thought the featurettes were on the thin side and I would have really liked to have seen more depth on them.

The film is also now available on Disney+.   There are no bonus features there at this time, but there is an IMAX enhanced version of the film and a trailer available. Streaming on Disney+ Feb 8th will be “Assembled: The Making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” taking a look at the making of the film.

I found this home video release of The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to be a missed opportunity in terms of bonus features.   The assortment is average and on the thin side for a blockbuster film.    The primary reason to add this to your library (besides wanting a physical disc) would be the full length audio commentary.   The rest of the bonus features are average and would not sway me one way or the other.

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