Report: DC Universe To ‘Remain As Is’ Amid HBO Max Launch

DC Universe HBO Max

A new report suggests that the DC Universe streaming service will continue, despite the launch of WarnerMedia’s HBO Max next year.

DC Universe launched last year and gives fans access to DC films, animation, shows, and comics. The streaming service is also putting out original content such as Titans and Doom Patrol. When WarnerMedia announced that they were developing their own steaming service to compete with Netflix and Disney+, many fans have wondered what would happened to the newly launched DC-centric service.

On Tuesday, WarnerMedia officially announced that their new streaming service will be called HBO Max, with a trailer showing off their library. DC Universe’s Doom Patrol was glimpsed in the trailer and it appears the service will include original content from the DC Universe app. According to The Hollywood Reporter, DC Universe is currently among Warner’s other streaming services like HBO Now that will continue after HBO Max’s launch in 2020. However, their sources also say that the services could change over time.

Will you be subscribing to HBO Max? Are you a fan of DC Universe’s original shows? Sound off in the comments below!

Here is the synopsis for DC Universe’s latest series, Swamp Thing:

SWAMP THING follows Abby Arcane as she investigates what seems to be a deadly swamp-born virus in a small town in Louisiana but soon discovers that the swamp holds mystical and terrifying secrets. When unexplainable and chilling horrors emerge from the murky marsh, no one is safe.

Swamp Thing stars Crystal Reed as Abby Arcane, Maria Sten as Liz, Henderson Wade as Matt Cable, Jeryl Prescott as Madame Xanadu, Virginia Madsen as Maria Sunderland, Will Patton as Avery Sunderland, Jennifer Beals as an original character created for the series, Andy Bean as Alec Holland, Kevin Durand as Jason Woodrue, Ian Ziering as Blue Devil, and Derek Mears as the titular creature.

Swamp Thing is now available exclusively on DC Universe.

Source:  The Hollywood Reporter

‘Aquaman’ 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Review: DC’s Most Stunning Release Yet

The DC Extended Universe may have had a mixed history in regards to the critical reception to its numerous films, but James Wan’s underwater epic Aquaman has been widely considered to be a home run for the DCEU as the franchise turns to a new direction focusing on the standalone outings for their beloved roster of heroes. Now, Aquaman will finally be available to own on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday March 26.

This review will focus on the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of the film, tackling its picture quality, surround sound and bonus features to see if this is worth adding to your collection.

Picture Quality

Aquaman James Wan The Trench

The visual presentation for Aquaman on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is showcased through 2160p Ultra High Definition Variable 2.4:1 & 1.78:1. Given that the film is one of the most visually pleasing and colorful comic book films in recent memory, the stunning cinematography both on land and sea is something to behold.

The colors particularly stand out through each action sequence that takes place underwater as well as the incredible chase sequence in Sicily where Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) and Mera (Amber Heard) are on the run from Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and his team.

But what makes this visual presentation of Aquaman stand out from the pack is that the IMAX aspect ratio was preserved for this release. This is similar to previous Warner Bros. Blu-ray releases such as Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises so viewers can have a semblance of what the big screen IMAX experience was like at the comfort of their own home.

Overall, the visual presentation of Aquaman is truly demo-worthy for those wanting to show their friends the visual capabilities of their 4K TV or to even have some exciting visuals to play in the background. In particular, the Trench Sequence is one that demands to be replayed again and again.

Surround Sound

Aquaman Black Manta

On top of being a visual splendor both on the big and small screens, Aquaman is filled with incredible sound design that rocked audiences when it dominated the box office during the holiday season and will continue to rock viewers at home. Presented through Dolby Atmos-TrueHD, the sound is particularly prominent whenever the numerous transitionary explosions are showcased.

Every splash of water, every clanging of swords and of course, every explosion immerses home viewers into Wan’s Atlantis. The underrated score by Rupert Gregson-Williams is also showcased powerfully through the surround sound presentation that helps compliment the stunning visuals on display.

Bonus Features

Batman James Wan Aquaman Jason Momoa Amber Heard Furious 7 Zack Snyder Dark Knight Rises

Both the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and regular Blu-ray release of Aquaman is equipped with over an hour of bonus features that will give fans an epic behind-the-scenes look at how Wan and company brought this epic Atlantean story to life. Although the lack of a director commentary is disappointing, it is still exciting to see how Wan brings his unique directorial vision and craft to the DCEU. These bonus features give fans a look at how Wan collaborates with his cast and crew and even gives viewers an opportunity to look into the history of the King of Atlantis as well as his archnemesis Black Manta among others.

Final Verdict

Aquaman James Wan Jason Momoa Amber Heard Mera

Of all the DCEU 4K Blu-rays to be released thus far, Aquaman is certainly the most stunning release yet. When it made a splash in cinemas worldwide, the film proved to be the most visually stunning DCEU movie thus far, and the fact that it missed consideration for Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards is an utter shame.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment did not disappoint with this release. In fact, the IMAX aspect ratio being preserved with this 4K Blu-ray is reason enough to add Aquaman to your collection. As far as the full home video package goes, this is as good as it gets.

Aquaman is now available to own on Digital HD. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, regular Blu-ray and DVD will hit stores on Tuesday, March 26.

Ryden Scarnato

Ryden Scarnato

Ryden's affection for all things DC, Marvel, and Star Wars has led him to entertainment journalism at Heroic Hollywood as a News Editor.