‘Shazam!’ Director David F. Sandberg Explains The Film’s Two Big Cameos

Shazam Jack Dylan Grazer David F. Sandberg Zachary Levi

Shazam! director David F. Sandberg helped shed more light as to how two of the film’s biggest surprise cameos came to be.

SPOILERS FOR SHAZAM! AHEAD!

Shazam! is currently exceeding beyond its box office expectations proving once again DC has another hit in their hands. Shazam! has captured an incredible superhero that fans of all ages can enjoy. With huge box office numbers and an increasing fandom David F. Sandberg’s  Shazam! will surely help lead the DCEU in the right path.

David F. Sandberg’s  Shazam! successfully told the story of Billy Batson/Shazam and villain Dr. Sivana, but there were other cameos in the film that have also garnered an audience. Near the film’s climactic battle Billy Batson’s new family join in the fight and receive Shazam’s abilities transforming them into an adult superhero version. Jack Dylan Grazer’s Freddy Freeman transformed into a superhero with Adam Brody in the suit and Jovan Armand’s Pedro Pena adult superhero was portrayed by  D.J. Cotrona.

Now, Shazam! director David F. Sandberg explained more as to how this decision came to be during an interview with THR. In the interview, David F. Sandberg stated that Justice League: Mortal was the main inspiration behind the casting:

We sort of realized afterwards that both Adam Brody and D.J. Cotrona were cast in George Miller’s Justice League: Mortal. Adam Brody was The Flash and D.J. was Superman. So, afterwards, we said, ‘Oh, shit! They finally get to be superheroes in a DC movie…’ They didn’t even know they were auditioning for superheroes.

What do you think of David F. Sandberg’s actor choices? Did you enjoy Adam Brody and D.J. Cotrona’s scenes? Share your thoughts below!

Directed by David F. Sandberg, Shazam! stars Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Mark Strong, Jack Dylan Grazer, Grace Fulton, Faithe Herman, Ian Chen, Jovan Armand, Cooper Andrews, Marta Milans, and Djimon Hounsou.

We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s (Angel) case, by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Levi), courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body—Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Strong).

Shazam! is now playing in theaters!

Source: THR

‘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.