The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now available for digital download and on physical disc formats. The film finds Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) facing off against their most daunting challenge yet. While they do this, they must balance their superhero responsibilities with the bonds of family as they go up against Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). It turns out that this isn’t just about devouring their world, but also something much more personal. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the first foray into the story of Marvel’s first family in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Quality

The look and audio for The Fantastic Four: First Steps are truly lovely to experience. The retro-futurism that is utilized for this movie really looks great on the screen. There are a lot of physical recreations of things that look like they could have come straight from grandma’s house decades ago. Some incredible environments transport the viewer back in time in a delightful way as well. The sound effects that accompany the story are everything one would expect from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What really takes it to the next level is Michael Giacchino’s score. This is a film that is a perfect match for Giacchino’s talents with retro music. The result is that watching The Fantastic Four is a delightful experience for the senses!

Extras

One of the best bonuses (yes, I know what I did there) about getting a digital download or physical disc for a movie is the bonus features. The Fantastic Four: First Steps has some very enjoyable extras. As is generally the case, the featurettes were my favorites. I love the depth they add to the film-watching experience, and this was definitely the case with this movie. While I enjoyed all of the featurettes, Fantastic Futurism was easily my favorite. It definitely impacted my viewing experience the most. The Deleted Scenes were fun to see as well. The Gag Reel was cute, but not my favorite thing that was included. Finally, the Audio Commentary is worth checking out for those who really want to go deeper, but it is a time commitment!

Bonus Features

• Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut.
  • Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen
  • Fantastic Four Day
  • Subterranea
  • Birthday Sweater
  • Taking Turns
• Gag Reel – Enjoy fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
• Featurettes:
  • Meet The First Family – The creation of the Fantastic Four saved Marvel Comics in 1961 and has only flourished as years have passed. Matt Shakman and the cast explain how they found themselves gravitating toward each role and creating the ultimate family unit.
  • Fantastic Futurism – The filmmakers discuss the process of immersing the cast and crew in the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic. Join Matt Shakman and crew as they discuss the experience of shooting in gigantic mid-century New York sets and stepping into an otherworldly era. 
  • From Beyond and Below – The team explores bringing complex characters from the page to the screen, including a larger-than-life Galactus, grounded Harvey Elder/Mole Man, and an emotionally rich Silver Surfer.
• Audio Commentary – Watch the film with audio commentary by director Matt Shakman and production designer Kasra Farahani.

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer

Final Thoughts

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a fun film and a welcome addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I think the casting of the Fantastic Four was well done, the look and vibe were great, the music was great, and the extras were worth watching. The challenge I think I had with this film is the stakes of the film. While the stakes were very consequential, they also weren’t because the outcome is already assumed when watching the film. That said, I enjoyed the film. I also really enjoyed the bonus features. It is a welcome addition to the MCU. It may not be my favorite MCU film but I am also looking forward to seeing where these characters go!

Daps Magic was given a product or experience for the purposes of a review. Reviews on Daps Magic express the honest and unbiased opinions of the reviewer. It is hoped that this will provide a resource for those who read a review. Daps Magic does not accept paid reviews. It aims to provide a resource for fans of Disney and positive stuff with the reviews that are offered.

Mr. Daps’ Hat Rating Scale

• No Hat – Didn’t meet expectations
• Hat Nod – It was ok
• Hat Tip – It was good
• Hat’s Off – Loved it!