Marvel's latest addition to Disney+, The Punisher: One Last Kill, has been criticized for audio and visual effects issues, despite receiving positive reviews overall. Fans and critics alike have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with certain technical aspects of the release.
Audio Mixing Problems
The primary issue reported by viewers involved the audio mixing. Complaints centered around low dialogue volume, with some fans noting that their surround sound systems appeared to be improperly configured. Comments such as 'I could not hear a damn thing audio-wise' and 'The center channel is coming out of the rear' were common across social media channels.
Disney+ has acknowledged the audio issues, responding to users on X: 'Thank you for reaching out and letting us know you’re experiencing no audio while watching The Punisher: One Last Kill. The good news is that our team knows about this particular issue and is working on a solution as we speak. Let us know if we can help with anything else!'
Controversial VFX Shot
A particular VFX shot featuring Frank Castle, played by Jon Bernthal, has also drawn criticism. Viewers compared the shot to an early PlayStation cutscene, noting the unrealistic movement of Bernthal's character as he falls onto a silver crate. Comments included comparisons to 'GTA cutscene' and 'PS3 ragdoll physics.'
However, a source close to the production clarified that the scene was primarily captured in-camera, with Bernthal performing the initial fall and a stuntman taking over for the impact. The stuntman’s face was digitally replaced with Bernthal’s, possibly contributing to the perceived awkwardness.
Positive Reception Amid Critique
Despite these issues, One Last Kill has been well-received, scoring an 86 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a 91 percent audience score. The special continues The Punisher's storyline following the 2017 series and Daredevil: Born Again. The character is set to appear next in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Marvel fans have become increasingly adept at spotting VFX errors, often engaging in online discussions about what is real and what isn't. This has become a popular pastime, especially as AI-generated clips proliferate.
Streaming Now
The Punisher: One Last Kill was released as a special episode on Tuesday and is available for streaming on Disney+. Despite the technical critiques, the show's engaging storyline and Bernthal's performance continue to resonate with audiences.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/marvel-punisher-one-last-kill-vfx-mistake-1236594755/
