Marvel’s “Phase One” Blu-ray collection was supposed to come out in September but it was delayed due to lawsuit involving the suitcase packaging. After months of silence, the company is finally engaging with its fanbase with new details surrounding the long-anticipated collections that includes all Marvel Phase One movies–namely  Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor (in 2D/3D), Captain America: The First Avenger (2D/3D), and The Avengers (2D/3D)–plus loads of other content including “special access to S.H.I.E.L.D.’s most confidential archives, including a top-secret Bonus Disc filled with never-before-seen deleted scenes, extended scenes, featurettes and more, including “And Then Shawarma After” featurette.” The collection also includes “exclusive memorabilia (prop reproductions and artifacts) from the motion pictures,” not excluding the redesigned suitcase and the glowing Tesseract.

Marvel apologizes for the delay in the best way they can: by stuffing the Blu-ray set with new bonus material and a look at “Phase Two” material. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently spoke with EW and spilled the beans. “We went back to the editor’s assembly of each film and discovered some rare moments that dropped out of the films early on and had not been released on prior discs,” he said. The new material will allow fans “to catch the connective tissue that paved the way toward the Avengers assembling.” He added, ”We spent an embarrassing amount of time compiling the ‘Shield Files’ included in the box set to be sure that each character’s file was full of great, movie-accurate props and Easter eggs, which help tie all of the Phase One films together.” And as for the sneak peek at Phase Two? Owners can expect “footage, concept art, and a few new surprises,” he teased. “Also, look for a nod to Iron Man 3 in the Tony Stark S.H.I.E.L.D. file in the box set.”

The 10-disc, limited edition collector’s set (now called Marvel’s Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection) is now up for preorder at Amazon for $197.10 and it’s aiming for release on April 2. Additional pics below and an alternate ending to Thor after the break!

Have you been waiting patiently for Marvel to come out with an ultimate collector’s edition of all their superhero movies produced thus far? This should exceed your expectations. This September Marvel will release “Marvel Cinematic Universe – Phase One: Avengers Assembled”, an extensive Blu-ray bundle that includes the following movies: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor (2D/3D), Captain America: The First Avenger (2D/3D), and The Avengers (2D/3D). The 10-disc collection also includes a bonus disc labeled “The Phase One Archives” that’s filled with “never before seen, classified information.” Each Blu-ray disc comes packaged in a sleeve featuring exclusive artwork by Matthew Ferguson that “distills each film to its most iconic element.” A pile of “top-secret dossiers” make up the bundle, too. All of this is packaged inside a S.H.I.E.L.D. containment case that also houses a glowing Tesseract. It doesn’t get any cooler than this, people.

The “Phase One” collection comes out September 25 and is now available for preorder at Amazon for a reasonable $139.96. Be sure to get a closer look at the exclusive artwork in the gallery below. After the break there’s a clip. If this is all too much for you, also know that The Avengers is coming to Blu-ray and DVD standalone on the same day (9/25); these can also be preordered at Amazon today.

[Via Marvel] (Click here for more…)

HBO’s epic fantasy series Game of Thrones is coming to Blu-ray ($79.98) and DVD ($59.99) on March 6, 2012. In addition to all 10 episodes, the season one package is bundled with a ton of extras including never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, making-of features, and interviews. Eye the rundown provided by EW after the break. (Click here for more…)

On May the 4th Lucasfilm and Twentieth Century Fox outed a press release detailing the impending Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray. The nine-disc ultimate collection releases September 12 internationally and on September 16 in North America. All six films can be viewed in 1080p high definition and 6.1 DTS Surround Sound. The collection includes over 40 hours of bonus content like “vintage documentaries, audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, prop and costume turnarounds, retrospectives and more.” Jump after the break to find the aforementioned PR to get the full lowdown. Also, make sure you open up the gallery below to get a look at the fantastic box art for the original and prequel trilogy Blu-ray bundles. Oh, and May The 4th be with you!

[Via StarWars]

(Click here for more…)

In an interview with MTV News, Tron: Legacy director Joseph Kosinski talked about the movie’s Blu-ray release, calling it the “definitive version” of the visually-splendid spectacle. Though he worked on the film for four years, Kosinski still held onto gripes concerning the soundtrack after sitting through the theatrical cut on premiere night.

“Around the release, it was really hard to watch it,” he admitted. “I couldn’t even sit through the premiere. I just saw all the things I wanted to fix. Luckily for the Blu-ray, I was able to go back to Skywalker in January and fix all those things in the mix that were bothering me. We have a whole re-mastered soundtrack for the Blu-ray.” He continued, “[The] visual effects I’m really happy with… But on the sound mix, I really felt like we needed another week and I finally got that time after release. It’s now the definitive version.”

When asked about sequel rumors he spilled that he’s on board and early conceptual stuff is being worked on as we speak. He goes so far as comparing the next Tron to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. Check it:

“We’re working on the story right now. Now that we’ve got the backstory out of the way and we know this world and we know these characters, there’s a lot of freedom that comes with the next film. When you look at Empire Strikes Back or The Dark Knight, sequels that were able to take the stories and characters to whole new places because you’d done all the hard work ahead of time, that’s a really exciting thing. For now, I’ll just say it’s very exciting.” He continued, “For us, the storytelling will be easier because we won’t be saddled with 28 years of backstory. From a technical standpoint, in order for it to be a Tron movie, we’re going to have to push the envelope.”

This all sounds exciting to me. Pick up the definitive version of Tron: Legacy and head over to MTV News to read the complete interview; in it Kosinski also discusses the sheer amount of work that went into creating the demanding film and he also touches upon the decision to incorporate a young Jeff Bridges, calling digitized Clu “the most ambitious thing in our film.”

[Via MTV News]

The visually splendid, perfectly scored flick Tron: Legacy is yours to own on Blu-ray Tuesday, April 5, as is “TRON: The Original Classic Special Edition.” Disney’s been holding out on releasing the original Tron so that they could give it proper state-of-the-art digital restoration and enhanced high-definition sound it rightfully deserves. In addition to Blu-ray, Legacy will be released across various platforms including Blu-ray 3D, DVD, Digital Copy, Movie Download, and On-Demand. The BD release will boast 1080p visuals and 7.1 surround sound and pack in-depth bonus features on the making of the film. Disney is going to ship three Legacy bundles ranging from $40 to $80 in price. The motherload is a “5-disc 2-movie Blu-ray combo pack” that includes flick on Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD, Digital Copy, and the original, remastered Tron. Bonus features include the “Derezzed” Daft Punk music video and featurettes called “The Next Day: Flynn Lives Revealed,” “Launching the Legacy,” and “Disc Roars.” In addition, all Blu-ray packs will include Disney Second Screen support. The Second Screen companion application can be accessed on any Internet-connected device (iPad, laptop, etc.) and it allows you to explore the story behind the film while you’re watching it. For example, you can engage with elements including 360-degree vehicle turnarounds and interactive progression reels. Look after the break to see the full breakdown of every release bundle.

Oh, and there’s one more thing. Along with Legacy and the original Tron, Disney is also releasing TRON: Legacy RECONFIGURED, an album featuring 14 remixes of the original motion picture soundtrack scored by Daft Punk. Let’s just say April 5 is going to be a wonderful day.

[Via Engadget] (Click here for more…)

George Lucas announced that the entire Star Wars saga was coming to Blu-ray in fall 2011, and this week he made good on that promise.  On September 30, 2011 you’ll be able to purchase the Blu-ray collection in one of three ways: (1) The Complete Saga (Episodes I-VI) for $139.99; (2) The Original Trilogy for $69.99; (3) The Prequel Trilogy for $69.99.  The Complete Saga set will come bundled with “more than 30 hours of extensive special features including never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes, an exploration of the exclusive Star Wars archives, and much more.”  Full PR after the break.

The three sets are available to preorder at Amazon today at prices lower than the specified MSRP: Complete Saga ($89.99); Original Trilogy ($44.99); Prequel Trilogy ($44.99).  See what I did there?

[Via Gizmodo] (Click here for more…)

If you’ve purchased a 3DTV then you already know that exciting 3D content is annoyingly absent from the retail space.  You can’t even pick up the best 3D feature film Avatar unless you buy it with a Panasonic set.  But I’ve got some good news for you, so listen here.  Walt Disney Studios has made plans to release “at least” 15 Disney films in 3D this year.  The selection includes older classics such as The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast as well as modern hits such as Tangled and Tron: Legacy.  Disney promises that the latter two films will release in 3D day-and-date and packaged with the Blu-ray 2D version.  Be sure to look after the break for the full PR which lists other Disney hits getting the Blu-ray 3D treatment in 2011.

[Via Engadget] (Click here for more…)

I’ve got some bad news for you early adopter folks.  If you purchased a 3DTV recently in hopes to revel in everything Pandora has to offer in the comfort of your own living room, this won’t be happening until 2012. Earlier this month Panasonic became the exclusive seller of Avatar 3D on Blu-ray; if you want a 3D copy of the flick you must purchase a Panny VIERA 3DTV.  The exclusive deal was expected to end sometime next year, but the electronics manufacturer has confirmed that the deal will run through February 2012.  Happy bidding!

[Via Gizmodo]

There have been so many versions of Avatar released into the market it’s hard to count them all.  But this latest edition is especially sweet.  Why?  Because it includes the 3D version of the highest grossing flick!  The only way to get it (for now) is to purchase a Panasonic VIERA 3DTV.  When you pick up a Panny set you can also get the “Panasonic 3D Full HD Ultimate Pack” which includes Avatar in 3D on Blu-ray and two pairs of rechargeable Panasonic 3D glasses.  If you happen to have purchased a VIERA 3DTV between between March 10 and November 30 you are eligible to receive a copy of Avatar in 3D via a mail-in request program (hope you saved the receipt!).  So if you’re in the market for a new HDTV, you should definitely consider a VIERA 3D set because you will be able to watch Avatar on it the way it was meant to be seen.  Expect the Panasonic-Avatar in 3D exclusivity to end and a standalone release in 2011.  Full PR after the break.

[Thanks, Kristen Sweeney] (Click here for more…)

On November 16 fans of the highest grossing movie ever will be treated to special editions of Avatar on Blu-ray and DVD.  You might be scratching your head thinking don’t I already own Avatar on Blu-ray (or DVD) already?  Let’s remove that confusion.  Avatar did release on both formats back in April; these versions, however, only included the original theatrical release.  No bonus footage, no nothing.  This second release, on the other hand, packs tons of bonus content and more.  The three-disc Avatar Extended Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and Theatrical Special Edition Re-Release DVD (yeah, those are their official titles) will include the original theatrical version, the special edition re-release, and the collector’s extended cut that includes sixteen more minutes and an exclusive alternate opening Earth scene.  They will also include 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes.  Says director James Cameron: “I told our team — let’s do the ultimate box set of Avatar, with everything in it the fans could possibly want. There’s an extended length cut that’s sixteen minutes longer, plus documentaries, behind the scenes featurettes, artwork and over 45 minutes of deleted scenes. Everything worth putting into a special edition is in this set.”  Peek after the break for the official PR and to browse the bonus content in more detail.  And as for the 3D Blu-ray version?  That’s expected to release next year.

[Via Deadline]

Are you the ultimate LOST fan?  I know I am, and that is why I purchased the LOST: The Complete Collection on Blu-ray.  Besides the 36 Blu-ray discs, the detailed and textured set is packed with tons of Lost related goodies including a “recovered Black Rock journal entry”, the senet board game complete with black and white stones, a replica image of the Island, and an exclusive episode guide.  This being a LOST package, it comes to little surprise that hidden easter eggs are aplenty.  The included ankh stores a “secret message from Jacob” and a Dharma branded black light torch can be used to search the set for clues.

I invite you to look after the break and watch my encompassing unboxing video; I detail all of the set’s contents and reveal the hidden easter eggs.  Also, peer into the galleries below to gander at still images of all the content.  The first gallery is an extensive look at every item; the second gallery focuses on the Blu-ray sleeves for each season.

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(Click here for more…)

At this year’s Star Wars Celebration V, George Lucas himself was on hand to announce that the entire Star Wars saga is coming to Blu-ray in Fall 2011.  Here’s what you can expect from the box set:

The Star Wars Blu-ray Box Set will feature all six live-action Star Wars feature films utilizing the highest possible picture and audio presentation, along with extensive special features – including documentaries, vintage behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, retrospectives and never-before-seen footage from the Lucasfilm archives.

In an interview with The New York Times, Lucas said that the first three original Star Wars films (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi) included in the Blu-ray box set will be the re-released special edition versions of the films that were digitally restored a number of years back.  To release the original versions of these films on Blu-ray would be too costly, Lucas explained.  Feeling down about this last bit of news?  Well I have just the thing to cheer you up again.  Sitting after the break is a “missing lightsaber scene” from Return of the Jedi!

The press release (also after the break) does not specify price, a hard release date, and if movies will be available to purchase individually on Blu-ray.

[Via Engadget; NYT] (Click here for more…)

On October 26 the unforgettable Back to the Future trilogy will release on Blu-ray (for the very first time) and DVD.  Though pricing details have not been disclosed, Hollywood News has picked up on the loads of bonus material.  They include 16 deleted scenes, a six-part retrospective documentary with interviews by Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, director Robert Zemeckis, and making-of and archival featurettes.  So if you happen to be a long-time BTTF fan, you’re gonna want to get this. (Click here for more…)

Can’t say you’re surprised, can you?  Avatar quickly became the best selling Blu-ray of all time after just four days on store shelves.   2.7 million Blu-ray copies were sold in North America alone, smashing the previous record of 2.5 million units sold by The Dark Knight.  For a Blu-ray set that includes no extra features, I’d say this is quite the feat.  Click here for more information about the future releases (w/ extra features, 3D support, etc.).

[Via Engadget]

I’m going on a hunch here and assuming you’ve seen Avatar in theatres.  I mean, $737 million in domestic ticket sales doesn’t just spring out of no where.  And I bet you can’t wait to get your mits on your own copy.  Avatar is set to release on DVD and Blu-Ray on April 22 to coincide with Earth Day (how cute).  The April DVD/Blu-Ray release will not include any bonus features.  That means no deleted scenes, no behind-the-scenes featurettes, no nothing.  Why, you ask?  “Sources at Fox said the April disc will come without extra features so that all available storage space can be used for the best picture and sound possible.”  So where’s all the extra features then?  Apparently they will be packed into a second release (dubbed “The Ultimate Edition”) of the DVD/Blu-Ray packages in November.  And what about the 3D version of the movie; when can we watch it at home the way it’s meant to be seen?  That won’t come until sometime in 2011.  Consumers likely won’t have 3D TVs to play it on until then anyway.  So your safest bet is to wait until November to snag all the extras and play the rest by hear; who knows how fast 3D tech in the home will catch on.

Update: Sorry 3D fans, this update does not push forward the Avatar in 3D release.  But it does fix the no bonus features ’til November fiasco.  A fresh press release reveals The Avatar Program: “Connecting the two releases in April and November is “The Avatar Program,” an interactive consumer experience that offers an online hub for exclusive content, discounts and more.”  The Avatar DVD/Blu-Ray release on April 22 will come with a unique code that can be used to access bonus features online and adopt a “virtual hometree.”  Full PR after the break.

[Via Reuters; Gizmodo; BoxOfficeMojo; Engadget] (Click here for more…)

The Blu-ray Disc Association has announced the finalization of the “Blu-ray 3DTM” specification.  So what does this mean?  Now the home entertainment industry has the go-ahead to produce and ship full-blown high definition (1080p) 3D experiences to capable television sets for consumers.  The specification allows Blu-ray players to display full HD in 3D to each eye.  Also, it’s agnostic, meaning that capable Blu-ray players and TVs will be able to display HD 3D images regardless of display type (LCD, plasma, etc.).  The spec features enhanced graphics for displaying menus and subtitles in 3D.  All Blu-ray 3D-enhanced discs will contain a 2D version of the content, thus making them backwards compatible with standard Blu-ray players.  Notice I’ve been careful to label Blu-ray players and TV sets as ”capable.”  In order to receive the high definition 3D experience, you must own a 3D-capable TV and Blu-ray player.  This means that your current entertainment setup likely will not be compatible with the specification.  It is worthy to mention that there’s a lone exception; the Sony Playstation 3 will be forwards-compatible with the spec.  Sony has stated that it will become 3D ready via a future firmware update.  Remember, though, that a new HDTV with IR emitters and those pesky 3D glasses are necessary.  Expect all this new tech to release starting in 2010.  Full press release is after the break.

What’s to come of all this?  No one is certain of the future of 3D tech in the home.  For starters, many have been skeptical of this idea, labeling 3D movies a gimmick with silly glasses.  However, a number of people have admitted like movies like Pixar’s UP and the freshly released Avatar are better in 3D than 2D because instead of acting as in-your-face gimmicks they are great films that truly immerse you into the environment of the on-screen characters, making the movie experience better.  The real question is whether or not manufacturers will have success helping consumers transition from standard HDTV sets to 3D-capable ones.

[Via Engadget]

(Click here for more…)

Boy Genius Report has received information from “a pretty reliable source” spilling the beans on some of the upcoming iTunes 9 capabilities.  First up is Blu-Ray support.  Rumors spreading from Apple Insider are pointing to the next lineup of iMacs packing Blu-Ray disc drives, making this lastest tidbit of news all the more convincing.  However, we cannot forget Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ “bag of hurt” comment from the notebook event in 2008: “Blu-ray is just a bag of hurt. It’s great to watch the movies, but the licensing of the tech is so complex, we’re waiting till things settle down and Blu-ray takes off in the marketplace.”

According to the same source, there were mentions of some sort of Facebook/Twitter/Last.fm integration with iTunes.  No details about this were shared.  Perhaps “…broadcasting what song you’re playing to your friends” is in the pipes.  The last grain of news states that iTunes users will gain the ability to “visually orgainize and arrange” their purchased apps.  It is likely we won’t have to wait long to find out if all of this is fact or fiction; Apple’s September iPod+iTunes event is right around the corner.

[Via BGR; Engadget, here & here]