Still trying to build your superhero Blu-ray collection? This is the week to assemble all of the Avengers -- or at least all of their movies.
This week's spotlight is going to the long-awaited Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled set. The 10-disc box should keep you shielded from the outdoors for a few weeks, packing all of the movies from Marvel's Avengers in every possible format into one super-cool, limited-edition package.
If you've already amassed those movies, there are several other interesting releases for the week, including a soon-to-be cult classic, one of the best from Barbra Streisand, and The Bible.
Did we miss one of your favorites for the week? Have something to say about one of this week's new releases? Sound off in the comments below. Otherwise, all of these titles are out as of April 2, 2013, except where noted. Enjoy!
Avengers, assemble -- for this awesome Blu-ray set! First announced last summer, this 10-disc set includes six superhero movies. It has Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D versions of Marvel's The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger, and Thor, as well as Blu-rays for Iron Man, Iron Man 2, and The Incredible Hulk.
As far as we know, these are the same versions that have already been released on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D (so check our linked reviews above for more info on the AV and extras). However, Disney has supersized this limited-edition box, by including a bonus disc titled, "The Phase One Archives." This includes the "And Then Shawarma After" featurette, as well as new deleted scenes, extended scenes, and more from each film. There's also an exclusive peek at Marvel's Iron Man 3 and the other films from Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Then, of course, all of these goodies come nicely packaged in the special case that you see pictured. [Disney]
Hello, Dolly!
Barbra Streisand followed up her Oscar-winning performance in Funny Girl with this lavish production directed by the legendary Gene Kelly. She stars as Dolly Levi, a matchmaker who falls for her own client (played by the hilarious Walter Matthau). Although the film was considered to be a flop in its day, it snagged three Acadey Awards and went on to become one of the most beloved musicals of all-time.
Fox is debuting Hello, Dolly! on Blu-ray as a single-disc release. However, it will come with a 2.35:1 image and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Don't expect Babs to have any new input for this monumental occasion, though. This release comes with a slim pair of extras, including something about the film from 1969 and a piece that highlights Kelly. [Fox]
John Dies At The End
This horror comedy is a cult classic in the making. Maybe that's what lured Paul Giamatti to appear alongside Chase Williamson and Rob Mayes in a film about Soy Sauce. However, this isn't your typical condiment, but a high potent drug that causes some participants to have an out-of-this-world experience -- and not really in a good way.
Magnolia hasn't leaked any info about this release's AV, but you can expect the single-disc release to include a nice selection of extras. That lineup includes deleted scenes, casting sessions, trailers, a making-of featurette, a Fangoria interview with Giamatti, and something called "Creature Corps: The Effects of Soy Sauce." There's also a commentary that has Williamson and Mayes sitting down with writer/director Don Coscarelli and producer Brad Baruh. [Magnolia]
The Bible: The Epic Miniseries
Fox didn't waste much time bringing this epic miniseries to Blu-ray. After a record-setting weekend for The History Channel, the studio is immediately putting this 10-part drama out for the masses. The new production brings a new twist on the classic tales of Genesis through Revelation, with awesome special effects, exotic locales and narration by Keith David.
Of course, there's also the Blu-ray, which includes a 1.78:1 image, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, and hours of behind-the-scenes footage and featurettes. The 4-disc set has shorts on the cast, the production, the music, the special effects, and everyone and anyone else associated with the saga -- including producer Mark Burnett (yeah, the Survivor guy!). [Fox]
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