The Avengers Hits Blu-Ray/DVD September 25th

     One of the biggest movies of all time hits home on September 25th and this official press release spills the news for the release of The Avengers on Blu-Ray and DVD.   
     Coming this fall, the third highest-grossing movie of all time and the #1 movie in the world, “Marvel’s The Avengers” assembles as you’ve never seen it before on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital and On-Demand platforms on September 25, 2012. In anticipation of this release, Marvel is also launching an all-new App in July - “The Avengers Initiative: A Marvel Second Screen App” (available for the first time on iPhone) – that gives fans unprecedented access to exclusive content building up to the home entertainment release.

The announcement comes as “Marvel’s The Avengers” crossed the incredible $600 million domestic box office threshold on June 26 – only the third film in history to do so. It has now grossed an estimated $1.44 billion globally.

Providing viewers with the ultimate in-home experience, the premium 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack provides 5-unique ways to enjoy “Marvel’s The Avengers” (on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy and Digital Download of “Avengers Assembled” Music from and inspired by the film) and brings to life the Super Hero team-up of a lifetime in a whole new dimension on Blu-ray hi-def with stunning visual effects, superior sound and unparalleled bonus content.

Extras include a gag reel, a first for a Marvel Studios film, the chance to hear from the cast and Joss Whedon on their experiences in bringing these larger than life characters to the big screen, a behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking visual effects and stunning cinematography, the creation of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Helicarrier, Soundgarden’s “Live to Rise” Music Video, deleted scenes and more!

Also for the first time ever, fans will be able to enjoy even more of the Marvel Universe via the all-new “The Avengers Initiative: A Marvel Second Screen App.” By downloading this onto a secondary device, consumers will be able to gain unprecedented access to exclusive content building up to the home entertainment release on September 25. Pieces will be unleashed bi-weekly in July & August and weekly in September leading up to a full immersive experience accompanying the film on Blu-ray. Content includes special access to the S.H.I.E.L.D. database, becoming a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, invitations to “special missions” either remotely or in the field, links to character profiles, stories and scenes, interactive Marvel digital reader comic books and more. App owners will receive push notifications whenever new content is uploaded and available for their viewing.

The suggested retail price for “Marvel's The Avengers” is: 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack = $49.99 U.S./$59.99 Canada; 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack =$39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada; 1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada. And for Digital & On-Demand platforms, please check with your television provider or favorite digital retailer for pricing

Vin Diesel Talks Up Riddick

Riddick is in post production and as we move closer to the first trailer, Vin Diesel keeps fans updated with an awesome new still and a quote.  The quote comes after he was invited by the studio to see a rough cut of the film and he had this to say: "You know I like to let you in on things, even before Hollywood knows...Haha... Last night I was invited in to the editing room, to see the first cut of the new Riddick... WOW!!! P.s. I was so affected/excited... I couldn't sleep. GRRRR!!!"  Riddick is due in theaters apparantly later this year, but could be 2013 also.

 

Trailer For Looper

 A sci-fi time bender featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis?  Sounds pretty cool!  Looper hits theaters this Fall.

Ryan Reynolds Confirmed For Highlander Reboot

Lionsgate/Summit Entertainment are moving forward with their remake/reboot of Highlander, and after months of speculation, Ryan Reynolds is confirmed to be playing the lead role.  Reynolds will play Conner MacLeod, a Highlander who discovers he is one of a dwindling group of immortals who wander the earth and kill each other in combat for the final “Prize” – immortality.  The film is being directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and is due in theaters in 2014.

The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-Ray Press Release

We all knew that all four Indiana Jones films were coming to Blu-Ray, now an official press release has been issued for the set along with cover art!  Indiana Jones comes to high definition this September!  Here is that official press release:  In June of 1981 director Steven Spielberg and executive producer George Lucas introduced the world to Indiana Jones when the unforgettable Raiders of the Lost Ark debuted in theaters. Exploding to instant acclaim, the film has now been carefully restored, alongside remastered versions of the archaeologist’s other thrilling adventures—Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Prepare for excitement, adventure and snakes—why did it have to be snakes?—all with pristine picture and sound when INDIANA JONES: The Complete Adventures debuts on Blu-ray September 18, 2012 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Media Distribution.

Supervised by director Steven Spielberg and renowned sound designer Ben Burtt, Raiders of the Lost Ark has been meticulously restored with careful attention to preserving the original look, sound and feel of the iconic film. The original negative was first scanned at 4K and then examined frame-by-frame so that any damage could be repaired.

The sound design was similarly preserved using Burtt’s original master mix, which had been archived and unused since 1981. New stereo surrounds were created using the original music tracks and original effects recorded in stereo but used previously only in mono. In addition, the sub bass was redone entirely up to modern specifications and care was taken to improve dialogue and correct small technical flaws to create the most complete and highest quality version of the sound possible while retaining the director’s vision. The result is an impeccable digital restoration that celebrates the film and its place in cinematic history.

The installments in the franchise have won a combined seven Academy Awards®. Relive every heart-pounding thrill like never before as all four films arrive together, for the first time presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio accompanied by a collection of documentaries, interviews, featurettes and new bonus features.

Masters Of The Universe Return To Comics At DC

The Masters Of The Universe are returning to comics courtesy of DC Comics. Written by none other than Geoff Johns with artwork by Howard Porter and John Livesay, the lead-off chapter is a prelude from Eternia’s history that is tied directly to the upcoming print comic He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe. In his story, Johns introduces an entirely new character that he first imagined when he was just eight years old – Sir Laser Lot. Mattel even created a new action figure based on the character that will debut at San Diego Comic-Con.
      “I’ve been a huge fan of  He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe since I was a kid, so it’s cool to write a story for this new series — not to mention teaming up with Howard Porter and John Livesay, my old Flash partners in crime,” stated Geoff Johns. “And to create an all-new character that will become an action figure – Sir Laser Lot — it’s beyond fun. I’m going to buy like 100 of them.”
      The digital series will debut new chapters twice a month on Saturdays. The second chapter (7/14) is written by Mike Costa with artwork by Jheremy Raapack and it tells the story of He-Man’s most trusted companion, Battle Cat. The third digital chapter (7/28), written by Kyle Higgins with artwork by Pop Mhan, is an adventure with the captain of the Eternia guard, Man-At-Arms.

Read The Gotham Observer!

A new viral marketing item for The Dark Knight Rises has hit today in the form of The Gotham Observer Newspaper.  Read it and you can get a few ideas of some of Gotham's citizens making the news such as a certain cat burglar.  Page 3 of the paper leads to a website for Rykin Data which shows their patent for a new security technology they created.  Check out rykindata.com to see more

Dredd Trailer Has Arrived

The poster made it's debut a week or so ago, now comes the full trailer for Dredd, starring Karl Urban in the lead role of judge, jury, and executioner!  Dredd hits theaters this Fall.

The Walking Dead Issue #100 Covers

The Walking Dead Issue #99 hit comic stores this week, meaning we are less than a month away from the landmark 100th issue.  Here now are all of the variant covers for the 100th issue of the series featuring the art of Charlie Adlard, Marc Silvestri, Frank Quitely, Todd McFarlane, Sean Phillips, Bryan Hitch and Ryan Ottley.  The official synopsis of the issues is this: “This extra-sized chapter contains one of the darkest moments in Rick Grimes’ life, and one of the most violent and brutal things to happen within the pages of this series. 100 issues later, this series remains just as relentless as the debut issue. Do not miss the monumental 100th issue of THE WALKING DEAD!”

Monsters University Teaser Trailers

Mike and Sully are back next summer in Monsters University!  The brand new teaser trailer is here in four just slightly different versions. The trailer will be in theaters this weekend with Brave and Monsters University hits next summer!

The Dark Knight Rises Trailer #4

A brand new action packed trailer for The Dark Knight Rises has hit out of no where and features tons of new footage.  The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters July 20th!

Amazing Spider-Man Behind The Scenes Wal-Mart Promo Now Online

Last week we told you about the Wal-Mart promo DVD for sale with the exclusive comic book.  Now you can watch the entire featurette and the exclusive clip right here!  The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters July 3rd

Pre-Production On Ninja Turtles Shut Down

Producer Michael Bay and director Jonathan Liebesman's live action Ninja Turtles reboot has been temporarily shut down.  Why?  Paramount and Bay himself don't like the script. The film has been pushed back from Christmas 2013 to May 2014 instead, and Deadline is reporting that it has more to do with budget than the actual script and that Paramount wants a more budget friendly script for the film.  Ninja Turtles is a live action with motion capture reboot of the very popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and is now due in theaters in May 2014!

Merle Dixon Returns To The Walking Dead

Some people may find this a spoiler but AMC isn't trying to hard to keep it secret, especially with the release of this official still of Michael Rooker as Merle Dixon.  He will be making his return in The Walking Dead Season 3 and looks like he solved his missing hand problem there.  Rumor has it that he may be joined up with The Governor's people.  We all find out this October!

New Trailer For Resident Evil Retribution

The Resident Evil movies keep on coming and from the looks of keep getting worse.  But where there's an audience there's a sequel!  Resident Evil: Retribution hits theaters this Fall.

The Man Of Steel Will Rise Again

  The Man Of Steel Will Rise Again

by M. Neiser 

     Next summer Superman returns to theaters.  We all anticipate seeing the first teaser trailer for Zach Snyder's The Man Of Steel soon but until then and until the movie is actually released next year, we hold reserve as to whether this really will be Superman's true return to cinemas.  Recently I revisited the original Superman film, along with Superman II The Richard Donner Cut, and Superman Returns on the very cool triple feature Blu-Ray release sold in Target Stores only.  In watching the original 1978 classic, I realized the simple purity of Superman, and how it will always hold up to the test of time.  Some people believe that Superman is still too Boy Scout like, and it's why his comics don't sell as well today because kids like the more violent super charged heroes.  I disagree with this.  When it comes to comic book sales, DC simply needs a good writer who tells good stories, and even Superman will be successful, Boy Scout like and all.  This article isn't about the comics however, and Superman's goodness, and his ultimate willingness to save innocent lives are what makes him the great hero that he is.  Not every hero has to be a vigilante to be cool or popular.  There was a time that Superman was the single most popular hero in the world.  In recent years the popularity of Batman and Spider-Man has allowed Superman to take a backseat but he will surely make his return to the top.

      Bryan Singer tried really hard in 2006 to revitalize Superman in his film Superman Returns.  The film has created a divide amongst fans, some loving it and some hating it.  The film was a loose sequel to Superman II, using the same incredible John Williams theme music, and taking place five years after the events of Superman II.  The film really isn't that bad.  It has a few incredible action sequences, the execution itself was perhaps what didn't work with the film.  Many people found it too somber and the absurd Lex Luthor scheme to be simply too silly.  People also didn't like the fact that Superman suddenly had a son through Lois Lane.   Overall Singer's attempt was worthy, it just missed the mark a bit with audiences.

      So how do you make Superman cool for today's audiences?  What worked so well in the 1978 film, and the incredible sequel Superman II in 1981?  Quite simply it's great story telling.  You don't need super spectacular effects to get people in seats.  Sure it helps, but a great story will sell to any audience member.  1978's Superman The Movie told the origins of Superman and of his early time on Earth from a teenager, to taking the mantle of Superman, protector of Earth.  The story was fantastically told through the direction of Richard Donner, Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Superman, and a fantastic Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, and it made audiences believe in the characters.  It was the first time that Superman truly came alive on the big screen.  1981's sequel Superman II was also well received through great story telling.  Events in the first movie set up the catalyst for the sequel in which Superman faced off against Kryptonian outlaws led by the evil General Zod.  It featured a thrilling climax in the streets of Metropolis and Superman was pushed to the edge to protect those he cared about.  There are great things about the Richard Lester cut and the Richard Donner cut of the film, but whichever you prefer, Superman II is a great sequel!

     Of course mediocre sequels in Superman III and IV, along with the darker, edgier 1989 Batman film, sent Superman to the back seat in theaters.  Superman lived on in television shows such as Lois & Clark and Smallville, but his cinematic popularity had taken a hit.  Years of on again, off again projects eventually led to Bryan Singer getting Superman Returns made.  Now Warner Brothers is getting ready to reboot the franchise in 2013 with Man Of Steel directed by Zach Snyder.  Expectation are high due to Snyder's success with comic book franchises such as 300 and Watchmen.  Henry Cavill will be portraying Superman, like Christopher Reeve and Brandon Routh before him, he is a relative unknown taking the lead of one of the greatest heroes of all time.  The cast is rounded out by Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Michael Shannon as General Zod, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, and Amy Adams as Lois Lane.
     Will Man Of Steel be Superman's rise back to cinematic greatness?  We have to wait until next summer to find out.  We certainly hope so but if not Superman will rise again and stand the test of time.  He is one of greatest super heroes ever created and will always stand for values that people hold dearly, which alone is enough for him to survive through anything, especially lacking sales at comic book stores, or a mediocre film or two!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 5 Trailer

Star Wars: The Clone Wars returns this September with its 5th Season.  Here now is the trailer for the upcoming epic new season!

Amazing Spider-Man Promo At Wal-Mart

Starting this Thursday, June 15th, at Midnight, Wal-Mart stores will be holding screenings of a scene from The Amazing Spider-Man throughout the day.  Along with this, you will be able to purchase a DVD with the scene for about 3 bucks.  The disc will also contain behind the scenes footage, as well as a promo for the tie-in video game.  It also comes with a reprint of The Amazing Spider-Man #6, the first appearance of The Lizard.

Prometheus Extended Cut On The Way

A lot of us saw Prometheus this weekend, and people seem to be torn on the film.  I personally thought it was incredible, and while yes it asked more questions than it answered in the Alien universe, it still was satisfying in many ways.  Is it a prequel to Alien?  More like Alien Issue 0 if you would  It tells you a lot, but doesn't end where Alien begins.  That being said though Ridley Scott has confirmed that an extended cut of the film will be on Blu-Ray.  Here are excerpts from his interview at Collider.com: 

Deleted scenes:
SCOTT: This is fundamentally the director’s cut. But there will be half an hour of stuff on the menu because people are so into films—how they’re made, how they’re set up, and the rejections in it. That’s why it’s fascinating. So this will all go on to the menu.

Well I’m curious about the deleted scenes. Specifically in this film, Noomi [Rapace] mentioned maybe there was a fight scene with her and an Engineer.

SCOTT: The Engineer fight scene was pretty good. It will definitely go on the menu. It won’t go on the long version. The problem about it is, while she gives as good as she gets with an axe (she’s very physical), he’s so big, for him to be clouted with a conventional weapon somehow diminished him. It’s subtle. It’s drama. I didn’t want to diminish him by having this person who has a weapon to be able to back him off. It minimized him. That’s why when he deals with people inside his cockpit, it’s over. Wham, wham, wham. Even the shot doesn’t mean anything. And so all she has time for is introducing him to the big boy inside the lab.

You’re going to do an extended cut on the Blu-ray/DVD. Is it a lot longer?

SCOTT: Twenty minutes.

So there’s, like, twenty minutes that will be added back in for a longer version?

SCOTT: Maybe. But I’m so happy with this engine, the way it is right now. I think it’s fine. I think it works. It can go in a section where, if you really want to tap in, look at the menu. To see how things are long, and it’s too long. Dramatically, I’m about putting bums on seats. For me to separate my idea of commerce from art—I’d be a fool. You can’t do that. I wouldn’t be allowed to do the films I do. So I’m very user friendly as far as the studios are concerned. To a certain extent, I’m a businessman. I’m aware that’s what I have to do. It’s my job. To say, “Screw the audience.” You can’t do that. “Am I communicating?” is the question. Am I communicating? Because if I’m not, I need to address it.

Dredd Teaser Poster

The new film based on the Judge Dredd comics simply titled Dredd and starring Karl Urban  hits theaters this Fall, and here is the film's first poster.

First Look At David Morrissey As The Governor In The Walking Dead

The highly anticipated 3rd season of The Walking Dead kicks off this October and TV Guide gives us our first look at David Morrissey as The Governor.  The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman had this to say about The Governor being introduced into the television show: "Seeing The Walking Dead come to life on AMC has been a real thrill for me, obviously, and moving into Season 3 I'm even more excited than ever because now I feel like we're really getting to 'the good stuff,'" Kirkman tells TVGuide.com. "Having The Governor in the mix is going to fundamentally change the show in all kinds of awesome and exiting ways. And David Morrissey totally rocks! The Governor in the show is definitely going to be The Governor in the comic," Kirkman said following the Season 2 finale. "I think that he's definitely going to be a character that people love to hate and are absolutely entertained by, but also somewhat terrified of. He's definitely going to be a very important character and a very nuanced character. We are not going to be watering him down."  The Walking Dead returns this October to AMC.

1960's Batman TV Show Merchandise On The Way

The corny, goofy, and all out slapstick television version of Batman from the 1960's doesn't stand up well by today's standards, but many people still find it a lot of fun and classic.  All though Warner Brothers owns the rights to Batman, the television show from the 1960's starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin, was owned by 20th Century Fox.  The two studio's have reached an agreement after years of going back and forth on it, and now now Warner Brothers will be able to produce merchandise based on the show and the likeness of the actors on everything from video games to toys to books, and hopefully get the show out on DVD one day!  More details will be revealed at next week's Las Vegas Licensing Expo (12 - 14 June), with the first wave of products set to hit next Spring. There is already a very small range of products based on the series, but this is the first time that more than just a few logos and the Batmobile can be used. "For the first time in over 40 years we will be able to offer fans a full merchandise program that captures the classic, kitschy look and feel of the original 'Batman' TV show," reveals Brad Globe, President of Warner Bros. Consumer Products."This new licensing program allows our partners to take advantage of the characters, gadgets and humor that made the show a smash hit in its day and a perennial favorite decades later."

Django Unchained Trailer

The trailer for Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained is finally here and it's everything you expect in a trailer at least from Tarantino.  The film hits theaters this Christmas!

First Official Photo From Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3 hits theaters next May and Marvel.com has released this first official photo from the set of the highly anticipated sequel.

Comicpalooza 2012 - Fan Photo Gallery

The fans of Comicpalooza have been so awesome once again this year and here are more great photos sent to us from all of you!

Photo Credits: Patrick Gaido, Shaun, Blake, Vicky Satterwhite, & CR