Square Enix® announced today that Marvel’s Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Edition and Deluxe Edition will be available alongside the Standard Edition on September 4, 2020. Further, players who pre-order any version of the game will receive guaranteed access to the Beta (at participating retailers), a Marvel Legacy Outfit pack, and an exclusive nameplate.
The Marvel's Avengers Deluxe Edition includes an exclusive Obsidian Outfit pack (six hero outfits), six exclusive Obsidian nameplates, and 72-hour early access.
Marvel's Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Edition features a full color 12” statue of Captain America. Designed by the artisans at Gentle Giant, this deluxe high-quality PVC statue captures every texture and detail on Captain America’s uniform. Marvel’s Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Edition also includes a copy of the Deluxe Edition, an exclusive SteelBook® case, Hulk Bobblehead, Mjolnir Keychain, Black Widow’s Belt Buckle, Iron Man’s Prototype Amor Blueprints, Kamala Khan’s Honorary Avenger Pin, a commemorative Avengers group photo, and 72-hour early access before the September 4, 2020 release date.
It's time for another epic Marvel Cinematic Universe movie release, and this round, we've got very high expectations. With a 94% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Director Taika Waititi hopes the general public in the states will love his take on Thor's little corner of the Marvel Universe as much as critics, and a large chunk of the world, already has. Thor: Ragnarok premieres today, so I thought i'd take this opportunity to celebrate the ever evolving toys we've gotten over the years celebrating the god of thunder. Thor is one character that's always been lucky enough to be immortalized in plastic, time and time again, giving fans many an opportunity to pick their favorite ones, or fill up an entire apartment, like Gollum sitting atop a mound of painted plastics in funny metal hats. Let's take a look at some toys!!
Thor seems to be a tricky subject for Marvel Studios. Being a long time fan of Marvel Comics, in my opinion, they've yet to capture the fun and sense of high adventure that comes with travelling to Asgard and we've absolutely not met even 10% of the creatures and colorful characters that reside there. Director Taika Waititi Looks like he's going to change all that. With glimpses of Hela decimating Asgard, Executioner letting loose with human artillery, The Valkyries taking on Hela, and every shot looking like amazing concept art and/or Jack Kirby's last wish, I have a feeling this is the first Thor movie i'm going to be going completely insane over. CHECK OUT THE TEASER TRAILER!!!
On Tuesday, December 8th,Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two arrives exclusively at Amazon with all new bonus content, film replicas and more. In addition, each film features custom disc sleeves from artist Matt Ferguson.
To recap,The limited edition, 13-Disc Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection invites you to hold the greatest power in the cosmos in your grasp – an orb containing one of the legendary Infinity Stones! Plus Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ and Digital Copies of all Phase 2 films, in collectible packaging designed by artist Matt Ferguson. This set overflows with stunning Marvel memorabilia, including a gold-foiled page from the book of Dark Elves, an ancient drawing from the Morag vault, Avengers and S.T.R.I.K.E. uniform patches, a replica of the Tony Stark Tattoo from Marvel’s Iron Man 3, and much more!
The limited edition, 13-Disc Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection (save $30 by pre-ordering now!) invites you to hold the greatest power in the cosmos in your grasp – an orb containing one of the legendary Infinity Stones! Plus Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ and Digital Copies of all Phase 2 films, in collectible packaging designed by artist Matt Ferguson. This set overflows with stunning Marvel memorabilia, including a gold-foiled page from the book of Dark Elves, an ancient drawing from the Morag vault, Avengers and S.T.R.I.K.E. uniform patches, a replica of the Tony Stark Tattoo from Marvel’s Iron Man 3, and much more!
Emilie Noetzel launches into her second day of the 2015 Fantasia International Film Festival ...
I started my second day in Montreal with a long walk down Sherbrooke, McGill, and Ste-Catherine Street, from my hotel to Atwater metro station, slowly going about my day and taking photos of random things as I tend to do when left to own devices in any city. This was once my city, but I never used to take many photos around town, so I intend on correcting this. My obsession with lighting fixtures continues! I have taken far too many photos of them and will keep on doing so until I have ALL of them.
Back into the post UK, post Nuremberg, pre-NY Toy Fair 2015 show!! WOOO. We should put all that on a t shirt. It's kinda catchy. Hasbro hops back into the kiddie pool with a stack of toys that may delight children while angering long time adult fans who will be found in the isles shaking boxes yelling "WHY AREN'T YOU A MARVEL LEGENDS AVENGERS LINE??!! YOU ARE WASTING MY PEG SPACE!!!" We are a passionate lot. Not a lot of info to go with this latest batch, but we've got little bits of knowledge to share along with the customary eye candy...
Steve Sievers, Chelsea Sievers and lil baby Sievers took to Disney's D23 convention on behalf of Idle Hands and sent over this report on all the Marvel Studios talk at the show. Well, to be honest, it appears Steve and Chelsea were doing all the work while the baby was just lumping around looking cute. YOU CAN'T GET BY ON YOUR LOOKS YOUR WHOLE LIFE BABY!!! Here's Steve's report coupled with some bits from Disney...
Thor: The Dark World opened with the same footage from San Diego Comic-Con 2013, which is pretty much extended scenes you see in the new trailer. Stars Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins took to the stage with Tom immediately apologizing for not being dressed up as Loki. Many in the crowd cheer him on to sing but he said sorry, not today.
The new trailer for "Thor: The Dark World" debuted during YouTube's Geek Week on Super Wednesday, a celebration of super heroes, the supernatural, and the super-weird.
Marvel's "Thor: The Dark World" continues the big screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel's "Thor" and "Marvel's The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.
It's hard to believe there is only ONE DAY left to San Diego Comic Con 2013! I've been going for nearly 12 years straight now, broken by this year's lack of funds to make the trip...and it sounds like I picked like a hell of a year to sit this one out! The Marvel Studios panel is probably still washing over those fans who were in Hall H a short time ago, and well it should. LOKI JUST ASKED THEM TO JOIN HIM IN GLORIOUS BATTLE!!! Yes..while I sat in New Jersey, sans pants, as Emi caught up on Once Upon a Time Season 1, Tom Hiddleston took the stage dressed head to to as Loki and the crowd damn near lost their minds. He paced the stage and asked "Where are your Avengers now??!!" The crowd went berzerk. "Pledge your loyalty to me." One man in the audience shouted NEVER as the women around him were practically throwing their panties. To prove that man was outnumbered, Lokie said three simple words. "Say my name." LOKI came the chant. "Say...my name." LOKI came the call. "SAY MY NAME!" he demanded with arms raised. LOKI came the screams. "It seems I have an army" was his resolute parting remark as he motioned to the screen about to show the Thor: The Dark World footage and left the stage. Wish you were there? Holy damn man...I'm right there with you! We've got the next best thing...
Love it or leave it, it seems the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon isn't going anywhere for the foreseeable future. His world is only a couple of steps away from the Mighty Marvel Cinematic Universe, and so, you must suck up all those moments where Spidey turns into a fat lil Spidey and hide your tears over the loss of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. I'M STILL NOT GETTING OVER THIS!!! Today, Marvel sends over a couple of clips from upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man episodes, and while he is perpetually teamed up with his hodgepodge teen super team, these clips show your favorite wall crawler going back to back with members of the Marvel elite. MARVEL TEAM UP!
Disney XD is gearing up for another season on a Teen Titan-esque Spidey fighting side by side with teen versions of Power Man, Iron Fist, White Tiger and Nova as well as guest appearances from Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk and Wolverine. Baddies for the new season include Electro, Kraven the Hunter, The Lizard, Rhino and The Beatle..just to name a few! Here's the official poop...
It isn't even on Blu-ray yet, but the fine folks at Disney know a sure thing when they see one. Amid the flurry of excitement over Joss Whedon remaining the baby daddy for the series and even further, getting his hands on an Avengers universe based TV series, we've had a range of titles announced to get excited over. There's the "coming soon" lineup...
If by "better" you mean "funnier" and your version of funny is to watch someone massacre the holy hell out of something you love by doing everything wrong, unintentionally causing unending comedy you will surely use as background visuals at future drunken parties...then yea..the Chinese Bootleg version of the upcoming Avengers DVD is far superior to the one we'll be able to buy come September! Worst Previews tipped us off to a post on the Bileto Tumbler which captured the most awesome bits for your Sunday afternoon entertainment. Enjoy!
While running through New York City, I decided to make a pit stop at the Times Square Toys R Us to say hi to the T Rex, see what's new and take a peek at a Hasbro Avengers display I heard they had set up. Low and behold, in a circular case was a re-enactment of the final battle between super powered humans and blood thirsty aliens led by little plastic Loki...with some alterations of course. The Helicarrier may not have been featured in that last skirmish, but hot damn it looks cool alongside the explosions! ...and yes, it looks a little wimpy with Fury and Widow battling on that tiny deck...but we'll take what we can get. At any rate, dig the Chitauri alien action figures in battle!
"And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth's mightiest heroes and super celebrities found themselves united against the same giant green screen. On that day, the Avengers were born—to fight the foes no single super hero could withstand…like all those critics who thought a movie with multiple super heroes could never be done well!! Through the years, their roster has prospered, swapping out Bruce Banners once…or twice…but their glory has never been denied! Heed the call, then—for now, the Avengers Assemble! In 3D!"
This really should have been the movie synopsis.
It is an amazing time to be alive. A super rich super scientist has decided to defend us from evils our police forces can not. Our greatest human symbol of freedom has just been found ALIVE and ready to fight for us again! Even more astounding, Norse Gods have walked the Earth and have vowed to protect us in times of great need!! On the flip side, there were those two rampaging monsters that nearly leveled New York City. At least the one in the purple pants seemed to be on our side. Now a great evil is plotting our subjugation. Loki has finally come to Earth and a horde of alien creatures await his command. Our heroes are the only things standing between us and all encompassing destruction.
This is the reality Joss Whedon (and co) had laid out before him and tackled from the only perspective he could; that of a human being. On one side, we have Hawkeye, Black Widow and all of SHIELD whose powers begin and end with the tools at their disposal, their training and their resolve to continue fighting even in the face of insurmountable odds. Through moments spent with both Avengers as well as revealing talks from Nick Fury and the remarkably candid Agent Coulson, we are allowed every angle on any emotion we could possibly muster…from complete fanboy awe to abject, paralyzing terror. From another perspective, we watch events unfold through the eyes of those remarkable heroes, thrust into world quaking circumstances and confronting their own frailty as a result. Actually, for Thor and Bruce Banner, their concern is more for the fragility of the world around them. Both views encapsulate the quintessential element needed to create a hero. It isn’t great powers or technology at the end of the day. It is the willingness to fight for those who can not, even when it seems hopeless. This is the true heart of the Avengers film and without a doubt, where it shines the brightest.
Now that we’ve got the touchy feely items out of the way, let’s talk “bang for your buck”! The film makers manage to spin a tight tale, packing something interesting into every moment without overloading the viewer with too much stimuli all at once…which had to be a challenge with all these heroes in one place at one time and the actors that have made them real. The banter shifts from heroic bravado to punch line with precision timing worthy of a standing ovation. The action itself is jaw dropping and innovative with no extended scenes of battle or chase that seem out of place or just for the purpose of spectacle. Aside from the obvious good versus evil battle, you’ll also see Avenger on Avenger throwdowns beyond your wildest dreams. When not at each other’s throats, these heroes are given ample time to do what they do best, and it is all there on the screen. No “up close and way too personal” camera moves..no cut aways to save on CGI cash and ABSOLUTELY no shakey cam to keep the viewer off balance. We see the action from every conceivable angle and in the reflection of every surface the clever director could shoot off of. You will see every smash, shield throw, lightning strike, repulsor blast, trick arrow shot and basic kick to the side of an alien head, and at the end of it all, you’ll be startled you’ve been sitting there for 2 hours and 20 minutes! This is a beautiful movie with excellent design and an artistic eye all at once. That is pretty much a unicorn in the world of action films!
Acting performances are superb for the most part. Tom Hiddleston is finally able to give Loki the evil bent that makes the character undeniably appealing in comics. It seemed the film makers of Thor were trying hard to make Loki a pitiable character who didn’t do any mortal damage amid his back stabbing and conniving. In the Avengers, Loki looks upon us with no shortage of contempt and perhaps a dash of envy. His brother Thor loves these helpless pitiful creatures more than him. He will prove that no matter how hard Thor tries to defend them, these creatures will lay broken at his feet. It is an amazing performance. Downey delivers his Stark banter like a seasoned juggler, throwing quips and slinging sarcasm around any conversation in a way that is always funny and never annoying. More importantly, it is never TOO MUCH! Other characters even get to deliver jokes, whether it be through direct words or sight gags, and their delivery is just as crisp. A Games all around! Jackson as Nick Fury gives us the stern leader prepared to do anything to get the job done, even if it means he must lie to get there. Renner as Hawkeye presents an unrelenting soldier who can be pushed down into hell and return, battered and torn, asking what his next orders are. He offers an amazingly likable alternative to the usual unflinching soldier routine! Ruffalo as Bruce Banner plays the reluctant warrior to a T. He is slightly twitchy, a bit unhinged by what is lurking inside of him and has absolutely no ego in any action or word from his lips. I’m not 100% sold on him in the role, as I was completely in love with Norton in the last Hulk film..so it is going to take another full on Hulkathon to make me love him under the green skin. I’m positive I don’t even have to talk about the Hulk, himself, as reviewers across the globe are doing enough gushing for me. Suffice to say; when Hulk does what he does best, you’ll be bouncing in your seat like a 5 year old. He really does steal the movie!
My only acting complaint lies with Scarlett Johansson who is unbelievable as a Russian Spy and in my opinion, lacks the sex appeal to pull off the Black Widow character. Her monotone delivery just left me flat. Honorable mentions to Evans, Hemsworth and Gregg who play their parts to perfection to the extent that I have nearly nothing to say! It was as if they went right from shooting their own films (with Coulson running through all of them, of course) to jumping head first into the Avengers with a seamless transition, albeit showing that some time has passed. Evans is haunted by a past (and a world) that is long dead. Hemsworth does steely determination and boundless honor like no other. There is no sign of the happy go lucky mug breaker here! Gregg plays Coulson a bit sunnier and way less stone faced. After all, we’ve got Nick Fury for that. This allows him more leeway to brighten up the room and add a little levity to a situation. I love watching this guy work!
I’m in the unique position to speak on both the 2D and 3D versions of the film after nearly back to back viewings. I can now say, unequivocally, that the 3D, while pretty, doesn’t offer any spectacle more awe inspiring than it would be in 2D. This is a glorified view master effect at best. This could have been magnificent, what with all the aliens attacking New York City and The Hulk all but eating them. IMAGINE THAT IN MIND BLOWING 3D!! Surely, a missed opportunity.
To say The Avengers is a Marvel kid’s dream come true is an understatement. One could argue that I’m equally geeky for any comic book super hero smack down, but this is not the case. I know the difference between awesome and shite. The Incredible Hulk? Awesome. Dardevil? Complete and utter drek. Yay Iron Man…blech Spider-Man 3. It is clear Disney has their game face on when they make Marvel Movies and for that, I thank them from the bottom of my incredibly dorky heart. The Avengers had me grinning from ear to ear 80% of the time and laughing to the point I could not stop another 10%. I knew Whedon doing The Avengers was going to be something special. I’m just so damned happy at the end result. See this movie 16 times and assure Disney does things exactly right for the foreseeable future. I’m good for at least 3 more viewings. Do your part!
End Notes:
-I looked very closely and couldn’t find any Easter Eggs in the movie.Sad panda. Let me know if I am wrong!
-There are TWO post credits scenes. One comes up quick and one at the verrrry end. Stay for both!
As we barrel head long toward May 4th, many a collectibles company is preparing to make it rain Avengers movie toys! Hasbro is first to market with a giant line of action figures, vehicles and role play items...but what of the discriminating fan that wants something classy for her work desk top?? Say..a figural representation of her dream boy Chris Hemsworth as the mighty THOR..with a little wobble action in his noggin as if he is saying..."Oh yes, my love..I know your dirty, dirty thoughts." NECA has you covered. This July (or thereabouts), NECA will drop Head Knockers of the 4 all stars of the Avengers movie on us; Thor, Captain America, Hulk and Iron Man! The likenesses are killer, the poses are great and knowing NECA, the quality will be top notch. Watch your favorite online retailers for pre-orders to get the goods.
