MARVEL STUDIOS: AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 3D [2015] [3D Blu-ray + 2D Blu-ray] [UK Release] Our Heroes Are Back in Action Better than Ever to Save the World!
MARVEL STUDIOS presents the global phenomenon ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D, is the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero film of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man [Robert Downey Jr.], Captain America [Chris Evans], Thor [Chris Hemsworth], The Incredible Hulk [Mark Ruffalo], Black Widow [Scarlett Johansson], Hawkeye [Jeremy Renner] and Nick Fury [Samuel L. Jackson], are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.
FILM FACT: Awards and Nominations: 2015 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards: Nominated: Best Visual Effects or Animation for Christopher Townsend, Matt Estela, Paul Butterworth and Ryan Stafford. 2015 Awards Circuit Community Awards: Nominated: Best Stunt Ensemble. 2015 Golden Schmoes Awards: Nominated: Most Overrated Movie of the Year. Nominated: Biggest Disappointment of the Year. Nominated: Best Trailer of the Year. Nominated: Best DVD/Blu-Ray of the Year. Nominated: Best T&A of the Year for Scarlett Johansson. 2015 Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA): Nominated: Best Original Score in a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film for Brian Tyler and Danny Elfman. 2015 IGN Summer Movie Awards: Nominated: IGN People's Choice Award for Best Comic Book Adaptation Movie. 2015 International Online Cinema Awards (INOCA): Nominated: Halfway Award for Best Visual Effects. 2015 Phoenix Critics Circle: Nominated: Best Science Fiction Film. 2015 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards: Nominated: Rondo Statuette Award for Best Movie for Joss Whedon. 2015 Teen Choice Awards: Win: Choice Movie: Scene Stealer for Chris Evans. Nominated: Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Nominated: Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Robert Downey Jr. Nominated: Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Chris Evans. Nominated: Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Scarlett Johansson. Nominated: Choice Movie: Breakout Star for Elizabeth Olsen. 2016 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Win: Saturn Award for Best Costume Design for Alexandra Byrne. Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture. Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for Paul Bettany. Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Special Effects for Ben Snow, Christopher Townsend, Paul Butterworth and Paul Corbould. 2016 Annie Awards: Win: Outstanding Achievement in Animated Effects in a Live Action Production for Florent Andorra, Georg Kaltenbrunner, Jim Van Allen, Michael Balog for “Sokovia Destruction.” Nominated: Outstanding Achievement in Character Animation in a Live Action Production for Craig Penn, Fairy Gutierrez, Gang Trinh, Mickael Coedel for the character "The Hulk." Nominated: Outstanding Achievement in Character Animation in a Live Action Production for Boon Yik Lim, Byeonghee Choi, Peter Tan, Roy Tan and Sachio Nishiyama for the character "ULTRON." 2016 Behind the Voice Actors Awards: Win: BTVA People's Choice Voice Acting Award for Best Male Lead Vocal Performance in a Feature Film for James Spader as the voice of "ULTRON." Nominated: BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award for Best Male Lead Vocal Performance in a Feature Film for James Spader as the voice of "ULTRON." 2016 BMI Film & TV Awards: Win: BMI Film Music Award for Film Music for Brian Tyler and Danny Elfman. 2016 Huading Award: Nominated: Best Global Actress in a Motion Picture for Scarlett Johansson. Nominated: Best Global Motion Picture. 2016 Hugo Awards: Nominated: Best Dramatic Presentation in Long Form for Joss Whedon (writer/director). 2016 Jupiter Award: Nominated: Best International Actor for Chris Hemsworth. 2016 Kids' Choice Awards, USA: Nominated: Favorite Movie Actress for Scarlett Johansson. Nominated: Favorite Movie for MARVEL STUDIOS. Nominated: Favorite Movie Actor for Robert Downey Jr. Nominated: Favorite Movie Actor for Chris Evans. Nominated: Favorite Movie Actor for Chris Hemsworth. 2016 MTV Movie + TV Awards: Nominated: Movie of the Year. Nominated: Best Hero for Chris Evans. Nominated: Best Villain for James Spader. Nominated: Best Virtual Performance for James Spader. Nominated: Ensemble Cast. Nominated: Best Fight Scene with Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) vs. Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). 2016 New Zealand Cinematographers Society: Win: Golden Award for Specialised Cinematography for John Mahaffie. 2016 People's Choice Awards, USA: Nominated: Favorite Movie. 2016 SXSW Film Festival: Nominated: SXSW Film Design Award for Excellence in Title Design by Perception. 2016 Visual Effects Society Awards: Nominated: Outstanding Animated Performance in a Photoreal Feature for Jakub Pistecky, John Walker, Lana Lan and Sean Comer for “HULK.” Nominated: Outstanding Models in a Photoreal or Animated Project for Daniel Gonzalez, Harold Weed, Myriam Catrin and Robert Marinic for “Hulkbuster.” Nominated: Outstanding Effects Simulations in a Photoreal Feature for Florent Andorra, Georg Kaltenbrunner, Jim Van Allen and Michael Balog for “Hulk vs Hulkbuster.” 2016 World Stunt Awards: Nominated: Taurus World Stunt Award for Best Work with a Vehicle for Lee Millham for “Lorry pipe ramp.”
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Mackie, Hayley Atwell, Idris Elba, Linda Cardellini, Stellan Skarsgård, Claudia Kim, Thomas Kretschmann, Andy Serkis, Julie Delpy, Stan Lee, Henry Goodman, Chris Luca, Brian Schaeffer, Dominique Provost-Chalkley, Isaac Andrews, Gareth Kieran Jones, Chan Woo Lim, Minhee Yeo, Bentley Kalu, Julian Bleach, Christopher Beasley, Vuyo Dabula, Nondumiso Tembe, Kabelo Thai, Lele Ledwaba, Mandla Gaduka, Harriet Manamela, Beulah Hashe, Musca Kumalo, (uncredited), (uncredited), (uncredited), (uncredited), (uncredited),Mathapelo September, Antony Acheampong, Chioma Anyanwu, Ben Sakamoto, Imogen Poynton, Isabella Poynton, Ingvild Deila, Sunny Yeo, Namju Go, Mina Kweon, Earl T. Kim, Arthur Lee, Verity Hewlitt, Michael Matovski, Alma Noce, Riccardo Richetta, Constanza Ruff, Monty Mclaren-Clark, Julia Krynke, Tony Christian, Ian Kay, Barry Aird, Aaron Himelstein, Kerry Condon (Friday voice), Jaiden Stafford, Joseph M. Abbott (uncredited), Mohammed Ali (uncredited), Freddie Andrews (uncredited), David Olawale Ayinde (uncredited), Nikita Baron (uncredited), Gintare Beinoraviciute (uncredited), Francesca Bennett (uncredited), Laura Bernardeschi (uncredited), Dilyana Bouklieva (uncredited), Dante Briggins (uncredited), Josh Brolin (uncredited), Rowdy Brown (uncredited), Billy Burke (uncredited), Cheryl Burniston (uncredited), Abbey Butler (uncredited), Michael Chapman (uncredited), Leigh Daniels (uncredited), Marianna Dean (uncredited), Lukas DiSparrow (uncredited), Thom Dobbin (uncredited), Alexandra Doyle (uncredited), Keith Fausnaught (uncredited), Aurora Fearnley (uncredited), Lou Ferrigno (Hulk voice) (uncredited), Hannah Flynn (uncredited), Robert J. Fraser (uncredited), Adam Gary (uncredited), Alex Gillison (uncredited), Sophie Gooding (uncredited), Guna Gultniece (uncredited), Mark Haldor (uncredited), Beshoy Hanna (uncredited), Salem Hanna (uncredited), Sam Hanover (uncredited), Robin Harvey (uncredited), Jason Her (uncredited), Leigh Holland (uncredited), Kornelia Horvath (uncredited), Bron James (uncredited), Mariola Jaworska (uncredited), Marcus G. Johnson (uncredited), Attila G. Kerekes (uncredited), Denis Khoroshko (uncredited), Danielle Kingston (uncredited), Hrvoje Klecz (uncredited), Irina Klimovich (uncredited), Devin Koehler (uncredited), Lex Lang (uncredited), Jamie Lengyel (uncredited), Jorge Leon Martinez (uncredited), Benjamin Lim (uncredited), Marian Lorencik (uncredited), Edina Loskay (uncredited), Bartosz Malarski (uncredited), Lena Milan (Sokovian Agent voice) (uncredited), Eric Morcos (uncredited), Joti Nagra (uncredited), Nick W. Nicholson (uncredited), Judit Novotnik (uncredited), Emeson Nwolie (uncredited), Sigmund Oakeshott (uncredited), Andrea-Nichole Olivas (uncredited), Zakk Pierce (uncredited), Andrew James Porter (uncredited), Guy Potter (uncredited), Tim Powell (uncredited), Diezel Ramos (uncredited), Dagny Rollins (uncredited), Anthony J Sacco (uncredited), Faye Sewell (uncredited), Megyn Shott (uncredited), Bari Suzuki (uncredited), Georgie-May Tearle (uncredited), Chris Townsend (uncredited), Daniel Westwood (uncredited) and Tatiana Zarubova (uncredited)
Director: Joss Whedon
Producers: Alan Fine, Angela Phillips, Daniel S. Kaminsky, Diego Loreggian, Enzo Sisti, Genevieve Hofmeyr, Jamie Christopher, Jeffrey Ford, Jeremy Latcham, Ji-seung Lee, Jon Favreau, Kevin Feige, Louis D'Esposito, Mitchell Bell, Nicholas Simon, Patricia Whitcher, Stan Lee and Victoria Alonso
Screenplay: Joss Whedon (written), Jack Kirby (based on the Marvel comics) Jack Kirby (character created by: Captain America), Jim Starlin (character created by: Thanos), Joe Simon (character created by: Captain America) and Stan Lee (based on the Marvel comics)
Composers: Brian Tyler and Danny Elfman
Cinematography: Ben Davis (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Audio: English: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Spanish: 5.1 DTS Digital Audio
Hindi: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Audio Descriptive
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Português, Spanish and Swedish
Running Time: 141 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 2
Studio: MARVEL STUDIOS
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D [2015] is massive, immersive and wildly entertaining, and Avengers gang gets back together for a globe-trotting battle against a monstrous villain and can be assured fun will be had by all. The most successful superhero film of all time, and gets a super-sized sequel with surprising amounts of soul. MARVEL STUDIOS presents ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D is a pop-culture sugar rush epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero film of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping programme, things go awry and Earth's Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous ULTRON emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.
‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk and Chris Evans as Captain America. Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, Stellan Skarsgård as Erik Selvig and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes The Vision.
There is an abundance of good jokes in the ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D, but the best of them is in the dynamic opening action sequence. Iron Man [Robert Downey Jr.], Captain America [Chris Evans], Thor [Chris Hemsworth], the Hulk [Mark Ruffalo] and the rest are hurtling through a forest on their way to the hilltop stronghold of an evil secret society, Hydra. Taking turns to showcase each of their signature abilities, they lay waste to hordes of uniformed baddies, but Hydra’s monocled commander, Baron Strucker [Thomas Kretschmann], rallies his troops with a cry of, “Never surrender!” A second later, he turns to his right-hand man and mutters, “I’m going to surrender.”
Who can blame him? Billed in the original 1960s Marvel comics as “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,” the Avengers team seem even mightier now onscreen. One of the team is a Norse god; another has more weaponry in his armoured gloves than the average army; another is, well, the Hulk. And even their supposedly human colleagues aren’t exactly lightweights. In one dazzling set piece, Black Widow [Scarlett Johansson] races her motorbike the wrong way down a major road, scoops Captain America’s shield off the asphalt, skids underneath a lorry, and throws the shield into Captain America’s waiting hand at the very moment he needs it to bash an opponent on the head. Maybe it’s not surprising then that the Avengers spend so much time fighting among themselves. Who else would stand a chance against them?
The two sequences mentioned above sum up what makes the ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D so impressive, but also so uninvolving. The film’s writer-director, Joss Whedon, isn’t interested in showing his characters solving puzzles or overcoming obstacles; he simply wants to show them beating up wrongdoers and cracking jokes in the coolest imaginable way. Distributing snappy one-liners and elaborate stunts to every member of the team, as well as their various sidekicks and assistants, he has them saving the day with all of the frictionless ease that comic-book logic and computer-generated imagery allow.
If they need to hop from the USA to Africa, they do it in an instant. If they need an indestructible cage to rocket down from space and land on the earth with pinpoint accuracy, it happens without a glitch. And if they need to destroy a city-centre skyscraper without harming any civilians, not only can they do it, they can improvise a string of wisecracks in the process. Especially as The Avengers are fighting for their lives, and have to put on a gymnastics display to thwart the enemy. I really admired the polished, expertly choreographed entertainment that gave me an adrenaline buzz, especially of seeing a vulnerable protagonist labouring against the odds.
And, in general, the ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D has almost the similar plot as the 2012 film, but this time they have to battle with a psychopathic arch-villain that threatens them; and there is a city-levelling clash with a swarm of faceless, CGI foot-soldiers. To be specific, what happens is that Tony Stark aka Iron Man uses some alien technology to create an artificially intelligent computer program called Ultron [voiced by James Spader] in the Avengers’ Manhattan HQ. Unfortunately, Ultron doesn’t have a very high opinion of his creator’s species, and so, once he has knocked together a metallic body in which to house his virtual brain, he decides to wipe humanity off the face of the planet, aided by two super-powered Eastern European twins with a grudge against Stark: the speedy Quicksilver [Aaron Taylor-Johnson] and the mind-altering Scarlet Witch [Elizabeth Olsen]. And then the Avengers have a big punch-up with Ultron and his robot-lackeys.
But where are the dangers that might make our heroes break a sweat? We are told that ULTRON is getting up to all sorts of mischief around the globe, but the film rarely shows him doing anything except skulking in the shadows, so he comes across as a grumpy Transformers toy rather than an urgent threat. He’s certainly not enough of a threat to stop the Avengers hanging out with Hawkeye [Jeremy Renner] in his farmhouse at the film’s halfway point. Thanks to Joss Whedon’s gift for likeable characters and screwball banter, this bucolic interlude is quite enjoyable. But how can we worry about humanity’s imminent extinction when its greatest champions are relaxing in the countryside, chopping firewood and tinkering with tractors? Mind you, it’s while they’re on their rural mini-break that The Avengers’ omnipotence faces its only significant challenge. In one touching scene, the love-struck Black Widow talks to the Hulk’s alter ego, Bruce Banner, about whether they could have a future together. Here, for once, is a question that might be tricky. It might not be resolved by some sparkling witticisms or by the swing of a magical hammer.
Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige, feel ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series "The Avengers," first published in 1963. Louis D'Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Jeremy Latcham, Patricia Whitcher, Stan Lee and Jon Favreau serve as executive producers. Get set for an action-packed thrill ride when The Avengers return in ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D. Working for the first time with British Cinematography Ben Davis of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ Joss Whedon thinks the film out in more cinematic terms than the prior instalment, with some complex tracking shots that last for upwards of a whole minute. Duelling composers Brian Tyler and Danny Elfman have provided a surfeit of speaker-rattling action music, though the most memorable passages remain those recycled bits of Alan Silvestri’s brassy “Avengers” fanfare.
The final battle is suitably epic and intense, showcasing the spectacular abilities of our heroes, with equally impressive special effects. Moreover, it's given a high degree of emotional resonance, not just because we know and love these characters, but also because of the impending sense that not all of them might survive. The stakes are real for these characters, as one might feel when watching Serenity or one of Joss Whedon's shows. Without going into specifics, there are some wonderful fanboy moments and indeed, story elements, throughout the film. In addition to many jaw-droppingly audacious action all thrown in casually as if they're no big deal, the film is also frequently hilarious. Captain America gets a generous helping of witty lines, showing that he's becoming more self-assured, and, despite the angst going on around him, generally happier. The dynamic between Hulk and Black Widow is explored much further than in the first film, and is actually quite sweet, despite the angst. ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D is a terrific comic book turned into a film, featuring spectacular action sequences. It's also surprisingly funny considering the dramatic weight and emotional resonance involved. A film which not only really tests its heroes to the limit and even deconstructing them in many ways, but it also celebrates them to great effect and gives you a totally wonderful rollercoaster ride of epic proportions.
AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON MUSIC TRACK LIST
Themes from MARVEL STUDIOS The Avengers (Composed by Alan Silvestri)
Norma, Act I: 'Casta Diva' (Written by Vincenzo Bellini) [Performed by Maria Callas, Coro del Teatro alla Scala, Milano, Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala, Milano, Tullio Serafin]
GREAT INTENTIONS (Written by Jason French Muniz, Cheapshot, James Katalbas and Jason Rabinowitz) [Performed by Damato]
LIQUID SPIRIT (Written by Gregory Porter) [Performed by Gregory Porter]
DRUM DUEL (Written by Brian Tyler) [Performed by Brian Tyler]
EVENING OF ELEGANCE (Written by Bill Keis)
I’VE GOT NO STRINGS (Written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington)
I CAN’T GET STARTED (Written by Ira Gershwin and Vernon Duke) [Performed by The BBC Big Band Orchestra]
Cinderella, Op. 87 Ballet (Written by Sergei Prokofiev)
Berliner Messe: 1. Kyrie (Written by Arvo Pärt) [Performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the Tallinna Kammerorkester] [Conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste]
FULL FRESS HOP (Written by Gene Krupa and Roy Eldridge) [Performed by Gene Krupa & His Orchestra]
I’VE GOT NO STRINGS (Written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington) [Performed by Dickie Jones]
HIKARI (uncredited) (Written by Hikaru Utada)
THEME FROM IRON MAN 3 (uncredited) (by Brian Tyler)
THEME FROM THOR: THE DARK WORLD (uncredited) (by Brian Tyler)
CAPTAIN AMERICA MARCH (uncredited) (by Brian Tyler)
Blu-ray Image Quality – MARVEL STUDIOS presents the film ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D provides both a stunning 1080p encoded 3D and 2D image on both Blu-ray discs, especially in the film’s original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1 and both of which look striking and demo-worthy. There’s even a fair amount of depth to view throughout the film, especially when you view the 3D counterpart, because you can see more overtly framed 3D-designed shots truly spring to life. The ensemble slow-motion opening sequence shot stands out dramatically, but so too do many of the latter ULTRON army scenes, whilst characters are well rounded and given some strong integration into the backdrops. There’s plenty of stunning CGI images on offer here, with several standout flourishes moments designed to show off the benefits of the 3D format over its 2D sibling. Ultimately, it is very impressive with lots of visual offering as does the 2D counterpart, but that’s probably more to do with the standout excellence of the latter than because of any real issues with the former, but overall I much preferred watching the 3D Blu-ray disc for my ultimate enjoyment and pleasure.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – MARVEL STUDIOS brings you the audio in 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio has some very stunning punchy and effects-dominated, so making the tracks very precise and well-nuanced, promoting dialogue up-front and centre throughout the piece, clearly and coherently rising above the rest, whilst the score engages with an excellent backing theme that further enhances both the tone and the impact of the film’s key set-pieces. Effects are striking not only in the heavy action department, but especially with all of The Avengers standing out alongside the epic finale, but also in their individual makeup, especially with Iron Man’s high-pitched charge-up blasts, Thor’s terrific thumping hammer blows, Captain America’s boomerang shield throwing sessions, Hawkeye’s myriad arrow options and Black Widow’s high-tech kit all given their own voice, whilst The Hulk delivers the most welcoming thumps as he bashes and crashes his way around fighting off Ultron and all his robots. Utterly demo-worthy throughout, and resoundingly reference from start to finish, the MARVEL STUDIOS: ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D offers premium performance with this audio experience that really enhances this film.
2D Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Audio Commentary with Director Joss Wheldon: Here Joss Whedon introduces himself and says, “doing an unprecedented concept of a directors audio commentary and I have a lot to say, and have no idea what order it is going to happen in, and if you like the sound of me babbling on, you are in for a treat.” Joss Wheldon tells us why he would ever contemplate making another Avengers film, but despite this, he is glad he did it, as it is his own entire project. Joss also informs us that there was another director who helped on the picture, which was the Second Unit, and Joss also informs us that he shot about 100 days of footage and the other director shot about 50 days of footage. Joss also praises the world of George Lucas’s ILM Team and the fantastic work they did on The Hulk, in making him look lifelike and real, which started its journey from the previous Avengers film. Joss also tells us that he loves the character of Tony Stark and feels in this particular film Tony Stark has redeemed himself and his character and also thinks now he is actually a hero. Joss also praises the Tony Stark building, especially the interior and the amazing spaces that has been created and it total amazing grandiose look. At the Tony Star party, Joss says he loved the old World War II Veteran’s especially the main actor who speaks, but despite who knew that old actor, he could not remember his name, sadly. When ULTRON first appears, near the end of the party, Joss acknowledges that he is a fan of the Frankenstein films and felt ULTRON looked like Frankenstein, but with all the wires hanging down, felt looked like the Mummy. One bit of fascinating information Joss reveals, that no one has commented on, is the bit where the actress Maria is taking broken glass out of her bare foot, that she is wearing the bomber jacket of Steve Rogers / Captain America. Joss really liked the actor Andy Serkis [Ulysses Klaue] and talks about the scene where ULTRON cuts off part of his arm, but of course not for real and was worried if it would upset Andy Sirkiss, but in fact Andy loved it and felt it was homage to Star Wars. When eventually get to the “safe House” that is owned by the character Clint Barton / Hawkeye, well it was actually filmed on the Duke of Wellington land in England, to make it look like The Simpsons area of Springfield in America, but the actual house was built specifically for only one days filming, and of course it was eventually demolished, but the only thing that was left were some very angry bitter cows. At around the 1:57:00 mark, Joss tells us he loved the part where all the Avengers are together fighting off the ULTRON’s robots and eventually the demise of ULTRON. So we come to the end of this special audio commentary from joss Whedon, and while the credits are rolling up the screen, Joss Whedon informs us he is not going to do the third Avengers film, as this one totally exhausted him, but also at the same time informs us that he was totally proud of what he has produced. Anyway, I must say it was quite a fascinating audio commentary, especially hearing all of Joss Whedon’s anecdotes on the film and also all the interesting facts that went into making the film, boy does he waffle on, which he warned us at the start of this audio commentary, but despite this, it was still interesting in hearing Joss Whedon commentary. But one thing I really had to do is really crank up the sound, as he is a very softly spoken person.
Special Feature: From the Insight Out – Making of ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ [2015] [1080p] [1.78:1] [20:54] This making of ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ feature is rather short but looks at the work behind the big action sequences and the CGI special effects in the film. It is a good extra for once you have watched the film. But despite it being just short of 21 minutes, a lot is packed in and you get some great contributions from everyone. But what is also insightful with this brilliant special feature is that at the start you get to witness The El Capitan Cinema, where they held the World Premiere of the MARVEL STUDIOS: ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D film where you get to see all the everyone involved with the film, especially the stars who sign autographs to the wild and over the top fans. But you also get a short glimpse inside the cinema, where mainly the stars are lines up in front of the giant cinema screen with the ATMOS logo above them. Then next we suddenly get a heading appear saying 18 MONTHS EARLIER and this is where we get a lot of behind-the-scenes of went into the making of the film and it is really interesting and informative special feature. Contributors include: Joss Whedon (Director), Jeremy Latcham (Executive Producer), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Quicksilver), Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner / HULK), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Jeremy Renner (Clint Barton / Hawkeye), Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill), Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark / Iron Man), Charles Wood (Production Designer), Kevin Feige, p.a.g. (Producer), Chris Evans (Steve Rogers / Captain America), James Spader (ULTRON), Andy Serkis (Ulysses Klaue), Scarlett Johansson) Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow), Victoria Alonso (Executive Producer), Christopher Townsend (Visual Effects Supervisor), Linda Cardellini (Laura Barton), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Claudia Kim (Dr. Helen Cho), Bobby Holland Hatton (Steve Rogers / Captain America Stunt Double) and Paul Bettany (Jarvis / The Vision).
Special Feature: The Infinite Six [2015] [1080p] [1.78:1] [7:26] The Infinite Six for me is the jewel in the crown with this release. It looks at what the Six ‘Infinity Stones’ are and we have a detailed look at the 4 already used in the MARVEL STUDIOS film franchise, which were “The Space Stone;” The Reality Stone;” “The Power Stone;” “The Mind Stone” and also a glimpse at the remaining two and how the search for them in the future Phase 3 MARVEL STUDIOS films will take the audience ever closer to the big ‘Infinity Wars’ saga with Thanos. Contributors includes: Jeremy Latcham (Executive Producer), Joss Whedon (Writer/Director), Kevin Feige, p.a.g. (President of MARVEL STUDIOS), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Chris Pratt (Peter Quill / Star-Lord), James Gunn (Director of Guardians of the Galaxy) and Jonathan Schwartz (Co-producer of Guardians of the Galaxy).
Special Feature: Global Adventure [2015] [1080p] [1.78:1] [3:00] Global Adventure looks at the different locations filming that took place, which were Italy; South Korea; United Kingdom and South Africa, and we find out the reasons why these countries were selected and what it was like to film there, especially with Joss Whedon and cast members talking of how the MARVEL STUDIOS: ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D shows the Global impact of the Avenger’s action films. But once again we go behind-the-scenes of the filming the ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D film, but we also get detail views of those specific locations mentioned above. Sadly this is the shortest special feature in all of these extras on the 2nd Blu-ray disc. Contributors include: Joss Whedon (Director), Kevin Feige, p.a.g. (Producer), Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner / HULK), Jeremy Latchman (Executive Producer), Chris Evans (Steve Rogers / Captain America) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor).
Special Feature: Deleted & Extended Scenes [2015] [1080p] [2.40:1] [12:40] The deleted/extended scenes again come with only 4 scenes selected and they are as follows: The Man in the Church; Watch Your Six; Bruce & Natasha Talk and Norn Cave. With each item shown, you can either listen to the Audio Commentary with director Joss Whedon or without.
Special Feature: Gag Reel [2015] [1080p] [1.78:1] [3:36] It always amuses me why they include these “Gag Reel” extras, as most of it is totally silly and totally pointless, and only the people appearing in the film are the only ones who enjoy participating in this vacuous rubbish.
Sneak Preview: ANT-MAN [2015] [1080p] [1.78:1] [1:31]
Finally, with the film ‘AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’ 3D, people have speculated and wondered whether to compare this film with all the other MARVEL STUDIOS franchise films that has come before this film, and have also wondered if it is unique enough as a standalone film, but equally at the same time they feel this film is thoroughly engaging, better-thought-out-than-normal action extravaganza on an unprecedented scale, and especially with a very impressive ensemble superhero cast. For those who have watched all of the other MARVEL STUDIOS film instalments before this one, and in preparation for it, they feel this is yet another milestone event. The UK All Regions Blu-ray debut of this Avengers sequel comes in just two awesome flavours, one in an amazing 3D experience and the other in standard 2D viewing experience, which is equally very impressive, but I still preferred the 3D version, which sits well alongside their initial release of the first film from MARVEL STUDIOS film franchise. With superb technical features, and a decent enough selection of extras, Marvel comic fans should be chomping at the bit to get their hands on this excellent Blu-ray disc. Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
