Summer was a total smash (sometimes literally) for the superhero movie genre. The summer kicked off with Thor, only to have Green Lantern and Captain America: The First Avenger follow. All were hits with audiences, while at least one found a nemesis in film critics. Now, you can build your own Justice League (or Avengers, if you prefer), with the at-home versions of each film.
Thor features the hunky Chris Hemsworth in the title role, with an impressive supporting cast that includes Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, and Stellan Skarsgård. It was not only the first, but also the biggest, superhero flick of the summer, taking in a total of $448.5 million at the box office. Even our jaded but loveable film guru and co-founder Joe Lozito found a lot to like about it in theaters, calling it "interestingly esoteric for a summer blockbuster," and adding, "it works thanks to Mr. Branagh's ability to walk a tonal tightrope." You can read more in his Thor movie review.
Thor was released theatrically in both 3D and 2D, and Paramount extended the same courtesy for the Blu-ray release. Our own Chris Chiarella got to review the 3D version earlier this month and said, "Thor is one of those near-perfect Blu-rays that masterfully presents a terrific movie with some of the best audio and video of the year. It absolutely rocked my world." He also pumped up this release's power, with one of Big Picture Big Sound's mighty BIGGIE awards. Check out his full Thor Blu-ray 3D Review or find out more about the Blu-ray releases online (Walmart.com):
Green Lantern flew into theaters shortly after Thor. It didn't do as well at the box office. However, Warner Bros. is still flying high on the franchise -- enough to greenlight a sequel, anyway. Well, $219 million will do that to a studio. Film guru Joe Lozito didn't seem to appreciate the film's excessive special effects, but said that at the very least, "the film doesn't take itself too seriously." (Check out his full Green Lantern Theatrical Review for more info.)
Super-stud Ryan Reynolds sets that not-so-serious tone. That shouldn't be too hard to imagine since the guy was Van Wilder. However, he's backed up by quite the impressive cast, which includes Peter Sarsgaard, Angela Bassett, Mark Strong, Blake Lively, and Tim Robbins.
The film will be released on DVD and Blu-ray October 14. Like the theatrical release, Warner is planning to deliver Green Lantern on Blu-ray 3D Disc, as well as standard Blu-ray, in combo packs with DVD and Digital Copy thrown in for good measure. Hopefully, we will have a review of one of those soon (right Warner Bros.?). In the meantime, you can order yourself a copy of the movie on WalMart.com for release day delivery or pick-up in stores:
As with all WalMart.com purchases, you can have it shipped to your door or score free shipping by choosing to pick up at any local WalMart retail store. Frugaility is one of the mega-retailer's superpowers!
Coming a bit later next month (October 25) will be the Blu-ray debut of Captain America: The First Avenger. Chris Evans (Fantastic Four) moves up from ensemble cast to leading man as this all American icon, fighting for the American way (not to mention truth and justice) against the Nazis in World War II. Lozito liked this one best of all the summer superhero flicks, calling it "the best page-to-screen comicbook adaptation since Batman Begins." This effusive reaction comes from the film's excellent balance of comedy, drama and action, not to mention a charismatic and believable leading man. Read Joe's Captain America movie review for more. May this be the first of many tales to feature the good Captain.
Paramount is offering the Captain in all his high definition glory in both a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack (complete with Digital Copy - natch!) or a Limited Edition Blu-ray 3D set that comes with everything from the Blu-ray/DVD combo plus a Blu-ray 3D version of the film. Extensive extras will be on-board, including a sneak peak at the upcoming Avengers film. Check out the trailer for this Blu-ray on YouTube.
This one is available on Amazon with free shipping, a pre-order price guarantee and the option for guaranteed release day delivery (extra shipping cost may apply):
