With a teaser trailer for The Avengers movie sending film fans into a spin, this week we’re focusing on the very best superhero movies available on Blu-ray. So if you’re stuck for ideas this weekend, why not try out one of the following:
Batman: The Dark Knight
Pipped to the post by a little movie called Avatar, Christopher Nolan’s brilliant re-imagining of the caped crusader’s clash with the Joker was the second highest selling BD of 2010. Christian Bale, Gary Oldman and the late Heath Ledger take the lead in Nolan’s second outing with the franchise, in a tale of greed and destruction so epic it’ll leave you pondering its adventure and meaning for days after. Comprising of a feast of extras the two disc set includes documentaries Gotham Uncovered, Batman Unmasked and Batman Tech, which take viewers on a 360 degree look at the set design, props, weaponry, stunts and special effects. Multiple interviews with cast and crew on the performances, script and Ledger’s contribution to the film alongside poster art and production stills complete the pack.
X-Men Quadrilogy
Based on the long-running Marvel Comics series, the X-Men Quadrilogy kicks off with Logan, aka Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), being drawn into the conflict between Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) who have opposing views on humanity’s relationship with mutants. Whilst Xavier believes mutants can coexist with humans, Magneto believes a war is coming and intends to fight. With the help of Storm (Halle Berry), Cyclops (James Marsden) and Dr. Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), they must battle to survive enslavement and destruction. Viewers can find in-depth, interactive documentaries for all four films, alongside deleted and extended scenes, gag reels and featurettes on special effects, make up and costume design. Comic scrapbooks and interviews with cast and crew on the development and impact of the films on the superhero movie landscape also add some interesting flavour, bringing you closer than ever to your favourite heroes and heroines.
The Incredibles
Why settle for just one superhero when you can have a whole family? A winner for die-hard superhero fans young and old, the BD packs a highly entertaining punch. Dubbed the ‘Watchmen for kids’, the story follows Bob Paar (Craig T. Nelson), a retired superhero who’s desperate to re-live his glory days as one of the world’s best known crime-fighters, Mr. Incredible. Forced into adopting civilian identities, Bob’s wife (Holly Hunter) and three super-powered children try to maintain a typical suburban lifestyle until Bob accepts a mysterious mission on a remote island. Included on the BD is a film maker’s roundtable, an interactive island game, and featurettes offering access to the animation process from start to finish.
Watchmen: Directors Cut
Strictly for adults, Zack Snyder’s startlingly dark adaptation of the masterful graphic novel from Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons is a feast for the eyes on Blu-ray. Murder, revenge, destruction and pride all flicker across the screen beautifully in this visually stunning imagining. Set in an alternate history which mirrors the 1980s, a group of retired vigilantes investigates an apparent conspiracy against them and uncover something sinister. This Directors Cut offers a whole host of extras that build out the context and phenomenon behind the original comics as well as looking at the special effects, political corruption in the 80s and technologies of the future as visualised in the film. Maximum Movie Mode enables viewers to access an interactive minefield of insight into makeup, costume design and perspectives from the cast and crew too.
So what do you think of our choices? Hit the comments to tell us your favourite superhero movies, or tell us what else you’ll be looking forward to watching on Blu-ray this weekend.
