Later today the Marvel Phase One boxed set, featuring the first wave of Marvel films culminating in this past summer’s THE AVENGERS, will go back on preorder after a delay over the suitcase packaging. Although the delay was a disappointment to many fans, the good news is that the boxed set got an upgrade while in cryostasis, in which they added “a showcase of the studio’s upcoming Phase Two slate of movies to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe: Phase One.”
So, what the hell does that mean? Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige is tight-lipped on details, but does divulge that the Phase Two material will have “footage, concept art, and a few new surprises. Also, look for a nod to Iron Man 3 in the Tony Stark S.H.I.E.L.D. file in the box set.”
In addition to the Phase Two stuff, there will also be deleted scenes, alternate takes, and other supplemental material from the Phase One films. “We went back to the editor’s assembly of each film and discovered some rare moments that dropped out of the films early on and had not been released on prior discs,” said Feige.
“He said part of the fun of putting together the set was highlighting all the little hidden references they put in the films, allowing fans ‘to catch the connective tissue that paved the way toward the Avengers assembling.'”
Click below for an extra piece to the ending of THOR:
“We spent an embarrassing amount of time compiling the ‘Shield Files’ included in the box set to be sure that each character’s file was full of great, movie-accurate props and Easter eggs, which help tie all of the Phase one [Marvel Comics Universe] films together,” said Feige.
Well, damn. Now, I might have to buy this f*cking thing. I realize it’s pretty stupid, especially when you already own all of the films on blu-ray, but I’m usually pretty good at avoiding all the “bells and whistles” type marketing ploys. This feels like some real effort was put in and there’s no denying the care taken to tie all of the Phase One films together. It definitely wasn’t an afterthought and the fact that they’re pushing to make this as enticing as it sounds means that I will likely say buh-bye to $200 bucks come April.
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled will go back on preorder today (I’ll update with a link as soon as it’s up) with a price of $219 and is slated for release on April 2, 2013.