Paramount / 2011 / 114 Minutes / Rated PG-13
Street Date: September 13, 2011
Genres: Super-hero, action, futuristic
Starring: Kenneth Branagh
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Plot Synopsis: Of all the folks in long underwear to be tapped for superhero films, Thor would seem to be the most problematic to properly pull off. (Hypothetical Hollywood conversation: "A guy in a tricked-out, easily merchandisable metal suit? Great! An Asgardian God of Thunder who says stuff like thee and thou? Um, is Moon Knight available?") Thankfully, the resulting film does its source material rather proud, via a committed cast and an approach that doesn't shy away from the over-the-top superheroics. When you're dealing with a flying guy wielding a huge hammer, gritty realism can be overrated, really. Blending elements from the celebrated comic arcs by Walter Simonson and J. Michael Straczynski, the story follows the headstrong Thunder God (Chris Hemsworth) as he is banished to Earth and stripped of his powers by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) after inadvertently starting a war with a planet of ticked-off Frost Giants. As his traitorous brother Loki (the terrific Tom Hiddleston) schemes in the wings, Thor must redeem himself and save the universe, with the aid of a beautiful scientist (Natalie Portman). Although director Kenneth Branagh certainly doesn't skimp on the in-jokes and fan-pleasing continuity references (be prepared to stick around after the credits, Marvel fans), his film distinguishes itself by adopting a larger-than-life cosmic Shakespearean air that sets itself apart from both the cerebral, grounded style made fashionable by The Dark Knight and the loose-limbed Rat Packish vibe of the Iron Man series. Glorying in the absolute unreality of its premise, Branagh's film is a swooping, Jack Kirby-inspired saga that brings the big-budget grins on a consistent basis, as well as tying in with the superhero battle royale The Avengers.
Disc Features:
- Audio Commentary - With Kenneth Branagh.
- Marvel One-Shot: The Consultant (HD, 4 min) - Tony Stark and General Ross! A fun little short that is a bit more Hulk related than it is Thor, but ah well, it's still welcome.
- Featurettes (HD) - Seven high def featurettes, with no play all option. Really, play all options are necessities on this type of thing! From Asgard to Earth (20 min), Our Fearless Leader (3 min), Assembling the Troupe (5 min) , Hammer Time (6 min), Creating Laufey (5 min) , Music of the Gods (2 min), A Conversation (2 min) features Stan Lee. Stan Lee.
- Road to the Avengers (HD, 3 min)
- Deleted Scenes (HD, 24 min)
- Trailers (HD, 5 min) - Teaser and Theatrical trailers
20th Century Fox / 1977 / 805 Minutes / Rated PG
Street Date: September 16, 2011
Genres: Sci-fi, futuristic action thriller
Starring: Mark Hamill, Hayden Christensen and Harrison Ford
Director: Georger Lucas
Plot Synopsis:
Star Wars: The Complete Blu-ray Saga will feature all six live-action Star Wars feature films utilizing the highest possible picture and audio presentation.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
(32 Years Before Episode IV) Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master discover nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker, a young slave unusually strong in the Force. Anakin wins a thrilling Podrace and with it his freedom as he leaves his home to be trained as a Jedi. The heroes return to Naboo where Anakin and the Queen face massive invasion forces while the two Jedi contend with a deadly foe named Darth Maul. Only then do they realize the invasion is merely the first step in a sinister scheme by the re-emergent forces of darkness known as the Sith.
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
(22 Years Before Episode IV) Ten years after the events of the Battle of Naboo, not only has the galaxy undergone significant change, but so have Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé Amidala, and Anakin Skywalker as they are thrown together again for the first time since the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo. Anakin has grown into the accomplished Jedi apprentice of Obi-Wan, who himself has transitioned from student to teacher. The two Jedi are assigned to protect Padmé whose life is threatened by a faction of political separatists. As relationships form and powerful forces collide, these heroes face choices that will impact not only their own fates, but the destiny of the Republic.
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
(19 Years before Episode IV) Three years after the onset of the Clone Wars, the noble Jedi Knights have been leading a massive clone army into a galaxy-wide battle against the Separatists. When the sinister Sith unveil a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy, the Republic crumbles and from its ashes rises the evil Galactic Empire. Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the dark side of the Force to become the Emperor's new apprentice--Darth Vader. The Jedi are decimated, as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Master Yoda are forced into hiding. The only hope for the galaxy are Anakin's own offspring.
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Nineteen years after the formation of the Empire, Luke Skywalker is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi-Wan begins Luke's Jedi training as Luke joins him on a daring mission to rescue the beautiful Rebel leader Princess Leia from the clutches of the evil Empire.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Luke Skywalker and his friends have set up a new base on the ice planet of Hoth, but it is not long before their secret location is discovered by the evil Empire. After narrowly escaping, Luke splits off from his friends to seek out a Jedi Master called Yoda. Meanwhile, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and C-3PO seek sanctuary at a city in the Clouds run by Lando Calrissian, an old friend of Han’s. But little do they realize that Darth Vader already awaits them.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
(4 years after Episode IV) In the epic conclusion of the saga, the Empire prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star while the Rebel fleet mounts a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel before the evil Emperor.
Disc Features:
Bonus Disc 1
'Episode I: The Phantom Menace'
Play All feature is included. Total time of behind the scene featurettes and interviews on this disc is 5 hours and 1 minute.
Naboo
- Interviews (HD, 7 min.) – "Overview" (5 min.) a promo extra with behind the scenes footage as VFX supervisor Dennis Muren talks about creating the movie with real locations, but CG characters.
"Liam Neeson Interview" (HD, 2 min.) is a promotional interview with Neeson as he talks about how "extraordinary" the movie and the script were. - Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD) – Three scenes are inlcuded here: "Trash-Talking Droids," (30 sec.) "The Battle is Over," (30 sec.) and "Anakin's Return" (30 sec.). Each of these scenes contains unfinished animation and not that much substance. Definitely not enough to warrant even watching them. Why would you want more young Anakin? Each scene is given some basic introduction text at the beginning.
- The Collection (HD) – This is a collection of different concept art and costumes. This interactive feature allows you to explore spaceships, monsters, and characters from the movie. The sections contained are "Naboo Starfighter Concept Model," "Sando Aqua Monster Marquette," "Darth Maul Costume," "Palpatine's Shuttle Model," "Jar Jar Marquette," "Trade Federation Battleship Concept Model," "Republic Cruiser," "Queen Amidala Throne Room Costume," and "Full Sized Battle Droid." When you select each of these sections you are greeted with a number of options. You can perform a 360 degree rotation, get specific details of each part of the model or character by selecting Detail, view a Video Commentary that has behind-the-scenes footage explaining the work that went into creating what you're looking at.
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – This is a still gallery that contains 34 separate pieces of concept art ranging from sketches, to diagrams, to spaceship blueprints. Basic text is given at the bottom to explain the drawing you're looking at.
- Interviews (HD, 7 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) is a talk about the basics of creating Tatooine. Design director Doug Chiang gives us some insight into what they went through to create Tatooine. Filming in Tunisia is also covered. "Rick McCallum Interview: Podracers" (1 min.) is a talk with the producer who talks briefly about creating the podrace and how long it took to actually build all the pod engines. McCallum has another interview after that about "Filming in Tunisia" (2 min.) where he talks about filming on location and how there weren't accurate records kept of shooting locations from 'A New Hope.'
- Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD) – Only two deleted scenes here. "Battle on the Boarding Ramp" (30 sec.) and "Extended Podrace Wager" (2 min.).
- The Collection (HD) – More concept art collections here. There are seven pieces to explore here. "Queen's Royal Starship Concept Model," "Eopie With Anakin Maquette," "Watto Maquette," "Sebulba Maquette," "Dud Bolt Puppet," "Anakin's Podracer 'Tabletop' Model," and "Sith Speeder Model."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Thirty more concept photos are displayed here. Everything from early sketchings of C3PO and what Watto's different variations looked like.
- Interviews (HD, 7 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) has Chaing giving us an introduction of the city planet. Also, VFX designer John Knoll gives us some insight about creating the huge city located on the planet. "George Lucas on Preparing to Write Episode 1 - 1994" (3 min.) - is a short interview with the man himself talking about how he sat down and wrote 'Phantom Menace.'
- Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 30 sec.) – Only one deleted scene is included here. "Bail Organa of Alderaan," shows Bail Organa seconding the vote of "no confidence."
- The Collection (HD) – Only four items to pick from in this collection: "Coruscant Air Taxi Model," "Queen Amidala Senate Costume," "Queen Amidala Pre-Senate Address Costume," and "Senate Guard Costume."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Fifteen separate pieces of concept art, most of them having to do with the different costumes worn by Queen Amidala.
Coruscant
- Interviews (HD, 5 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) is another look, with the VFX advisors, about how they created the different traffic levels and the street level of the city. "Ewan McGregor Interview (1 min.) is another promotional interview this time with McGregor who talks about the first movie he saw in the theater could have been 'Star Wars,' and how his uncle was one of the Rebel pilots in the movie.
- Deleted/Extended Scene (SD) – Two scenes included here: "Extended Speeder Chase" (1 min.) and "The Lost Twenty" (1 min.). "The Lost Twenty" is kind of interesting because the librarian in the movie dicusses Count Dooku's departure from the Jedi.
- The Collection (HD) – Four collection pieces to pick from here. They are, "Dexter Jettster Maquette," "Zam Wesell Speeder Concept Model," "Youngling Outfit & Helmet Costume," and "Zam Wesell Costume."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Sixteen pictures and sketches in all. Many having to do with Wesell's costuming and the design of Dex.
- Overview (HD, 3 min.) – Chiang talks about creating the other places of Naboo and how they used the land around them to help create love scenes.
- Deleted/Extended Scene (SD) – "Anakin's Nightmares" (1 min.) and "Anakin and Ruwee" (1 min.). Anakin actually visits and talks to Padme's father in the short deleted scene with Ruwee.
- The Collection (HD) – Five collection pieces here. They are, "Shaak Maquette," "Anakin Outland Peasant Costume (With Cloak)," "Anakin Outland Peasant Costume (Without Cloak)," "Padme Outland Peasant Costume (With Cloak)," and "Padme Outland Peasant Costume (Without Cloak)."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Eleven conept photos located here. They cover the concept art for Anakin's costumes, Padme's costumes, and the Shaaks.
- Overview (HD, 3 min.) – Lucas, and his other crew, talk about revisiting the land of Tatooine after Anakin has grown and making it look just a little older and worn.
- The Collection (HD) – There are three pieces to pick from here. "C-3PO Costume," "Tusken Raider Woman Costume," and "Tusken Raider Child Costume."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Eleven photos contained here covering the men, women and children from the Tusken Raider costumes along with more Amidala outfits.
- Interviews (HD, 9 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) information about how to create a world of factories that were creating the droid armies.They talk about taking inspiration for the factories from automobile factories. Lots of BTS footage showing Natalie Portman acting against a blue screen. "Hayden Christensen Interview" (1 min.) is an interview with Christensen where he talks about how "cool" the action is. "Blue Screen Acting" (4 min.) has interviews with Christopher Lee, Christensen, McGregor, Portman, and Neeson talking about working on a blue screen without the effects actually being there.
- Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 4 min.) – "Raid on the Droid Control Ship and Extended Arena Fight" is one of the more lengthy deleted scenes. Jedi Knights Ki-Adi-Mundi and Plo Koon get more face time here trying to deactivate a droid ship.
- The Collection (HD) – Ten different collection pieces here. "Geonosian Maquette," "Acklay Maquette," "Nexu Maquette," "Reek Maquette," "Padme Trip to Geonosis Costume (With Unused Headdress)," "Jango Fett Costume," "Super Battle Droid Maquette," "Geonosis Arena Maquette," "Republic Gunship Model," and "Clone Trooper Maquette."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Forty different photos located here containing artwork for a variety of characters like Count Dooku and Obi-Wan's hairstyles.
Coruscant
- Interviews (HD, 8 min.) – "Overview" (5 min.) they talk about having the opening battle in the upper atmosphere rather than out in space so they could do different things like smoke and trails behind missiles. Filming inside the cockpits of the fighters is discussed. We get to see George Lucas putting on blue makeup so he can stand outside Palpatine's opera box in cameo. "Samuel L. Jackson Interview" (3 min.) is where Jackson talks about actually getting Lucas to give him a purple lightsaber.
- Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 4 min.) – "Elevator Antics," (2 min.) "Escape Through the Hangar," (3 min.) and "Changes to the Constitution" (2 min.).
- The Collection (HD) – Six collection pieces included here. They are, "Separatist Cruiser Concept Model," "Arc-170 Starfighter Concept Model," "Jedi Starfighter Concept Model," "Count Dooku Lightsaber," "Palpatine Gray Trade Federation Costume," and "Anakin Costume and Headset."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Twenty-four pieces of concept art, mostly artwork of different spacecraft in the movie.
- Overview (HD, 5 min.) – Knoll talks about how Utapau was hardly any built sets. Mostly miniatures and CG work to create the overall look of the place.
- Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 9 min.) – "Utapau Chase Animatics" is an early version of the chase that was created with the help of Steven Spielberg. Actually, pretty interesting to watch, even if it is unfinished.
- The Collection (HD) – Five separate pieces are located here: "Boga with Obi-Wan Maquette," "Utapau Sinkhole Maquette," "Utapau Landing Platform Maquette," "General Grievous Maquette," and "Tion Medon Costume."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Nineteen pieces of artwork here detailing the different looks and variations of Grievous, among other characters.
- Interviews (HD, 6 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) is a look with concept design supervisor Ryan Church and others talk about Mustafar, the lava planet and how they created the look for the planet. "Natalie Portman Interview" (2 min.) has Portman talking about her character and how she only reacts to what Anakin does instead of making her own decisions.
- Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– "Mustafar Duel Animatics" (4 min.) and "Mustafar Duel/Lava River Animatics."
- The Collection (HD) – Four objects to pick from here. Learn more about "Obi-Wan's Lightsaber," "Anakin's Lightsaber," "Mustafar Landscape Maquette," and "Burnt Anakin Head."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Ten photos in all are located here.
- Overview (HD, 6 min.) – George wanted ten different distinct planets for "the war" that was going on. Kind of hilarious that they went back and used the 'Star Wars Christmas Special' for inspiration.
- Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– "Kashyyyk Attack and Order 66 Animatic," (7 min.) "Anakin Kills Shaak Ti," (30 sec.) "Jedi Imposters at the Temple," (1 min.) Senate Duel Animatic," (6 min.) and "Yoda Communes with Qui-Gon" (1 min.).
- The Collection (HD) – Six pieces of the collection here. "Wookie Tree Maquette," "Felucia Maquettes," "Chewbacca Costume," "Darth Vader Costume," "Imperial Officer Costume (With Coat)," and "Imperial Officer Costume (Without Coat).
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Twenty-two concept art photos here most of them having to do with the looks of the Wookies and Clone Troopers.
'Episode IV: A New Hope'
Play All feature is included. If selected it indicates the amount of featurettes included on this disc total 4 hours and 32 minutes.
Tatooine
- Interviews (HD, 7 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) has some of the older FX advisors talking about creating the world of Tatooine and how the movie was supposed to look. "Mark Hamill Interview (2 min.) is a chat with older Mark Hamill talking about his time filming the movie and shooting the movie with George Lucas. "Anthony Daniels Interview" (1 min.) is a brief talk with the guy inside C-3PO's suit.
- Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– "Tosche Station," (5 min.) "Old Woman on Tatooine," (30 sec.) "Aunt Beru's Blue Milk," (30 sec.) "The Search for R2 -D2," (1 min.) "Catina Rough Cut," (7 min.) and "StormTrooper Search" (1 min.). I really like these older deleted scenes, even if they are as dirty as hell. It's interesting to watch them because they aren't just unfinished animation like the prequels. I like the "Tosche Station" scene because it's actually inculded in an audio book I listened to once. It was cool to see it filmed here. The black and white rough cut of Luke entering the Cantina is also pretty cool to watch.
- The Collection (HD) – Seven collection pieces are here. "Landspeeder Prototype Model," "Millennium Falcon Prototype Model," "R2-D2," "Tatooine from Orbit Matte Painting," "Jawa Costume," "Tusken Raider Mask," and "Ketwol Mask."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Thirty great, old drawings are indlucded here so we can see the early artwork for Luke, Han, Jawas, and the weapons they carry.
- Interviews (HD, 8 min.) – "Overview" (6 min.) is where we hear from Ben Burtt talking about the variety of sounds that they used on the Death Star. They talk about how massive an undertaking creating the Death Star was. "Carrie Fisher Interview" (2 min.) is where an older Carrie Fisher talks about her time interviewing for the part and how Lucas hardly ever talked to her.
- Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 30 sec.)– Darth Vader walks down the hallway with an Imperial General in this deleted scene.
- The Collection (HD) – Four collection pieces here. "Death Star Prototype Model," "Holo-Chess Set," "Bridge Power Trench Matte Painting," and "Luke's Stormtrooper Torso."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Twenty-four concept pictures included here. Some of them are rather crude drawings, but it's interesting to see how different the artwork is. A lot of spaceship blueprints along with some really cool, colorized visualizations of the sets.
- Overview (HD, 4 min.) – Lots of talks about the models used in the movie with Dennis Muren. X-Wing battle inspiration taken from airplane dogfights.
- Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 30 sec.)– "Alternate Biggs and Luke Reunion" is included here, but it's not much different from the one used in the movie.
- The Collection (HD) – Ten different collection pieces here. "X-Wing Fighter Model (Prototype)," "X-Wing Fighter Model (Final)," "Y-Wing Fighter Model (Prototype)," "Y-Wing Fighter Model (Final)," "Tie Fighter Model (Prototype)," "Tie Fighter Model (Final)," "Darth Vader's Tie Fighter Model," "X-Wing Pilot Costume With Helmet," "Death Star Laser Tower Model," and "Yavin 4 Matte Painting."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Sixteen separate pictures here, mostly blueprints for the myriad of spaceships in the movie.
Hoth
- Interviews (HD, 9 min.) – In the "Overview" (3 min.) we're joined by effects director of photography Dennis Muren talking about how they filmed on the snow planet of Hoth. By using minatures and painted backdrops. "George Lucas - On Editing 'The Empire Strikes Back' - 1979" (3 min.) is where we see Lucas in the editing room talking about how he decided to edit the movie and what editing does in the grand scheme of things. "Irvin Kershner Interview" (3 min.) is a discussion with the movie's director where he talks extensively about his actors and how much he loved them.
- Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– Five deleted scenes in all here. "Han and Leia: Extended Echo Base Argument," (2 min.) "Luke's Recovery," (1 min.) "Luke and Leia: Medical Center," (2 min.) "Deleted Wampa Scenes," (3 min.) and "The Fate of General Veers" (30 sec.). Just got to say that the deleted Wampa scenes are great having the Wampa cause havoc in the base.
- The Collection (HD) – Seven collection pieces here. "At-At Walker Fallen Model," "Snowspeeder Model," "Tauntaun Maquette," "Rebel Transport Model," "Hoth Landscape Matte Painting," "Leia Hoth Costume," and "Han Solo Interior Hoth COstume."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Thirty-eight concept photos are included here.
- Interviews (HD, 9 min.) – The "Overview" (4 min.) features behind the scenes footage from the movie with Muren talking about creating the look for Yoda's swampy home. "George Lucas - On the Force - 2010" (5 min.) is where Lucas sits down to discuss the idea of The Force in a roundtable meeting with the 'Clone Wars' writers.
- Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 1 min.)– A brief extended scene of "Yoda's Test" is included here.
- The Collection (HD) – Five separate collection pieces. "Yoda Model," "Luke's Severed Hand," "Dagobah Bog Matte Painting," "Dagobah Matte Painting," and "Luke's Tan Costume."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Sixteen photos here. I'm SO glad they didn't go with Garden Gnome Yoda. Those drawings are hideous. Glad he evolved into what we know Yoda as today.
- Overview (HD, 3 min.) – Muren talks about how the Millenium Falcon pursuit was created with all the different asteroids used and the miniatures that were filmed.
- Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– Two scenes are included here. "Alternate Han and Leia Kiss" (2 min.) and "Hiding in the Asteroid" (1 min.).
- The Collection (HD) – Nine collection pieces are included here. "Star Destroyer Model," "Millenium Falcon Model," "Space Slug," "Darth Vader's Star Destroyer Model," "Star Destroyer Hull Model," "Executor Bridge Matte Painting," "Boba Fett Prototype Costume," "Imperial Officer Costume," and "Rebel Cruiser Model."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Sixteen more concept photos included here.
- Overview (HD, 3 min.) – A discussion of Cloud City and its look with Muren. Some great concept art is seen here along with some wonderful pictures of the miniatures that were used.
- Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– "Lobot's Capture" (1 min.) and "Leia Tends to Luke" (1 min.) are the only two scenes included here.
- The Collection (HD) – Eight different sections to choose from here. "Twin-Pod Cloud Car Model," "Cloud City Models," "Cloud City Matte Painting," "Cloud City Landing Platform Matte Painting," "Cloud City Core Vane Matte Painting," "Cloud City Core Vane Platform Matte Painting," "Lando Bespin Costume," and "Cloud City Slave I Matte Painting."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Ten artistic concept photos all depicting the way Cloud City should look.
Tatooine
- Overview (HD, 4 min.) – Muren talks about the different look of Tatooine where we get to actually see Jabba's Palace which we haven't seen yet. We get to see the evolution of the Sarlacc pit scene how it was storyboarded and then how it was filmed.
- Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– "Vader's Arrival and Reaching Out to Luke" (3 min.) and "Tatooine Sandstorm" (2 min.) are the scenes located here. I like the sandstorm scene just because we get to see a lot of our favorite characters all together.
- The Collection (HD) – Ten different collection pieces are here. "Rancor Marquette," "EV- 9D9," "Salacious B. Crumb," "C-3PO's Head with Eye Poked Out," "Jabba's Palace, Road Creature Matte Painting," "Sarlacc Pit Matte Painting," "Leia Boushh Costume," "Slave Leia Costume," "Lando Skiff Guard Costume," and "Jabba's Radio-Controlled Eyes."
- Concept Art Gallery (HD)
Other releases/ Back catalog releases:
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