Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection 3D Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

It glows!

Reviewed by Martin Liebman December 10, 2015

Disney and Marvel have released the compilation set containing the second phase films from the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe,' following up on the impressive phase one set from 2013. Included are six films -- 'Iron Man 3,' 'Thor: The Dark World,' 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier,' 'Guardians of the Galaxy.' 'Avengers: Age of Ultron,' and 'Ant-Man' -- presented in both Blu-ray 2D and 3D, spread cross a 13-disc set, which also includes an exclusive bonus disc. The main attraction, for newcomers and those who already own the films alike, is the replica light-up orb containing the purple Infinity Stone.

You have the power!

For individual film, video, audio, and supplement reviews, please click through the following links:

• Iron Man 3 (2D)
• Iron Man 3 (3D)
• Thor: The Dark World (2D)
• Thor: The Dark World (3D)
• Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2D)
• Captain America: The Winter Soldier (3D)
• Guardians of the Galaxy (2D)
• Guardians of the Galaxy (3D)
• Avengers: Age of Ultron (2D)
• Avengers: Age of Ultron (3D)
• Ant-Man (2D)
• Ant-Man (3D)

Note that the film, video, and audio scores listed above are averages of previous reviews. The supplemental score has been adjusted to include all previously released and new material, plus packaging.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

For full video reviews, please click through the links above.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For full audio reviews, please click through the links above.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Marvel and Disney's mostly impressive Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two Collection 3D set arrives in a box measuring a shade over 9" in height, 9.5" in width, and 8.25" in depth. The back of the box offers a content list and brief movie descriptions. The box includes three basic non-disc items: the Orb, its stand, and a brown envelope. The Orb is packaged separately from the base, tucked in its own styrofoam components with the cardboard packaging wrapped carefully around it. The Orb measures about 4.5" in diameter and breaks open to reveal an intricate silver and gold interior that illuminates by the press of a button. A small black-and-white pamphlet with instructions on replacing the battery is included. Don't lose it.

The packaging further flips open to reveal more content, including the base, the discs, and a smooth purple "Infinity Stone." The plastic material feels a little cheap and not highly durable. It will hold up to basic use and oohing and aahing, but don't throw the orb around the house. The discs arrive in modestly sturdy cardboard sleeves (not dissimilar from those included in the That '70s Show set but featuring, here, a slightly higher build and print quality). Each case measures about 5.5" in width and height; depth is negligible. All are two-disc sets (Blu-ray feature film + special features, Blu-ray 3D feature film), with the exception of the bonus disc, which is but one. A digital copy voucher, which includes codes for all six films, comes tucked in the bonus disc case. The cases simply slide into a hole in the set's base. There's no lid or cover to remove. They're fully exposed and removing them will require removing the orb from the base, picking up the base, sliding them all out, and selecting whichever movie or the bonus disc.

The document sleeve measures about 8" in width and 8.5" in height. Opening it reveals a pile of fun little extras:

• A soft poker chip-like token with the Avengers "A" logo on it.
• Four rather flimsy coasters, which won't hold up to a sweaty drink.
• A specimen slide.
• "Stark Industries" post-it notes.
• A tech summit name tag (with lanyard loop plastic case) with scribbled notes on the back.
• A Marvel-themed temporary tattoo.
• An "old" black-and-white photograph.
• A Baskin Robbins "Jack" name tag sticker.
• A Tony Stark temporary tattoo.
• A Pym technologies security ID badge.
• A S.H.I.E.L.D. patch.
• A postcard from J.D. Canoe Rental.
• A "Jarvis Is My Co-Pilot" sticker.
• A reproduction of the unsigned "Slovakia Accords" document.
• A newspaper clipping featuring a story on Howard and Maria Stark's death.
• A photo of a frozen James Barnes.
• A gold-foiled page from the Book of Dark Elves.
• An ancient drawing from the Morag vault.

This set further includes a dedicated bonus disc featuring all-new supplemental materials that span the entirety of the Phase 2 film collection.

• From Here to Infinity: Phases 2 & 3 of the M.C.U. (1080p, 19:01): A look at the importance of individual stories and characters and the interconnectivity that follows. The piece looks at story details -- including character arcs, costumes, and actor qualities -- for each film and how all of the films fit in the universe. The piece is essentially a collection of movie-sopecific featurettes concluded with a look at how they lead in to phase 3.
• Phase 2 Tag Scenes: A Making-Of (1080p, 10:59): A quick look at the post-credit sequences throughout the Marvel film universe and how they interconnect the stories from Iron Man forward, including how they are selected, filmed, and what they mean in the broader context.
• Gag Reel (1080p, 3:35): Funny moments from across the M.C.U.
• Marvel One-Shots (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1/7.1, 2.39:1): Short films from the Marvel universe. Note that commentary tracks must be turned on in the menu; changes cannot be made "on the fly."
• The Consultant (3:54): "The Consultant" is recruited to deal with a delicate situation involving Emil Blonsky. With optional Clark Gregg commentary.
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer (3:58): Agent Coulson foils a convenience store robbery. With optional Clark Gregg commentary.
• Item 47 (11:20): S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents Sitwell and Blake are sent to stop a string of robberies committed with the help of a dangerous weapon left behind after the Battle of New York. With optional Louis D'Esposito, Max Hernandez, Titus Welliver, and Jesse Bradford commentary.
• Agent Carter (15:29): Following the events of Captain America, Peggy Carter pursues Zodiac. With optional Louis D'Esposito and Hayley Atwell commentary.
• All Hail the King (13:50): Jackson Norris interviews Trevor Slattery. With optional Drew Pearce and Ben Kingsley commentary.
• Iron Man 3: Exclusive extras for Iron Man 3.
• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Alternate China Ending (3:16), Tear Gas at the Beauty Pageant (1:33), and Rhodey in the Situation Room (1:04).
• Preproduction Creative (1080p): Computerized previsualization scenes and an actor rehearsal tape. Included are Mark 42 Suit Connect (1:34), Attack on Air Force One (2:33), and Ty Simpkins Screen Test (1:49).
• Thor: The Dark World: Exclusive extras for Thor: The Dark World.
• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Anomalies in London (0:48), Jane Goes on a Date -- Extended (3:34), Loki's Coronation (1:38), Hall of Science (0:48), and Odin & Malekith -- Extended (4:19).
• Preproduction Creative (1080p): Computerized previsualization scenes. Included are Heimdall Defends Asgard (3:17) and Thor vs. Malekith (4:57).
• Captain America: The Winter Soldier: Exclusive extras for Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
• Deleted Scene (1080p): Interview with Peggy Carter (3:07). With optional Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFeely commentary.
• Preproduction Creative (1080p): Steve vs. Quinjet (0:49) and Halicarrier Launch (2:24).
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Exclusive extras for Guardians of the Galaxy.
• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Nebula Survives (0:25), Aftermath at Xander (1:22), Drax's Tattoos (1:16), and Drax Wins In All Things (0:46).
• Preproduction Creative (1080p): A computerized previsualization scene and an actor rehearsal tape. Included are Star-Lord's Search for the Orb (5:26) and Chris Pratt & Dave Bautista Screen Test (1:53).
• Avengers: Age of Ultron: Exclusive extras for Avengers: Age of Ultron.
• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Sokovian Graffiti (0:32), Strucker's Demise (0:20), Hulk's Village Rampage (1:27), Fight For a Newborn Vision (2:10), One-Woman Chain Gang (0:17), "Maybe I See You After?" (0:17), and We Fight Robots Today (0:49).
• Preproduction Creative: Hulk vs. Hulkbuster (1080p, 7:18): A computerized previsualization sequence.
• Ant-Man: Exclusive extras for Ant-Man.
• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Pym Tech Implosion -- Extended (0:24) and Pawn Shop Mishap (2:03).
• Preproduction Creative (1080p): A computerized previsualization scene and an actor rehearsal tape. Included are Fight on the Train Set (5:30) and Abby Ryder Fortson Screen Test (2:14).

For full supplemental reviews by film, please click through the links above.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It looks really cool, feels slightly cheap, and comes with six movies most fans, who didn't painfully wait out this set's arrival, already own. For those who already have the films, particularly their 3D editions, it's hardly worth the asking price. For newcomers who don't mind the discs being housed in a glossy cardboard sleeve, it makes sense to splurge a little and get the bonus disc, which is pretty good, and the attractive collectibles.