Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection Delay

While The Avengers 2D and 3D releases are still scheduled to storm Blu-ray on September 25, 2012, Disney has officially delayed the release of the 10-disc Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled Collection box set.

Disney issued the following statement:

"We are sorry to inform you that there will be a delay in the availability of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled Collection. Originally, the Collection was to be available on September 25, 2012, but unfortunately we are now unable to make that date. We are currently working with Marvel to identify the exact date when the Collection will be available, but we expect it to be during Spring, 2013."

However, Disney also revealed that the Collection will now come with new packaging and additional special features:

"The Collection will come in a new briefcase and include even more than the content and features that were first advertised. We know that you are disappointed in this delay, and we are working hard to get your Collection to you as soon as possible. We will have an updated announcement for you in the coming weeks which will include actual timing and final details. Once again, we apologize for the delay and hope that when you do receive the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled Collection, you will enjoy it as much as Marvel enjoyed creating it."

No further details have been provided about the new briefcase design or packaging, or the additional content and features Disney mentions in its press release.

Also, while Disney didn't reference any particular cause for the delay, the culprit is presumably the lawsuit recently filed in California by German luggage manufacturer Rimowa, the company that designed the briefcase that appears in the film and upon which the Phase One briefcase was based. Marvel reportedly had the right to feature the briefcase in the film but not as a part of a mass-produced collectible. Rimowa's complaint stated that the replica case is "a close copy of Rimowa's Topas attaché case in every respect but quality -- from the proportions and coloring, to the style of the handle and latches, and, of course, in the use of the trademarked parallel ridges around the body of the case."