Iron Man 2 (4K Ultra HD) (+ Blu-ray) [2010]

Noi

Having marked the first cinematic venture into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the 'new character' film 'Iron Man' barely 2 years before, this 2nd foray into the world of the 'Avengers' most 'colourful' character is very much a sequel, since it continues to cover many of the storylines from the original.However and crucially, it develops the themes quite significantly as it is also serves as a 'vehicle' to delve into the background of the superheroes organisation 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' and the related importance of Stark Industries; we are also introduced to a new 'Avengers' character...I started to watch this film on satellite TV very soon after it was released for broadcast BUT it didn't really grab me so I didn't make it all the way; however, as the Blu-ray could eventually be got second-hand for a very affordable price I gave it another go.I'm glad I did !Watching it with a bit more dedication, I soon realised that what I perceived to be as an uninteresting, over-dominantly featured 'opponent' character was incorrect AND I had missed the presence of another equally important 'opponent' character. The film does obviously feature him and deal with his activities/significant relation to Tony Stark, BUT far more of the running-time is devoted to the more interesting Tony Stark/Iron Man persona than I had first appreciated and there are also those significant Stark Industries/'S.H.I.E.L.D. revelations as well....In fact, it could be said that TOO much is covered in the middle section of the film, but since it is all necessary to learn in 'one chunk' - for anyone keen to immerse themselves in the 'Avengers' world, with hindsight it is done quite appropriately.The clincher is that it features the same core ensemble as the original (albeit that it is the last time Jon Favreau directed 'Iron Man'), again has great special-effects, sharp action and snappy dialogue - plus it presents itself very well on Blu-ray.I don't think any of the Amazon synopsis choices cover things properly, so here's a paste from a well-known info website which I think serves as a good starter : "After Tony Stark reveals himself to be 'Iron Man', the U.S. government demands he hand over his technology. Meanwhile, a rival industrialist and a Russian scientist conspire to use his own technology against him."It's also worth mentioning that events in this film occur in the same time period as the events of previously released and following 'Avengers' films respectively: 'The Incredible Hulk' and 'Thor' - also, Captain America's shield makes another appearance.....So, we firstly see the main 'opponent' character, his significant actions and through visual 'hints' are able to learn more about his 'drive'. Then we see how Tony Stark 'meets' his main opponent before a sizeable chunk of long-tem plot/historical information revelation is made before a lengthy finale/confrontation.The production-values of the film are equal, if not better than, the original since so much more 'equipment' is on show and the action is certainly more intense; the sets are more expansive and the special-effects convincing. Again, there are a number of notable acting performances but Downey Jr remains dominant and just as energetic as before.There is more drama this time and it is more often than not of a darker nature, but humour is present, just not as much as previously....Since Stark is not just a talented businessman/engineer but also a very rich 'playboy' type of person, perhaps even more 'sexism' is on show this time - especially as women are used as promotional 'tools' in mass expo productions etc.Finally, as before, Jon Favreau really deserves a lot of credit for being at the helm of this effective blockbuster which clearly had the remit of covering so much plot, associated/necessary explanatory dialogue, as well as depicting a lot of action.As we should expect from a modern film, on Blu-ray things look and sound very good; everything is as sharp/detailed as you could hope for. Similarly, the soundtrack is clear and active, especially as this time we get DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.Amazingly, on the 'Triple Play' edition I got, the copious disc extras are EVEN more extensive this time !Again we get a 2nd disc with largely featurette-type extras, with again a total running time some 30mins longer than the film itself, BUT on the film disc we get several features which run in conjunction with the movie, as well as a director's commentary - which I have listened to. Jon Favreau does a sterling job of maintaining a presence on the audio track, only occasionally meandering around with light observations, the rest of the time he makes insightful observations which only he is able to contribute.Plus we get the film on DVD !I've attached a photo of the 'Triple Play' case back with all the disc info as Amazon omits it.So, a worthy sequel to 'Iron Man' and one which I'm glad I re-visited, after an an initial viewing didn't grab me very much. I think it misses out on some of the excellent humour present in the original, but on the other hand it has more energetic action, some of which can stray into the crash-bang-wallop variety, but not excessively so. Nevertheless it still has many of the positive Tony Stark/'Iron Man' credentials and the screenplay has a tougher job, since it clearly had a remit to cover/reveal a LOT of 'Avengers' back-story. It also looks/sounds great on Blu-ray and the 'Triple Play' edition is loaded with extras.

iron man 2 is out September 28 2010 Marvel Entertainment say and it says Get back in black with three skull-shaking, ear-piercing, special features-packed "Iron Man 2" Blu-ray and DVD sets.The billionaire Super Hero in the iron suit is back in Marvel Studios' and Paramount Pictures' thrilling sensation "Iron Man 2," debuting on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download September 28, 2010. Packed with fantastic battles, stunning visual effects and an all-star cast, the new blockbuster adventure will be available to own as a three-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with digital copy, as a limited edition two-disc DVD with digital copy, or as a single disc DVD.In this highly-anticipated sequel, Robert Downey Jr. ("Sherlock Holmes", "Tropic Thunder") reprises his role as Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, in a thrill-a-minute story filled with explosive action, new suits and powerful new villains. The phenomenal cast includes Gwyneth Paltrow ("Iron Man"), Don Cheadle ("Ocean's" series), Scarlett Johansson ("He's Just Not That Into You) as the seductive Black Widow, Mickey Rourke ("The Wrestler") as the vengeful Whiplash, as well as Sam Rockwell ("Charlie's Angels") and Samuel L. Jackson ("The Other Guys").To date, with over $300 million at the domestic box office, "Iron Man 2" has delighted audiences with its combination of high-intensity action, intelligence and humor. The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack comes fully loaded with immersive and interactive bonus materials including an in-depth, feature-length documentary of the making of the film, revealing featurettes about Nick Fury, Black Widow and War Machine, a look inside the creation of Stark Expo, deleted scenes and an exclusive peek inside the Marvel Super Hero Universe through the S.H.I.E.L.D. Data Vault."Iron Man 2" Blu-ray/DVD Combo PackThe "Iron Man 2" Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and Brazilian Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese subtitles. The DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The disc breakdown is as follows:Disc 1 (Blu-ray): * Feature film with optional commentary by Jon Favreau (HD) * S.H.I.E.L.D. Data Vault (HD)- Extend your knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with high-level clearance into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s digital data vault. Interact with select scenes from the movie that include new layers of graphics and insider information. View case files, dossiers, S.H.I.E.L.D. training films, tech details and more. * Previsualization and Animatics (HD)Disc 2 (Blu-ray): * Ultimate Iron Man: The Making of "Iron Man 2" (HD) * o Rebuilding the Suit-An all-encompassing look at the beginning stages of this mammoth blockbuster. o A Return to Action-From Marvel Studios to the streets of Monaco, Jon Favreau takes viewers through the trials and triumphs of continuing Iron Man's story. o Expanding the Universe-From the amazing sets of Stark Expo to Tony Stark's home and beyond, the Marvel Universe continues to unfold into new and exciting places. o Building a Legacy-From filming to editing, scoring and visual effects, Favreau and his team face the challenges of bringing the sequel to the big screen. * Featurettes (HD) * o Creating Stark Expo-A look at how the sets and computer-generated elements combine to create the massive set piece. o Practical Meets Digital-How the "practical" props inform the "digital" work that ultimately brings our hero to life on screen. o Illustrated Origin: Nick Fury-A comprehensive journey into creating one of the most mysterious and influential heroes in the Marvel Universe. o Illustrated Origin: Black Widow-An exciting look at the new femme fatale introduced in "Iron Man 2." o Illustrated Origin: War Machine-A look at the introduction of the character and how his friendship with Tony Stark resonates with fans. o Working with DJ AM-Jon Favreau remembers working with Adam Goldstein. * Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by Jon Favreau (HD) * o Alternate Opening o Coulson at the Senate o The Sub-Orbital Jet o Tony's Workshop (extended) o Natalie Wears the Gauntlet o Flying Party Girl o Mark II Security o Element Rediscovered (extended) * Concept Art Gallery * Theatrical Trailers (HD) * Music Video: AC/DC "Shoot To Thrill"Disc 3 (DVD): * Feature Film * Digital Copy"Iron Man 2" Two-Disc DVDThe "Iron Man 2" DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The disc breakdown is as follows:Disc 1: * Feature film with optional commentary by Jon FavreauDisc 2: * Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by Jon Favreau * o Alternate Opening o Coulson at the Senate o Natalie Wears the Gauntlet o Element Rediscovered (extended) * Featurettes * o Creating Stark Expo o Practical Meets Digital * Music Video: AC/DC "Shoot To Thrill" * Digital CopyThe single-disc DVD includes the feature film with commentary by Jon Favreau.