Avengers: Age of Ultron; Directed by Joss Whedon; Starring Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, James Spader, et al; Written by Joss Whedon; Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action, violence and destruction, and for some suggestive comments.; 141 minutes.
“Marvel’s Avenger’s: Age of Ultron” is now readily available to own, and I finally had a chance to watch the movie and the bonus features.
Since BSR already reviewed the film, I won’t say much about it other than I didn’t find it as interesting as the first “Avengers” movie, and Ultron kept reminding me of Hugo Weaving’s voice in “The Matrix.” But maybe that’s just my ears. Still, if he’d just said “Mr. Anderson” once, it would have made my day.
But owning the movie grants you access to all the bonus features, so let’s look at those. First, if you purchase “Ultron” through Disney Movies Anywhere you get the exclusive clip, “Connecting the Universe” that explores the epic intertwining story lines of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Then, there are the three featurettes:
The Infinite Six explains how the Infinity Stones are part of a larger developing story in the Marvel films. Thus far, we’ve seen the Reality Stone, Power Stone, Mind Stone, and Space Stone in the films, with the Soul and Time Stones set to appear in the third phase of the Marvel films. This will culminate in Infinity World, “which has the potential to be this huge epic saga.”
As someone mostly unfamiliar with Thanos and the Infinity Gauntlet, I found this featurette educational. Hard-core fans may have already know this, and may find it useless information.
“From the Inside Out – Making of Avengers: Age of Ultron” focuses on the visual effects of the film. With the addition of the twins, the crew had to figure out details like how Quicksilver’s trail would appear when he ran, and what the Scarlet Witch’s powers looked like. Elizabeth Olsen worked with a dancer to develop the elaborate hand movements of her character.
There’s also focus on the motion caption characters Hulk and Ultron, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo and James Spader respectively.
Global Adventures is just a quick glimpse at how filming ranged all over the world, with cast and crew visiting Italy, South Korea, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Much of that is covered in the “Making of” featurette already, so it felt redundant.
Then, there are deleted and extended scenes, as well as a gag reel and audio commentary by Joss Whedon. Not including the commentary, I think there’s about 40 minutes of extras.
I give the film a 7/10, and the features 6/10.
A copy of the film was provided for review.