STACK #142 Aug 2016

DVD & BD FEATURE

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This month sees a major detour for the Guide – we're diving straight into the Hollywood mainstream to explore one of the biggest franchises on the planet! Words: Scott Hocking BEGINNER’S GUIDE

[Note: All titles discussed are available on DVD and Blu-ray.]

#5 - THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE An offshoot of Marvel Comics, home of iconic superheroes like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and the Incredible Hulk, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) shares characters, concepts, plot elements and cast members to build an extended film franchise comprising standalone features, crossovers and spin-offs. Note: The MCU relates to films produced by Marvel Studios, which are the sole focus of this article. The X-Men and Fantastic Four, although Marvel characters, are licensed to 20th Century Fox. Spider- Man is licensed to Sony, however a new contract now allows him to participate in the MCU.

godfather Stan Lee, and a post-closing credits scene that will lay the groundwork for films/characters to come. Certain otherworldly artifacts are also a key component in the MCU – after a few films you'll recognise a Tesseract and an Infinity Stone when you see one. Once you've sampled just a fraction of the MCU, you'll begin to appreciate the grand scale of the place, and want to explore further. In the words of S.H.I.E.L.D. (as in Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) boss Nick Fury, "You've become part of a bigger universe, you just don't know it yet. WHERE TO START Movies in the MCU don't necessarily have to be watched in order of release, although you will get a better appreciation of the universe's scope and grand design if you view them in sequence. Recurring themes, character arcs, plot threads and payoffs will have greater impact and you won't be left wondering, "What? Who? When did that happen?" That said, you should ideally start with Captain America:The First Avenger (2011). He's the oldest Marvel hero and one of the most important, as Kevin Feige explains: "We could not have created this notion of an interlinked Marvel Cinematic Universe without Captain America – not only in the history of

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Marvel movies feature some major talent on both sides of the camera. The studio hires indie and fanboy filmmakers like Joss Whedon, James Gunn and the Russo brothers (who all tend to deliver the best installments), as well as directors you wouldn't

WHAT TO EXPECT Unless you've only just arrived on Earth, chances are you already know exactly what to expect and have seen at least one Marvel movie, or are at least aware of the MCU's impact on the pop culture zeitgeist. But if you're not the type to 3D print a Thor hammer for the next Comic-Con event, or think Iron Man sounds like a guy who presses shirts, then read on. Comic book and superhero movies are hardly new, but the MCU has transformed them into a brand synonymous with excellence in the genre. Moreover, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige's vision of a shared universe means that its heroes inhabit standalone films and their respective sequels, and also assemble for crossover event movies. The films have their own distinctive look, tone and feel, but yet all fit together seamlessly as part of a greater whole. Characters you'll get to know like old friends include Tony Stark/Iron Man, Steve Rogers/Captain America, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Peter Quill/Star Lord, and the God of Thunder, Thor.

normally associate with comic book movies – like Kenneth Branagh ( Thor ), Shane Black ( Iron Man 3 ) and Peyton Reed ( Ant- Man ) – to diversify the universe. The MCU is also populated by A-list stars who bring considerable gravitas to roles requiring them to fly through the air, shrink to microscopic size, transform into a green rage monster,

battle invading aliens, and give a raccoon and a walking plant a voice. Robert Downey Jr. probably wouldn't still have a career if he hadn't played Iron Man. The supporting players are often equally high profile, with veterans like Robert Redford, Anthony Hopkins, Jeff Bridges, Ben Kingsley, Michael Douglas, William Hurt and Stellan Skarsgård all getting their Marvel on, and enjoying themselves immeasurably in the process. Two things that remain constant throughout the MCU are a cameo from 93-year-old Marvel Comics

Stan Lee spotted in Guardians of the Galaxy

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