More Fantastic 4 Posters

All images: Marvel

There are so many different formats for picture and sound at the movies these days. And it seems like every one has to have their own poster when a big movie is released. As a result, there are a lot of awesome posters for Marvel's The Fantastic 4: First Steps. First up, is a poster for RealD 3D which features the Fantastic 4, H.E.R.B.I.E, a glimpse of the Fantasticar, and the Baxter Building. 

The IMAX poster hints at the Fantastic 4's powers and also includes a tiny H.E.R.B.I.E, Fantasticar, and Baxter Building. 

The Fandango poster focuses on the Fantastic 4's logo with tiny stylized silhouettes of the team.

This Dolby Poster includes images of the team before they acquired their powers along with their ship, the Excelsior, as well as the family after they become the Fantastic 4.

The ScreenX poster keeps it retro with stylized silhouettes of the team on color blocks.

And finally, the 4DX poster features the team, with Sue and Johnny using their powers.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps Posters

All images: Marvel

Everything about Marvel's latest Fantastic Four movie is delightfully retro, including the posters. While the posters don't feature any of the main characters from the film, they are definitely eye-catching.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps on Digital and Blu-ray

All images: Marvel

Its nearly time to enjoy The Fantastic 4: First Steps at home. This retro inspired Marvel movie is headed to Digital on September 23rd and Blu-ray on October 14th.

There are a few different collectible Blu-ray editions, but all of them will include the following Bonus Features:

Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut.

• Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen
• Fantastic Four Day
• Subterranea
• Birthday Sweater
• Taking Turns

Gag Reel – Enjoy fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Featurettes:

• Meet The First Family – The creation of the Fantastic Four saved Marvel Comics in 1961 and has only flourished as years have passed. Matt Shakman and the cast explain how they found themselves gravitating toward each role and creating the ultimate family unit.
• Fantastic Futurism – The filmmakers discuss the process of immersing the cast and crew in the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic. Join Matt Shakman and crew as they discuss the experience of shooting in gigantic mid-century New York sets and stepping into an otherworldly era.
• From Beyond and Below – The team explores bringing complex characters from the page to the screen, including a larger-than-life Galactus, grounded Harvey Elder/Mole Man, and an emotionally rich Silver Surfer.
• Audio Commentary – Watch the film with audio commentary by director Matt Shakman and production designer Kasra Farahani.

For those who prefer SteelBook, Amazon offers an exclusive bundle featuring a limited-edition SteelBook with a custom magnet-front variant cover, five collector cards, and a special The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 comic.

The Walmart exclusive Blu-ray package features a striking slipcover and a pop-up that springs to life with the team soaring into action in the iconic Fantasticar.

They're One Fantastic Family!

All images: Marvel

Marvel's The Fantastic 4: First Steps looks absolutely fantastic. I love the retro look and the fact that they are really focusing on the Fantastic 4 as a family. 

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

The action adventure also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

Fantastic 4 Character Posters

All images: Marvel

These character posters for Marvel's Fantastic 4: First Steps are so delightfully retro. They are designed to look like the old collectible trading cards that came with gum.

Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic

Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing

Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch

And, introducing H.E.R.B.I.E.

Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps Teaser Trailer

All images: Marvel

The first trailer for Marvel's The Fantastic 4: First Steps has arrived and it is marvelous. It looks like this film is going to be very retro and a lot like the comics, so it should be amazing.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family — Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet.

Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

Fantastic 4 Treats at Disneyland

All images: Disney

Fantastic 4 inspired treats and eats are invading Disneyland and California Adventure beginning today. Which marvelous treat will you try first?

California Adventure - Avengers Campus

Pym Test Kitchen

• The Fantastic Four: Clobberin’ Sipper: With purchase of beverage
• Mister Fantastic Straw Clip: With purchase of beverage
• Fantastic Elastic Mozzarella Stick: Served with sour cream and onion ranch 
• Invisible Indulgence: Clear lemon pie with a shortbread crust, whipped cream, and meringue pieces

Shawarma and More 

• The Fantastic Four: Clobberin’ Sipper:  With purchase of beverage 
• Mister Fantastic Straw Clip: With purchase of beverage

Select Outdoor Vending Locations

• Mister Fantastic Straw Clip: With purchase of beverage

Disneyland - Tomorrowland

Alien Pizza Planet

• The Fantastic Four: Clobberin’ Sipper: With purchase of beverage
• Mister Fantastic Straw Clip: With purchase of beverage
• First Family – 4 Item Combo: Cheese or pepperoni pizza slice served with side garden salad, specialty dessert, and a specialty beverage 
• Yancy Street Black and White Cookie 

Galactic Grill

• The Fantastic Four: Clobberin’ Sipper: With purchase of beverage
• Mister Fantastic Straw Clip: With purchase of beverage

Tomorrowland Fruit Cart

• The Fantastic Four: Clobberin’ Sipper: With purchase of beverage

Churros near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

• Mister Fantastic Straw Clip: With purchase of beverage

Pretzels near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

• Mister Fantastic Straw Clip: With purchase of beverage

The Fantastic 4: First Steps Music

Marvel

Composer Michael Giacchino helped to kick off the premiere of Marvel's The Fantastic 4: First Steps with an amazing orchestral performance. The music included the Marvel Theme and the theme for Fantastic 4, which is delightfully unique and somewhat retro.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps is in theaters now.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps Trailer

The first full trailer for The Fantastic 4: First Steps has arrived and it looks marvelous. The retro look of this movie is truly fantastic! This trailer reveals more of the story as well as our first glimpse of the Silver Surfer and Galactus. 

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

The action adventure also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

Their Greatest Strength Is Each Other

All images: Marvel

The latest trailertrailer for The Fantastic 4: First Steps shows that together, they're unstoppable. This film has such a delightful retro look and really stresses the importance of family.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

The action adventure also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

Fantastic 4 in Fantastivision

Marvel

This trailer for Marvel's Fantastic 4: First Steps is so retro! It looks like a television commercial straight out of the sixties. And it seems so appropriate for the style of the movie.

Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

Crafting The Fantastic 4

Marvel

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Marvel's The Fantastic 4: First Steps. Set in a futuristic version of the 1960s, the filmmakers chose to use many practical effects, similar to what could be accomplished in the '60s.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

Fantastic 4: First Steps "Welcome"

Marvel

Every trailer for Marvel's Fantastic 4: First Steps gives another little glimpse of their story. This one includes a news clip of their origins.

Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

Sunday Dinner

Marvel

Each new glimpse of Marvel's The Fantastic 4: First Steps is amazing. It looks so delightfully retro and all about family. This clip shows the importance of Sunday dinners together to this family. 

The Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

Meet H.E.R.B.I.E.

Marvel

Meet H.E.R.B.I.E., the state-of-the-art personal assistant of the Fantastic 4. H.E.R.B.I.E. helps with anything and everything they need, from cooking and cleaning, to watching Sue and Reed's baby. I think we could all use a H.E.R.B.I.E.

Marvel's Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

"I Herald Galactus" Clip

Marvel

Most of the trailers and clips for Marvel's The Fantastic 4: First Steps have been fairly lighthearted, celebrating the family and their world. But this clip of the Silver Surfer introduces the villain.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

Its DOLE Whip Day!

One of the best treats at Disney World is a DOLE Whip. From floats to cones, to a pineapple upside down cake that is amazing, there are so many ways to enjoy this frozen treat. But if you can't make it to a Disney park for DOLE Whip Day, here's a fun recipe from Aloha Isle that you can try at home.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Topped with Frozen Pineapple Treat Inspired by DOLE Whip

Serves 6 

Topping

1 (20 oz) can pineapple slices in 100% pineapple juice

4 tablespoons butter, melted 

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 

6 maraschino cherries 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease 8 ounce ramekins with butter and place on baking sheet. Set aside. Drain pineapple rings, reserving 6 tablespoons juice for pineapple upside-down cake.  

Combine melted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and ground ginger in small bowl and stir until smooth. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of brown sugar mixture in the bottom of each ramekin. Place pineapple ring in each ramekin and add a maraschino cherry to the center of each pineapple ring. Set aside.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 

1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder  

3 tablespoons butter, softened 

3/4 cup granulated sugar 

1 egg 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

6 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice 

2 tablespoons milk  

Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder together in a medium bowl and set aside. Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and beat for 1 minute on medium speed until smooth.  

Add reserved pineapple juice and half of reserved flour mixture and beat on low speed until smooth. Add milk and remaining flour mixture and continue mixing for 1 minute until batter is smooth.  

Spread 1/3 cup batter on top of pineapple in each ramekin. Bake for 20-22 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Remove cake from oven and cool for 3 minutes. Run a knife or offset spatula around the edge of each cake. Carefully turn ramekins onto wire rack and gently lift. Cool. 

Frozen Pineapple Treat *

1/2 to 3/4 cup pineapple juice, divided

2 cups frozen pineapple chunks

1 cup dairy-free vanilla ice cream 

Place 1/2 cup pineapple juice, frozen pineapple, and dairy-free vanilla ice cream in blender and blend until smooth – do not over blend. If the mixture is too thick, add 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice at a time. 

Scoop onto Pineapple Upside-Down Cake and serve immediately.

*For an even better DOLE Whip experience, try this DOLE Whip mix. It does require a soft serve ice cream maker but it tastes fantastic.

Flame Tree BBQ in Animal Kingdom

My favorite place to eat at the Animal Kingdom is the Flame Tree BBQ. In my opinion, they have the best barbecue of any Disney park. Located on Discovery Island near the bridge to Dinoland, Flame Tree BBQ is a Quick Service restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner.

At Flame Tree, the portions are very generous. If you order one meal and an appetizer, such as the onion rings, it is easily enough food for two to share. I usually get the 1/2 slab of St. Louis ribs, which comes with baked beans and coleslaw. They used to have the biggest and best cornbread muffins I've ever had, but sadly, they aren't always available. However, it's still a great deal at $11.69. It's definitely one of the better dining values at Disney. My family and I have tried about half the menu and loved everything.

Here's an overview of the great food available at Flame Tree:

• 1/2 Slab St. Louis Ribs, baked beans, and coleslaw $11.69
• 1/2 Chicken (Smoked), baked beans,  and coleslaw $10.49
• Pork Sandwich and coleslaw $9.19
• Ribs and Chicken Combo, baked beans, and coleslaw $15.19
• Smoked Chicken Salad with mixed greens, pinto and garbanzo beans, tortilla chips, and chipotle ranch dressing $9.19
• Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich on multi-grain bread with cranberry mayo $9.19
• Jumbo Turkey Leg and coleslaw $11.79
• Turkey Leg $9.79
• Onion Ring Basket $3.99

The kids meal options start at $5.49 and include:

• Baked Chicken Drumstick, Hot Dog, Chicken Sandwich, or PB&J
• A choice of 2 sides - grapes, carrots, yogurt, or cookies
• A drink

There are three different barbecue sauces, which are absolutely fantastic, as well as ketchup and other condiments, available at the condiment cart. The usual Coke products are available here as well as cocoa, coffee, hot tea, Bud Light, Safari Amber, three different wines, and a new drink: Mandarin Orange Vodka Lemonade.

The barbecue sauce from Flame Tree is so popular, that they receive requests for the recipe every day. If you're interested in trying it at home, here's the recipe.

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 Tbsp molasses
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp mild chili powder
1 Tbsp paprika
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground cloves

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 35 minutes. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

The seating areas are open gazebos with lots of tables. Each gazebo has carvings featuring a predator and it's prey, which is rather interesting. Additional seating is available near a pond area that often has birds in it. Disney has a firm policy about not feeding the animals, however, you should know that the birds are unaware of this policy. While eating in one of the gazebo areas, I have had a crane dart in and steal a chicken bone right off my tray faster than I could blink. If your kids are afraid of animals, this may not be the best choice for you, although young Bean thought it was hilarious!

Flame Tree BBQ is a great place for a quick, inexpensive meal. I usually eat there every trip and would definitely recommend it. So if you're looking for fantastic barbecue at Disney World, try Flame Tree BBQ. You won't be disappointed.

Avengers: Doomsday

All images: Marvel

The first full trailer for Avengers: Doomsday has arrived. It looks like Thor is in charge now and he is making sure they all understand the importance of coming together as a team.

So far, in typical Marvel fashion, they are keeping the overall story under wraps. But we do know that at least 4 teams will be coming together to fight the latest villain: Doctor Doom. These teams include the Fantastic 4, the Wakandans, the X-Men, and of course, the Avengers.

Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters on December 18th.

Apple Crumble Tart Recipe

Disney

This year, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will be the longest festival ever! It will run from July 15 to November 20 and will be filled with fantastic food. Here's a sneak peek of one of this year's new desserts: Apple Crumble Tart. And the best part is, you can make it at home with this recipe from the chefs at Disney. 

Apple Crumble Tart

Makes 8

Tart Dough:

5 Tbsp butter, softened

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 egg

1 cup all-purpose flour 

Cream butter, sugar, and salt in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment until fluffy. Add egg and mix until smooth. Add flour and mix on medium speed until combined.

Evenly divide dough into 8 balls. Roll each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. 

Apple Filling:

3 Tbsp butter

3 Tbsp packed brown sugar 

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

2 large granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced (2 cups)

2 tsp cornstarch 

2 Tbsp water

Heat butter in medium skillet over medium-low heat until melted. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and apples and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, until apples begin to soften. Combine cornstarch and water in small bowl. Add to apple mixture and cook for 3 minutes, until sauce around apples thickens. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. 

Crumble:

2/3 cup all-purpose flour 

1/2 cup packed brown sugar 

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

1/4 tsp salt 

5 Tbsp cold butter, cubed

Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter in food processor. Pulse until pea-sized crumbs form. Set aside. 

To make tarts:

Preheat oven to 350°F. 

Remove dough from refrigerator. Roll each ball into 1/8-inch thick circle and press into 3-inch tart pans, trimming excess dough from edges. Pierce the bottom of each tart with fork several times. Place 4-inch square of parchment paper on top of each tart and fill with pie weights or beans. Place tart pans on large baking sheet.

Bake tart shells for 15 minutes. Carefully remove pie weights or beans and parchment paper and bake an additional 5 minutes. 

Place 1/4 cup apple pie filling in each tart and top with 3 Tbsp of the crumble topping. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until crumble is golden brown. Cool before serving.