Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 on Blu-ray

Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 2 is a zany, and action-packed, and fun, and occasionally sad, film. And its coming soon to a home theater near you. Marvel and Disney have created a hilarious 1980s throwback commercial to advertise the upcoming home video release.

You can visit the website for more information, or call the number for a message from Baby Groot. I'll bet you can guess what it is.

Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook

The 4K Ultra HD will be available in an "Ultimate Cinematic Universe Edition" with an array of bonus materials:

• A collectible poster
• The Making of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” – A four-part, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, done in the style of classic-rock album liner notes.
• Visionary Intro – Director James Gunn provides context on how he continues and expands the storylines of these beloved characters in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”
• Guardians Inferno Music Video – Join David Hasselhoff and special guests for a galactic retro dance party.
• Gag Reel – Laugh out loud at all the hilarious off-script shenanigans and bloopers that took place on the set of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” featuring all your favorite Guardians.
• Four Deleted Scenes – Check out four specific scenes that had to be cut from the film, including two extended scenes and two deleted scenes.
• Audio Commentary – Check out a special narration of the film by director James Gunn, who guides fans through an inside look at the making of the movie.

Target Exclusive Blu-ray

The regular Blu-ray has all of the same extras except the poster. The digital download contains all of the extras from the Blu-ray and four more:

• Three Scene Breakdown - We’ll reveal the anatomy of a few key scenes from the film. Discover the process in bringing these scenes to life. It starts with a doodle and the rest is film history. Audiences will be given the option to view 5-6 layers of specific scenes in the film. Scenes include “Eclector Escape,” “Gamora and Nebula,” and “Rocket and Ravagers.”
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! - Get an exclusive sneak peek inside the most anticipated ride at Disneyland, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!. We’ll dig into the concepts and inspiration, and talk about what it took to bring the most epic ride at Disneyland to life.

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 is available for digital download in both standard definition and 4K Ultra HD today. The Blu-ray and DVD will be released on August 22.

Awesome Mix Vol 2 - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Soundtrack

The music in Guardians of the Galaxy seemed made for the movie. Although many people probably wouldn't have recognized the titles, or perhaps even some of the artists, on Awesome Mix Vol. 1, those of us who grew up in the 80s remembered those songs. From the opening scene, which features "Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone, I knew I would love the soundtrack. At the end of the film, Peter Quill uncovered a new cassette from his mother, called "Awesome Mix Vol. 2"

Awesome Mix Vol. 2 is the soundtrack for the second film. The songs are meant to represent Meredith, Peter Quill's mom, and the music she loved enough to share with her son. This soundtrack includes songs from more recognizable performers, such as George Harrison, Fleetwood Mac, and ELO. I was glad to see a Cat Stevens song in the mix, since that's what I grew up listening to. The final song, "Guardians Inferno" which director James Gunn co-wrote, features vocals by David Hasselhoff, one of Quill's childhood heroes.

Here's the full track list from "Awesome Mix Vol. 2":

1. "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra
2. "Fox on the Run" by Sweet
3. "Lake Shore Drive" by Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah 
4. "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac 
5. "Bring it On Home to Me" by Sam Cooke
6. "Southern Nights" by Glen Campbell
7. "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison
8. "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass
9. "Come a Little Bit Closer" by Jay and the Americans
10. "Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang" by Silver
11. "Surrender" by Cheap Trick
12. "Father and Son" by Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam
13. "Flash Light" by Parliament 
14. "Guardians Inferno" by the Sneepers featuring David Hasselhoff 

"Awesome Mix Vol. 2" is available in stores now. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 arrives in theaters on May 5.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 TV Spot 2

Marvel

The second TV spot for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 looks hilarious.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel:

Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 arrives in theaters on May 5.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Review

Images courtesy of Disney & Marvel

I finally had the chance to see Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 2 last week. I really enjoyed it. It was funny, and sad, and heartwarming, and all about family. In all, it was the perfect sequel. Caution: Spoilers Ahead!

The movie starts with the Guardians struggling to settle into their new life as heroes. (And a hilarious fight scene that heavily features a dancing Baby Groot.) Unfortunately, it seems like they are constantly bickering. When Rocket steals some batteries and offends the High Priestess of the Sovereign, Ayesha, the Guardians are forced to flee. The golden Sovereign chase them in drone ships (keep an eye out for Ben Browder from Farscape as the Sovereign Admiral!), but are stopped by someone unexpected.

Gamora, "A little one-inch man saved us?"
Rocket, "Well, if he got closer, I'm sure he'd be much larger."

The "little one-inch man" turns out to be Ego, a planet as well as a man, and also Peter Quill's father. He has been searching for Peter since he hired Yondu to deliver him years before. Peter is rather reluctant to warm up to, and yet completely in awe of, his father. And he has a million questions about Ego's past and his relationship with Meredith Quill, Peter's mother.

In another part of the galaxy, Ayesha has hired Yondu and the Ravagers to track down the Guardians and destroy them. When they find Rocket, Groot, and Nebula with the crashed Milano, the Ravagers figure they'll capture them easily. They're wrong of course, and Rocket manages to attack them with several hilarious traps, before finally being stopped by Yondu. Unfortunately for Yondu, his affection for Peter causes his crew to mutiny, replacing him as captain with the ridiculously named Taserface.

With everyone searching for the Guardians, we find ourselves in familiar territory. There are epic battles, moments of ridiculous comedy, and surprisingly, some deeply sad scenes as well. I won't give away the rest, but the end was the best part of the movie. And make sure you bring the tissues; I cried for most of the last twenty minutes.

The music in the film was fantastic. Every song just worked with the scene and added a fabulous sense of nostalgia for those of us of a certain age. And the choice of Cat Stevens "Father and Son" for the last big scene was absolutely perfect, although it almost made it sadder.

Like with previous Marvel films, make sure to stay all the way until the end of the credits. I've never seen so many extra scenes in my life! (I believe there were five in total.) Besides, you wouldn't want to miss the second Stan Lee cameo in the movie. It's even funnier than the first one, "That time I was the FedEx guy." (I love the reference to his appearance in Captain America: Civil War.)

In the end, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 was about family, both the family you're born into and the one you choose for yourself. As Peter Quill said, "Sometimes, that thing you're searching for your whole life, is right there by your side all along, and you don't even know it." The Guardians are definitely a family, a bit dysfunctional perhaps, but a family nonetheless. 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Teaser Trailer 2

Marvel

The latest teaser trailer for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 is loaded with clips of Baby Groot. He's absolutely adorable! This trailer reveals a new character, Mantis, who seems to be revealing Star-Lord's deepest, darkest secret, much to Drax's delight. We also get a glimpse of Ability, a multidimensional monster the Guardians must fight.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 arrives in theaters on May 5, 2017.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Posters

All images: Marvel

It's been a big week for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 posters. First, director James Gunn released a poster featuring the whole cast as well as the fact that the movie will be bigger and better in IMAX.

Then came the poster-like covers of Empire magazine, which should be available on newsstands now. I especially liked this Groot cover which was a subscriber exclusive.

Finally, Gunn and several of the actors released character posters on various social media. The first features Star-Lord, looking dashing, as usual.

Gamora looks angry and ready for anything.

Rocket looks ready to take on the universe, 

and hopefully save it in the process.

Baby Groot is absolutely adorable, 

and probably a bit mischievous. 

Drax appears to be preparing for war.

Nebula seems to be a bit annoyed

 with her new position with the Guardians. 

Yondu has also joined the Guardians. 

It will be interesting to see how he fits in.

Newcomer Mantis seems very innocent, 

having never encountered other humanoids before.

Ayesha, a genetically engineered being,

 is as beautiful as she is deadly.

The final poster features Kurt Russell as Star-Lord's dad, Ego, the Living Planet. This is a departure from the comics, and the part was written specifically for Russell, at Chris Pratt's suggestion. When not in humanoid form, Ego is one of the biggest visual effects of all time. 

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 arrives in theaters on May 5.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Poster & Trailer

Marvel

The latest trailer and poster for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 debuted on Jimmy Kimmel last night. It shows more of our favorite crazy heroes saving the galaxy. Oh, and an appearance by Peter's father!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 arrives in theaters on May 5.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Trailer

Marvel

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2; and the Hits Keep Coming!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 arrives in theaters on May 5.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Poster and Teaser Trailer

Marvel

Marvel released the first poster and teaser trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 yesterday. It's short, but hilarious at the end. I love the idea of Drax consoling Star Lord about Gamora. And baby Groot is too cute!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 arrives in theaters on May, 2017.

Marvel's Phase 5 Looks Amazing

All images: Marvel

It looks like we're in for another fantastic slate of movies and series in Marvel's Phase 5. And they announced that Phases 4, 5, and 6 together will make up the Multiverse Saga.

On February 17, 2023, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will arrive in theaters to kick off Phase 5. This time around, Cassie Lang will suit up alongside her father, Scott Lang, and Hope van Dyne to fight Kang the Conqueror.

In Spring Summer of 2023, Secret Invasion, an original series starring Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as Talos, will arrive on DisneyPlus.

On May 5, 2023, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will arrive in theaters. This story features the arrival of Adam Warlock, a character that was hinted at in the post credits scene of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

On Summer November of 2023 January 10, 2024, we'll finally learn more about the origins of Echo (Maya Lopez) in this spinoff from last year's Hawkeye, which will be on DisneyPlus. 

Also in Summer In October of 2023, Loki receives a second season on DisneyPlus. I can't wait to see what the Time Variance Authority has in store for him this time.

On July 28, November 10, 2023, The Marvels will arrive in theaters. The sequel to both Captain Marvel and Ms. Marvel will feature the addition of Monica Rambeau and a new villain portrayed by Zawe Ashton.

On November 3, 2023 September 6, 2024, February 14, 2025, Marvel takes another stab at Blade. This time around, Mahershala Ali takes on the title role of the day-walking vampire.

In Autumn of 2023 2024 June 24, 2025, Ironheart arrives on DisneyPlus. The series is a spinoff of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and tells the story of young inventor Riri Williams and how Iron Man's armor inspired her to become a superhero.

In Winter 2023/24 September 2024, we'll learn more about the origins of Agatha Harkness, the witch who loved to cause trouble in WandaVision, in Agatha: Coven of Chaos Agatha All Along on DisneyPlus.

In Spring of 2024 March 2025, Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio will once again take on the roles of Daredevil and Kingpin in Daredevil: Born Again on DisneyPlus.

On May 3, July 6, 2024 February 2025, Captain America: New World Order Brave New World. Anthony Mackie makes his first movie outing as Cap, following his reluctant acceptance of the shield in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.

And, rounding out Phase 5, a movie that's still a bit of a mystery. On July 6 December 20, 2024 May 2025, Thunderbolts* arrives in theaters. Baron Zemo is back for this one with a band of reformed supervillains. It should be interesting, and hopefully funny.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 POPVinyl

Funko has created the cutest set of POPVinyl featuring characters from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. There are eight characters, with muliple variants of Star-Lord, Rocket, and Groot. The crew of the Milano are well represented in these POPVinyl.

Star-Lord has both an unmasked and 2 masked versions.

Limited Edition Chase Figure

The variant below is only available at Toys R Us.

Gamora has a fun new look.

The new Drax is a bit fiercer.

There are two versions of Rocket Raccoon.

One with a jet pack, and a Game Stop exclusive with no jet pack.

There are four different Baby Groot figures, including a 10 inch happy Groot available exclusively from Target.

A Groot with patch is available exclusively from Hot Topic.

An angry Groot in a jumpsuit is available exclusively from Walmart.

Nebula is once again represented in the new collection.

Finally, there are two new characters: Mantis and Taserface. Mantis is an empathy who will help the Guardians.

Taserface is the new villain.

The new collection looks great. The toys will arrive in stores in February. Which ones will you add to your collection?