The gods are with us and they have saw fit to release Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World in a 3D Blu-ray combo that includes a Blu-ray and DVD.  The action filled Sci-Fi Fantasy thriller makes its way from the world of Asgard with one of the best sequels of the popular comic book series based on “The Avengers”.  The script is smart, exciting and lively with some new twists and an explosive finale.  Whether you are a Marvel Comics fan or would just like a non-stop adventure featuring high energy thrills, this home video’s bound to please.

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a battlefield

The movie centers on Thor (Chris Hemsworth) the son of Odin, God of the Universe, who has come off his biggest conquest ever in saving the Earth as one of “The Avengers”.  Returning to his home of Asgard in the heavens he finds his galaxy in turmoil with a threat from Malekith leader of an ancient race that wants to control the whole universe by sending it into darkness.  Banding together with Volstagg (Ray Stevenson), Fandral (Zachary Levi), Hogun (Tadanobu Asano) and Lady Sif (Jamie Alexander) he sets out to defend the cosmos.  When Thor realizes that their powers are not enough to destroy the threat, he solicits the help of his deceitful brother Loke.

A Dark Elf and Malekith (Chris Eccleston)

The film plays out with an explosive war of evil versus good. Very realistic looking,   Director Alan Taylor holds nothing back using superb CGI to depict the battles with explosive detail. His actors lead by Hemsworth show their strong god like abilities as they fight to stop the destruction of their Universe.  Keeping the action going throughout, slowing only to add story points, Taylor delivers a fine action packed sequel to an already amazing Marvel franchise.

The Blu-ray has very good bonus features including:

• “Audio Commentary” features director Alan Taylor, cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau and others as they take you step by step through the film.
• “A Brother’s Journey: Thor & Loki” is a fascinating documentary on the “making of” that offers the nitty-gritty of The Dark World. Warning: If you haven’t seen the film, it has a lot of spoilers.
• “Scoring Thor: The Dark World with composer Brian Tyler” the music of Thor: The Dark World.
• “Marvel One Shot: All Hail the King”-  This short may or may not be the lead in to a sequel for another Avengers film involving Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery the nemesis actor in Iron Man 3.  Very entertaining with a couple of surprise twists, it’s available only on home video.
• 

  All Hail The King with Ben Kingsley

  “Captain America: The Winter Soldier Exclusive Look” is a quick behind the scenes of the upcoming Captain America action thriller.

• “Deleted & Extended Scenes”
• “Gag Reel”

Thor’s home Asgard

The HD video quality of the Blu-ray played on a 16×9 HD television is spectacular. Even with the movie theater aspect ratio of 2.40:1 with bars top and bottom for no picture loss in the transfer, makes for a great family room or man cave show.  I found no distortion or inconsistency from the theater showing except the presentation is on a flat screen opposed to the Movie Theater curved version.

The sound quality using the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 through my upgraded sound system comes across loud and clear.  Surround from the speaker system turns the family room into a movie theater with hyper action and exciting conflicts playing on the screen.  Even just using the televisions speakers the dialogue is clean and clear.

Thor: The Dark World has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some suggestive content.

FINAL ANALYSIS:  An action packed film with excellent home presentation. (A)

Specifications and additional film information:
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Jamie Alexander, Idris Elba, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Tadanobu Asano, Stellan Skarsgård, Kat Dennings and Christopher Eccleston
Director: Alan Taylor
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some suggestive content  
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Running Time: 1 hr 58 min    
Video Release Date: February 25, 2014
Original Film Release Date: November 8, 2013
Language: English
Format: Blu-ray (also available in 3D Blu-ray and DVD)
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
Video: Aspect Ratio 2.40:1
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Number of Discs: 1 Disk Blu-ray release
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment