The Avengers

I’ve been keen for Disney to make a statement and put their side of the somewhat messy Avengers DVD and Blu-ray re-edit situation forward. There had to be some reason for this bizarre alteration to have taken place, but from where we were standing, it simply wasn’t obvious.

After some confusion, Disney have now clarified just what’s going on and sent me the following:

Thanks to those of you who have let us know about an issue on the Marvel Avengers Assemble UK Blu-ray and DVD release, which has a less graphic depiction of Agent Coulson’s confrontation with Loki. Each country has its own compliance issues relative to depictions of violence. Unfortunately, another region’s elements were inadvertently used to create the UK in home release which minimally altered this scene in the film. We thank our fans for their vigilance in recognizing this and apologize for the mix up

With no reference to a re-issue or replacement scheme I know that a lot of folk will still have questions.

As soon as we can find out what Disney plan to do in reparations, if anything, we’ll let you know.

UPDATE: And the BBFC made an error too. Here’s their press release on the matter:

The DVD/Blu-ray version of MARVEL AVENGERS ASSEMBLE is classified 12. It differs from the theatrical version submitted to the BBFC which is classified 12A.

In publishing the Extended Classification Information (ECI) for the DVD/Blu-ray MARVEL AVENGERS ASSEMBLE, a technical error occurred and the theatrical ECI was published on the BBFC website instead of the DVD/Blu-ray ECI.

The theatrical ECI highlights a scene in the film where the tip of a spear is seen protruding from a man’s chest. This scene was absent from the DVD/Blu-ray MARVEL AVENGERS ASSEMBLE and does not appear in the DVD/Blu-ray ECI. The website error has now been rectified and the correct ECI for the DVD/Blu-ray is now available.

The curse of Avengers Assemble strikes again?