We’re less than a week away from the release of this summer’s biggest blockbuster, Marvel‘s The Avengers, on Blu-ray and DVD. If for some wild reason you still haven’t seen The Avengers, (and there is no acceptable reason why you wouldn’t have seen it yet) check out Jonathon’s review of the film here. Once you’ve done that, come back here and decide which version of the DVD/Blu-ray is best for you. Note: Prices may vary with location.

The basic versions that will be sold at stores everywhere are:

• 4-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack – comes with 3-D Blu-ray disc, Blu-ray disc, DVD, Digital Copy, and Instant Music Download ($29.96)
• 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack with Blu-ray packaging ($24.96)
• 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack with DVD packaging ($24.96)
• DVD ($19.96)

Click the links above to pre-order from Amazon.

Features of the sets are:

The Avengers 4-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and 2-Disc DVD Combo Pack Special Features:

• Disney’s Second Screen Feature
• Commentary by Joss Whedon
• Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes:
•    – Assembling the Ultimate Team
•    – A Visual Journey
• Marvel One Shot: Item 47 short film
• Deleted/Extended Scenes:
•    – Alternate opening: “Maria Hill Interrogation”
•    – “Loki & Barton Strategize” (Extended)
•    – “Steve Rogers: Man Out of Time”
•    – “Nick Fury & World Security Council”
•    – Extended Viaduct Fight (with raw footage)
•    – “Fury and Hill Discuss the World Security Council”
•    – “Banner and Security Guard” (Extended)
•    – Alternate ending: “Maria Hill Interrogation”
• Gag Reel
• Soundgarden’s “Live to Rise” music video

The Avengers DVD Special Features:

• Commentary by Joss Whedon
• Featurette:
•    – Assembling the Ultimate Team

Store Exclusives

In addition to offering the basic versions, select retailers have versions exclusive to the stores and may be available in limited quantities. Each exclusive version also contains the film and features listed above, but also come with collectible items or extra bonus content.

Walmart

Exclusive Blu-ray Combo Pack Gift Set ($24.96 when you pre-order online, or $39.99 in stores)

• 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack (as described above)
• Collectible Graphic Novel
•    – All new original graphic novel, modernizing the formative first days of these super-hero icons that defined pop culture
•    – Over 100 pages of content

Click the link to order a copy of Walmart’s Exclusive Blu-ray Combo Pack Gift Set.

Target

2 or 4-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack with Exclusive Bonus Disc

• 2 or 4-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack (as described above)
• Bonus Disc Featurette – Building a Cinematic Universe

The 90-minute feature,  ”Building a Cinematic Universe,” will show how Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger were conceived and led to the greatest superhero team ever assembled on screen. Join the stars of the film as they rehearse for the drama and train for all the action. Go back in time and watch the stars become these iconic heroes. In exclusive interviews the cast, directors, producers, visual developers, and comic book creators reveal how Marvel’s rich heritage in the comics was brought to life in the movies. Also watch the growth of Marvel’s massive fan base, from local comic shops, through their first appearances at Comic Con, to the phenomenon of The Avengers today.

Click the links to get your copy of Target’s 2-Disc or 4-Disc Combo Pack with Exclusive Bonus Disc.

Best Buy

Exclusive Collectible Case with Blu-ray pre-order (In Store Only)

• 2 or 4-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack (as described above)
• Exclusive collectible packaging (shown below)

When you pre-order The Avengers on Blu-ray at a Best Buy store, you’ll receive the collectible case and a $10 Sideshow Collectibles gift card. Stop by a store for details. Limited quantities. First come, first served. Photo courtesy of Pop Culture Shock.

Disney Store and MarvelStore.com

DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack with FREE Lithograph Offer ($24.99)

• 2-Disc DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack (as described above)
• Exclusive set of four Lithographs (pictured below)

Pre-order your copy from the Disney Store here, or MarvelStore.com.

Which One Should You Get?

In my opinion, the version you should buy depends on the content that you want. If you want the extra bonus content, go with Target. If you want cool collectibles, go with Walmart, Best Buy, the Disney Store, or MarvelStore.com. It all depends on what you’re interested in. I’m planning on getting Target’s 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack with Exclusive Bonus Disc (I don’t have a 3-D TV, so I don’t really need the 3-D disc). Make sure to come back next week for my review of The Avengers‘s bonus features.