This week, a new animated film hit the stands; but buy it now, because it won't be long before it's sold out! Not only will it be one of the hottest selling titles around for comic book fans, but this film stands on its own for any fan of action, drama, and surprises! It looks to usher in a whole new chapter in the way entertainment is delivered. That's right, True Believer, the Ultimate Avengers DVD has come, and the world of comic-book films will never be the same!

Based on the best-selling, award-winning comic book series, The Ultimates, this adaptation is filled with the same sense of widescreen action and non-stop thrills for Avengers fans new and old! From the fateful decision made by Captain America at the end of World War II, to the recruiting of the Earth's mightiest heroes, to the deadly rampage of the Hulk unleashed, the Ultimate Avengers 71 minutes of film-time is jam-packed! Featuring scenes you've always wanted to see come to life, some you thought you'd never see, and a few you could never expect, this DVD delivers on so many levels. The animation is crisp and detailed, the story is top-notch, and the voice-performances are spot on. As a long-time Avengers fan, this film kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat the entire time, and left me breathlessly wanting more. And I didn't have to wait long! A simple perusal of the DVD's special features satisfied that craving. For a while.

The Special Features on this DVD take up a little over two hours, and it is time well-spent! The 30-minute history of the Avengers takes a look at Marvel's mightiest from their early formative days, through the heyday of the first George Perez era, the acclaimed Kurt Busiek run (joined by Perez for the artists' second time on the book), through the smash-hit that re-launch that is the comic book juggernaut known as the New Avengers. Interviews with Busiek, Perez, Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada, and long-time Avengers editor Tom Brevoort, this insightful documentary gives fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at what has gone into making this franchise the success it has been for nearly four decades. The documentary also features Mark Millar, writer of The Ulitmates, which the Ultimate Avengers film was based on. Other special features include a pop-up trivia track that runs with the film and an exciting look at the sure-to-be-a-hit sequel Ultimate Avengers II! This sneak peek shows viewers the startling new direction the Ultimate Avengers will be taking as they embark on their next adventure, in stores this summer!

No review would be complete without mentioning the two features that made the most of this DVD. First, the DVD-Rom game "What Avenger Are You?" By answering a series of questions, fans can see which Avenger they are most like. (I was Hawkeye. Perfect, as he's a personal favorite!) The other feature…. Ah, the "Ultimate Avengers Voice Talent Search." This American Idol- style documentary shows some very dedicated, interesting, and …intense fans and their personal interpretations of their favorite Avenger in their efforts to be cast in the Ultimate Avengers DVD. None of those who applied were cast, but those shown in this featurette are now certainly a part of Avengers history.

As the first offering in the new Marvel Animation line of films, the Ultimate Avengers DVD sets a great example. The films listed in the accompanying booklet (Ultimate Avengers II, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange) can't get here fast enough! But at least we have this great DVD to tide us over! Pick it up in stores today!