If there’s one thing Marvel movies can be counted on for, it’s an extended edition at some point in the film’s life. Typically first we get a theatrical DVD release, then the extended version with some snappy .5 or .1 title (X-Men 1.5, Spider-Man 2.1, Forbush Man 3.14, etc).
It would appear the trend has been bucked, however, by Ghost Rider. The Nicolas Cage flick from earlier this year has been announced by Sony Pictures for a June 12th release date. On that day you’ll be able to pick up a single disc version of the movie or a two disc extended cut, which features the theatrical cut on the first disc and a new, extended version on the second disc. No separate packaging here folks.
Based on one of Marvel’s less popular characters, Nicolas Cage stars as Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stunt rider who winds up in a Faustian deal to save his father’s life. He becomes Ghost Rider, the devil’s bounty hunter, and is set out to eliminate Blackheart (Wes Bentley), the son of Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda).
The extended cut isn’t the only bonus material being offered. All versions reportedly include a “Spirit of Vengeance” making-of featurette, with the extended edition also having commentary tracks from director Mark Steven Johnson, Nicolas Cage, and producer Gary Foster as well as additional featurettes.
The artwork for the extended edition of Ghost Rider hasn’t been released yet, but take a look at the art for the covers of the standard editions (available in separate widescreen or full screen versions):
