By Ryan Penagos
Get ready to augment your reality, Marvel fans!
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| Iron Man 2 props at LG's Augment Your Reality event in NYC |
Utilizing the Ally Augmented Reality app on the Ally as well as downloadable desktop versions, Iron Man fans can connect with Tony Stark in all-new ways. Combined with a limited edition Iron Man comic book, you can Iron Man Yourself, play Sky Thruster and watch the issue come to life! We were able to experience it all last night in NYC and in the video below, you'll get to see some of the action!
Oh, but there was more to see and do at LG's "Augment Your Reality" event! We spoke with Russell Bobbitt, propmaster for "Iron Man, "Iron Man 2" and "Thor." Check out our coverage of the event to see what his role in the movies entails and which phone he chose for LG's "Design the Future Challenge"!
Check out the official press release below for more information on the LG Ally and the LG/Marvel partnership!
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| LG's Augment Your Reality event in NYC |
LG Mobile Phones Joins Forces With Marvel Entertainment to Create a Multi-Media Marketing Campaign for "Iron Man 2"
Movie Tie-In Features "Stark-Worthy" TV Spots, Futuristic Micro Site and Game, Special Edition Marvel Comic Book and Robust Movie Promotion Program
Campaign Culminates with Film-Themed Event Highlighting Augmented Reality Technology and the New LG Android Device
LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A, Inc. (LG Mobile Phones), in partnership with the summer blockbuster, "Iron Man 2," from Marvel Studios, is launching a multi-platform marketing campaign that celebrates the film's theme of heroism through technology and gadgets that push the limit. Proving that life is good when you're connected, LG will implement a comprehensive campaign focusing on how innovation can help bring people together and make everybody a Super Hero.
Kicking off the campaign's many initiatives will be Super Hero themed television commercials that showcase the superhuman capabilities of LG's first Android mobile phone, LG Ally. In-store gift-with-purchase promotions will allow consumers nationwide to receive a special edition Augmented Reality enabled "Iron Man 2" comic book with the purchase of selected LG handsets. LG will also launch a movie-themed micro site, www.lgim2.com, which includes an engaging online film-themed game with built-in Augmented Reality experiences and text-to-win consumer sweepstakes. The company's "Iron Man 2" marketing programs will also include special retail promotions at Best Buy for LG LED HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players.
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| Concept for the LG Flutter phone |
"LG and Marvel have come together once again to empower audiences with a thrilling account of technology and its endless possibilities," said Ehtisham Rabbani, corporate vice president, marketing and innovation, LG Mobile Phones (LG MobileComm USA Inc.). "Allowing LG to display its innovation expertise and most advanced devices, 'Iron Man 2' is the perfect fit for LG's sophisticated handsets and smart products."
With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored super hero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military in "Iron Man 2." Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, along with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, must forge new alliances--and confront powerful enemies. The film is directed by Jon Favreau and is in theaters nationwide now.
Advertising Campaign
Challenging audiences to ask themselves, "Is it a lifesaver...a smartphone, or something better?" the LG Iron Man 2 advertising campaign brings the power of an LG Android device to life. Centered on five friends caught in the cross-hairs of battle between alien drones and Iron Man himself, each character must use their LG phones to find the right mobile applications to save themselves and capture a bit of glory along the way. Showcasing LG handset capabilities such as instant Internet access, music player portability, turn-by-turn navigation, photo and video sharing, and even the ability to make online purchases and restaurant reservations, each ad is a tribute to the endless possibilities of the LG Ally.
LG Micro Site
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Limited Edition Marvel Comic Book
A special edition "Iron Man 2" comic book created by Marvel will be given away with the purchase of an LG Ally. The comic book will feature a variety of Augmented Reality experiences and will also provide consumers with text messaging short codes to access exclusive Iron Man 2 content.
Movie Promotion Program
Dovetailing with its "Something Better" brand marketing campaign LG Electronics will be implementing a comprehensive movie promotion program with Marvel, including TV advertising, in-store point-of-purchase materials, retailer circular ads, dealer sales incentives, and digital and mobile campaigns, begins April 30.
Consumers can text LGIM2 from their mobile phone to 95173 to receive exclusive Iron Man content, download the Augmented Reality application on their LG Ally phone and enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win the ultimate Iron Man 2 prize package:
- LG Ally
- 2 tickets to the U.S. premiere of a Marvel movie
- 55-inch class LG "Infinia" LED HDTV and LG Network Blu-ray Home Theater System
Additional elements of the movie promotion program are special Iron Man 2 consumer electronics promotions with Best Buy. From April 25 through May 8, Best Buy shoppers can purchase a specially priced package consisting of LG's LE5400 LED HDTV and BD570 Blu-ray Disc player. Starting on May 9 and running through May 22, Best Buy also will offer a similar LG Iron Man 2 package which bundles together the LE5400 and LG's Network Blu-ray Home Theater LHB335.
LG's LE5400 LED LCD HDTV offers superior picture quality, advanced energy saving options and flexible access to content-on-demand. LG's BD570 Blu-ray Disc player includes NetCast Entertainment Access with wireless connectivity for convenient access to online content such as Netflix, CinemaNow, VUDU, YouTube, Picasa, AccuWeather and Pandora. LG's LHB335 Home Theater System delivers a stunning entertainment experience with NetCast streaming content, Full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc playback, 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs, and Pure HD audio performance including Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio Essential.
Consumers interested in learning more about the Best Buy product bundles can visit www.lgironman.com. LG and Best Buy also are supporting the co-branded promotion with a broadcast, online and mobile advertising campaign on ABC networks.
LG's Android "Ally" 
The LG Ally
Consumers who purchase LG Ally can download the Augmented Reality app, featuring exclusive Iron Man 2 content, at www.lgim2.com or by texting 95173 from their mobile phone. Present throughout "Iron Man 2," LG Ally allows users to explore and experience Augmented Reality. A touch screen handset featuring a full slide out QWERTY keyboard, the Ally is the ultimate compliment for technology enthusiasts who, like Tony Stark, expect nothing but the best.
Exclusive Iron Man 2 Event
Showcasing its most "Stark-worthy" technology and reinforcing its innovative heritage, LG will host an event in New York on May 11 that will engage movie fans and gadget gurus alike. The event will boast a variety of Augmented Reality experiences as well as give attendees a hands-on look at the LG Ally. The event will also feature three futuristic concept phones from the LG Design the Future Challenge. This year's competition marks the inaugural participation of Russell Bobbitt, the prop master from "Iron Man 2." Bobbitt served as a guest judge for the competition, awarding one contestant's cutting-edge design with the Prop Master's Choice award. The design that wins Prop Master's Choice will be created into a non-working mock-up and displayed at the event. The lucky contestant's design could even windup in Bobbitt's next blockbuster film. The world-renowned prop master will also be on hand at the event to showcase the ultramodern props from the film's set.
Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as billionaire industrialist Tony Stark, aka the super hero Iron Man in this sequel to the 2008 blockbuster. RDJ, Paltrow, Cheadle and Rockwell are joined by Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Mickey Rourke as Whiplash. Jon Favreau once again takes up the directorial reins for Marvel's armored avenger.
"Iron Man 2" is one of a continuing slate of films being produced by Marvel Studios based on the Marvel characters, including "Thor" on May 6, 2011, "The First Avenger: Captain America" on July 22, 2011 and "Marvel Studios' The Avengers" on May 4, 2012.
Stay tuned to Marvel.com for the official word on all things to do with Marvel movies!
Get tickets for "Iron Man 2" now!
Visit the official "Iron Man 2" movie site now and the Marvel.com "Iron Man 2" movie hub! Also, be sure to check out StarkExpo2010.com, the official site of Stark Expo!
Find out when the movie opens in YOUR country with the official "Iron Man 2" international release schedule!
The official Marvel Shop features all things Iron Man!
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