'Avengers: Endgame' Digital Release Guide: Amazon vs. Vudu vs. iTunes

Avengers: Endgame was finally released in digital formats on July 30, but for many Marvel Studios fans out there who want to bring the final battle against Thanos home, they might encounter some crippling option paralysis. With so many platforms offering digital copies of Endgame, how do you choose where to purchase it?

Over on the Marvel Studios subreddit, redditor u/Splashy91 outlined the various options out there. What it really comes down to is what you care about most. Do you prefer the option of 4K Ultra HD? Or are you concerned about having as many special features as possible? (Believe it or not, some retailers have exclusive special features.)

HD versions of Endgame should cost $19.99 at all retailers, with the 4K version priced at $24.99. Everyone should also remember that come November 12, Endgame will be available to stream on Disney+. But will the new streaming service have 4K versions of the movies? And what will it have in terms of special features? We won’t know for months.

For the time being, here’s a breakdown of all the digital options for purchasing Avengers: Endgame.

iTunes

The real perk with iTunes is that Apple has a few exclusive special features you won’t find anywhere else. The official description lists “Avengers Script Security and the Secret Scenes of Infinity War and Endgame” as the exclusive — that’s somehow the name of a single bonus feature. But there’s no 4K UHD option at all!

Apple, you were so close to perfection!

• Who’s this for? Completionists who want more special features than anyone else but don’t care about top-tier visual quality.

PlayStation Store

Perhaps the worst option in the bunch, the direct purchase from the PlayStation Store only comes in HD with no SD or 4K version. Not only does it lack any kind of special features or commentary, but it seems like the only option that does not support Movies Anywhere, Disney’s cloud service that keeps all digital purchases in a single space.

• Who’s this for? PlayStation fanboys and fake Marvel fans. Seriously, get the Vudu version instead.

Amazon Prime

I shamelessly love Amazon Prime streaming. It’s my go-to choice for buying and renting movies, mainly so I can watch on my PlayStation 4, my phone, my iPad, or even my computer. However, even I have to admit that I’m a bit disappointed that the 4K UHD version of Avengers: Endgame does not include any of the special features.

• Who’s this for? Amazon lovers who are willing to settle for HD rather than 4K if they still want special features.

FandangoNOW

There are only two things that the FandangoNOW version of Avengers: Infinity War is missing: the iTunes special features and support for PlayStation 4. There’s a FandangoNOW app for almost every device on the market, from mobile devices and Roku to Google Chromecast and smart TVs. The only major caveat is that there’s an Xbox One app but none for PlayStation 4.

If you don’t have a PS4, that won’t matter.

• Who’s this for? US viewers who want the best available option and DGAF about PlayStation 4.

Google Play

In u/Splashy91’s guide, they claim that Google Play “has been previously notorious for purchased streaming quality being inconsistent or unavailable.” If that’s not enough to turn you away, then all hope is lost.

• Who’s this for? Literally nobody.

Microsoft Xbox

Look, if you buy your movies directly on your video game system, that’s your personal decision. But there really is no point when other retailers have better quality, better special features, and better options in terms of streaming. If you purchase Avengers: Endgame via Vudu or Amazon, for example, you can just download the apps for either to watch on your video game console.

The Microsoft version does offer a 4K option, beating out PlayStation ever so slightly — and even iTunes in terms of visual quality. But it has to be purchased from the US Microsoft store. Even then, you have to make sure you’re purchasing a version that is labeled for bonus features. Otherwise, you might accidentally buy just the direct film. Is all that confusion really worth it?

• Who’s this for? Nobody! If you’re an Xbox One person, you really should be getting the FandangoNOW or Vudu version.

Vudu

Similar to FandangoNOW, Vudu has almost no drawbacks whatsoever. This version obviously won’t come with the iTunes exclusives — and it’s only available to users in the US — but there’s really no reason not to choose Vudu. There’s even an app for the PlayStation 4, so for any PS4 fans who don’t have an Xbox, this will be the deciding factor.

• Who’s this for? Smart people who want the single most comprehensive option for Avengers: Endgame’s digital release.

Avengers: Endgame is now available on digital with the Blu-ray scheduled for release on August 13.