DVD REVIEW: The Spectacular Spider Man Volume 4

04/25/09

The adventure continues, and this time is rising to its highest peak. Peter Parker would have to deal with his biggest challenge ever; it is not about the villains now, in volume 4 it is all about the hero. The Spectacular Spiderman Volume Four shows us one of the best sagas in the Spiderman universe, The Venom saga. It has been beautifully adapted to this new version without leaving or damaged any aspect of the original story, and adding an extra touch with makes it somehow original. The four episodes on this DVD might not have as much action as the previous ones and it does not offer as many newer characters as the previous two sets; however, the ones that are presented and the old ones returning are just enough to keep the fans of Spiderman entertained for a good 92 minutes.

Each episode in volume four gives us an important part of Spiderman’s life, in the first episode we are introduced to one of the most conflicted enemies/friends of the arachnid. The Black Cat makes its appearance and begins to bemused the wall crawler’s head; also a new enemy the Chameleon makes his appearance in this episode, affecting the hero’s image and reputation. Episode two and three although does not offer any new character is one of the most exciting since the Sinister Six are Assemble, this time they are commanded by no other than DR Octopus, the episode offers a lot of fun, since we see the hero struggle against this dreadful group of villains. It will take all Spiderman has plus some extra help to defeat them and safe someone really precious to him. The last two episodes are the icing on the cake, since one of the most deadly enemies emerges: Venom. It is him who test not only our hero’s special abilities but also his human side.

I was wondering how the Venom saga was going to be depicted in this series, I got to say that I am satisfied with the results. The story was well thought and depicted, the alterations did not damaged at all the comic book’s version, if anything I think this version was much better than the movie. The new characters are well drawn and acted for this type of series, Venom specially did not look as childish as many other foes, and his voice was also very good. In volume IV we still get as many action and humor in this episodes as the previous ones, but what I enjoy the most was the ability of the writers to show Peter’s struggle, not only with the enemies but also with himself and friends, also his final decision is excellently depicted; in this episodes we get to feel more the human side struggle that this comic has gotten used to show us.

The bad thing about the DVD is the same as the previous ones, some characters appearance are far away from the classical profile to the point that they might disappoint the fans, like chameleon, DR octopus, and Black Cat. However, the story helps a lot to avoid being annoyed by their look, also the final battle against Venom although original and fresh was kind of disappointing. The animation was excellent and the sound is also very good like the previous sets. The episodes continue to develop nicely with the right amount of time given for the resolution unlike the episodes from the first volume which endings were hastily rushed. The Spectacular Spiderman has become one of my favorite animated series, let us hopes that future episodes continue with the same intensity or with more, this DVD for collectors of the series is a most have, and if you are not collecting it at least watch it you would need the previous ones to understand and follow it. I recommend this volume to every fan of the wall crawler and hero series in general, it does not matter if you are a kid or an adult just leave it to Spiderman to give us lots of action, some drama (Not much) lots of laughs and a great time.

VIDEO:
Master in high definition Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1 Ratio

AUDIO:
English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French
Subtitle: French

SPECIAL FEATURES: This DVD like the other ones disappoints in the Special features department, since it has none. For me the episodes were just good enough, and if you are a Spiderman fan you probably have the Special editions of the movies that talk about his mythology and characters.

RATING BREAK DOWN:

FILM REVIEW
VIDEO
AUDIO
BONUS FEATURES

Review By Milo
milo@smartcine.com

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DVD REVIEW: The Spectacular Spider Man Volume 4 04/25/09

DVD REVIEW: The Spectacular Spider Man Volume 4

04/25/09