Spider-Man (2002) + Spider-Man 2 (2004) + Spider-Man 3 (2007/Sony Blu-rays + UltraViolet
Digital Copy)
Picture: A- Sound: A- Extras: C/C/B- Films: B/B+/B-
With the new Amazing Spider-Man
3D film about to hit theaters Sony has readied the previous Sam Raimi Spider-Man Trilogy to re-released on Blu-ray with Ultra Violet Digital Copy this
time. Not much new is included or
upgraded in these Blu-ray releases, with the exception of a few new extras and
an upgraded soundtrack.
These films have already been reviewed in great depth on this site
when the Trilogy was previously released on Blu-ray. This reviewer agrees with the insight and
sentiments discussed in that review, with a few things to add.
That review discussed the history and trials/tribulations of getting
Spider-Man to the big screen before finally debuting in theaters in 2002. Subsequently spawning two
sequels; all three films being a major monetary success. The films to this reviewer are all very well
done from the heroic, action, adventure angle; but as a trilogy they feel very
disjointed.
Fans were shocked by the first film as it lived up to the hype and
delivered a nice mix of action, suspense and a lighthearted humor that only Sam
Raimi could deliver. Even more shocking
was how well done the sequel (starring Alfred Molina as Dr. Octopus) stood up
to the original and surpassed it; though we could argue the pace of the film
dragged a tad more. The third film was a
complete departure from the first two films as it ineffectively used two great
villains, had poor pacing, and leaned too much toward campy leaving the
balanced dark/lighthearted humor behind.
The third film is my main issue with the trilogy. It attempted to squeeze too much in with
three villains that Raimi didn’t really want to work with and in turn the story
was weak and convoluted. Almost seeming
like Raimi was saying “what am I doing here?”
I am more than certain much of the audience felt the same way
Even with all of this said the trilogy remains a valiant effort and
will hold a place in history as well made with much heart as it followed the
comics to a high degree, all while putting its own spin on the mythos.
Please read the Spider-Man
Trilogy Box Set Review (Blu-ray) below:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/6168/The+Spider-Man+Trilogy+(Blu-ray+Box+Set)
As previously mentioned the Blu-rays being reviewed here are for the
most part the same as those previously released with the exception of a sound
upgrade and additional extras; all of which will be discussed below. The picture on all three films remains a
crisp, clean, and clear 1.85 X 1 (for the first film) and 2.35 X 1 (for the
sequels), 1080p AVC encoded MPEG-4.
Though not perfect as all three films have minor light/dark issues the
films’ visual presentations are stunning with bright/saturating colors, solid
black, and an impressive sharp quality.
The sound on all three films has been upgraded from a Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Mix to a much improved/immersive DTS-Master Audio 5.1 lossless track. The music sounds crisper and the action
packed sequences fully utilize the entire soundscape; putting viewers in the
heart battle.
None of the new extras thrilled me, but worth a look for all hardcore
fans. The extras added to each of these
releases are as follows:
Spider Sense Trivia Challenge
A nice little trivia game, but won’t hold your attention for too long
Spider-Man Cutting Room
Looking at the editing process of the film
So I feel that the new soundtracks are a nice enough upgrade that this
might be the time to purchase the films if fans haven’t already…well except
maybe the third film.
- Michael P. Dougherty II
