Spider-Man 2 (Widescreen Special Edition)(2004)

From the Box: nothing but DVD features

What You Get: Sam Raimi's second (of three) Spider-Man movies, this one with Doctor Octopus supplying the villian fodder. This movie is a far greater action movie than the first, cutting straight to the awesomeness right out the blocks. I'm not dissing on the origin story of the first one (which IS done great), but face facts comic fans want comic action: and we get it in spades. Raimi brings some more realism and life to the characters (especially the villian de jor), and the special effects/fight scenes are upped to the next level (budgets will do that to you). Raimi himself crafts much of this like more down with his horror background with quick camera zooms and fast angles, techniques which work perfectly.
Now I can't just sit here casting non-stop praise, so I'll give you the bad. First the changes from the comic. Otto Octavious was never this great of a character. In some circles he was one of Spider-Man's joke villians, one who may be hard to beat but still a joke. Here, not so much. Second, Peter's powers based on confidence (?) That just seems weird and questionable. His heart's not into it so suddenly he's normal? Wouldn't that mean that any time he's in a fight where he's either a) getting his ass handed to him or b) he really, really, really doesn't want to fight this guy his powers would cut out? Plot hole perhaps?
But past that it's funny, it's fast, and while I may scoff at the Christ-like complex they toss on heroes sometimes, the heroism actually felt good to watch.

Movie Rating: 5 (of 5) This movie is golden. The debate really goes "is this one better than Spider-Man (1) or not?" There is not answer to that debate, so just accept that this movie is brilliant.

DVD Features:
DISC ONE

  • Widescreen Presentation
  • Pop-up factoids/trvia track
  • Commentary with Raimi, Macuire, and producers
  • Technical commentary
  • Blooper reel
  • Music video
  • 4 Web-i-sodes
  • Trailers

DISC TWO

  • 12-part making of doc
  • deeper look at Peter's personal battles
  • Doc Ock from comic to feature
  • The Woman of Spider-Man's life feature
  • multi-angle BTS of climatic scene in real-time
  • Alex Ross Artist Gallery
  • BTS of "Spider-Man 2: the Game"
  • DVD-Rom weblinks

DVD Rating: 4.5(of 5) This DVD has alot going for it. I mean, it IS 2 discs of fun. But wait, there's more! I got the Spider-Man 2: Collector's DVD Gift Set which makes this an easy 5(of 5). What does that have? Limited Edition portfolio of artwork, concept to screen comparison, Postcards, and copy of "Amazing Spider-Man #50" (the one where he quit being Spider-Man). Al that and a snazzy box.