The Amazing Spiderman DVD/Blu-Ray Review

Superhero movies seem to be no stranger to reboots, and while some are well received (The Dark Knight), others are less so (Superman Returns). With the recent Spiderman trilogy still being so fresh in so many people’s minds, bringing back this beloved superhero was a big gamble, one I think was worth it.

In this retelling of the Spiderman story works exceptionally well because like the Dark Knight they did an actual reboot, using the same characters and comic universe, but taking the story in their own direction. Not only do we see Peter’s parents, we get to see a very different Gwen Stacy, one who’s much closer to the comic book version, the events that lead up to the villain, and how Peter gains his powers. There are so many changes to how the events unfold that it makes for a refreshing take on the story.

Andrew Garfield steps into the role of the social outcast, Peter Parker, and while many were unsure how they felt without Sam Raimi behind the camera, have to admit that Garfield does a much better job than Maguire did in the previous films. Garfield’s Parker is done with more flair, and there’s a larger infusion of humor, which is prevalent in the comics. He doesn’t come off as weak, but more like the gawker high-schooler he’s suppose to be.

The supporting cast is also superb. Emma Stone is the love interest, Gwen Stacy, not only is she a more likeable character, she has oodles of chemistry with Garfield. Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Fields) are not only better utilized, their performances are more impactful. Rhys Ifans was fantastic as Dr. Curt Conors/The Lizard and although there are lots of special effects for his transformation to being the Lizard I thought the human counterpart was played quite well and made his background story come through nicely. Also notable and utterly fantastic was Denis Leary as Captain George Stacy, Gwen's father.

The fighting and action scenes are the greatest improvements over the first 3 titles. The stunts came off looking less computer generated yet amazing to watch. Instead of the hero shooting web from his wrists they go back to the original story with the artificial web-shooters which drew some early complaints, but really was an improvement. All in all, the Amazing Spiderman, really is worthy of it’s titles, and you can catch it on DVD November 9, 2012.

The DVD and Blu-Ray are loaded with special features. Check out the Stunt rehearsals to see some of the work behind the stunts, it’s pretty neat. There are also 90 minutes of featurettes that go pretty in depth to the making of.

Synopsis: 

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN™ is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. When Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance - leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

Based on the Marvel comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN was directed by Marc Webb from the screenplay by James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves, and a story by James Vanderbilt. Stan Lee, Kevin Feige and Michael Grillo served as executive producers, with Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach as producers.

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Special Features:

Disc 1: 2D Blu-ray feature film

Special Features:

·         The Amazing Spider-Man Second Screen App, including interviews, storyboards, alternate takes, costume tests, pre-visualization sequences and more.  Allows you to “sling" content from your tablet to the TV.

Disc 2: 2D Blu-ray featuring 90 Minutes of Behind-the-Scenes Documentaries, including:

o   Development and Direction

o   Casting

o   Costumes

o   On Location: LA

o   On Stage: Sony Studios

o   On Location: NY

o    ·          16 Pre-Visualization Sequences

Disc 3: DVD feature film

Special Features:

·         Deleted Scenes

·         Filmmaker Audio Commentary

·         The Oscorp Archives – Production Art Gallery

·         Stunt Rehearsals

Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack Special Features:

All of the 3-Disc Combo Pack Special Features plus…

Disc 1: 3D Blu-ray

·         3D versions of the film

·         3D 101 with Director Marc Webb

·         3D Image Progression Reel

Disc 2: 2D Blu-ray feature film

Disc 3: 2D Blu-ray featuring 90 Minutes of Behind-the-Scenes Documentaries

Disc 4: DVD feature film

Limited Edition Gift Set Special Features:

All of the 4-Disc Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Special Features plus…

·         Collectible Amazing Spider-Man Figurine

·         Collectible Lizard Figurine

The Amazing Spider-Man has a running time of 136 minutes and is rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence.

“Academy Award^®” is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Marvel, and the names and distinctive likenesses of Spider-Man™ and all other Marvel characters: ™ and © 2012 Marvel Entertainment, LLC & its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

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