Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #918 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-04-05
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Animated, Box set, PAL
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Hindi
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 266 minutes

DVD Description
When a nasty bite by an irradiated spider endows teenager Peter Parker with miraculous, arachnid-like powers, his death defying heroism wins him admiration from those in need. But being a superhero has its drawbacks...especially when you're in college! As Peter gains the trust of his friends, the police call him a vigilante. But he meets the challenge by exercising his wonderful powers for the good of all. Multi-talented performer Neil Patrick Harris (Undercover Brother, Starship Troopers), television star Ian Ziering (Beverly Hills 90210), and singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb (Cake and Pie), lend their vocal talents to this thrilling, computer-animated version of the comic book classic and mega-hit feature film, Spider-Man.

Synopsis
This beautifully rendered computer animated version of Marvel Comics' beloved super hero features the voice of Neil Patrick Harris (STARSHIP TROOPERS) as Peter Parker/Spiderman. Here, Peter has graduated from high school and is attending Empire State University. Still burdened with the desire to use his incredible, spider bite-derived powers to do good, he finds it hard balancing his responsibilities of being a super hero with schoolwork and his romance with Mary Jane.

Customer Reviews

Spider-Man for the New Kids
I have to admit I was little sceptical ordering this DVD. I'm a huge Spidey fan, and the animated series that was released in the 90's I still hold as being one of the greatest cartoons ever made. This is why I was worried when I saw an updated version was being released after the first Spider-Man film; I thought it may be slightly over indulgent, and not have the captivating feel of the robust 90's cartoon.

However, from the first episode it was clear that this was a different attempt altogether. The relationship between the three main characters of Peter Parker, Mary-Jane Watson and Harry Osborn is clear from the start. Provided the viewer is familiar with the Spider-Man film, personalities and conflicts between the roles are obvious and easy to connect with, as is Peter's emotional difficulties with Mary Jane.
This familiar scenario made me to feel more comfortable with the new computer animated setting that the show is set in. Being a fan of traditional animation, I thought that using computers might be taking an easy way out, but this is not the case. It is clear in each episode why new technology was used in creating this series; purely because the camera shots attempt to achieve what cannot be drawn. Particular scenes where Spider-Man is chasing a vehicle out of control/criminals escaping use wonderful tracking shots to capture all of Parker's acrobatics as he swings effortlessly through wonderfully polished scenery.
This new form of animation comes into best effect during low light scenes. During the `Sword of Shikata' episode, there is a beautifully dark scene where Shikata breaks into a holding cell, but must promptly escape when Spider-Man appears in pursuit. The scene is lit but red flashing security lights and a dull blue glow from an opening in the roof (a lovely costume reference). The way the characters are illuminated looks almost reminiscent of shots from Sin City, very film noir.
This darker approach is emulated again through certain deaths in the series. This was a big surprise to me, as was the approach to violence. Some moments of this series truly are brutal for a cartoon; that's right parents, I'm afraid even women get hurt in this show. But its interesting to see the makers have gone for this more realistic, `the threat can be anywhere and to anyone' philosophy, perhaps giving this series something to be remembered for.

On the whole however, it just lacks the atmosphere and tension of the 90's series; this is why I felt I couldn't give the full rating. The 90's version notched up an impressive 65 episodes, all continuing stories that the viewer really felt for. This however felt a bit more like a quick fix before the release of spider-Man 2 in the cinemas. A good attempt however; I'm glad I have it in my collection and would definitely recommend it to all Spidey fans. Oh, and the cameo from Michael Clarke Duncan as the Kingpin cannot be missed!

Not suitable for younger children.
Disapointed with this collection. I got it for my young son, aged 4 and it is nothing like the original far more gentle 1967 series. It is certainly not aimed at younger viewers and the PG rating is right. Language and level of violence not suitable in my opinion for younger children.Fine if you're a teenager but not for Spidey's youngest fans. Plus the animation is very jerky and fast moving not good for them...or me either. Guess I'll have to await until the original series is released in region 2 !

Comic book style
Fortunately there were only positive reviews of this product on Amazon when I decided to order it; there have since been several negative opinions expressed which would have put me off - so I'm glad my timing being good for once.
The animation is rendered in a 2D style using 3D technology giving the series a unique look that pays homage to its comic book roots.
The dynamic of the lead characters is probably closer to the film adaptation than the Lee/Ditko comic book cannon with leanings also toward Bendis' Ultimate series. Bendis is also heavily involved with the pilot episode.
The voice casting is pretty good on the whole with Niel Patrick Harris in the lead role supported by Lisa Loeb and Ian Ziering as MJ and Harry. Guest voices are drawn from all over including former spidey series and an impressive MTV influenced roll call.
The action is fast paced and more cinematic than I'd expect. Highlights for me where the Lizard episode and the pilot.

The extras are:
Audio commentary (for all 13 episodes).
Outtake Reel
Amazing Spider-facts (like pop up messages during the episodes if you so choose).
Three featurettes
The making of the series
Building with layers - multi angle comparison
Photo gallery
3 previsualised clips
Filmographies.

The commentaries are an exhaustive and sometimes exhausting technical description of the series creation and realization. Stan Lee injects a welcome dose of relative anarchy to 3 of the commentaries otherwise the commentaries are a little too focused on animation technique considering the target audience of these discs.
On the whole a great and often spectacular addition to the long history of Spidey animation. And it's cool - so there!!