Blu-ray Review: Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man’ Films Re-Released in Time For Reboot

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CHICAGO – Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man,” “Spider-Man 2,” and “Spider-Man 3” were just released on Blu-ray to coincide with the upcoming theatrical release of Mark Webb’s reboot, “The Amazing Spider-Man,” opening in theaters on July 3, 2012. All of the Sony BD releases are pretty standard although purists will like the consistent packaging and the chance to own them at a low price point (close to $10 at some outlets) before they’re probably repackaged again when “Amazing” hits Blu-ray in time for the holidays. None of the releases include any notable new special features (other than the inclusion of Ultraviolet and some games on the first film) but they all included a wealth of them in previous editions.

“Spider-Man”

Spider-Man was released on Blu-ray on June 12, 2012
Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis:
Average teenager Peter Parker is transformed into an extraordinary superhero after he is accidentally bitten by a radioactive spider. When his beloved uncle is savagely murdered during a robbery, young Peter vows to use his powers to avenge his death. Deeming himself Spider-Man, he sets about ridding the streets of crime, bringing him into conflict with malevolent super-villain “Green Goblin.”

Special Features:
o Spider Sense Trivia Challenge: Test your Spider-Man movie knowledge in this trivia game.
o The Spider-Man Cutting Room: Create your own video using clips and music from the movie and share it via BD-Live!
o Multi-Angle Webisodes
o Behind The Scenes Of Spider-Man
o Director Profile: Sam Raimi
o Screen Tests: Tobey Maguire, J.K. Simmons & CGI Spider-Man
o Historical Documentary - Spider-Man: The Mythology of the 21st Century
o Costume and Makeup Test
o Gag/Outtake Reel

“Spider-Man 2”

Spider-Man 2 was released on Blu-ray on June 12, 2012
Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis:
Tobey Maguire returns as the mild-mannered Peter Parker, who is juggling the delicate balance of his dual life as college student and a superhuman crime fighter. Peter’s life becomes even more complicated when he confronts a new nemesis, the brilliant Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina) who has been reincarnated as the maniacal and multi-tentacled “Doc Ock.” When Doc Ock kidnaps MJ (Kirsten Dunst), Spider-Man must swing back into action as the adventure reaches new heights of unprecedented excitement.

Special Features:
o Commentary With Director Sam Raimi, Tobey Maguire, Producer Avi Arad, And Co-Producer Grant Curtis
o Technical Commentary
o Commentary With Producer Laura Ziskin and Screen Writer Alvin Sargent
o Blooper Reel
o Hero In Crisis
o Making The Amazing - A 12 Part Documentary
o OCK-Umentary: Eight Arms To Hold You
o VFX Breakdowns

“Spider-Man 3”

Spider-Man 3 was released on Blu-ray on June 12, 2012
Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis:
Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) finally has the girl of his dreams, Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), and New York City is in the throes of Spider-mania! But when a strange alien symbiote turns Spider-Man’s suit black, his darkest demons come to light changing Spider-Man inside as well as out. Spider-Man is in for the fight of his life against a lethal mix of villains - the deadly Sandman (Thomas Haden Church), Venom (Topher Grace), and the New Goblin (James Franco) - as well as the enemy within himself.

Special Features:
o Filmmaker And Cast Commentaries
o Snow Patrol Music Video
o Bloopers
o Photo Galleries

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com