Search - The Spectacular Spider-Man, Vol. 3 on DVD

Spidey vs. Green Goblin and Dr. Octopus!!!

Dennis A. Amith (kndy) | California | 03/19/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

""THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN" has won a lot of viewers due to its modern theme and its ability to attract and entertain Spider-Man fans of all ages.

"THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN" is definitely a series for the next generation. Peter Parker is no longer the bookworm that is an outcast in the whole school. No glasses, no bad clothing and no self-esteem issues like the original teenager of the comic book series. In fact, the spider he has been bit by is not radioactive but genetically altered.

This Peter Parker is cooler and even sports a man bag (or school bag) and has a birthmark.

In volume 3, Spider-Man learned that the Big Man is Tombstone and that he will be in for a major surprise when he finds out the identity of the Green Goblin.

The episodes in volume two are as follows:

Episode 7 - Catalysts - It's the Midtown High Fall Formal and Peter Parker brings his date, Mary Jane Watson, a beautiful red head that his Aunt May set up. Meanwhile, the Green Goblin makes his appearance and he challenges the Big Man aka Tombstone.

Episode 8 - Reaction - As Dr. Otto Octavius is working on an experiment to create more super villains, the Green Goblin locks him in that experiment room and transforms Octavius to the Dr. Octopus.

Episode 9 - The Uncertainty Principle - While Colonel John Jameson tries to land his damaged space shuttle, Spider-Man battles Green Goblin and learns of his true identity.

As mentioned, "THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN" is definitely a series that has caught a lot of attention and even IGN has voted it as #30 in their "TOP 100 BEST ANIMATED TV SHOWS" poll. Unlike other Spider-Man animated series, Spider-Man's physique matches a young teenager (as it should).

And for us older folks used to the classic animated series or older comic books and have young children, there is always something entertaining with Spider-Man throughout the years, no matter how much it differs from what we grew up with, the soul of Spider-Man and the characters are faithful but adjusted for modern times.

And it's definitely a series that we can watch and enjoy with our children. Another fun and exciting volume of "The Spectacular Spider-Man".

VIDEO & AUDIO:

Video is presented in 1:78:1 anamorphic widescreen. Animation is nice and vibrant. Lines are clean, characters and objects are simple with shadows and not as much detail when it comes to the backgrounds. But the choice to do this was to replicate fluidity of Spider-Man in the films. But overall, the animation is good and clean.

Audio is presented in English 5.1 (Dolby Digital) and French (Dolby Surround).

SPECIAL FEATURES:

There are no special features but trailers/previews.

JUDGMENT CALL:

"THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN" has been a pretty solid series thus far. Again, it's not the Spider-Man I grew up with but for a new generation watching this, it's adapted for a modern setting, its animated much differently than any Spider-Man animations in the past but everything works.

Watching it with my son, I think it was great to find a series that would be appealing to the young children, teenagers and the adults.

I've read several interviews with series developers Victor Cook and Greig Weisman and both are Spider-Man fans but also fans of other genres such as Hong Kong films and also grabbing ideas from different eras, may it be from "Ultimate Spider-Man", the films and thus certain purists may have a hard time with it but again, as a fan of the comic books and the many incarnations of Spider-Man animated series, whats important is that this series remains faithful to the characters.

Sure, they may have different storylines of how the villains became to be what they are but still, the essence of who Peter Parker is and having to be this hero but yet knowing that it will affect his personal relationships with those close to him is still intact.

Episodes 7-9 was enjoyable as the previous episodes. And I like how the series captures the relationship (or lack of) the Osborn family between Harry and his father and how the Green Goblin is quite central to that storyline. And you know, when the Green Goblin is around, expect to see quite a bit of action between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin.

Also, it's interesting to see how the Big Man (L. Thompson Lincoln) aka Tombstone will be used in the series. So, far he has been able to manhandle Spider-Man and because his company and his character is so integral in the series, especially with the other villains, it will be interesting to see how long he will stick around.

Overall, a fun and enjoyable series thus far. For those who are budget conscious, waiting for a full season may be of your best interested. I wished there was some sort of special feature included on the DVD but overall, an animated series that both young and old can enjoy. Check it out!"