Spider-Man 2

[Commodore Barbosa]

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

I've got a good feeling that Ballzo and Loomis are right with their predictions, Lizard will likely be the next Spidey movie Villian, possibly a team up of him and Green Goblin/Hobgoblin (hoping they find a way to write in the latter).

I was even thinking a possible Sinister Six scenario. In Spider-Man 2 Spidey/Peter keeps talking about how Spider-Man will always have enemies, to me that aluded to the fact that their are existing super villians in the Spidey Movie Universe that are a constant thorn in the side, but don't/haven't gotten screen time, or even mentioned. See, to me Doc Ock didn't really die, they just aluded to his death, so we already have GG/HG, Lizard, and Doc Ock, they could easily throw in Sandman, Electro, and Scorpion for example. But that would obviously be pretty heavy, and a lot for one movie.

And as much as I hate to say it (because I really really want it), I don't see Venom as a possiblity, especially not in the 3rd installment. It would most certainly take a re-write of the symbiote origin (they're certainly not going to send Spidey to outer space to fight in the Secret Wars, man could you imagine that though!!!). They did make a plausable orign re-write for the symbiote in the 90's cartoon series, and it concerned Jason Jameson (seeing that he was in the 2nd movie got me really excited to allusions of Venom in SM2, all for not though...). If Jason is around in the 3rd movie, my hopes will be revived, or maybe they'd go a completely different route with the symbiote origin, which would be fine with me, as long as we got a few scenes of Spidey in the Black Costume, and it brings on Spidey's most phsyco villian!

[Ballzo]

We will not see Venom or Carnage anytime soon. First of all you cannot have a carnage without a venom first. I do not think that venom would translate to the screen very well. I know that Spiderman is fantasy but the venom senario is way far out there. If there ever is a venom somewhere down the line it will not be John Jameson. One thing producers have kept consistant are all of the characters Identities. I really dont think they would go and mess it up like that, especially with a popular character such as venom. It just doesnt work when you do that. That is why catwoman will be such a terrible movie! Imagine the studios making a Batman movie without Bruce Wayne, it would not fly. Besides, Venom (Eddie Brock) has already been established in the first movie. I also think that there is a good chance that we may see another villain pop up in the 3rd installment just for a quick scene during the Opening sequence. I feel that Rhino would be perfect for this. It would have action and humor and it would keep the fanboys happy. So again my predictions for the villains that will show up in the next film will be Lizard, Hobgoblin, and Rhino.

[Loomis]

I also think that Vemon or Carnage might have a chance to appear in Spider-Man 2 and the character could be no other then John Jameson.
Also Green Goblin and Shocker would be great characters for the third film.

I think Sam Raimi has stated that he won't be doing a Venom story, despite stropng rumours to the contrary. However, that could all change closer to the (possibly 2007?) release date of S3.

Besides, I think Venom is possibly one of the most overrated Spidey foes of all time. I would personally rather see the existing universe built upon - so a Harry/Dr Connors story would work quite well. The recent MTV animated series - which ties into the film continuity - did great jobs on the Lizard, Electro and Kraven the Hunter. Any of these could work quite well.

At any rate, if Sony plays their cards right, they could have a franchise that would rival the best of them.

[WOLFie]

Spider-Man 2 was indeed a great movie and much better than the first I think. I like that they fixed up the special effects a bit and it does not look so computer generated and generic like before. But most of all I liked that they focused on a story instead of action, action, action and oh yeah a lttle story. Great movie.

[AwallaceUNC]

Possible Spoilers:

I absolutely loved the movie. I was reminded of the Batman movies, as this movie did a much better job than the first at making the characters sympathetic. The villain wasn't clearly evil, and the protagonist had to wrestle with conflicts over his tragic flaw. The family line returned, accompanied by an increasingly complicated and heart-heavy romance line. All this tied together to provide the film with a lot empathy and heart, moreso even than the first. The action, of course, was incredible, but that goes without saying at this point.

Kram, I've been thinking that all week- what WAS that girl's point? Maybe to temporarily throw off the viewer that MJ wasn't 'the one'? Seems a little random. Maybe she was a a story tangent that was abandoned in the final cut, and we'll be able to make sense of her when the DVD comes out. Or maybe the director wanted to put in his neighbor's best friend's boss' niece.

I also didn't really get the whole "my hands stopped working... sometimes" thing.

Anyways, fantastic movie! The opening sequence was incredible as well. As for the next villain? I never read Spider-Man (I was all about Batman and some Super Man), so I have no idea. I did read the comic strip in the paper sometimes, but you don't get much from that. The close of the movie sure looked like it was indicating Harry to me, though.

-Aaron

[charger41]

Spiderman 2 was a pretty good movie. It was a lot better than the first movie (but I still liked the first movie) because it had much more action.

One of the coolest scenes that I thought were good was when Harry walks and sees his dad in the doorway. Then after he approaches him he sees all of the green Goblin equipment in front of him. Overall I thought it was a good movie.

[Loomis]

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=12534

3 Different Editions on 30th November 2004:

1. Spider-Man 2 Two-Disc DVD

2. Spider-Man 2 SUPERBIT DVD (i.e. pointless)

3. Spider-Man 2 Giftset

There will also be a Twin Pack containing both Spidey 1 & 2.

I'm quite pleased to see there is a Gift Set coming, albeit a little pricey for what you actually get.

[Luke]

I regret not getting to see this in theaters, but I didn't see the first one in theaters either. If I get any of these, and I probably will at some point, it will be choice #1.

[Disneykid]

This release sounds a bit better than the previous one's. Although I'd love to get this ASAP, there's just too many releases coming out in the fall that I want to get, so Spidey will have to wait till Christmas. I wonder why Dashboard Confessional's "Vindicated" music video isn't on here since that's technically the movie's official theme song.

[MickeyMousePal]

I'll be getting Spider-Man 2 Two-Disc DVD. I can't wait till November because this movie was way better then the original movie and also I want to see it again and again.

One more thing who doesn't like Spider-Man?

[DisneyGirl]

I just came from the theaters...and having just saw Spiderman 2, I must say, I'll be getting it when it comes out on DVD (the first Spiderman DVD I got as a free gift when I bought my mom her DVD player). I'm not a fan of the movies, but I thought that the second one was better than the first. So I'll probably be getting it when it's released (the regular 2 disc set that is).

[Jack]

I'll be picking up #1. Too many others DVDs coming out to splurge on the gift set.

[yoda_four]

Ill prob just get the 2-disc set. Nice to see they've included some good bonus features this time. Hopefully the video on the regular set wont be intentionally crappy, so as to make the SB better. If I had picked up the first movie's gift set, I'd prob get this ones as well, but there's too much to buy this season as it is!

But, dont forget, that there's also a Spider-Man 2.5 (as HTF calls it. aka: a Director's Cut), with a newly 2-minute inserted scene with JJ. That'll prob be another SB plus included in the Deluxe Edition to coincide with Spider-Man 3; but by that time, the first two movies and all their different versions will all have to be rereleased on Blu-Ray..... Jeez, I've got a headache now.

[Jake Lipson]

I regret not getting to see this in theaters, but I didn't see the first one in theaters either. If I get any of these, and I probably will at some point, it will be choice #1.

It's still in (enough) theaters for you to check out. Also, it is currently playing in IMAX. So, if you want to see it, it's there -- and it really is a theaer movie, not to mention the best movie of the year (so far.) I've seen it more times in theaters than any other movie, and I'm going back again for IMAX.

Actulally, technically, there will be 6 (!) different configurations on DVD:
- Widescreen SE
- Fullscreen SE
- Collector's Gift Set
- Superbit
- 2-pack featuring widescreen SEs of both Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2
- 2-pack featuring fullscreen SEs of both Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2

And then there's also Spider-Man 2.5 double dip coming later with an unnessesary extended cut, says Raimi.

Personally I'm very suprised that Sony isn't holding the Superbit back for release later as well, so as to force us all to double dip. As it is, even though they're holding back 2.5, it's good to see them giving us the choice up front, cause they're being a little more honest. Still, to the average consumer the excessive ammount of versions from the get-go might be a bit confusing and could (potentially) hurt sales because of the confusion over which one to get. Last time, it was easy - widescreen or full screen is (generally) an easy choice, and those who were really obsessed could go with the gift set. But now with even more choices than those, I don't know. Still, it will be one of, if not THE, best-selling DVDs of all time, so the few sales they may lose to confusion won't matter, and those who really want it will gladly be confused for a little while if it means finding the right version for them.

Me personally? If I have the money I'm going to splurge on the gift set; otherwise, 2-disc widescreen for me. Might be interested in the Superbit at some point too, but not immidately.

[DisneyChris]

Hi folks, seems like Hong Kong is getting discs earlier again, this time the summer blockbuster Spider-Man 2. The R3 set looks great. It's got a golden, shiny slipcover, and the disc art is excellent. Here if you add HK$30 (about US$3. you can also get a round, soft Spidey seat.

Now, off to the disc itself...

My Grades: Picture B+ / Audio A- / Extras A-

Spider-Man 2 looks terrific here. The image is sharp and clear, free of any dust or speckles. Colors are rich and natural. One fault, though: some shots look a bit grainy and slightly blurred.

As for the 5.1 surround sound, it was absolutely splendid. Dialogue is crisp and clear, and the sound effects were spectacular. It made good use of the back speakers. A very engaging soundtrack.

The extras are a joy to watch. There is a documentary called "Making the Amazing", which you can choose to watch selected segments or play all. Not as good as Aladdin's documentary, but still very engaging and interesting. The gallery, featurettes and angle features were good, too, but you simply can't miss the 2 Easter Eggs. The first egg can be found at the first menu of the "Making the Amazing" documentary; highlight Doc Ock's right tentacle to view a funny piece where guest Willem Dafoe pretends to be the Doc. The second one is a bit short but charming, where the Doc sings "If I Were A Rich Man" with his tentacles moving to the beat. It can be found when you highlight the top of Spidey's head in the "Gallery" menu.

The main menus of both discs are animated pretty well, especially on Disc 2 where Spidey and the Doc fight while sweeping through scenes from the movie.

Overall, a very good set. Deserves a high recommendation.

[Luke]

Thanks for the review, Chris. I meant to see this one in theaters, as I really liked the first one. As it turns out, I haven't seen either one in theaters now, which seems to put me in the minority of moviegoers.

[DisneyChris]

Here is an image from another site of how the set looks (without the slipcover):
http://www.avbuzz.com/new_home/w/200411 ... II/099.jpg

[Disneykid]

Thanks for the review, Chris! Is this set better than the one for the original film? I felt the DVD for the first one was rather fluffy because there weren't enough made-for-DVD features. I actually learned more about the comic book after going through the supplements than about the film's actual production. How long is "Making the Amazing"? Also, is the Dashboard Confessional music video "Vindicated" on the DVD? It wasn't listed in the press release which I found odd. The original DVD had both of its music videos, so I don't see why the sequel shouldn't, either. Thanks again!

[DisneyChris]

Thanks for the review, Chris! Is this set better than the one for the original film? I felt the DVD for the first one was rather fluffy because there weren't enough made-for-DVD features. I actually learned more about the comic book after going through the supplements than about the film's actual production. How long is "Making the Amazing"? Also, is the Dashboard Confessional music video "Vindicated" on the DVD? It wasn't listed in the press release which I found odd. The original DVD had both of its music videos, so I don't see why the sequel shouldn't, either. Thanks again!

This set is definitely better than the first film's set. I mean, it doesn't include a lot of stuff like Snow White, but "Making the Amazing" is more than enough, IMHO. It runs for a whopping 2 hours and 6 minutes, so you can imagine how much it covers. The Dashboard Confessional music video "Vindicated" which you said of doesn't seem to be present, though.

[Disneykid]

Although disappointed to hear that the music video isn't there, I'm impressed that the "making of" is 2 hours long. I really look forward to this release. Thanks for the info, Chris.