DVD Review: Spectacular Spider-Man Volume 4
Sony, Marvel series created by Victor Cook, Greg Weisman
Apr 16, 2009
In the wake of the successful live-action Spider-Man franchise from director Sam Raimi (even the much-reviled third installment made $890 million worldwide), it was no surprise that Stan Lee, Marvel and Sony would try to make another animated television series based on the classic cartoon character.
The actual surprise is how well show producers Victor Cook and Greg Weisman translated the goofy but action-packed feel of the films onto the small screen. Aimed at a younger audience than the Sam Raimi films, The Spectacular Spider-Man is the best televised version of the Marvel character yet.
Marvel, Sony Pictures Television Produce The Spectacular Spider-Man
The first season showed high school senior Peter Parker coming to terms with his new super powers, and taking on a plethora of villains, many of whom get their origin tales in this film. The Volume 4 DVD follows the classic Symbiote story arc which introduced Venom, arguably Spidey's greatest villain.
- "Persona": After an alien life form is found, Spider-Man stops Black Cat from stealing the animated goo. During the struggle, the symbiote bonds with Spider-Man, enhancing his powers and turning his costume black. He and Black Cat team up to foil another robber who is impersonating Spider-Man.
- "Group Therapy": A group of super villains, including Dr. Octopus, Electro, Vulture, Sandman and Rhino, break out of jail with the express purpose of taking down the symbiote-enhanced Spider-Man.
- "Intervention": Peter Parker realizes that the symbiote is slowly changing his personality, transforming him into someone he doesn't want to be.
- "Nature vs. Nurture": The symbiote has bonded with Eddie Brock, a former friend of Peter's. Eddie then puts into motion a plan to destroy the woman Peter truly loves.
Show creators Victor Cook and Greg Weisman have batted one out of the park with this series. The animation is crisp and clean, and the stories are compelling. One of the best decisions the creators made was not allowing themselves to be bound by what happened in the film. This allows them to put their own spin on how villains like Dr. Octopus and Venom were created.
In fact, The Spectacular Spider-Man handles the classic Symbiote/Venom storyline better than Spider-Man 3 did, mainly because the show's writers didn't have to worry about dealing with the New Goblin and Sandman storylines at the same time.
Even though this series is aimed at the kiddies, there is plenty of action to appease older fans. No blood, but Spidey's outfit certainly takes a beating.
DVD Extras
You do not need to see these DVD extras. These are not the DVD extras you are looking for. Move along.
The Final Analysis
Any animation fan or devotee of the venerable wall crawler should be going ga-ga for this television series that takes the spirit of the Sam Raimi movies to the small screen.
However, the smart consumer should hold off until Marvel and Sony get around to issuing the entire Spectacular Spider-Man Season 1 on DVD, with the associated extras. Yes, this is a freakin' awesome series, but you must learn patience, Ed Gruberman (Yeah, yeah, how long's that going to take?). Avoid this bare-bones double-dip, and save your money for the big set. The wait will be worth it.
Despite this, The Spectacular Spider-Man Volume 4 still gets an 8/10.
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