Rating:  -
NOTE: This review is for SPIDER-MAN 2.1 Extended Cut.
I wouldn't have thought it possible, but the best superhero movie just got even better, with 8 minutes of restored footage. Sure, 8 minutes doesn't sound like much. But most of the additions are subtle--a few lines of dialogue which extend existing scenes. Most of them make sense, especially (SPOILERS AHEAD) those which evoke better understanding of/sympathy for certain characters, and a few which are strictly for laughs. In fact, it's hard to believe that what is arguably the funniest moment in the film was left on the cutting room floor. I won't spoil it, but it's a real treat for fans of J. Jonah Jameson.
I realize that the timing of this release coincides with the theatrical release of SPIDER-MAN 3. So what? Sam Raimi has made 2 (maybe 3?) of the most well-defined and purely entertaining comic book films ever. I don't mind spending a few extra bucks to support his efforts, and get to see a bit more of a film that I love.
By the way, don't sell your original copy of SPIDER-MAN 2. All the bonus materials are new to this release, so you're not getting duplicates of the film itself or the extras.
Rating:  -
Spider-Man 2.1 isn't just the original film with 8 more minutes of footage. Many of the scenes in the film have been recut, with different footage used. It's the same basic story, but with an entirely new feel. The elevator scene is longer and funnier, the action scenes are even more exciting, and there's a scene with Jonah and Spidey's suit that is priceless.
The bonus features are good, with a "Making Of", commentary, a trivia track and a preview of Spidey 3.
Recommended without hesitation for hardcore Spidey fans. Casual fans might want to rent it first.
Rating: -
8 MINUTES MAY NOT SOUND LIKE A WHOLE LOT BUT THE FILM NOW SEEMS MORE COMPLETE. THE ORIGINAL ALWAYS FELT A LITTLE CHOPPY. NOW IF THEY WOULD DO THE SAME FOR SPIDERMAN 1. MORE GREEN GOBLIN VS. SPIDEY WITH NEW CG WOULD BE AWSOME. SPIDER-MAN 2 MIGHT BE THE GREATEST SUPERHERO MOVIE OF ALL TIME (NEXT TO SUPERMAN) BUT 2.1 MAKES IT EVEN BETTER. THE ONLY REASON I GAVE 4 STARS INSTEAD OF 5 IS THE LACT OF THE ORIGINAL CUT. SOME OF THE FOOTAGE IS DIFFERENT AND IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE BOTH IN ONE PACKAGE LIKE THE NEW FF4 COMING OUT. I STRONGLY ADVISE PICKING IT UP IF YOU LOVE SUPERHERO FLICKS LIKE ME.
Rating:  -
I love hearing a voice or two pop up to defend this general SHAFT job on the consumers. It smacks so much of studio plant. How about the "you don't have to buy it" guy? You know what? More and more, we aren't. Or as another reviewer pointed out, BUY USED. As far as I know, the studios pulling these SHAFT jobs won't profit if you wait and buy second hand. Aside from calling this tactic of continual reissue by its proper name, hurt them where it hurts most, and never buy new.
Rating: -
Wal-Mart put this out a week early with an extra exclusive dvd about the villians of Spidey 3, this is movie is better than before with over 8 minutes of footage added to it. It was only $12. I highly recomend getting this!!
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