- Commentary
- Second Screen App
- Target Exclusive Disc
- Rite of Passage: The Amazing Spider-Man Reborn
Now that Thanksgiving is only a couple days away, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas. Do you know someone who’s a big Spidey fan but can’t figure out what to get them? Look no further. If you’re interested in reading more about the The Amazing Spider-Man, check out my review of the film here. Also, click here to read my break-down of the store exclusives for the film and figure out which version of the Blu-ray would be best for you or the Spider-Man collector in your life. I decided to go with Target’s 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack with Exclusive Bonus Disc (bringing the total to 4 discs for only $24.99).
‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ Second Screen App
Use this feature to sync your tablet device with the movie and gain access to exclusive content. The app includes interviews, storyboards, alternate takes, costume tests, pre-visualization sequences and more. The app also allows you to “sling” content from your tablet to the TV. Unfortunately, the Second Screen App is only available for the iPad, Sony Tablet S, or Xperia Tablet S.
Rite of Passage: The Amazing Spider-Man Reborn
This 90 minute in-depth making-of documentary includes featurettes on development and direction, casting, costumes, post production, release, and filming on location in LA, Sony Studios, and NYC. It covers everything from the creation of Spider-Man in the 1960′s, to how filmmakers reinvented the character for the reboot, to finding the perfect Spidey. Although some of the chapters are a little drawn out and repetitive, overall the documentary gives an insightful look into the making of the film.
Commentary with Marc Webb, Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach
In my opinion, the commentary was probably the best part of all the features included in the Blu-ray. While Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach don’t say much during the commentary, director Marc Webb talks about the film making process. He touches on subjects like how filming The Amazing Spider-Man was different from filming (500) Days of Summer, finding the perfect Peter Parker, and how each location they filmed in was a different challenge. I always say that if you have the time you should watch the film with the commentary on. It’s really enjoyable for film buffs such as myself.
The Oscorp Archives – Production Art Gallery
This part of the disc gives you a look at all the concept drawings for the new Spider-Man suit, as well as concepts for The Lizard and Oscorp. Concept art is always neat to look at because it’s fascinating to see how a design evolves into what we see on screen.
Stunt Rehearsals
“Big Liz Vs Spidey” … “Davescript” … “Escape Under Bridge” … “Live Subway” …”Lizard Attacks SWAT” … “Sewer Fight” … “Spidey Luis Sequence” … “SWAT Attack: V3″
With all the CGI used today, it’s really cool when a film is able to shoot stunts and effects practically. This feature shows a few of the biggest stunts of the film and how the stunt men were able to break them down and film them on site (with minimal help from GGI.) Also, if you want to see a 7ft tall guy running around with a lizard tail, this is the feature for you.
Target Exclusive Bonus Disc – A Hero Will Rise
To me, the bonus disc wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. A good portion of the content on this disc was a repeat of what was in the “Rite of Passage” documentary.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5
After watching these bonus features, I felt like I really didn’t get as much out of them as I wanted to. It seemed to me like a lot of the features were repeating themselves. While I wasn’t fully satisfied, 4 discs for $24.99 is still a great deal.
Buy It, Rent It, or Skip It
For the Spider-Man collector out there, if you’re interested in all the bonus features go ahead and buy it. If you’re only interested in the film and really don’t care for the features, stick with the DVD. For everyone else, I would say rent it. The Amazing Spider-Man is the best Spidey film to date and is a real treat for fans young and old.
