The adventure continues, and this time is rising to its highest peak. Peter Parker would have to deal with his biggest challenge ever; it is not about the villains now, in volume 4 it is all about the hero. The Spectacular Spiderman Volume Four shows us one of the best sagas in the Spiderman universe, The Venom saga. It has been beautifully adapted to this new version without leaving or damaged any aspect of the original story, and adding an extra touch with makes it somehow original. The four episodes on this DVD might not have as much action as the previous ones and it does not offer as many newer characters as the previous two sets; however, the ones that are presented and the old ones returning are just enough to keep the fans of Spiderman entertained for a good 92 minutes.

Each episode in volume four gives us an important part of Spiderman’s life, in the first episode we are introduced to one of the most conflicted enemies/friends of the arachnid. The Black Cat makes its appearance and begins to bemused the wall crawler’s head; also a new enemy the Chameleon makes his appearance in this episode, affecting the hero’s image and reputation. Episode two and three although does not offer any new character is one of the most exciting since the Sinister Six are Assemble, this time they are commanded by no other than DR Octopus, the episode offers a lot of fun, since we see the hero struggle against this dreadful group of villains. It will take all Spiderman has plus some extra help to defeat them and safe someone really precious to him. The last two episodes are the icing on the cake, since one of the most deadly enemies emerges: Venom. It is him who test not only our hero’s special abilities but also his human side.

I was wondering how the Venom saga was going to be depicted in this series, I got to say that I am satisfied with the results. The story was well thought and depicted, the alterations did not damaged at all the comic book’s version, if anything I think this version was much better than the movie. The new characters are well drawn and acted for this type of series, Venom specially did not look as childish as many other foes, and his voice was also very good. In volume IV we still get as many action and humor in this episodes as the previous ones, but what I enjoy the most was the ability of the writers to show Peter’s struggle, not only with the enemies but also with himself and friends, also his final decision is excellently depicted; in this episodes we get to feel more the human side struggle that this comic has gotten used to show us.

The bad thing about the DVD is the same as the previous ones, some characters appearance are far away from the classical profile to the point that they might disappoint the fans, like chameleon, DR octopus, and Black Cat. However, the story helps a lot to avoid being annoyed by their look, also the final battle against Venom although original and fresh was kind of disappointing. The animation was excellent and the sound is also very good like the previous sets. The episodes continue to develop nicely with the right amount of time given for the resolution unlike the episodes from the first volume which endings were hastily rushed. The Spectacular Spiderman has become one of my favorite animated series, let us hopes that future episodes continue with the same intensity or with more, this DVD for collectors of the series is a most have, and if you are not collecting it at least watch it you would need the previous ones to understand and follow it. I recommend this volume to every fan of the wall crawler and hero series in general, it does not matter if you are a kid or an adult just leave it to Spiderman to give us lots of action, some drama (Not much) lots of laughs and a great time.

Film Review By Milo

Release Date: April 28, 2009

DVD DETAILS
OWN DVD

There is not a doubt that the Star Wars saga is one of the most successful franchises there is in history. The movies have been around for about three decades and they still gives you the same trill as when they were first released. Lucas’ creation has inspired countless novels, comic books, and movies. In 2003 there was an attempt to create new fans Lucas entertainment launched the first volume of Star Wars Clone Wars, an animated series that consisted of about 25 episodes, and it was set between the second and third. This show has great stories however its animation was not the best there was at the time. In 2008, the seventh theatrical feature of the series was released, Star Wars Clone Wars: A Galaxy Divided which was a much better effort from Lucas, however the film had mixed reactions, since it was more kid oriented, and looked more like a long TV episode rather than a movie. Nonetheless the story was convincing enough to entertained fans and leaving them expecting for more. Luckily, for Star Wars fans a continuation of the series was released in Cartoon Network, it followed a similar format (3D CGI), but with better more elaborate stories without rushing the plot, the first season consisted of 22 episodes that run from October 3 2008 to March 20 2009 becoming one of the most successful animated series in TV. Of course the jump to DVD was inevitable for the Series where fans around the world were waiting to add to their collection. It is a shame that Warner Brothers got greedy, instead of releasing a nice collection set for all fans to enjoy (which will be coming in the future), they decided to release a single DVD with the first 4 episodes of the series, leaving them more Frustrated than happy.

Do not get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with the material presented in the DVD, each episode is full of action and excitement. It opens with a great episode where we get to see the best Jedi fight. Yeah Yoda’s episode was the perfect hook, seeing him in action is just a treat that any Star War fan hardly can resist. The other episodes are also intriguing and amusing since all of them have little details that tight them to the movies, but at the same time each episode is original and persuasive to a new fan. The characters like in all the Star Wars movies are imaginative and well depicted, even their expressions and actions are consistent with the movies, books and comic books. Specially the depiction of Anakin where the audience can witness his changed through his actions, and General Grievous which design and representation added a plus to the film. I have to say that the writers, animators, voice actors, and even the sound got an A+ in this series. It is amazing how ingenious the writers were to keep these stories as detailed and consistent as possible to the movies, and the episodes from the previous series, the only complain I have from the series is just the beginning of each episode, since the narrator‘s voice and its script seem kind of cheesy and annoying, it would have been nicer if they began (not all the episodes but the ones that star a new adventure) like the movies usually do.

Since this is a DVD Review, I do have things to complain about This issue, first of all no special features, the DVD is too plain it does not seem that the marketing crew target this for an already establish fan based, but to regular little kids, whom I think after watching the episodes would go to download the rest from the internet. This make this CD unappealing to any collector or hard core fan. There is no doubt that a ultimate edition set for fans is coming in the future, so as an advise : if you have not yet heard from Star Wars this is a great DVD to get hooked in one of the most incredible stories there is, but if you are already a hardcore Star Wars fan, skip this one and wait for the complete Season.

Review By Milo

Release Date: March 24, 2009

DVD DETAILS
OWN DVD