Spider-Man - The Ultimate Villain Showdown (Animated Series)

Director: Bob Richardson
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Spider-Man takes on Dr. Octopus, the Kingpin, and the Green Goblin, and takes us on a flashback trip to his origins for good measure, in this four-episode arc from the third season of the 1990s animated series. These web-slinging moral tales have none of Batman's sleek style, and the breathless pacing doesn't quite make up for the awkward animation and pedestrian writing, but the episodes are bright, busy, and action packed. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Swing into action with America's most amazing superhero as Spider-Man faces off against arch-rival The Green Goblin and a host of his most evil foes in "The Ultimate Villain Showdown." Bitten by a radioactive spider while on a high school field trip, young Peter Parker is transformed into a human web-slinger with incredible spider strength. Now, for the first time on DVD, you can discover how the Spider-Man legend began and watch as he learns the dark origins of The Green Goblin and wages spectacular battles with supervillains Dr. Octopus and Kingpin. You'll get caught in a web of excitement with this thrilling animated adventure.

Customer Reviews:

4 Episodes?.......2007-04-04

It's cool that they put these out, seeing as how THEY HAVEN'T DONE SEASON BOXES YET?? But, 4 episodes for this price and they think this is an Ultimate Villian Showdown?? I don't think so. Just rent it and burn a copy.

Great DVD To Own if You Don't Want To Get the Entire Series!.......2006-08-13

As this DVD is directed at what Disney aka BVHE feels is its target audience i.e. kids under 14 and above 3, I cannot fathom the negative responses from adults who lament that just because we don't have full season releases that this DVD therefore sucks. I think the phrase "grow up" comes to mind; although the cartoons here may appeal to a larger, older audience, these are after all cartoons and are aimed at the target audience mentioned earlier. Box sets are clearly out of the financial reach of these young-ins and so for their sake, thankfully we have relatively inexpensive offerings like this one.

Given this, this is actually a very good DVD as it has very strong bonus extras which would appeal to any young fan. The 1967 classic: "The Origins of Spider-Man" although severely dated and poorly preserved is a great collectors' item and allows the young viewer a peak into what animated television was like in the late 60s. Although, the enjoyment level is limited by the old technology, the educational level ranks as very high.

We also get great introductions to each episode by none other than the genius, Stan Lee, himself, the creator of most of the characters showcased on this disc. This in itself is a collectors' item as given his advanced age, it's doubtful fans will be treated to many more candid conversations/interviews with Mr. Marvel himself. "Stan Lee's Soapbox" is a brilliant interview in which the man covers many aspects of the character he created and more importantly, his own world view giving us a glimpse of what makes the man tick, what motivates him etc.

We also get a fun extra for younger viewers in the treasure hunt-like feature of "Rogues' Dossiers" where the viewer gets to play "hide-and-seek" as it were to learn more about Spidey's arch-nemeses. The only hangup I have with this is that they only stopped at 12 villains which means the great Lizard does not feature among other great villains that Spidey has had to face over the years.

The 4 episodes themselves have also been very well chosen:

"Make a Wish" is the modern version of the 1967 classic which re-tells Spidey's origins in flashback form as he relates the story to a young girl at the age of the average target viewer.

"Attack of the Octobot" features Doc Ock and allows for further association of said target viewer by allowing the young girl to assist Spidey on defeating his foe.

"Enter the Green Goblin" is the best episode here and showcases probably the best villain Spidey has ever faced.

"Rocket Racer" again allows for association with the viewer but this time in the older age group of said target audience who also plays a significant part in Spidey's adventure.

Overall, this is a great DVD to have for young Spidey fans and Stan Lee's preaching is very evident here in both obvious and subtle/subliminal forms although never in nauseating excess.

Kids are unlikely to finish watching this DVD without at least remembering the adage: "With great power comes great responsibility" In conclusion and to quote another gem from Stan the Man, "Excelsior!"

Great series... so why are there no season box sets?.......2005-08-03

Spider-Man (1994-1998.)

INTRODUCTION:
In recent years, I have become a fairly big fan of the Spider-Man franchise. This is due in no small part to the success of the recent live-action films and the animated series that still get heavy rotation on some channels. One of the best Spider-Man animated series was the one that aired in the middle of the nineties Saturday mornings on FOX kids. Now, several years later after this series has been cancelled, DVDs of it have been released (no doubt to cash in on the whole movie thing reviving the series.) Read on for my reviews.

OVERVIEW:
The nineties take on an animated Spider-Man series aired from 1994-1998. This was the first animated series to focus not only on action, but rather on the same sort of three-dimensional characterization and plotlines as the comics. Unlike most Spider-Man series which are set in the present, this one is set in the not-so-distant future - identifiable by the level of technology and the fact that everyone uses laser guns rather than standard guns. The series featured over fifty episodes, most of which were mini-series components. The series aired successfully for roughly three to four years, and has since been put back into syndication on Toon Disney and ABC Family, as a part of the Jetix lineup of shows.

REVIEW:
Overall, this is probably my favorite animated Spider-Man series. It's the one I grew up watching, and it's got the best storylines and characterization, as well as ongoing storylines that only add to the overall appeal. There are some inaccuracies to the original comic stories, but to be honest, doesn't EVERY animated Spider-Man series have that same problem (for instance, in the comics, the Green Goblin came BEFORE the Hobgoblin, but in this series it's vice versa.) I was also a bit frustated by everyone using laser guns (obviously done so parents wouldn't complain.) And since when is the Kingpin a technical genius? Oh, well. Despite these little flaws here and there, this series has a LOT of redeeming value. Of all the animated takes on Spidey, the nineties series is my favorite.

DVD:
Sadly, the individual DVDs of this series are a bit weak, not to mention overpriced. They lack any real extras. Accordingly, what I recommend you do is hold off and see if they ever release box sets that have the complete seasons in them. Many TV shows are getting these kinds of releases, so hopefully one for this series is in the near future.

OVERALL:
To put it simply, good series, bad DVD release. When the hell are we gonna get this series in season box sets!? Whoever owns the rights to this series would be smart to release them soon, since the franchise's popularity is at an all-time high due to the success of the movies. Steer clear of these DVD releases unless you find them in the budget bin. Hold off until box sets come out.

Look out! Here Comes the Spider-Man..........2005-05-04

....the grand-kid (now 3) is into super-heroes ever since the Spiderman movies and The Incredibles DVD. And he also gets excited whenever he sees The Batman. I stumbled across this when I was looking for something a little more mature than his regular Sesame Street type videos (which he still loves, but this gives him a variety). While it has Spiderman's origin story told again (to a little girl who is Webhead's greatest fan) and some 'only in New York' scenarios such as the female jamaican cabby who comes to the aid of the Webhead, the grand kid still is a bit frightened at the Green Goblin. He calls the Goblin "Monster" and edges near his paw-paw for protection. Overall, the web swinging and the sticking on the walls alone are enough to keep him into it. This may be a better show for him when he gets older...but hey! For all other Spiderman fans, this is a great video of the 80's series that adequately touch all the bases. Additionally Stan the Man Lee shows up in the extras. That's gotta be Webhead gold..

DVD's damn cool!.......2003-07-08

This DVD is really sweet for Spider-fans! It has four episodes from the third season of SpiderMan. The bonus materials are a 1967 ep of the old series(REALLY funny), a rogues galleries profile, and a speech by Stan Lee. The Four eps star a two-parter with Spider-Man's biggest fan and Doc Ock, The Green Goblin, and The Rocket Racer. It's great

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