“Spider-Man 2”
Sony, $29.96
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WHO’S IN IT: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina
RECAP: One of the most somber action sequels in recent memory, “Spider-Man 2,” like its predecessor, is the rare big-budget spectacle where the special effects sometimes get in the way of the story.
BEST EXTRA: “Making the Amazing,” a hefty multi-part making-of doc that covers the whole film from start to finish in two hours.
SECRETS REVEALED: Director Sam Raimi insisted on using puppets for some of the Spider-Man swinging effects, much to the chagrin of the CGI masters.
FEATURE TO SKIP: The commentary by Raimi, the producers and, most of all, dullard Maguire.
TRIVIA: One of the screenwriters is Alvin Sargent, who wrote the suburban melodrama “Ordinary People,” and another writer is the acclaimed, comics-friendly novelist Michael Chabon.
IF YOU LIKED THIS, TRY: “The Incredibles,” an equally angsty take on the demands of superherodom.
RATING: 3 REMOTES
“Happy Gilmore”/ “Billy Madison” Collection
Universal, $29.98
WHO’S IN IT: Adam Sandler, Bridgette Wilson, Carl Weathers
RECAP: Back before Sandler demonstrated the difference between dumb and stupid, these two early explorations of comedic rage remain his cinematic high points (subsequent stabs at drama aside).
BEST EXTRA: Finally, “Happy Gilmore” in widescreen. What took so long?
SECRETS REVEALED: The “Happy” set includes deleted scenes from an undeveloped subplot about Happy’s hobo caddy, Otto.
FEATURE TO SKIP: Tamra Davis’ “Billy Madison” commentary is fine but ultimately pretty by the book.
TRIVIA: The kickball scene from “Billy Madison” didn’t make it to the theatrical version. But since it’s been a hit on TV screenings, it’s an extra on DVD.
IF YOU LIKED THIS, TRY: “Punch-Drunk Love,” a strange and oddly haunting showcase for Sandler’s particular talents.
RATING: 2 REMOTES
COMING SOON
In stores next week:
– “24–Season Three”
– “The Bourne Supremacy” (widescreen)
– “Dodgeball–A True Underdog Story”
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale ([email protected]) and Kris Karnopp ([email protected])