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Hmmm, I have
very mixed feelings about Buena Vista’s
DVD release of “Spider-Man vs. Doc
Ock.” I used to love to watch the
Saturday morning Spider-Man cartoon back
in the 90’s, and that’s what
this disc is comprised of. It includes four
episodes, only three of which actually feature
Doc Ock, and it is obvious that the idea
was to release and promote in time for the
big-budget ‘Spider-Man 2.” They
have done this before, with releases timed
for other big-budget films and the problem
is that this particular series often utilized
a multi-episode story arc that went well
beyond just four episodes. This is also
the case here. The episodes are part of
a much larger storyline, and you never really
get the whole story. To make matters worse,
they are from two different seasons. It’s
still cool to watch them, but I would much
rather the powers that be release full season
sets, much like they are doing on the same
day with the 1960’s series.
Not to knock the set, there are a few extra
features that are both worthwhile and repetitive.
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The first is a bonus episode from the 1960’s
series “The Power of Dr. Octopus / Sub-Zero
for Spidey.” Of course, this is also available
on the aforementioned full series release. Then
we have Stan Lee’s Soapbox, which is always
a treat. Lee still has a tremendous amount of
exuberance when he talks about the heroes he ether
created or helped to create, and that excitement
transfers to the viewers. He also chimes in with
introductions to each episode, but you may want
to watch them after since he gives away a little
of the plot.
I’m still holding out hope that this series
will be released in full season sets, but in the
meantime they are still interesting to watch.
There are a lot of characters that show up in
these episodes besides Doc Ock, and that may well
be good enough for you. Keep your eyes peeled
for Nick Fury, Kingpin, Vulture, Scorpion, Red
Skull, and Black Cat.
Episodes:
Doctor Octopus: Armed and Dangerous
The Cat
The Black Cat
Partners
Extras: 1967 Bonus Episode “The Power of
Dr. Octopus / Sub-ZerSpidey”, Stan Lee’s
Soap Box, Five Exclusive Episode Introductions
by Stan Lee, Preview of Spider-Man: The Venom
Saga
Specifications: Full Screen,
Studio: Buena Vista
Release Date: 6/29/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website
We'll give Spider-Man vs Doc Ock an C.
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