Spider Man Released On DVD and VHS Nov. 1st 2002

July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, November 1, audiences will get caught in the web as Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment (CTHE) releases the blockbuster box-office hit "Spider-Man"(TM) in its highly anticipated debut on DVD and VHS. The film, which to date has earned $700 million worldwide, $400 million in domestic release, is on track to become the third-highest grossing movie of all time in first release. The blockbuster mega-hit that propelled box office records to dizzying new heights will now capture audiences nationwide with a two-disc DVD set. Creating an extraordinary home entertainment event, "Spider-Man" (available in wide and full screen editions on DVD) features an exclusive web of innovative interactive elements loaded with special never-before-revealed "Spider-Man" factoids and a first look at comic book-to-film comparisons. Also releasing day and date will be a specially-packaged limited-edition Collector's DVD Gift Set, loaded with extra features for the ultimate home viewing experience.

Starring Tobey Maguire ("Wonder Boys," "The Cider House Rules"), Willem Dafoe ("Shadow of the Vampire," "The English Patient") and Kirsten Dunst ("Bring It On," "Jumanji," "Crazy/Beautiful"), the year's hottest film was directed by dedicated "Spider-Man" fan Sam Raimi ("A Simple Plan," "The Gift") and produced by the one-two punch of Laura Ziskin ("As Good As It Gets," "To Die For") and Ian Bryce ("Saving Private Ryan," "Almost Famous").

Benjamin S. Feingold, President, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment and Sony Pictures' Digital Studios Division, today announced that the summer's biggest theatrical sensation will swing into homes to kick off a blockbuster fourth quarter for CTHE. "We are thrilled to bring the biggest film of the year to people's homes in time for the holidays," said Feingold. "We have taken great care to ensure that the features on the "Spider-Man" DVD and VHS will provide even more excitement than audiences experienced in the theatre by further immersing consumers in Spider-Man's world." Feingold continues, "'Spider-Man' is one of the most beloved superheroes in the world and now consumers can learn even more through some of the DVD features such as an exclusive comic-to-feature comparison, a historical documentary on the character and never-before-revealed factoids."

DVD ADDED VALUE
Loaded with compelling value-added features that will lure consumers to their screens, the two-disc "Spider-Man" DVD set (available in wide and full screen editions) has the elements to be catapulted to the top of the charts during the holiday season and beyond. Consumers will readily recognize the widescreen special edition packaging, which will feature "Spider-Man" scaling the side of a skyscraper; and the full screen special edition packaging, which will feature "Spider-Man" crouching over a skyline. Also available day and date will be a specially-packaged limited-edition Collector's DVD Gift Set featuring the widescreen special edition "Spider-Man" DVD and loaded with extras including a reprint of Marvel Comic's "Amazing Fantasy" #15 in which "Spider-Man" was created; an exclusive collectible drawing by former "Spider-Man" artist John Romita, Sr. and current "Spider-Man" artist John Romita, Jr.; a collectible numbered film cel from the movie; and more.

With a star powered cast headed by Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe and Kirsten Dunst; John Dykstra's cutting edge special effects; a popular soundtrack with music by Aerosmith, Macy Gray, Sum 41 and Danny Elfman; and box office punch, there is no escaping the web of home entertainment fun that "Spider-Man" will spin.

DISC ONE
-- Audio: English & French 5.1 (Dolby Digital)
-- Subtitles: English, French & Spanish
-- Subtitled Factoids "Weaving the Web": Pop-On Production Notes & Historical Facts
-- Commentary: Sam Raimi (director), Laura Ziskin (producer), Kirsten Dunst & Grant Curtis (co-producer)
-- SFX Commentary: John Dykstra (special effects designer) & Visual Effects Crew
-- Branching Web-i-sodes (access via Spider-Sense)
-- Marketing Campaigns: Trailers & TV Spots
-- Filmographies & Character Files
-- Music Videos: Chad Kroeger featuring Josey Scott, "Hero" & Sum 41, "What We're All About"
-- DVD-ROM: Comic/Feature Comparison; Record Your Own Commentary; Countdown to "Spider-Man 2"; Weblinks

DISC TWO
-- HBO Making of "Spider-Man"
-- "Spider-Mania": an E! Entertainment Special
-- Director Profile: Sam Raimi
-- Composer Profile: Danny Elfman
-- Screen Tests: Tobey Maguire, J.K. Simmons & CGI Spider-Man
-- Costume and Makeup Tests
-- Gag/Outtake Reel
-- Conceptual Art & Production Design Gallery
-- Historical Documentary -- "Spider-Man:" The Mythology of the 21st Century
-- The "Spider-Man" Comic Book Archives
-- Rogues Gallery
-- The Loves of Peter Parker
-- Comic Book Artist Pin-Up Gallery
-- Activision Game: Hints & Tips
-- DVD-ROM: Activision Game (two playable levels for PC); three exclusive Marvel dot.comics ("Spider-Man:" Blue #1, Black Cat #1, & Peter Parker: Return of the Goblin); "Spider-Man:" Visualizer

SUPERHERO-SIZED MARKETING AND PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT
With additional domestic partners and licensees to come, CTHE weaves a superhero-sized roster of promotional partners including Cingular Wireless, Dr Pepper and Carl's Jr./Hardee's. Additionally, with more than $100 million in marketing and promotional support, "Spider-Man" features an unprecedented and aggressive media campaign for a home entertainment release. The massive campaign, including over $40 million in hard media, will unleash over 8 billion impressions.

"SPIDER-MAN"
From Columbia Pictures Presents, A Marvel Enterprises/Laura Ziskin Production, "Spider-Man" is a live-action feature of one of the world's most popular comic book superheroes. Directed by Sam Raimi, "Spider-Man" centers on student Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) who, after being bitten by a genetically-altered spider, gains superhuman strength and the spider-like ability to cling to any surface. He vows to use his abilities to fight crime, coming to understand the words of his beloved Uncle Ben: "With great power comes great responsibility."

The journey of "Spider-Man", from comic book to celluloid began in 1962 when the character first appeared in the final issue of the failing "Amazing Fantasy" comic book. It was such a hit that "Amazing Fantasy" was renamed "Amazing 'Spider-Man'" and reappeared in 1963. Since then, the web of 'not for the faint of heart' readers, fans and collectors worldwide has grown into making "Spider-Man" one of the most popular superheroes among the young, old, women and men. And now, 40 years later, with great power and great responsibility, the tale of "Spider-Man" jumps from the screen into the home on DVD and VHS for the whole family to enjoy.