‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review – An Incredibly Fun Fan-Service Overload

Spider-Man

For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero’s identity is revealed, bringing his Super Hero responsibilities into conflict with his normal life and putting those he cares about most at risk. When he enlists Doctor Strange’s help to restore his secret, the spell tears a hole in their world, releasing the most powerful villains who’ve ever fought a Spider-Man in any universe. Now, Peter will have to overcome his greatest challenge yet, which will not only forever alter his own future but the future of the Multiverse.

For in-depth thoughts on Spider-Man: No Way Home, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here

Video Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Spider-Man: No Way Home offers a slight uptick in quality over the already spectacular accompanying Blu-Ray, making it a truly stunning effort. Without a doubt, it is an early contender for new release of the year. One of the most pleasing aspects of this 4K effort is the balance in contrast. The highlights in the film are more defined with whites more pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Elements taking place in the cover of darkness, such as the epic finale, are more vivid and finely delineated. The black levels are especially strong in this presentation, staying deep and inky with great detail. This 4K UHD presentation really delivers on all fronts including strong gains in clarity and color. 

Skin tones appear a touch more natural with healthy doses of crisp detail apparent on faces such as pores. Fine detail is also a showcase with the texture of hair finely delineated in even the most minute instances. The increased range of the color spectrum is stunning to behold. The HDR/Dolby Vision enriches the colors from already impressive to out of this world when it comes to vibrancy. Peter’s suit showcases some nice, deep red and blues that radiate off the screen, and some key villains also add splashes of color to the proceedings. You also have to smile when you see the warm hues of Doctor Strange’s portals opening up all over the place during a sequence midway through the film. The Blu-Ray is great, but Sony has delivered another demo-worthy transfer on this latest 4K release. 

Audio Quality

This 4K UHD Blu-Ray utilizes a Dolby Atmos track that gives the already-excellent 5.1 track a real kick in the behind. From the opening moments onward, the film utilizes nearly all of the surround speakers consistently during both the quieter moments and the numerous kinetic and action-oriented bits. Lookout for the implementation of the height channels that make the environment much more three-dimensional, especially when it comes to Doc Ock’s arms coming from above. The film also really satisfies when it comes to the music, and this track fills the room in a really satisfying, enveloping way. The score from Michael Giacchino is a real crowd pleaser. Dialogue is crisp and clear without ever getting lost amongst the music or sound effects. The low end effects from the subwoofer give moments big and small a momentous boost. Atmospheric sound effects are rendered appropriately within the mix so that directionality is never an issue. Spider-Man: No Way Home has been gifted with a track that is not lacking for power or nuance. You could not ask for better when it comes to home audio. 

Special Features

  • Bloopers & Gag Reel: A four-minute collection of flubbed lines, censored swearing, malfunctioning props and stunts, laughing fits and more. This is cheekily introduced by Zendaya and Jacob Batalon. 
  • Action Choreography Across The Multiverse: A six-minute featurette which mainly focuses on 2nd Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator George Cottle in which he explains the process of trying to adapt each action sequence to the character, the important safety measures that were undertaken and more insights from the cast and crew. 
  • A Spectacular Spider-Journey with Tom Holland: A six-minute piece which takes a look at Tom Holland’s journey through this initial trilogy from his first audition to this film along with insights into how the character has developed along with him. 
  • Realities Collide, Spiders Unite: An eight-minute featurette which takes a look at the momentous decision to bring these three versions of Spider-Man together, the secrecy behind the event, what went into getting these actors involved again, the different interpretations of the character and more. 
  • Graduation Day: A seven-minute look at the roles of Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, and Tony Revolori, how their characters have evolved, what they have each brought to their roles, how the franchise has changed their lives and more. 
  • Enter Strange: A five-minute piece which looks at the inclusion of Doctor Strange in this story, the dynamic he has with Peter, the performance of Benedict Cumberbatch, the production and set design and much more. 
  • Weaving Jon Watts’ Web: A seven-minute featurette which focuses on the direction of Jon Watts, what he has brought to this series, his history with the franchise and more. It’s important to note his hand in creating this world. 
  • Alternate Reality Easter Eggs: A nearly five-minute guide to some of the Easter Eggs included in the film which reference previous versions of the Spider-Man character, other MCU properties, the original comic book source material and more. 
  • A Multiverse Of Miscreants: A nearly seven-minute piece which explores the process of bringing all of the villains from the past back for this film, the dynamic they have with one another, the division between good and truly evil, the performers who bring them to life and more. 
  • A Meeting Of The Spiders – Heroes Panel: A seven-minute interview between the three iterations of Spider-Man in which Holland, Garfield and Maguire sit down to discuss working with one another, the relationship to the character and more that is a real joy to watch. 
  • The Sinister Summit – Villains Panel: Another nine-minute interview, this time between Dafoe, Molina, and Foxx which offers a lovely look at how they felt to return to the franchise, their feelings about their characters and their role in this franchise, what they gained from returning and more. 
  • The Daily Bugle: Three news bulletins totaling four minutes in which J. Jonah Jameson tears down the Spider-Menace. 
  • Stunt Scene Pre-Vis: Two videos of action scenes totaling nearly four minutes are shown in their planning stages. 
  • Theatrical Marketing Materials: This disc provides an array of brief, amusing promotional material including Tom & Jacob Lie Detector (1:58), Tom’s Press Tour (1:03) and a Georgia Promo (1:15). 
  • Previews
See also
'Dear Santa' Review - A Devilishly Funny Good Time

 

Final Thoughts

Spider-Man: No Way Home is an incredibly fun continuation of the franchise which perhaps leans a bit too heavily into fan-service, but delivers surprises and emotional moments when it counts. While the film can feel somewhat stuck in the past, it is nice to get some closure for fans who have been following the character for as long as they can remember. Tom Holland continues to nail both the Peter Parker and Spider-Man persona, and his evolution throughout this entry leaves you more excited than ever to see where this story goes next. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a tremendous A/V presentation and a nice assortment of special features. You don’t need me to convince you to own this film, but just know that this release will not let you down. Recommended 

Spider-Man: No Way Home is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.

 

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