OTHER TECH

5 Spider-Man 2 (Superbit, Sony)

The Picture While Spider-Man 2 deservedly won an Oscar for Visual Effects, the image quality is nothing exceptional. The picture on the standard DVD often seems slightly washed out, like it was in movie theaters. But on a big screen, Sony's Superbit version has a vividness that notches up the now-famous clashes between Doc Ock and Spidey. The Sound The movie got Oscar nominations for Sound and Sound Editing, no doubt because of the high-voltage action scenes, which contain myriad small sonic details placed convincingly in an equally dynamic surround mix. The Killer Demo Chapter 42, "The Train." The editing of action, sound, and music kicks what could have been just another "fight atop a moving vehicle" sequence into high gear. And don't forget Chapter 39's "car thrown through a window" scene. Standout Extra Because the Superbit version uses all the disc space for video and sound, there aren't any extras.

You're in for a great ride, on or off the train. - David Ranada