We previously reviewed Spiderman: No Way Home during its theatrical release. This review will focus primarily on the Ultra HD 4K release.
Leading up to the film’s theatrical debut in December, the major twist in the third act was carefully guarded. While the details are now widely known, those who have managed to avoid spoilers should skip the next paragraph to preserve the viewing experience.
The return of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield in their Spider-Man roles is a significant achievement for fans. The filmmakers have treated each character with respect, allowing their unique Spider-Man characteristics to shine. While I was not initially a strong advocate for Garfield’s portrayal of Spider-Man, this film has piqued my interest in seeing a third installment within his universe. Similarly, Maguire, whose trilogy concluded with a less celebrated entry, finds redemption in Spider-man: No Way Home. Subtle hints offer glimpses into their respective futures. Their presence throughout the final hour of the film is a definite highlight. These are not mere cameos, but rather substantial supporting roles. The interactions with their former adversaries are captivating, and the collaborative efforts of all three Spider-Men are genuinely delightful.
Having seen Spider-man: No Way Home twice in theaters, and now a third time in UHD 4K, I can confirm that the film maintains its quality with each viewing. The film’s pacing is remarkably effective, and despite a runtime of two and a half hours, it remains engaging throughout. As mentioned in my original cinema review, the climax felt like a pure “nerdgasm,” however, I should clarify that this applies to the final hour, which felt remarkably concise.
This UHD release features Dolby Vision HDR and presents the picture in 4K resolution. The darker scenes, showcasing the city and its illuminated windows, exhibit a notable sense of depth. Artifacts like bleeding are absent, and the image remains stable even during rapid panning shots. The climactic battle at the Statue of Liberty offers some of the most visually impressive sequences in Ultra HD, revealing a wealth of intricate details. The Dolby Atmos sound design is immersive, with a balanced mix between dialogue and action. Adjustments to volume levels are unnecessary, even during intimate dialogue scenes, exemplified by the film’s most emotionally resonant moment preceding the third act.
The UHD release includes a variety of extras, such as blooper reels and documentaries, alongside interviews with the cast. While the documentaries offer insights, they occasionally lean towards excessive mutual praise, potentially diminishing their informative value. However, segments detailing fight choreography and the filmmakers’ efforts to maintain secrecy are particularly insightful.
Spider-man: No Way Home remains a standout Marvel film, setting a high bar for director Sam Raimi with the upcoming MCU installment, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. Surpassing Spider-man: No Way Home will be a significant challenge. While fan service is appreciated, ensuring that characters have meaningful roles beyond mere cameos is crucial. I anticipate the next Marvel film with considerable interest, as they have established a challenging standard. This edition of the film is undoubtedly a must-have for any serious collector.
SF Studios provided review copies for this evaluation. Editorial independence is maintained; distributors have no influence on our analyses, which prioritize the interests of our readers and consumers.
