In 2018, the bar was set for what animating a comic book could look like with Into the Spider-Verse, with Across the Spider-Verse, we are getting a closer look at its full potential.

There is so much artistic license on display that it’s dizzying trying to catch all the flourishes, it could be an onomatopoeia displayed in the language of the Spider-Person, or the watercolors of Spider-Gwen’s Earth blending together in the background to enhance the current state of her mind. There’s so much to look at that, and the fact that it’s equally engrossing characters get such care and attention is what drives these films. While scouring the additional behind-the-scenes material for the home release, you begin to understand the level of perfection that was achieved by artist at the top of their field. The collaboration with writers and artists who have written Spider-Man comics is a masterstroke, there is a clear connection to the emotional core of the film, further enhanced by the artistry.

On top of the talent behind making the images come to life, is a stand-out voice cast that is just as inspired. With the big studio animation films, there is a trend of hiring famous actors and it just doesn’t feel right, I’m looking at you “Bee Movie”, and finding the right voice can make or break the character.  Shameik Moore reprises his role as well as Jake Johnson and Hailee Steinfeld, the lead trio feel very comfortable in their roles and give great performances. The MVPs are Tyree Henry and Luna Lauren Valez as Miles Morales’s parents bringing laughter and heart, often at the same time.

There is nothing new about a hero coming into his own and discovering their worth. Where Spider-Verse succeeds, is framing that dilemma in such a creative way, fans of Spider-Man will know the famous “Great Power” speech, and they will understand the dynamics of the character, there is a built-in fan base. The creators are toying this with those expectations and framing them in such a way, that as a fan of the character, it’s irresistible.

Clever, thoughtful, and absolutely gorgeous, “Across the Spider-Verse” is a sequel that is equally as ambitious and groundbreaking as its predecessor, one can only count the days until we are treated with the next installment.

5 out of 5

If you are a fan of physical media and you like to get a peek behind the scenes, there are over 90 minutes of extras. From interviews with the cast and crew to a detailed look into what it took to bring this to the screen. It is well worth the price to dig into the bonus material.

BONUS MATERIALS

4K UHD, BLU-RAY™, AND DIGITAL

• Blu-ray™, 4K UHD and Digital Exclusives:
  • Obscure Spiders and Easter EggsDeleted Scene: Miguel Calling“I’mma Do My Own Thing” Interdimensional DestinyAcross the Worlds: Designing New DimensionsDesigning Spiders and SpotsScratches, Score and The Music of the MultiverseEscape from Spider-SocietyAcross the Comics-VerseLyric Videos
  • Filmmaker Commentary
• Also Includes:
  • Creating the Ultimate Spider-Man Movie
  • Raising a Hero
  • Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Cast

 
DVD

• Creating the Ultimate Spider-Man Movie
• Raising a Hero
• Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Cast

AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL AUGUST 8
AND ON 4K UHD & BLU-RAY™ SEPTEMBER 5