This is exactly why Amazon needs to make a deal with Buena Vista Home Entertainment. This is one of my favorite cartoons as a child, and this dvd only has a handfull of episodes. WE NEED FULL SEASON BOXSETS OF THIS SHOW AMAZON, PLEASE! Buena Vista Home Entertainment has the rights to this show, and they simply refuse to release it on Season boxsets. You did a good job by getting Nickelodeon shows, please try to make a deal with them. I know that it would sell.

It's cool that they put these out, seeing as how THEY HAVEN'T DONE SEASON BOXES YET?? But, 4 episodes for this price and they think this is an Ultimate Villian Showdown?? I don't think so. Just rent it and burn a copy.

As this DVD is directed at what Disney aka BVHE feels is its target audience i.e. kids under 14 and above 3, I cannot fathom the negative responses from adults who lament that just because we don't have full season releases that this DVD therefore sucks. I think the phrase "grow up" comes to mind; although the cartoons here may appeal to a larger, older audience, these are after all cartoons and are aimed at the target audience mentioned earlier. Box sets are clearly out of the financial reach of these young-ins and so for their sake, thankfully we have relatively inexpensive offerings like this one.

Given this, this is actually a very good DVD as it has very strong bonus extras which would appeal to any young fan. The 1967 classic: "The Origins of Spider-Man" although severely dated and poorly preserved is a great collectors' item and allows the young viewer a peak into what animated television was like in the late 60s. Although, the enjoyment level is limited by the old technology, the educational level ranks as very high.

We also get great introductions to each episode by none other than the genius, Stan Lee, himself, the creator of most of the characters showcased on this disc. This in itself is a collectors' item as given his advanced age, it's doubtful fans will be treated to many more candid conversations/interviews with Mr. Marvel himself. "Stan Lee's Soapbox" is a brilliant interview in which the man covers many aspects of the character he created and more importantly, his own world view giving us a glimpse of what makes the man tick, what motivates him etc.

We also get a fun extra for younger viewers in the treasure hunt-like feature of "Rogues' Dossiers" where the viewer gets to play "hide-and-seek" as it were to learn more about Spidey's arch-nemeses. The only hangup I have with this is that they only stopped at 12 villains which means the great Lizard does not feature among other great villains that Spidey has had to face over the years.

The 4 episodes themselves have also been very well chosen:

"Make a Wish" is the modern version of the 1967 classic which re-tells Spidey's origins in flashback form as he relates the story to a young girl at the age of the average target viewer.

"Attack of the Octobot" features Doc Ock and allows for further association of said target viewer by allowing the young girl to assist Spidey on defeating his foe.

"Enter the Green Goblin" is the best episode here and showcases probably the best villain Spidey has ever faced.

"Rocket Racer" again allows for association with the viewer but this time in the older age group of said target audience who also plays a significant part in Spidey's adventure.

Overall, this is a great DVD to have for young Spidey fans and Stan Lee's preaching is very evident here in both obvious and subtle/subliminal forms although never in nauseating excess.

Kids are unlikely to finish watching this DVD without at least remembering the adage: "With great power comes great responsibility" In conclusion and to quote another gem from Stan the Man, "Excelsior!"

....the grand-kid (now 3) is into super-heroes ever since the Spiderman movies and The Incredibles DVD. And he also gets excited whenever he sees The Batman. I stumbled across this when I was looking for something a little more mature than his regular Sesame Street type videos (which he still loves, but this gives him a variety). While it has Spiderman's origin story told again (to a little girl who is Webhead's greatest fan) and some 'only in New York' scenarios such as the female jamaican cabby who comes to the aid of the Webhead, the grand kid still is a bit frightened at the Green Goblin. He calls the Goblin "Monster" and edges near his paw-paw for protection. Overall, the web swinging and the sticking on the walls alone are enough to keep him into it. This may be a better show for him when he gets older...but hey! For all other Spiderman fans, this is a great video of the 80's series that adequately touch all the bases. Additionally Stan the Man Lee shows up in the extras. That's gotta be Webhead gold..

This DVD is really sweet for Spider-fans! It has four episodes from the third season of SpiderMan. The bonus materials are a 1967 ep of the old series(REALLY funny), a rogues galleries profile, and a speech by Stan Lee. The Four eps star a two-parter with Spider-Man's biggest fan and Doc Ock, The Green Goblin, and The Rocket Racer. It's great