Why You Can Trust CNET Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 4K Blu-ray looks and sounds fantastic
Both standard Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray versions of the Academy Award-winning animated film, set to ship next week, are instant must-own classics.
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While there might have been a little controversy over Green Book winning the Oscar for Best Picture a few weeks back, there was little debate about Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse picking up an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Now the movie, already available to on digital streaming, heads to home theaters with the standard Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray available to own starting Tuesday, March 19.
Both versions look and sound great, but the more expensive 4K version is a little more visually impressive for those who have the appropriate gear -- namely a 4K Blu-ray player and 4K HDR TV (there is also a Dolby Atmos surround mix if you have an Atmos set up).
Not only does the film put a completely new spin on the Spider-Man franchise, but it has a unique look that's inspired by the graphic style of actual comic books -- right down to the half-tone dots and multi-panel images. Not much is lost with the Blu-ray version, but watching the 4K HDR version on my OLED TV played through an Xbox One S, everything seemed slightly enhanced. Color saturation and overall detail look better, and those half-tone dots are subtly more apparent.
As far as bonus features go, the included short Spider-Ham Caught in a Ham is in 4K too. On the other hand, interesting extras like the Alternate Universe Mode Viewing Option, which adds about 25 minutes of raw, unfinished material to the film, is only available on the Blu-ray disc (yes, the Blu-ray is, as usual, included with the 4K version).
We compile a list of best 4K Blu-rays and this will certainly make the list. That said, I wish Sony had done a combo 4K/3D package because there are those of us who still occasionally watch 3D flicks, and this is one I'd like to own in 3D.
The 3D Blu-ray will be released separately on April 10 in some countries outside the US and the UK (it will be region-free, however).
If you don't own a 4K Blu-ray player or 4K TV, it's worth noting that Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and Target have exclusive Blu-ray editions including bonus items. All are available for preorder and ship March 19.
4K Blu-ray (also includes Blu-ray and digital copy)
- See it at Walmart ($28)
- See it at Amazon ($28)
- See it at Best Buy ($28)
Blu-ray (also includes DVD and digital copy)
- See it at Walmart ($23)
- See it at Amazon ($23)
- See it Best Buy ($23)
Blu-ray special editions
- See it at Walmart ($28 -- includes Miles Morales action figure)
- See it at Amazon ($39 -- includes special lenticular packaging)
- See it at Best Buy ($28 -- includes steelbook case)
- See it at Target (includes 48-page mini book -- sold out)
