Despite being met with mixed reviews upon release, Sony’s “Madame Web” has garnered significant attention as the most divisive comic book movie of the year. The Spider-Man-adjacent Marvel film, starring Dakota Johnson, has become a topic of discussion among fans. While it underperformed at the box office with earnings of just over $100 million, “Madame Web” has continued to generate buzz.
This week, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released the home version of Madame Web, including a 4K Ultra HD edition that we’ll be reviewing.
The Movie
Despite criticisms, there are elements within “Madame Web” that could have been improved. Technical issues, such as the Ezekiel Simms ADR situation, diminish the overall quality. Post-production edits appear disjointed, suggesting extensive last-minute changes to align the film with the live-action Spider-Man universe.
While undeniably chaotic, “Madame Web” offered me an entertaining experience. Unlike many comic book movies that prioritize formula over originality, “Madame Web” took a different approach. When the film delves into the dynamics between its four central female characters, it shines.
While not universally adored, criticism of “Madame Web” as the “worst superhero movie ever” seems exaggerated, particularly given the recent disappointment of “The Flash.” The film offers genuine humor, with Adam Scott’s portrayal of a young Ben Parker being an inspired choice. The chemistry between Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, and Celeste O’Connor is infectious, making their performances a highlight.
Despite its modest reception, I thoroughly enjoyed “Madame Web” and eagerly anticipate revisiting it. While its objective quality may not be extraordinary, there are numerous redeeming qualities that can be appreciated when approaching the film with an open mind. I am fully aware that my positive stance is unconventional, but I embrace it wholeheartedly.
The Disc (and the Steelbook)
Despite its lackluster theatrical performance, Sony released “Madame Web” on 4K, unlike “The Book of Clarence” which only received a Blu-ray release. The Marvel association potentially boosted “Madame Web”‘s visibility for its physical debut.
This native 4K disc boasts top-of-the-line visuals and audio with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos. Regardless of one’s opinion on the film, this 4K release delivers an exceptional viewing experience.
Despite its sharp image, the 4K disc of “Madame Web” showcases its true prowess during fast-paced edits. The plethora of rapid cuts and camera movements, which could potentially disorient viewers, become seamlessly smooth and precise thanks to the HDR quality. The more chaotic the scene, the more striking the image quality. The disc also includes a standard Blu-ray, offering a significant upgrade in visual fidelity when viewed in succession.
Dolby Atmos transforms the 4K release of “Madame Web” into an immersive audio experience. With a surround sound system, the bass reverberates through the room. Even through TV speakers, the audio remains exceptional. The chaotic editing and car chase sequences don’t hinder the clarity of the dialogue and smaller sound effects. Every voice and subtle sound remains distinct amidst the explosions and mayhem.
The steelbook boasts stunning artwork that’s both simple and eerie. While some may argue it’s too good for the movie it contains, its gorgeous design makes the steelbook worth the additional investment. Displaying it on a shelf will undoubtedly enhance its aesthetic appeal.
The Features
The home release of “Madame Web” includes several special features on the standard Blu-ray disc. These features offer a mixed bag of quality.
Longer featurettes delve into the movie’s production, capturing the filmmakers’ aims and struggles. Despite some unnecessary content, these features, such as “Oracle of the Page” and “Casting the Web,” provide valuable insights into the missed targets and the characters’ intended depth. Viewers gain a deeper understanding of the characters’ intended development and the reasons behind their limited on-screen portrayal.
Despite the absence of a commentary track, which would have provided ample discussion opportunities for this film, the Deleted Scene remains the most disappointing aspect of the bonus features.
This 41-second deleted scene features Dakota Johnson and Adam Scott discussing her accident from the film’s beginning. However, it offers no new insights or enjoyment, leaving viewers wondering why it was included in the release. With ample material presumably left on the cutting room floor, the inclusion of this scene is somewhat perplexing.
**Special Features Included on Disc:**
- Gag Reel
- Easter Eggs
- Oracle of the Page
- Fight Like a Spider
- Future Vision
- Casting the Web
- Deleted Scene
The Verdict
Despite the film’s potential drawbacks, the physical release of “Madame Web” impresses with its exceptional 4K transfer, ample special features, pristine disc quality, and stunning steelbook packaging. The film’s shortcomings notwithstanding, the physical presentation is highly commendable.
Few recent movie releases offer a compelling home viewing experience that warrants purchasing a physical copy. While some films, like Oppenheimer, deliver, others, such as Madame Web, remain unimpressive even on 4K.
The steelbook, tailored specifically for movie shelves, may allure Marvel fans for its aesthetic appeal alone.
Madame Web is now available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD. A copy was provided for this review.