Upon the digital release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, fans were quick to spot alterations in the film, such as enhanced details in Gwen’s introductory scene and a more pronounced depiction of Miles’ confrontation with Spider-Man 2099. These changes, while subtle, did not go unnoticed by the movie’s dedicated fanbase.
Theatrical vs. Digital: Unraveling the Differences
In their conversation with GamesRadar+, ahead of their upcoming R-rated dog comedy Strays, Lord and Miller explained the rationale behind the modified cut. Miller shared that an international version of the film was created almost two months prior to its official release. This early version was essential for translation purposes and to accommodate the rating requirements of European censors, particularly in France.
“There was an international version that was made almost two months before the movie came out because it had to be translated into different languages and these French censors have to decide what the rating of the movie is in Europe.”
-Christopher Miller, Writer/Producer of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’-
Sony Pictures Image Works Did Some Tinkering
However, the team at Sony Pictures Imageworks felt that certain scenes could benefit from further refinement. “They cleaned up and tweaked those things,” Miller said, emphasizing the team’s commitment to delivering the best possible version of the film.
“Certain crew members were like, ‘Oh, could we do this instead? Let’s do the best possible version we can. Because it’s a multiverse movie, it’s like there’s a multiverse of the movie – that was really the reasoning behind it. It was trying to make the best possible version that everyone was going to be the proudest of.”
-Christopher Miller, Writer/Producer of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’-
Drawing inspiration from the film’s multiverse theme, Miller humorously remarked, “Because it’s a multiverse movie, it’s like there’s a multiverse of the movie.” The intention was clear: to craft the most exceptional version of the film that everyone involved would be proud of.
Lord echoed this sentiment, confidently stating, “I think most of the changes are improvements.”
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is available now on Digital and Home Media.
About Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Release date: September 5, 2023
Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson, Kemp Powers
Written by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, David Callaham
Producers: Avie Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher MIller, Christina Steinberg
Production: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Marvel Entertainment, Arad Productions, Lord Miller Productions, Pascal Pictures
Distribution: Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, Sony Pictures Releasing
Runtime: 140 minutes / 2hr 20min
Post Credits: None (leave so they can clean the theater)
Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Vélez, Jake Johnson, Jason Schwartzman, Issa Rae, Karan Soni, Daniel Kaluuya, Oscar Isaac
Synopsis
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
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Source: GamesRadar+
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