'Spider-Man 2.1'

A new two-disc edition of the webslinging sequel promises never-before-seen footage. But does it make Spidey sense to plunk down the dough for version 2.1 (Unrated, 136 mins., 2004)?

ORIGINAL
In the entertaining commentary, director Sam Raimi needles his actors, and Tobey Maguire makes a convincing case that he is the living embodiment of aw-shucks Spidey alter ego Peter Parker. Also in the '04 double-disc set: an exhaustive making-of, bloopers, and thinky featurettes about Peter and his villain Doc Ock.

REISSUE
Another two-discer with audio input (this time from producer Laura Ziskin and screenwriter Alvin Sargent), a pair of behind-the-scenes featurettes, a sneak peek at Spider-Man 3 (out May 4), and a picture-in-picture look at composer Danny Elfman at work. The big attraction: Never Before Seen Footage! Translation: filler that was originally edited out. The rather anticlimactic eight minutes include additional Spidey smackdowns with Doc Ock, frenemy Harry Osborn's heart-to-heart with Peter, and comedian Hal Sparks small-talking with the Webbed Wonder in an elevator.

VERDICT
Unless you're a die-hard fan, skip this disc and put the cash toward an extra-large popcorn when Spider-Man 3 opens next month.

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