Prime Video is about to bring the best part of physical media to streaming

For years, streaming has resisted us. One of the best things about physical media is not a limited edition cover or box set; these are the options. Director’s cuts, alternate edits, versions that changed the mood of the film or revealed the filmmaker’s true intention, not overwritten by the studio. The problem is that all these extras traditionally live in plastic: bonus discs, collector’s boxes and menu underlays.

That’s why Prime Video’s next live-action Marvel series, Black Spiderlooks like a small but significant change. The bold new show comes with two ways to watch: “Authentic Black & White” and a color version the studio calls “True-Hue Full Color.” No chasing Blu-rays or one-off theatrical events; Prime Video offers choice from its launch on May 27. Okay, maybe that’s a marketing hook. But it’s also an interesting creative decision that makes perfect sense for the Spider-Verse that Black Spider comes, and it’s great to see streaming embrace it.

What exactly is “True-Hue”?

If you’re familiar with the character and aesthetic of 1930s private eye/superhero Spider-Noir from the animated Spider-Verse films (voiced by Nicolas Cage, who now plays him, in live-action), it makes sense that the series would follow the same monochromatic black-and-white aesthetic (more on that later). It is this version that is considered the main “intended” experience of the series. So the question remains: what is True-Hue Full Color? While it doesn’t appear to be an established format or new technology (it’s not Dolby Vision, HDR10+, or a secret Prime Video codec), what we do know from interviews and reports is that it’s a separate, intentionally designed (and branded) color master.

The people behind the show described the color version as stylized, not a normal color, but something closer to vintage. “It looks like a black-and-white movie that’s been sort of colorized,” said one of the series’ co-producers, Oren Uziel. Squire. “That’s one of the inspirations for how to do this.” And just take a look at the True-Hue trailer (above) and you’ll be able to see how its subtle, oversaturated tone creates a different feel compared to the black and white version. It’s this contrast and choice that filmmakers and studios hope will appeal to different audiences.

“The color is super saturated and beautiful,” Cage also said Squire. “I think teenage viewers will enjoy color, but I also want them to have the option. If they want to experience the concept in black and white, maybe that would inspire them to watch earlier films and enjoy it as an art form as well.”

Why the dual version is so great

Creatively, Black Spider is an ideal candidate for a dual release. Yes, it’s definitely a branding and marketing gimmick (they even created logos and fonts for each), but the coloring (or lack of) of each version can totally define its temperature and emotional vibe. The stylized color version pushes the pulp/comic book vibe which is more playful and maintains the serial energy of, say, Dick Tracy. The black and white version, on the other hand, follows a darker and more sinister path with deeper shadows, harsher silhouettes, accentuated by Cage’s gruff voice.

But what’s even more delicious for Prime Video is how the marketing will serve them. Dual releases instantly create a conversation around “Which version should I watch?” » and spark a debate: “Which is better? » It also makes the series stand out from almost everything else streaming right now.

Credit: Prime Video

For viewers too, it is a truly beneficial marketing tool. In a world of streamers promising premium experiences and failing to deliver as they continually raise their prices, this is a tangible bonus that’s fun, immediate, and speaks to the fact that viewers want options.

Offering dual streaming versions is something more streamers should do, and it’s definitely doable. This turns the whole “alternative fit” philosophy into a normal choice. Black Spider is not just an interesting gadget; this demonstrates a model that streaming should use more often.

Spider-Noir isn’t the first, but streaming makes it feel new

Credit: Prime Video

Black Spider is actually part of a modern tradition of studios and creators offering alternate versions of their films and, in rare cases, television shows to emphasize, perhaps, a different tone or feel, or simply a version that a director or filmmaker wasn’t allowed to release as the main version (I’m looking at you, Zack Snyder). The difference is that these versions are often harder to find than they should be.

That being said, in the meantime Black SpiderIn the May 27 Prime Video release (May 25 on MGM+), here are some notable examples of great dual releases worth checking out and where to find them.

Mad Max: Fury Road – Black and Chrome

George Miller’s thrilling adventure epic in the wasteland, Mad Max: Road to Furywas also offered in a stunning, high-contrast black-and-white edition that pushed the silhouettes and chaos of the film to interesting new limits. However, you won’t find it on any streaming platforms, so you’re better off getting your hands on the Blu-Ray version.

Logan-Logan Black

Widely considered the greatest Wolverine film ever made, James Mangold’s Logan was also given the monochrome “Noir” treatment which really enhanced the western-noir vibe of the film. It’s also a bit hard to find, having only been released on the 2017 Blu-ray version, which you can still find on Amazon.

Logan

Release date

March 3, 2017

Runtime

137 minutes

Director

James Mangold

Godzilla Minus One—Minus the color

Just when you thought 2023 was Godzilla minus one couldn’t be more stylized, Toho and Legendary Pictures have actually recreated the film shot for shot in monochrome in homage to the 1954 original. Godzilla, which was released on the occasion of its 70th anniversary in 2024. The Less color The version brings a distinct documentary-like feel to the film, making everything feel like historical footage. Fortunately, Netflix is ​​already trending with the game in dual versions and is currently offering both for streaming.

Godzilla minus one

Release date

November 3, 2023

Runtime

124 minutes

Director

Takashi Yamazaki

Takeaway meals? Sure, Prime Video uses True-Hue and Black & White as a marketing gimmick, but I’m OK with that. The point is that the streaming giant is actually offering its subscribers an alternative presentation to stream that feels like a premium add-on, not something they have to look for in rare Blu-ray releases – they should do that more often.

If Black Spider sticks the landing and is the success I’m hoping for (Cage looks amazing, and I expected him to take on the role in live-action Spider-Verse!), so it’s not hard to imagine Prime Video, or even other streamers, offering all kinds of cool and unique options. For once, streaming borrows from physical media as best it can, and it’s about time.