He’s one of the most enduringly popular superheroes of our time and to celebrate this fact, an incredible Bluray release has been compiled by Warner Bros. Consisting of all five films from Superman: The Movie (1978) to Superman Returns (2006), each one has been transferred into 1080p high definition and is accompanied by a plethora of additional material. For Superman fans this is an impressive release that is sure to please the majority, however it’s not free from its own kryptonite…

As fans eagerly await the release of Superman: Man of Steel next year, this collection will still suffice to relieve the boredom of the wait. Released on 13th June, follow the jump to read our review.

The collection spans 28 years and develops the character of Superman (Christopher Reeve) over five films. Superman: The Movie (1978) deals with his arrival on Earth and his first encounter with evil mastermind Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), plus his introduction to the lovely Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) at the Daily Planet.

Superman II (1980) sees Lois kidnapped by terrorists who threaten to destroy Paris with a nuclear device. Managing to save the day by hurling the device into space, the explosion causes a greater danger when it frees Zod (Terence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and Non (Jack O’Halloran) – three criminals from Krypton – from imprisonment, who Luthor quickly joins after escaping from prison…

In Superman III (1983), the Man of Steel finds himself subject to a Jekyll and Hyde type personality split when the wacky computer genius Gus Gorman (Richard Pryor) manages to create a hybrid of kryptonite. Will Superman be able to re-merge his personalities in time?

Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987) finds the Man of Steel recognising that the greatest threat to humanity is that of nuclear weaponry. Deciding to rid the world of such devices he discovers that Lex Luthor (Hackman back after an absence from the third film), now a nuclear arms tycoon, has created a Nuclear Man whose powers may surpass those of his own.

Finally, in Superman Returns (2006) after a five-year search for his home planet of Krypton, the Man of Steel (Brandon Routh) returns to Earth to discover that Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) is engaged and has a baby. He finds that the world he once knew has moved on without him and may no longer need him. However, when events transpire to reveal that the one and only Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) is once again indulging in diabolical schemes, the world may just need to call on Superman once more…

The Superman series is one comic book franchise that has become legendary (not always for the right reasons) and not only launched careers but turned talented actors into legends in their own rights. This superb Bluray box set celebrates the original big screen comic book hero and offers the five films in high definition transfers, the first time for some (the theatrical cut of Superman II, plus the first Bluray release for III and IV).

The films proved less popular over the course of their creation (in fact OWF was originally set up by our editor Matt in reaction to Superman Returns!) and the Christopher Reeve vehicles became more comic and ridiculous over the years. However, the entire saga has fans the world over and each film has its own unique charm that audiences like. Whether you’re a intransigent fan of the original movie, or someone who prefers the outrageousness of parts III or IV, this box set has enough to keep you entertained for hours!

QUALITY

For the most part, the visual quality of the updated and upgraded transfers is very impressive. Colours are rich and brilliantly represent the location of the narrative. The cold, crisp whites of Krypton really do make you feel a chill whilst watching the original film, whilst the gritty, dank hues of Metropolis really fill the senses with the impression of a bustling big city.

In terms of colour, it is ironically Superman Returns that disappoints the most. Perhaps expecting more due to its much more recent release date, it appears muted and rather flat in comparison to the earlier productions. The early films are obviously afflicted with the curse of their more primitive special effects being very obvious. The model work is particularly noticeable and, for example, the climactic sequence where Superman manages to save the town from the waters of the burst dam in the original film look extremely amateur. Unable to hide behind the forgiving nature of standard definition the harsh reality of HD shows everything in glaringly excellent quality, meaning such shots make the film appear rather amateurish. The rather sterile print of the HD transfers mean that each film loses a little of its cinematic impact and charm: it all looks a little too real in places and a little too fake in others!

Generally, the films remain visually impressive and it is only a few special effects shots (mainly the flying ones) that go noticeably soft in focus or are bothered by incessant grain. A commonly imperfect upgrade has been afforded the first four films, but none are rough enough to become entirely distracting. Returns suffers from the most irritating clarity problem: at times crystal clear and unforgiving (particularly to Routh’s face, which seems to consist of pores bigger than black holes), at others so hazy and fake it distracts terribly (again, Routh gets the raw deal, his face appearing to be literally caked in a layer of makeup as this as clay). Seeing this is the most up to date release, it’s extremely disappointing.

The audio is much more impressive overall, with each release being updated with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround soundtrack. Dialogue is distinctly clear throughout each film and none are significantly afflicted with the hiss often found in audio tracks of Bluray releases for older films. Whilst there is some noise disturbance on occasions (particularly in Superman: The Movie and Superman II), nothing is so apparent that it detracts from either portions of dialogue or the music score. Essentially, each film is a feast for your ears and had the visuals managed to reach these same impressive heights, in terms of quality this would have been one of the most well produced Bluray collections to date.

EXTRAS

The eight-disc set is rammed with additional features to satisfy the most hungry of fans’ appetites. Unfortunately, much of the bonus material is only presented in standard definition, but hopefully the sheer volume of extras make up for this minor disappointment. The eighth disc is solely comprised of special features, but other material is scattered across the film discs. The following is compiled in this set:

 

Disc 1 – Superman: The Movie (Theatrical Release Version):

 

  • Audio Commentary – An interesting commentary from producers Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler. Their comments centre around the business of the production – budgets, profit margins, failures and successes, arguments on production, and so on – and is therefore not to every viewers taste. However, it’s extremely insightful and full of interesting titbits for the more diehard of fans.
  • The Making of Superman: The Movie – This 52-minute 1978 television special is presented in standard definition, but consists of some intriguing behind-the-scenes footage and a series of informative interviews with the cast and crew. A fun watch, even if it does appear dated.
  • Superman and the Mole-Men (1951) – This George Reeves starring bonus feature film is only 58 minutes long and is also presented in standard definition. This humorous film was the world’s first introduction to Reeves as the man in tights, before he became iconic in the role through the television series The Adventures of Superman.
  • Vintage Warner Brothers Cartoons – these fun, classic animations include the Bugs Bunny vehicle ‘Superbunny’ (1943), ‘Snafuperman’ (1944) and the Daffy Duck toon ‘Stuporduck’ (1956).
  • Teaser & Theatrical Trailer
  • TV Spot

 

Disc 2 – Superman: The Movie (2000 Expanded Edition)

  • Audio Commentary – Director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz come together to reminisce about the production, offering comical anecdotes, fond memories and other interesting elements from the filmmaking process. It’s not a particularly insightful commentary and some of the more involved fans of the series may find it a little light, but for the majority of viewers this is the kind of commentary that is fun to listen to.
  • Taking Flight: The Development of Superman – This 30-minute documentary is the first of three on this disc presented by actor Marc McClure (who played Jimmy Olsen). Presented in standard definition, McClure takes viewers through the evolution of the Superman character from concept to casting. This broad look is slightly superficial, as it doesn’t cover much in full detail, but is interesting enough.
  • Making Superman: Filming the Legend – The second 30-minute documentary hosted by McClure is also presented in standard definition. Better than the first feature, McClure looks at the production itself here and manages to delve deeper than before to produce an insightful and entertaining look at the film.
  • The Magic Behind the Cape – The final McClure effort runs slightly shorter at 25 minutes, but sees him joined by Academy Award winning effects supervisor Roy Field in the standard definition documentary. Looking at everything from model work to optical effects, this is an informative watch for those interested in how the film was created.
  • Original Screen Tests – Casting director Lynn Stalmaster introduces a series of original screen tests from 1977, which includes Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder and the host of talent that didn’t get the coveted roles! Running at 22 minutes, this feature is presented in standard definition.
  • Restored Scenes – Ten restored scenes are presented in standard definition and run for 11 minutes.
  • Additional Scenes
  • Additional Music Cues (Audio only)
  • Music-Only Track

 

Disc 3 – Superman II (Theatrical Release Version)

  • Audio Commentary – Salkind and Spengler return for another commentary, this time chronicling the troubled production on Superman II. Dealing with the split between themselves and director Richard Donner and the differences between Donner’s original ideas and the film that was eventually completed under another director (Richard Lester), the commentary appears very personal. As well as commenting on the dramatic behind-the-scenes troubles, the producers also make some interesting notes on the production and critical reactions to the film as well. A thoroughly entertaining commentary for all viewers!
  • The Making of Superman II – Produced in 1980 this 52-minute television special is similarly dated to that which accompanies Superman: The Movie. However, the interesting interviews and host of behind-the-scenes footage make it a relevant watch. Presented in standard definition.
  • Superman’s Soufflé Deleted Scene – A comical deleted scene that runs for only 3 minutes and has not been upgraded to HD. Worth a watch though!
  • Fleischer Studios’ Superman Cartoons – Nine amazing and exciting Technicolor cartoons from Max Fleischer are included here. Unfortunately they are only in standard definition, but are definitely worth checking out anyway! The nine run at 79 minutes in total.
  • First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series – Richard (son of Max) Fleischer and animation historian Jerry Beck are joined by a host of other authorities in a discussion of the Superman cartoon series. 13 minutes in standard definition.
  • Original Theatrical Trailer

 

Disc 4 – Superman II (Richard Donner Director’s Cut)

  • Audio Commentary – Donner and Mankiewickz also return to offer a commentary that delves deeply into the production and offers some incredibly insightful anecdotes. Donner spews a bit of venom at times, but seems to have left the majority of bitterness over Superman II behind. This is one of the best commentaries for fans of the series and will not disappoint!
  • Introduction by Richard Donner – An extremely brief 2-minute introduction to the film that Donner never thought would be made. Touching on the restoration necessary to bring his vision of Superman II to the screen again, this interesting feature is presented in standard definition.
  • Superman II: Restoring the Vision – Picking up from where the introduction left off, this more in-depth look at the work involved in restoring and producing Donner’s cut, this 15-minute documentary looks at the various challenges the team faced. Presented in standard definition.
  • Deleted Scenes – Six deleted scenes run at 10 minutes, in standard definition.
  • Famous Studios’ Superman Cartoons – Six light-hearted Famous Studios cartoons are also presented in standard definition, running 68 minutes in total.

 

Disc 5 – Superman III

  • Audio Commentary – Salkind and Spengler offer another commentary, although as the film has less of a spectacular history it’s not as engaging as the one they provided for Superman II. Despite this lack of more exciting extra-textual subjects the commentary remains solid, instead dealing with criticisms of the film, the absence of Gene Hackman and the creation of new villains, as well as the casting of Richard Pryor. It’s an interesting listen, but one that could easily be skipped by those less enamoured with this particular entry.
  • The Making of Superman III – Another television documentary, also presented in standard definition. Hailing from 1983, this 50-minute special is similar to the previous inclusions on the earlier films, with interesting behind-the-scenes footage and engaging interviews with cast and crew.
  • Deleted Scenes – Eleven deleted scenes lasting roughly 20 minutes are presented in standard definition.
  • Theatrical Trailer

 

Disc 6 – Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

 

  • Audio Commentary – This time, screenwriter Mark Rosenthal offers the audio commentary, giving an insightful and thorough analysis of the narrative from themes and allegory to characters and dialogue. Rosenthal is brutally honest and admits where the franchise went wrong (including the decision to cast Reeve as Superman’s evil clone) and openly admits that the film comes across as a farce. However, what is the main interest to listeners is his defence of the original film and ideas presented in his screenplay. He acknowledges the problems with production, which range from dealing with new producers and the miscasting of key characters to having his ideas completely misinterpreted. Whilst he may not be able to convert mass opinion, for those who give IV a go it will certainly shed some interesting light on the generally derived film.
  • Superman 50th Anniversary Special – This vintage television documentary was originally aired in 1988 and is presented in standard definition. Actor Dana Carvey (most remembered for his turns in the Wayne’s World films and his long career on SNL) takes audiences through the legacy of Superman, from George Reeves through Max Fleisher to Christopher Reeve’s iconic performances. It appears slightly dated, but it’s an engaging and sometimes humorous watch nevertheless.
  • Deleted Scenes – Fifteen deleted scenes are presented in standard definition and run for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Theatrical Trailer

 

Disc 7 – Superman Returns

 

  • Requiem for Krypton: Making Superman Returns – Replacing a feature length commentary, this exhaustive making of documentary runs a staggering 175 minutes! Dealing with everything from the concept to the post-production, this exploratory documentary leaves virtually no stones unturned, to satisfy the most fanatical of the series followers. Presented in standard definition.
  • Bryan Singer’s Journals – Accompanying the making of doc are 29 video journals by the director. These offer an even further insight into the production and run to an impressive 80 minutes plus! Also presented in standard definition.
  • Original Opening Scene – Presented in full HD, this original alternative opening for the film is a must watch. Arguably better than what actually made the final cut, this is one feature that even the most casual of fans will want to check out. The scene lasts approximately 6 minutes.
  • Deleted Scenes – Twelve deleted scenes run for 15 minutes and are also presented in HD.
  • Resurrecting Jor-El – This 4 minute mini feature takes a look at how Marlon Brando was brought back to the screen via special effects. Rather creepy really!
  • Theatrical and Teaser Trailers

 

Disc 8 – Bonus Features

 

  • Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman – This comprehensive documentary runs for 110 minutes, delving deeply into all things Superman. From a look at the original comic book series to the legacy of the film franchise, nothing is left unexplored. Countless interviews are weaved together by a voiceover narration from Kevin Spacey (Returns’ Lex Luther), offering what must be the most exhaustive documentary on the entire saga. Fans of all levels of devotion will undoubtedly find this an informative and pleasurable watch. Presented in superb high definition.
  • You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman – This second feature length documentary runs at 90 minutes and is presented in standard definition. Split into five different sections (Origin, Vision, Ascent, Crisis and Redemption) it looks further at the film franchise. Not as insightful as the Amazing Story, but equally appealing, this is another interesting look at the films.
  • The Science of Superman – This National Geographic Channel documentary looks at the science behind Superman’s abilities. Quite simply, this is for the geekiest of the series fans and will not be to everybody’s’ taste. Running in at 50 minutes, its biggest redeeming feature is that it’s presented in full HD!
  • The Mythology of Superman – This brief (20 minute) documentary takes a look at the mythical connotations of the Superman franchise, examining everything from inner conflicts within characters, to the struggles of the central clashes between good and evil. Presented in standard definition.
  • The Heart of a Hero: A Tribute to Christopher Reeve – A touching documentary sees people such as Richard Donner and John Williams and a host of other industry figures pay tribute to the legendary actor who will forever embody the spirit of the man in blue. Lasting 18 minutes, this brief documentary is also presented in standard definition.
  • The Adventures of Superpup – The final special feature is an extremely bizarre television pilot from 1958. Featuring puppets and actors in costumes (including full-head animal masks), this is something many will find incredibly uncomfortable to watch. I used to find the Sooty & Sweep parody Super-Dog freaky enough, so needless to say I didn’t make the full 20-minute running time! All I can say is, thank god it was only in standard definition…

Films: 4 out of 5

Each of the films in this box set has its own unique charms, but all blend an enjoyable mixture of tongue-in-cheek comedy, action-packed drama, science fiction fantasy and exciting suspense. In this set, viewers can enjoy the origins of Superman and his arrival on Earth, right through to his return after an extended visit to the remains of his home planet of Krypton. Complete with exciting and engaging evil plots from some of the world’s most dastardly villains, viewers are in for a treat with this extensive collection!

Visuals: 3 out of 5

The visuals are unfortunately this collections kryptonite: whilst the upgrade looks great in certain ways (the colours are vibrant – if not gaudy even! – in the early films, although Superman Returns looks rather muted and flat in comparison) but is also too revealing of imperfections in others. Model shots and other primitive special effects are all too clearly visible in HD, which means some of the spectacle is lost. Essentially, each film looks good, but not great.

Audio: 4.5 out of 5

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround soundtrack that accompanies each film is certainly representative of high definition in all its glory. The sound is rich and deep, which is certainly impressive for the earlier releases, but expected for the much later Superman Returns. Each film is free of irritating hiss and the music score sounds fresh throughout all, whilst retaining a clear dialogue track.

Extras: 4.5 out of 5

The huge array of supplemental features is about as impressive as Superman being able to fly around the world enough to reverse time! There’s something for everyone here: from the hardcore fanboy to the more casual comic book fantasy fan. This is undoubtedly one of the most informative and exhaustive Bluray sets to be released so far.

Presentation: 4 out of 5

The box set is impressive looking, with its cardboard, ‘S’ branded slide, which opens to reveal a red foldout disc holder (also branded with the ‘S’ logo) for the 8 Blurays. Menus are very simple in design, but easy to navigate.

Overall: 4 out of 5

The Superman Motion Picture Anthology is a Bluray set of epic proportions – about as epic as the legend that is Superman himself! With upgraded sound and picture, plus a host of bonus material that will keep you engaged for hours, it’s not only an essential purchase for fans of the Man of Steel, but also those who love a good comic book movie in general!

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