Rating: 
Summary: About Time
Review: Personally, this is one of the movies I wanted on DVD when I first got my player. Of course, being new to the DVD, I figured they'd have just about every movie possible converted to DVD. I figured wrong and was so disappointed that I bought what figured to be the next best thing... the BATMAN DVD. I figured wrong again. All I know is BATMAN better be the next super-hero flick to get the "special" treatment. If they did the same thing as SUPERMAN, I would not have minded a long and predictable wait. I have watched my SUPERMAN DVD atleast 5 times all the way through including the special extras, and it has to be the best "special edition" movie I've bought since FIGHT CLUB! The documentaries are unbelieveable and definetely something I was looking forward to more than watching the new footage. It still amazes me how they made Superman fly! The added scenes are the second best special item on the DVD. They don't ruin the movie at all but actually explain and make original scences more interesting, if not better. Another item is the screen tests. They can be interesting to watch, sometimes. The rest of the time you can actually feel embarrassed having watched the entirety of them. These screen tests are however pretty enjoyable. The only complaints you can give this DVD is the following: 1.) Warner Bros. need to get with it. The cardboard case they offer may save them some big bucks compared to plastic cases, but everybody I know hate them. They are too easy to break, especially the inside that holds in the DVD. Those always seem fragile until they do break. Plus... 2.) They fit everything on one disc using both sides, making the disc more delicate (smudges, scratches, etc). I am still angry about the GOODFELLAS DVD I bought which forces you to flip the DVD halfway through the film. But the special features on SUPERMAN are worth the flip. In closing, I believe everyone will give their personal recommendation on this DVD. Everyone, somehow or someway, is a big Superman fan. For a true comicbook fan, this is icing on the cake. Bon appetite!
Rating:
Summary: Super DVD
Review: SUPERMAN THE MOVIE falls into the "they-don't-make-movies-like-that-anymore" category. It is a hybrid of 60's "epic" movies, 70's all-star-cast disaster flicks, and the late-70's special effects films (like STAR WARS and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS).The DVD looks and sounds wonderful. The extra's are very interesting - 3 documentaries illuminate the journey from page to screen. The battles between director Richard Donner and his producers are fascinating. However, in all fairness, one wishes the Salkinds (or someone on their side) could respond. There are some very cool early flying effects in the bonus stuff. The screen tests are hilarious - Stockard Channing as Lois Lane would have been a hoot. Lesley Anne Warren was an interesting choice as well. However, when Margot Kidder's screen test appears it is obvious why she was chosen. In her screen test she had a bad haircut and a 70's hippy dress on. However, she simply glows with energy and the magic required to help the audience believe a man can fly. The film has held up well. It moves from Greek-like Krypton to the Americana of Smallville to the zippy, campy feel of Metropolis. Gene Hackman is hilarious as Lex Luthor. The re-inserted scenes are fine. They are really minor additions to this great film. They only help make it better. (I'd really like to hear/see more of the SUPERMAN II cut scenes!) SUPERMAN is a super DVD!
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Reissued
Review: I was glad to see 'Superman' available once again for purchase. I couldn't find a copy to buy for the longest time, and was happy they decided to rerelease it in a special edition. The restored film was a pleasure to watch again, but the extras on the tape made it extra special. Not having made the jump to DVD yet, I am pleased when tapes get the 'extras' treatment. Although not as decked out as the DVD, the tape offers the films trailer and the screen tests for the film. It was enjoyable to see other actresses such as Anne Archer and Lesley Anne Down try out for the role of Lois Lane, as it was clearly evident why Margot Kidder was chosen. All in all, a good package for us still stuck with VHS technology.
Rating:
Summary: Loads O' Extras!
Review: What do I look for on a DVD before I buy it? EXTRAS!!! And this one has bunches of 'em! I spent over two hours just watching making of documentaries, screen tests, out takes and more. If you like this movie, you'll love the DVD. So stop reading these reviews and just go buy it already.
Rating: 
Summary: Looks Great But Sounds Very Different
Review: One of my all-time favorite films has finally been given the DVD treatment. This long-awaited release was postponed several times (it was supposed to be released last year). The good news is that the picture has never looked better (Remember watching a grainy out-of-focus Superman: The Movie on television for the last 20 years?). There is also about 8 minutes of restored footage (mostly with Marlon Brando) which adds a little more to the emotional impact of the film (particularly the added scene with Jor-El in the Fortress of Solitude) Now the bad news: There's a scene on Krypton when a Sentinel is sent to arrest Jor-El. Now we see the Sentinel leaving for Jor-El's quarters in this restored scene, but what we don't see is the rest of this scene, which I felt should've also been restored. The Sentinel is flying through Krypton's massive canyons only to be killed by a falling building in the Krypton-quake. Also, the sound effects (mostly in the first half-hour of the film) have not been "enhanced" as previously announced, but REPLACED with completely different sounds. This is very distracting, since for the last 23 years you're used to hearing very different things going on in the film (especially in the Krypton scenes). Also the music queues seem to be a little out of sync with some of the movie's scenes. I read an interview the other day with director Richard Donner, who supervised the restoration. He claimed to be unaware that the sound effects of the original film were omitted and replaced. He was told they were simply were being "enhanced". (Interesting). Although after stating that, I have to admit that I did like the new sounds in the opening credit sequence. They add to the anticipation and are really a heart-stopper. My personal opinion is that if you're restoring a classic film, or making a special edition, it's okay to add something (such as deleted scenes) or to enhance something. But you shouldn't REMOVE something altogether (remember the same thing was done by George Lucas in two of the Star Wars "Special Edition" films). This disc was also originally supposed to be a 2-disc set containing the original theatrical cut of the film, but I guess they changed their minds for some reason (?). I guess the sound affects issue probably won't be too big a deal to most people, but for some movie buffs (including myself) it's a little annoying. For the most part though the DVD is excellent, complete with 3 documentaries, screen tests, trailers and 2 additional deleted scenes (which also should've been restored). Let's hope for a Superman II Special Edition next!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect!
Review: So often, we see expanded versions with very little thought put into them, where someone apparently just scooped up every scrap of film from the cutting room floor and shoved it back into the movie. Not so with Superman. In the spirit of The Exorcist (and, I hope, Robert Wise's upcoming re-edit of my favorite diamond in the rough, Star Trek - The Motion Picture), Superman has been reborn with only the best "lost" scenes restored, such as the Gauntlet of Death, young Lois Lane on the train, and a very thoughtful Fortress scene in which Jor-El's ghost explains why Superman must not discard the guise of Clark Kent. Great new sound, and terrific features. The making-of documentary is a marvelous lesson on how movies are made. And of course, we are reminded of how the Man of Steel was brought to life by Chris Reeve's great strength of character, a strength which later proved to be quite superhuman indeed.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST REASON TO BUY A DVD PLAYER!
Review: This is a great American movie classic that Warner Brothers finally decided to honor on DVD! And what a wonderful job they did! The DVD is packed with so many features that it took me days to go through it all. The screen tests are great and they definitely show that Chris Reeve and Margot Kidder were the best choices for their respective parts. The three behind-the-scenes documentaries are full of insight and very well produced. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the production but was I ever wrong. Some of the interviews are surprisingly honest regarding the grueling production schedule and battles with the Salkinds (the producers). The audio commentary by the director and screenplay writer are fascinating and just plain funny at times as they bicker back and forth. There are also vintage TV spots, trailers, deleted scenes, and so much more on this fantastic dual-sided DVD. The VHS version includes the screen tests and trailers, and is in full screen mode for those that aren't crazy about the widescreen formats. The picture and sound has been restored to its original granduer along with added bonus scenes. The two most notable being Superman with Jor-El and especially the bullets, fire, and ice scene, which is awe-inspiring to watch! I can't believe they were ever cut out! Simply put, this release is the reason I bought a DVD player!
Rating:
Summary: Buy this for the simple fact of improved sound alone!
Review: This movie is a true classic. Incorporating everything audiences have come to love about superhero films, it simply takes you back to a place and time that can be so easily forgotten. After years of viewing films that just seem to miss the mark entirely when transferring a classic comic book hero to the big screen, this movie is the true master of the genre. From the opening credits I was blown away by the improvement of the sounds effects! It's unbelievable hearing this after having listened to my old VHS tape over the last 12 years! Scene after scene has been re-mastered and it's truly something to be appreciated after hearing everything in mono on my old TV and VCR. The scenes of planet Krypton being destroyed by the red sun is breathtaking! Now onto the added scenes: I was a little confused by previous reviews saying the studio only added 8 minutes of footage. THIS IS NOT TRUE! This disc does have the coveted Superman saves Valerie Perrine scene, it's just not included with the finished movie. Having seen the ABC version of the film years ago, there really isn't anything missing unless I AM missing something. The scenes of Jor El and the counsel is engaging and gives the momentum of the disastrous destruction of Krypton a more emotional feel instead of just seeing a bunch of Kryptonians you don't even know fall into the abyss. One scene I had completely forgotten about, was the scene where they show Lois Lane as a child sitting next her mother on a train watching the teen aged Superman (Clark Kent) running faster than a locomotive. In the original movie, it just shows the girl as a "just a little girl" and not "Lois Lane." That scene is just so cool! I don't know why:) Another scene I completely forgot about was the scene where Clark Kent is standing outside a store watching a TV and the crowd is standing there in disbelief seeing a man fly through Metropolis and a man turns to Clark Kent and says something to the effect of how unbelievable it is and Clark says "It's not so unbelievable." or something like that;) The added scenes are great and effective, I think fans will especially love the scene with Lex Luthor trying to destroy Superman in his lair. Just too cool! The commentaries are great, very effective and informative. I am not one to listen to the commentaries simply because I love watching "just the movie." But the commentary gives a lot of interesting information to the making of the film that film students would find real interesting. The documentaries are real cool! Everything and I mean EVERYTHING is covered from the genesis to the final completion of the film through three documentaries covering the beginning stages, special effects and the ongoing legacy which is and always will be the greatest super hero movie that all super hero movies are compared to!
Rating:
Summary: Great! BUT....
Review: The restoration process was sublime and the sound effects were outstanding! BUT.... These are a few scenes that should have been in the out takes section. These is a scene where Superman tries to stop a missle in mid flight. He stops and is floating in the sky. The Missle goes around Superman! This scene was included in the ABC broadcast in 1980.. The other scene was when Superman rescued Jimmy off the dam. He pauses in the air to tell Jimmy to snap some shots of the dam.. He tells him to "Go ahead... Shoot. Both of these scenes were in the broadcast of this film on ABC in 1980. I would like to have seen the ORIGINAL Making Of film too. Other then these mistakes, it is still a keeper...
Rating:
Summary: A MUST FOR YOUR DVD COLLECTION!...
Review: What other DVD would have extras including: both director and creative consultant commentary; the entire film digitaly redone (including the deleted scenes); more deleted scenes that show Lex Luthor's deadly "babies"; a recent documentary that has new interviews with the crew and cast (including Christopher Reeve and Gene Hackman!...); the teaser trailer, original trailer, and t.v. commerical, the masterpiece John Williams music only soundtrack plus more songs (the "Can You Read My Mind?" pop version); finally, it's one of the most entertaining films of all time. And the disc is only under $20!... Do yourself a favor, get this DVD and Part II, and you'll have a excellent night of viewing for the whole family.
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