Rating: 
Summary: Likely, the only DC hero to ever get a Good Movie....
Review: Well I am going on record as saying that DC does not have good charecters like Marvel does. Okay, I got that straight.
I saw this movie in 1978 when I was only ten. And I have liked it ever sinc. I am not a big Superman fan, I just like this one movie on him. It was well directed, well acted, well cast, good effects work, and great music score. This DVD also has some good background films on how the movie was made with informative interviews from the cast and crew.
Rating: 
Summary: A classic that has never gotten its due
Review: Richard Donner's 1978 film SUPERMAN has to be one of the most misunderstood films of all time. In an age where it's "hip" to deconstruct superhero characters and make them grim-n-gritty and/or vapid teen idols, the movie can't help but come off as a valentine to a bygone era. And with the advent of SMALLVILLE and a proposed new Superman movie (in which producer Jon Peters and his crew have been trying for the past 10 years to radically alter everything about the character except the name), even Superman fans have taken to bashing Donner's film, sneering at it as being "campy," too reverential of the source material, and too "dated." And yet...nothing could be further from the truth. Far from being "dated," SUPERMAN is just as fresh and timely today as it was 24 years ago, and the spectacular digital restoration (including a new sound FX track-the original had deteriorated) makes the movie look just as fresh and new as the latest box-office hits. Even more impressive is how the special effects have held up; except for three brief front-projection shots, you can still believe a man can fly. I can only imagine that the "dated" claims have to do with the film being 24 years old and having been made before CGI and choppy MTV-style editing came into use, because there's nothing else about the film that dates it to the 1970s. (Do yourselves a favor and watch the 3 documentaries on the DVD. They give incredible insight into how much work was put into the film.) And then there's the script, by Tom Mankiewicz (credited to Mario Puzo, David and Leslie Newman, and Robert Benton). When producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind first developed the project, they intended it to be a camp comedy. When Donner and Mankiewicz came aboard, the film was altered into a serious piece, and the end result is magical. We're given an epic depiction of the origin of Superman, beginning with the Krypton holocaust, going thru his childhood in Smallville, and finally ending up in Metropolis where the adult Superman faces his first trial-by-fire in his encounter with Lex Luthor. The story has plenty of humor in it, but it's still played straight, and runs the entire gamut of emotions. The oft-criticized ending, in which Lois dies in an earthquake and a grieving Superman defies his oath to not interfere with human history by flying back in time to save her, is the defining character moment for Superman. In defying the orders of his father and following his heart, Superman rejects his alien heritage and embraces his humanity. It's a great moment, but yet it's one that too many people are quick to bash because "he can save anybody that way." They don't see what it really means as a character bit. Making the story even stronger is Donner's taut, reverent direction, as well as some truly great acting. Christopher Reeve IS Clark Kent/Superman, body and soul (his own size mirrors the physical stats of the comic book character). Playing the role with heart and conviction, Reeve literally becomes the character made flesh. Marlon Brando, in his small role as Jor-El, is also excellent, bringing a commanding dignity to film. Gene Hackman's sociopathic Luthor, a guy who merrily jokes and brags about himself while planning an act of genocide simply to make big real estate money, is both funny and chilling. Add to this knockout trio fine performances by an international cast of superstars, and the film comes alive. Also of note is the powerful score by John Williams. Those condemn this score as being "too heroic" need to have their hearing checked. Williams delivers more than just heroism; he captures the eerie ambiance of Krypton, the rural warmth of Smallville, and the romanticism and tragedy of Superman and Lois' relationship beautifully. And to cap it all off, he gives Superman one of the most unforgettable fanfares in film history. Further strengthening the film is Stuart Baird's brisk, punchy editing; John Barry's lavish production designs (including the memorable crystalline Krypton); Yvonne Blake's clever costuming (the glowing Krypton costumes, and a flawless rendering of Superman's classic suit); and Geoffrey Unsworth's misty, ethereal cinematography, which enhances the fairy tale aspects of the character. Every step of the way, the film successfully brings Superman and his world to life. That said, SUPERMAN has its flaws. Ned Beatty's Otis character is mostly a non-entity; he doesn't really add anything to the proceedings. And Margot Kidder is badly miscast as Lois; not only is she far too tomboyish to play what in the comics is a glamorous character, but she comes off more like Reeve's vapid sister than she does a feisty love interest. Their scenes only work because Reeve makes us buy into the movie. Watching the screen test for Anne Archer-a much better and much better-looking actress, I can't help wondering why she wasn't cast as Lois instead. She would have been perfect opposite Reeve. (But to be fair to Kidder, she was way better than most of the other actresses tested-Stockard Channing in particular was awful.) And there's a really careless glitch when Superman saves Air Force One; the film is reversed when he grabs the plane, so his emblem and spit-curl are both backwards. But in the end, those flaws aren't enough to weaken SUPERMAN's impact. It was and still is not only the best comic book movie ever, but it's also one of the finest films ever made, period. Those who bash the classic version of Superman and this film while supporting the planned Jon Peters version should definitely reconsider their stance. This is not an inept drek-fest like BATTLEFIELD EARTH, nor is it a heartless, soulless mess like the Peters film promises to be. This is a beautiful, heartfelt piece of Americana, crafted with love and respect. SUPERMAN deserves to be seen as the classic it is, not to be disrespected and forgotten.
Rating:
Summary: Christopher Reeve at his best
Review: This Superman movie introduces us to the new Superman stars Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Gene Hackman. Old Story with a 1970's flavor. A treat for the family.
Rating:
Summary: LOOK UP IN THE SKY!
Review: Colorful, exhilirating, and magical, Christopher Reeve's "Superman" is a worthy translation of the first super-hero's never-ending crusade for "truth, justice, and the American way" to the big screen. My Dad took me to see this when it first came out in the 70s, and the years haven't dimmed this gem one bit. Reeve, of course, is perfectly cast as the orphan from the stars who will become Earth's greatest hero. Margot Kidder is a wonderful Lois Lane, and Gene Hackman has a ball as criminal mastermind Lex Luthor. Marlon Brano's Jor-El lends a powerful authority to the opening scenes on doomed Krypton, and his lingering presence haunts the rest of the movie much as his spirit does Kal-El. Funny, touching, and suspenseful in exactly the right touches (well, Lois Lane's mid-flight poety recital might be a bit much), "Superman: The Movie" is for everyone who was ever a kid, and every boy who ever wanted to fly like Superman.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite film of all time.
Review: I couldn't get enough of this movie as a kid. I'd watch it over and over everyday.
I'm now 26 and am thrilled to own this on DVD. It is still my favorite movie ever.
The movie looks incredible and the sound is phenomenal. John Williams' score still gives me goosebumps.
Christopher Reeve is by far the best Superman and Gene Hackman is equally awesome as Lex Luthor. The opening scenes with Marlon Brando are great too. There are simply too many thing to mention about this movie.
The added scenes along with all the great extras definitely put this in the 'must have' category.
You can't go wrong with this one.
Rating:
Summary: Someone to love
Review: Back in the late seventies, it was very easy to be derisive of Superman. Brando's outlandish fee, the sledgehammer marketing and the film's own pompousness- not least in delaying the appearance of its title character for a whole hour- made it stick in the craw for many people. But for children, innocent of such things, it was a tremendous, uplifting experience. I remember leaving the cinema and instantly punching the air in the full belief that I too could streak into the sky. And I know I'm not the only one. Seeing the film now, it's possible to make sense of both responses. Now that it has dated badly, its commercial exigencies are all too apparent, and more than once come close to knackering the narrative (see any scene with Brando in it).
However, the film is still bursting with charm. The cornfield Smallville sequence and yappy Metropolis are extremely well realised, and take life from a raft of quality performances. Central is the casting masterstroke of Christopher Reeve, whose sensitive reading of the role is about as perfectly judged as they get. His Clark Kent is a klutzy fish out of water, but it's the way he lets that vulnerability seep into his Man of Steel that makes it a performance to cherish. The effect is this: Superman has the looks and powers of a god, but he's also an outsider who just wants to be loved. Honours also go to John Williams for one of his most inspired scores, one that fully justifies its lengthy showcase during the bombastic title sequence. The new release is excellent, with a much-improved soundtrack and supplementary materials that enrich the experience rather than just prolong it. Like the best DVDs, the documentaries and lively commentary provide an illuminating insight into the passions and struggles involved in making films, and recommend it as an essential buy, not only for fans of this film, but for everybody who loves the movies.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding DVD of a Classic
Review: Superman is a classic,and this DVD is outstanding.
The picture is very clean and crisp.It has been remastered,and all the colors look great.
Having recently purchased a new 5.1 system,I have to say that the new sound for the most part is fantastic.Sound fills the room,and the wonderful score by John Williams has never sounded better.
There are some very cool bonus features including three documentaries,a couple deleted scenes,screen tests and trailers.
There is a feature length commentary by director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz,that I found to be a lot of fun listening to. As for the movie itself,well it is a classic.This DVD contains 8 minutes of footage not found in the theatrical release.The new footage(including Superman talking to Jor-El after his first night,and more)is very cool. All in all this is a great DVD release of a wonderful film,and not to be missed.
Now if only they would do the same with Superman II!
Rating:
Summary: You'll Believe A Comic Book Can Fly On The Silver Screen
Review: Mark my words: You won't find a finer translation of a comic book character to the big screen ANYWHERE. Bar none. SUPERMAN - THE MOVIE is the seminal superhero flick, featuring the greatest creation in comics: The Man of Steel himself as portrayed so memorably by Christopher Reeves. Along for the ride include Gene Hackman as the maniacal Lex Luther, Margot Kidder as the spritely Lois Lane, and acting legend Marlon Brando as Jorel, Superman's father. Preservationist should celebrate this DVD transfer as the soundtrack has been remastered in Dolby 5.1, and it sounds EXCELLENT!!! This is a director's cut film, with footage previous clipped being reinserted into the picture, rounding out only elements of the Superman mythos. The feature length commentary is good, filled with anecdotes about working with the actors while balancing the expectations of the studio to create the first superhero epic of its kind. The 3 behind the scenes documentaries are passable; they don't offer the kind of insight that the commentary does, but they're not guilty pleasures either. Lastly, the DVD features links for use on your PC where additional storyboards and events are covered in great detail. This should be a staple in any film fan's library.
Rating:
Summary: A real treat!
Review: I remembered watching this over and over as a child, so when the DVD was released, I had to have it. It has lost none of that power to charm. It's just as entertaining now as it was then. My only complaint of the DVD is that the added scenes actually seem to detract from my enjoyment of the film, specifically the Lois Lane train scene near the beginning. Gene Hackman is a howl as Lex Luthor, a great villain. And the underrated Christopher Reeve delivers a nuanced dual lead performance (while only receiving third billing) as the geek with hidden greatness.
Rating: 
Summary: Too many added scenes
Review: I grew up with this movie. I loved it and had to have it in my collection simply for reasons of nostalgia. However, I was disappointed with the extended length of it. The added scenes are interesting, but I wish they would have put them in a "Deleted Scenes" category instead of making you watch a 3 hour flick.
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