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DVD REVIEWS by selected fans:
James DoggyDaddy: Originally saw the film WAY back in first release when I was living in San Louis Obispo (Baywood Park), California, and I was caught completely off guard. I walked in expecting to see more or less what I had read in Elliot S. Maggin's Superman:Last Son of Krypton.... heh... BOY was i surprised.. and awe stricken as well.. the film was fantastic.. I loved it.. and spent the entire summer jumping off the highest sand dunes I could find trying to fly :). What I saw today.. helped re-affirm my memories.. to a certain degree.. and with a few disappointments.. but overall.. a fantastic DvD. First thing I noticed.. and wondered if anyone else noticed it.. but I have the Remastered Warner CAV Laserdisk, the KTLA version on tape, and now this. The movie started out pretty normal for most.. until the Superman Shield hits the screen. It isn't just BASS from the other versions... its the simple LIFE, the sound.. the sudden LEAP the film takes when it appears. Remember the Jaws theme? Slow.. quiet.. then starts to build.. and peaks JUST as the shield hits the screen. THIS is the heart and soul of Superman. But in this version.. the life is stolen.. and in an almost sarcastic slam.. starts with the Salkind's Credit, and is then repeated with Donner's. I have nothing but respect for Mr. Donner... and no offence Richard.. you MADE this film a reality.. but you are NOT what gives it life. I was very disappointed when the shield popped up.. and that old familiar 'FFFFWWWAAASSSHHHH! didn't hit. HOLY CRUDSKI! The clarity of it, this DvD is so clean that Brando's reversed image in his crystal rod is perfectly clear.. And Stamp doesn't look pale & sickly any more.. he look vibrant and just plain EVIL :) (You can even clearly see his fillings in a parting shot). Did anyone else notice a slight ghosting or double image from Stamps far temple in the close-ups? It may be a reflection that occurs sometimes with the lens set-up on that particular equipment. Ive seen it in other films too.. Just shows you how incredibly crisp this version is.. I LOVE it! They STOLE the imprisonment sounds!! Now they are just suddenly inside it drifting away! However, the Dome was fantastic. Unfortunately.. most of the planet's destruction's foley was pretty non-specific.. and sounded like it could have been for anything.. and didn't really seem to be a part of what occurred onscreen. There is no sense of space or environment with ANY of the interior Krypton scenes, with the exception of the Dome Opening. Martha and Jonathan are driving down a dirt road.. in an old beat up truck, and there isn't any noise until the ship goes by? Punting the football ROCKS.. as does the train.. with a couple simple exceptions.. even as a child.. I always though his running with no normal upperbody movement was creepy.. and with THIS version.. the trains almost silent except for the whistle. Every other version I have.. the train is almost enough to make you tense up at Clarks apparent and foolhardy recklessness. Jonathan's scolding loses its effect without the apparent danger brought about by the train encounter.. a real shame.. as its Clarks 1st real encounter with the use and acceptance of wisdom and responsibility that comes with having these powers. The pink/red on Martha's bible at the funeral was a reminder at just how incredible the film looks. Wheat fields are stunningly beautiful.. the sky and everything are fantastic in the farewell scene. Icefields always looked like a set with a matte painting.. even as a 6 year old I saw that.. but I was a bit more intelligent then most.. what fool actor is going to go into the Arctic to film a 1 or 2 minute scene needing possibly DOZENS of takes?? Good enough for me then.. good enough now :). The refoley for the fortress rising is perfect to me.. and the lights from below make it Erie and majestic.. though again.. no wind, water or environmental sounds at all.. that always bothered me. The fortress is beautiful, as is the 1st lesson scene. Stick-up is the first PERFECT use of bass, music and effect.. with foley matching beat for beat. It is what the rest of the film SHOULD be.. the perfect translation into a new sound medium. Otis's March is the same.. a perfect translation. *Side note: Folks these days LOVE to bitch about 'pacing' and can often spew out a review of a film as if they just has a friggin epiphany as to the nature of sliced bread and its relation to the Universe. They can all kiss my ass.. Harry Knowles (you fat whining 4 year old bastard) included. Otis's March was very long in the KTLA version, and I loved and want every second of it. Its not about pacing damnit.. its about how all these things are going on right there, next to each other, but we are so focused on our OWN little part of it.. we dont SEE how its all connected! Every scene in the KTLA led right next to the next.. and had a PURPOSE. Now.. you dont see that Lois and Clarkwere mugged just mere feet from Otis's meandering haunts. Not only that.. but the cops were so fixated on Otis.. they never saw the stick-up. Our own little universe. Subway Tunnel has the treatment that the train race SHOULD have had. NOW you get the sense of imminent danger. I really miss the interactions between Perrine & Hackman, as in this AND the LD, their relationship is totally 1 sided, she loves him obviously.. and he either doesn't know.. or doesn't care. KTLA shows he DOES know.. and he DOES care.. in his own selfish, and somewhat childish way. The KTLA version shows you just how frustrated, and emotionally immature he REALLY IS. And just WHY he surrounds himself with these 'nin-com-poops'. In all the world, these are the only 2 people he can trust. He is almost tragically alone. I also think 'Feed the Babies' showed JUST how far Otis is willing to go for Lex... even though hes terrified :), and should have been included. Helicopter always bugged me.. The tail rotor should have hacked the control booth to confetti.. not passed through looking like painted aluminium foil.. otherwise the sound, music and foley are fantastic here! Lois's first REAL scream (when shes dangling from the seatbelt) always chokes me up for some reason.. its PERFECT. Supertheme is spot-on here too.. and I loved the fact that you can hear the shirt button hit the street. The scene is beautiful (though even as a kid.. I always thought they goofed up the background footage, since in some scenes its still moving down.. even when the action is moving up, and vs./vs.) Why doesnt Supes cape hang DOWN when hes
standing on the window the 2nd time? I REALLY wish they had slowed car chase down to real time for the final dock stretch.. its been left in accelerated form for some reason.. something I NEVER understood with the original version Though when Supes flies away after dropping off the boat.. the cape flapping was really sweet. Saving Airforce One has ALWAYS been my favourite scene in the original version, with turning back time a VERY close second. Here, the engine exploding lacked a real 'suddenness' to it. It was more like an eruption then an explosion. Father & Son is perfect, as it revisits the original lesson that Jonathan tried to teach Clark, with a new faucet. It is not so much WHAT he does with his power, or the fact that he enjoys it or takes pride IN those actions. Its WHY he does them. With a true heart, your actions can be no less. With the possible exception of the KTLA's 'Hollywood' letters standing back up after Supes restores the fault-line's stability, 'Can you read my Mind' is the hardest scene for me to sit through without uttering a painful groan. However, it DOES place the childish love and infatuation Lois has for Supes in perspective, and I can live with it. I distract myself by wondering just what ungodly sum Lois must pay for a penthouse apartment with large open garden, then AND now. Shes GOTTA be on the take to afford it on a reporters salary [cackle!!] God I cannot get over how clear and gorgeous the DvD is!! When Clark decides to tell Lois, and then chickens out.. you feel for him. Hes even more alone then Lex. He has no-one to share his secrets with. I once asked my Mom, if I could have her wrapper from a stick of Wrigglys Juicy Fruit gum. She asked me why.. and I said that I wanted to learn the secrets of the Universe. My first and only visit to a psychiatrist was that weekend :). I dont remember the Helicopter dialogue to the convoy, or its explaining why it left... Ill have to go back and re-watch my LD... is it new to this version? Hagmans a lucky bastard :). I really wish the extra KTLA footage had been left in.. its too damn funny, and explains WHY Lex is so pissed, and Otis and Teshmacher are so tense. Her Cheering & egging on Lex as he gets ready to beat Otis fits in better too. You can see that they are competing for Lex's approval. Lex's Threat is great.. I love the way the surround channels are used. Trial by Fire became my Favourite scene with the KTLA version, with Airforce One and Turning back Time tied for second. The sound here is incredible. And I can FINALLY see what that green glow on the back wall was. MAN I love being able to see this part in something other then a REALLY bad 35mm pan & scan cut! The door should have hit the ground with a harder thump like in the original version though, rather then just being an extension of its breaking loose of the frame. Superman shooting through the ceiling after being saved by Teschmacher is the single most powerful scene in the movie for me. It has always beenn what made me want to dream of flying. It is nothing short of true power. When he approaches the camera, and then flies away.. chillingly beautiful. I miss his waiting for the missile, and then as it passes, you see that look of realisation cross his face.. "Oops, this isn't going to be as easy as I thought". You can see the mushroom cloud building so clearly now as Supes approaches the California coast.. YOWZA! Damn... they didn't seem to think the sound of the Amtrak train was as important as the PowerStation OR Dam, but Supes catching Jimmy just as his strength fails him and he realises he's going to fall, just as he DOES fall, is almost as good as Lois's scream. The insert shots of the rockslide are just as goofy as they always were :) Oh well.. Superman's flying to save Lois is your first REAL impression of urgent speed, something lacking in the Missile chase. Supes scream of rage has the same effect on me as Lois's hanging from the Copter.. it tends to bring a lump to my throat. Here.. its been lengthened JUST a tad.. and takes away some of the tragic edge Im afraid. WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO MY TURNING BACK TIME SOUND EFFECT?!?!?! ARRRGGGHHHH!!!! Visually Speaking.. the DvD is flawless.. I couldn't ask for better. As a whole... I love the Movie and didn't have a problem with any part of the score, with the exception of the opening of the film. Now we need someone to go back, and work on the KTLA version. Anyone who you that you CANT make a 6 channel track from a mono recording is full of shit. I was making 8 & 16 track mods with a 386 based computer back in the late 80's from mono source material, and have been doing 4 channel .mp3's from mono and basic Stereo sources since the mid/late 90's. with the technology at their disposal, we all know it can be done with a bad/damaged recording. Its just a point of someone sitting down and putting in the effort. Make the KTLA version in widescreen, visually enhanced like this new DvD, and ENHANCE the foley.. dont replace it. Same with Music.
Thomas Lobascio: As a filmmaker, the one question that I hear most often is, what films have influenced you the most? To be honest, there are so many that it would be hard to narrow the field down to a few, but...SUPERMAN is the film that I saw at the age of 10 that influenced me to want to become a filmmaker in the first place. Like ROCKY before it, my memories of my first theatrical viewing are very clear and detailed. SUPERMAN has it all. A great cast, led by Gene Hackman Marlon Brando and Christopher Reeve. In fact, it is his performance as the man of steel that makes me "believe a man can fly", not the special effects. Another high point for me is the opening credits and the film's score! Hearing the score always inspires me and it remains my all time favorite. I could go on and on...Now about the DVD itself The restored film looks great! The color is bold and vivid just as it was back in '78 the standouts though are the scenes on Krypton WOW!!!! Goose bumps anyone?! Much talk has been made about the film's
new sound mix while some sounds may not be as I remember them and some
sounds should have been left untouched in my opinion. I still think the
restoration team did a masterful job and as long as Director Richard Donner
is pleased ,I think that issue will and should, slowly fade away. After
all that he went through to get the movie made, I think that I can get
used to the new mix. Without the restoration the film may have decayed
beyond repair and been lost for good. That my friend's, is a far worse
prospect, then the new sound mix. Besides the new mix helps to make things
stand out more (yes even the music). The animated menus are soooo cool! Are there things missing from the SE? Sure. The behind the scenes documentary that ran on ABC-TV would have been neat to see again but I can probably see why it wasn't included. They also could have put the reissue trailer on the DVD. But my only true nit pick, (we're all allowed at least one minor quibble). is the fact that a film like this deserves to be a 2 disc set instead of one double sided disc. I will sign off with a big THANK YOU to Richard Donner, for giving me many years of joy and a desire to get into film.
Robert Tedder This is a DVD that has been reviewed to no
end, so this will not visit what people already know. I just want to throw
in my two cents. I have been a fan of the Superman Cinema website for
about a year, and when it was announced that Superman was coming to DVD
I could hardly wait. So when "Alexander Salkind Presents" whoosed past me, I had goose-bumps ALL over. This is a new film and I feel the sound is appropriate. John Williams' score really comes alive and is all the more entralling with surround sound. The extras are great, as been said before, and to show what dedication Reeve had with the character check out his screen-test. Amazing. Oh, also, look at Reeve's face when he first flies up to get the engine on Air Force One. Then rewind it a bit and look at his "S". It's reversed. Also watch the "fire" test. Remember how Superman walks down, and watch Superman II when his powers get taken away. If you have a quick eye in II you'll see that a part of the "fire" was used to describe the hell that power loss is. To all the people who are concerned with the sound -- remember, treat the DVD as a new film. If you are like me, you still have the theatrical cut somewhere (oh wait, my VCR ate mine!). Oh, Mr. Donner, if you read this, please don't let the Salkinds win with Super II.
Michael Sanchez: Greetings fellow Superman Fans! About a year ago, I discovered this site and was overwhelmed at how many fans out there trule appreciate this landmark film series. I was beginning to think I was the only one that enjoyed these movies, and most occasions when I brought it up among friends, they would snicker with comments like, "that's kid stuff, and besides it's old." This site proves that Superman is not limited to us kids at heart. It continues to win audiences and gains new popularity. I think it can be said this film will sit on the all-time favorite classics for years to come. For those lucky fans out there that have your hands on the DVD set, I must say that these were worth the wait! First off, the widescreen presentation is fantastic! It was astounding to see this feature the way it was intended from day one, and came in just enough time considering my VHS copy was already worn from repeated viewings over the years. The sound treatments (although subject to critical opinion from the purists out there) are excpetional. I enjoyed the enhanced gusto the sound tekies added to the opening credits, along with the revamped soundtrack and other added goodies here and there. It took some getting used to, but after a second viewing, it just makes the film soar even higher. I especially appreciated the clean-up done with the Helicopter sequence in Act 2, a scene which still sends chills up my spine everytime! A bit of irony that a man who defies gravity ends up saving a woman from a failed mechanism that is meant to fly in the first place. I was glad to see that Donner and company didn't attempt to add little digital inserts here and there, simply because technology allows filmmakers to do that now (like other directors who revamped their franchise over the years). I was afraid that I would find little digital creatures running around Krypton, or other added junk put in just to have fun with the effects. Although, I think I would have cheered to see digital inserts of the Salkinds falling from the Golden Gate Bridge...but that's just me. The added scenes are an extra treat, although I can see why they made the cutting room floor. The scene with Superman and Jor El is touching, but the dialogue could have used some work. Still, it was neat to have available. Ah, the documentaries. What can you say. Any behind the scenes peaks from this film would have satisfied my curiosity. ALthough I do remember some years ago seeing a documentary that showed the minatures of Metropolis during the Superman/Lois Lane flying sequence. Oh, well, can't have it all I suppose. Anyways, these behind the scenes interviews and clips are a must for fans. The best for me was the Donner/Mank commentary. Both charming and sentimental, it is the most fun I've had listening to a director's commentary. Not only do Donner and Mank have an obvious affection for each other's work, they have a genuine love for this movie and it shows in their discussions. It's been a great year for us Superman fans: first the Rhino CD and now this. My heart sank with news about the re-release not hitting theaters. Then again, whoever said that those in charge have a clue...look at the Salkinds. I rest my case.
Loren V. Burrell : Well, I finally got my Superman DVD Box Set/ I pre-ordered it a month ago, but it took Amazon over a week to ship it from Reno. Let me start off by saying that I saw the movie when it first came out and my parents recorded all of the Superman movies off of ABC for me to watch every day. Today children have Barney and other silly shows to keep their attention, I had Superman the Movie and the Extended versions of 2 and 3. I know these movies so well I won a prize for quoting word-for-word the entire Krypton and Smallville parts of the movie. I'm not obsessed with the movie, I just know it that well. (I also notice when my fellow fans write into this great website and misquote their favorite scenes.) ANYWAY... all of that was to say that I am a Superman movie purist and I know the music cues and sound affects just like you do. Saying that the questions comes up..... Was I disappointed with this SE. And the answer is...... In no way shape or form. I LOVED this. It was like watching a totally new movie! I meant that in a good way. The Krypton scenes were incredible. The clear sound effect of the dome roaring open was incredible. Also to back, the "S" in the credits did in fact have a thunderous tone. Someone had said that it didn't, but there may be something wrong with your speakers. Anyway, the colors and feel of the Krypton scenes were incredible. I also thought that the blacks looked great on the DVD. I saw no problems. I watch this with lights out just to find problems. Couldn't find it. From beginning to end I loved this movie all over again. Every character was fantastic and brought to life in a new way. The music cues weren't as bad as people have bitched about. Also, is it just me or was Valerie P. just HOT in this movie. (I hope my wife doesn't see that.) Christopher Reeve made me believe in Superman all over again. The deleted scenes were great. I didn't think that the Superman with Jor-el scene after his first night was sappy at all. Some have moaned about the outstretched arms to Jor-el. This scene just showed how truly alone Superman is. Reeve did a SMASHING job of acting here. Trial by Bullets, Fire and Ice was just as cool as I remembered it being. Actually it was better. I do wish that the scene of Superman getting in front of the east bound rocket was put in there. That is just a kick ass scene. As far as the new (or enhanced) sound effects... I thought they rocked. I love the flying sounds. I would buy the notion that they are simply enhanced, because you can hear the same elements just a few sharper sounds on top. Also the crystal being thrown sound effect was cool. I could still hear the whoosh from the original with just an enhanced crystal ring sound. I have seen a few people gripe about that. C'mon folks. Be happy we got what we wanted. The only two things that I have to say bad about the movie is that in the "Can You Read My Mind" flight sequence, right before Superman drops Lois, you can see Chris Reeve squatting in flight position. Plain as day. That was annoying. Also, and get ready cause this is petty, the sound effect of Superman catching the Helicopter was drowned out. That strong "PING" slap sound on the bar just gave the effect that Superman caught it with force and speed. I missed it. That's all about that. The Special Features were great. I love the documentaries and the test screenings were great. My wife and I kind of choked up during the documentary when they talked about Chris' accident and Donner said he believed that Chris would walk again. All in all I am totally JAZZED that I have this DVD and I can't wait to hear the commentary tonight. I also can't wait to see the others. Our movie is back folks. Let's enjoy it. Long live Donner.
Markus : 1978. I am seven years old. What a great age. The milestone years are not marked by the nice round numbers like 10 20, 40, etc, but instead by increments of seven. Your outlook on life changes so much in those time periods. 21 means real adulthood, 14 is the gateway into your teen years, but 7... ah seven. Still a kid, but so much more aware of the world then ever before. You're finally able to appreciate the more adult things in life without the burdensome cynicism that is your teen years. Ages 7 to 13 were killer, and it was at the beginning of this wonderful time that I saw two life-changing movies: Star Wars and Superman. My family went together: me, my sister, and my parents. My dad never liked having to deal with trying to fight for a seat; so, as usual, we arrived a good 45 minutes ahead of time. At age seven, 45 minutes is an interminable amount of time to wait in a darkened theater. This was before slide show advertising so the only way for two siblings to entertain themselves during the wait was to engage in a rousing game of "bop each other on the head until Dad separates us." This kept us entertained for a grand total of 3 nanoseconds. I secretly believed Dad was trying to torture me with the wait. But the 45 minutes passed, the theater darkened completely, and the screen lit up. The faux curtains parted and there the speech began we all know. "In the decade of the 1930's..." Enthralled. Everything was gone for those 2+ hours but the fable I was now seeing. I accepted everything I saw blissfully. Logic problems be damned, this was a perfect movie. That night after the movie, I laid in bed attempting to etch every moment in my mind. Time, as it is wont to do, continued on. I grew up. Got married, got a mortgage and got cynical like most everyone else. By the 90's I had amassed a decent movie collection on VHS and of course Superman the Movie was a part of it. But time had not been generous to this little piece of Americana. Thanks to dirt, blemishes, and aging technology, Superman had not fared well. But then came DVD, restoring movies to beautiful original glory. Many movies, old and new, were seeing new life on DVD. My collection slowly got replaced. I reveled in the release of Jaws. Jurassic Park was a sheer delight. Ghostbusters made me laugh again. But the classics, the ones that made me wide eyed in those years, were conspicously absent. Indiana Jones, Star Wars, E.T., Close Encounters, and.. Superman. Well the wait on Superman is over. Superman has been released and is glorious. Widescreen presentation (best joining of two words in the english language), 5.1 digital sound, restored scenes... We all know the technical details. I popped this DVD in, turned on my 56 inch widescreen HDTV, clicked on my digital receiver, turned down the lights and breathed in. For the second time in my life, I was lost in this movie. Yes, a part of me took note of the brilliant color. The blues and reds of the suit, the beauty of Krypton, the subtlety of Kansas. Yes, a part of me took note of the sound. The whoosh of the credits, the booming destruction of Krypton, the beauty of the score. The adult appreciated all of these things as well as the documentaries, screen tests, and musical score. These things keep the entertainment value high. But you buy a DVD for the movie and that's what I love. That's where my emotion lies. I watched this movie as the seven year old I was once was. A friend of mine once said, "You can't polish a turd." A fully restored special edition of Ishtar would still be crap. The movie must be special to begin with. Superman had been a diamond in the proverbial VHS rough. It's been made over to look it's best. This is a DVD that cannot be missed. It's a cultural icon. My only wish was to be seven, back in that theater, with my anticpation rising every moment. That's not too much to ask, is it?
Frank Obaza: I can't believe the DVD is here. I've watched it almost non-stop the past few days, it's just mesmerizing. I wanted to let you know all my thoughts on the disc. I'll start in the beginning.... First, the film itself. The transfer is very nice, practically crystal clear throughout the entire picture. Superman's costume is a beautiful blue the entire movie and the colors have never looked better. You can tell that a lot of work went into restoring the movie, and it really shows here. Now, I'll talk about the added scenes. One word sums it up - Brilliant. Each added scene was very nice, each for its own reason. For me, I've always thought, "the more scenes on Krypton, the better" and the extended council sequence is great (I'm watching it this very moment as a matter of fact!) and the Executioner sequence is good too, just wish we could've seen all the other footage with him in it. I enjoyed the star ship passing the Phantom Zone, but it was cut down more than it was in the extended version and if you notice there is an extended part of the trip where we hear Jor-El say more to Kal-El in his trip just before the ship leaves the flaming turmoil. The extra scenes of Smallville, Lois on the train and Martha calling Clark for breakfast are nice. I don't see a problem with Martha calling Clark scene, nor does it break up the feeling of the scenes it is in between. The scene of Clark at the Daily Planet is also good. I had always thought that scene was abrubtly cut in the theatrical release. The scene of Superman talking to Jor-El after his first night was probably the best. It really develops more of a relationship between Superman and his father, something the theatrical cut was lacking. The Donner cameo was a clever little add on that I liked as well, and the sequence of Superman being tested by fire, ice and bullets never looked better. I really liked the scene of the Hollywood Sign falling down and it was good to hear the beginning of "Superfeats" for hte first time in the movie. All in all, the addded stuff was wonderful. Now, on to the sound. I'm not going to lie to you, I have mixed feelings about the sound at the moment. Sometimes it was good, sometimes bad. I'll tell you what I liked and what I didn't like. The sound of the opening credits was very good, I thought they were very powerful and went along very well with the music. The sound of the rings around the villains sounds good, plus you can actually hear the original sound with it if you listen closely. The same goes for the sound when Jor-El takes the green crystal out of the chamber. I enjoyed the sounds added to Krypton's destruction, because it would make sense to hear crystals breaking, since Krypton IS thought of as crystalline and you can still hear sounds from the original. The sound of the revolving door when Clark runs through it and changes to Superman and the woosh sound Jor-El makes when we see Superman for the first time are fine as well, and they DO NOT bog down the music. I also liked the new sounds of Superman flying and they are most evident when he is flying to save Lois from being crushed in her car. The sound of Supes turning back the world also worked out well. Now here's what I didn't like. The sound of the crystal flying after Clark threw it just didn't work for me. The original sound was much better and fit the scene more. Another thing was that the dialogue in the movie was very low at certain points, particularly in the Air Force One scene. Also John Williams score, which sounded awesome, was edited badly in some scenes, particularly when Clark takes the crystal out of his bag before he throws it. Other than that, they were just minor setbacks. Now for the extras and such. The DVD menus were amazing. I still remember watching with exctiment when they first came on. I liked all the theatrical trailers, teasers, and TV spots. The screentests were perhaps among the most interesting because it was nice seeing all those different people try out for the roles, particularly Lois and Ursa. I'm happy that they chose who they did though. The documentaries were very informative about the production and problems of the movie and showed us how Superman came to be that way it is today. The alternate musical cues were nice and had wonderful sound qualtiy in comparison to the Rhino discs. In the end , this DVD really lived up to all the hype. I'm proud to say it's one of the best discs I've ever seen. All we need now is a Superman II : SE.......
Vader: I was 11 when STM first appeared in theaters in 1978. I remember the awe that I felt waiting in my seat for the film to begin (I turned to my companion, and said "I don't believe we're really here"), and I remember the wonder I felt seeing a man fly. For the next several years, I avoided the film as it was presented on home video, because it looked awful in pan&scan. When WB finally released it in widescreen to the finest that home video had to offer at the time, LaserDisc, I was ecstatic… until I saw the incredibly poor picture and heard the sound. I went through six copies trying to sort out what was dirt on the print, and what was inclusion on the disc (it looked as if someone had sneezed on the master). The sound was tinny and full of distortion, and generally sounded as if it were played back from inside of a tin can. I remember reading that it was not the sound transfer that was bad, but given 1977 mixing technology, that was how it sounded in the theater(?!?). So, when it was announced that Supes was going to get a full restoration on DVD, my pulse quickened. Then I started to hear all of the controversy surrounding the sound mix (everything I heard about the picture was resoundingly positive). But, after several years where the best available was the sound on the LD, there was nowhere to go but up (no pun intended). After an agonizing wait of nearly a week after the street date, my copy of STM on DVD finally arrived. I rushed down to watch it, carefully verifying the sound balance of each channel first. Keep in mind that I have several other reviewers' comments bouncing around in my head, so I was listening intently for each questionable cue. Most of the issues have already been addressed by others, but I would like to make a few observations: First, there are those that had a problem with the additional sound effects work on Krypton, namely the tonality of the crystals and the sound of crystals shattering during the destruction sequence. This addition is not only as it should be, it provides cohesion to the story. Before you say "WHAT?!?!?", let me expound. We see Jor-El simply laying crystals on the space ship, and something happening as a result. Obviously there are no observable mechanics involved, so what gives? From the stand point of science fiction, the logical conclusion is that each crystal resonates in such a way that the whole works as intended. Resonation can mean audible sound (i.e. a tone), and what we see of Kryptonian culture suggests that the whole of their technology is based on this. The shattering crystal effects further back this up, and this also explains how the green crystal "called out to" Clark: He literally heard it, as opposed to telepathy or some such half-cooked explanation. Second, the issue of William's brilliant score being buried by the new foley work. At no point did I feel that the score was overwhelmed by the sound effects, and the balance was entirely appropriate throughout. Third (and this is really nitpicky), the supposed over-doing of foley work is completely unfounded. The complaint I am referring to is that when Lex folds the newspaper and places it under his arm, every crinkle and fold is heard in the remix, but not the original. On the contrary, those sounds are all present in the original mix (if you don't believe me, pull out the LD). Also, the sound of Supes flying is only slightly enhanced, and comparisons with the old Superman TV show are both unfounded and unfair. Finally, having watched (and heard) the original mix over several years I can safely say that I know every sound effect, line of dialog, and edit in the original mix. Having watched the DVD with those memories and all of the reviews (both positive and negative) to draw from, I am extremely pleased with the results. If what you want to hear is the original mix, then stick with the LD (or the video tape, but VHS sound is pretty bad any way you look at it anyway)…. that is what it sounded like back in 1978. But if you want to hear a sound mix that was perfectly conceived and designed to enhance the presentation of modern home theater systems, then this is your disc!
Arjay: Ok, I hope I don't end up rambling too much. Personally, this is the most perfect DVD for me. Ok, the picture. I don't think there are enough SUPERlatives to describe it. Just as most everyone has said, it's just absolutely amazing. From Krypton to Smallville to Metropolis. Just perfect. I'm not really a big movie picture critic so I really didn't notice any of the grain or noise that some viewers have seen. And I watched this on a 32" Vvega. I just sat there and enjoyed the movie for all its worth. Now, for the sound. I've read a lot of mixed reviews but I have to say I am 100% for this sound. It's just extraordinary. Hearing the score come from all 5 speakers is just so extraordinary. All the little things that some people have said, (i.e. the curtains, the newspaper, the breaking of the lamps, etc.) drowning out the music or being overkill, I really didn't notice. The only reason I did notice it on my second viewing was thru the power of suggestion after I had read what the others had written. But on my first viewing, I was just blown away. As for the other goodies, like they said in DVDFile, I didn't want the documentaries to end. Seeing all these people who worked on the movie recall all these details is so fulfilling for a fan. Chris Reeve really IS Superman. Nobody can ever outdo him just as Donner said. My favorite parts are when Margot talks about her relationship with Chris. It's just so endearing. And her brief shot wearing the blue leotards (or was it just a complimentary sweatshirt?) with the S shield was really cute. Screen tests were a jewel to watch. I'm just really glad that "Mank" re-worked the script. "I'll wrap you in my cape". I think that was just a wee bit too cheesy for my taste. I may be biased but those menu screens were the best I've seen on a DVD. It just really pumps you up to watch the movie over and over. My personal favorite moment of all the movies would have to be Clark's attempt to answer Perry's question on "What's his favorite ball club?". Just as Perry turns away, you can see Clark raise his hand very meekly as if to say that he really DOES know which ball club if Superman's favorite. Love that scene. Since I was still a kid when I saw this movie, it was also the first time I saw Gene Hackman onscreen. And upto now, I have trouble relating to him as a serious actor because he'll always be Lex Luthor for me. My favorite line of his would be "Nobody's perfect….almost nobody". THAT line and how he said it was just perfect. And the fact that he wasn't even on-camera when he said it just shows you how good an actor he is and how he really embraced the role. For my final word, I'll just say what I said at the beginning: this is the most perfect DVD for me. I don't care if it came in a snap case or on only one disc. It's what's INSIDE the snap case and what's ON the disc that matters. Not how it's showcased. I would compare this DVD to the character that it presents. Humble on the outside, not too fancy - just like Clark but inside, full of great things - just like SUPERMAN. I'm just extremely happy that I can now watch this movie over and over and share it with my family and friends in the best quality available. And that's all that matters. Thanks again to your generosity for letting fans like me share their thoughts on our common bond - SUPERMAN.
CrtmnCP Having just picked up the DVD, I was not yet able to look at the supplements but instead payed some attention to the most important part of the DVD, the film itself. Having owned the widescreen laserdisc since its release in 91, the transfer itself is a revelation. The scenes of the Krypton council look breathtaking in comparison with any previous release, with no haze or filtering that appeared in all previous releases. It is also wonderful to see the extended sequences in widescreen as they were meant to be seen. The scenes of Lois in the train and the Gauntlet sequence make you appreciate how Donner used the widescreen frame so effectively and blow away the KCOP copies we have all learned to live with. The sound itself, with sound effects completly redone, is a far more difficult topic. When the curtains open in the beginning of the film, we hear them drape across the floor loudly, something never heard in a previous release. At first I was hesitant about such changes. This is after all Superman the Movie, a classic film which really didn't need changing besides a remaster. But here is a new soundtrack in full 5.1 digital sound with bass response that will shake your home theater as if you were on the exploding Krypton itself. In that sense it is really nice and such incredible sound gives you the feeling that the film was made yesterday, not in 1978. But like the curtains, there are exceptions that make the redone sound not exactly a good thing. For instance, in the scene where Lex is showing the newspaper of the rocket to Otis and Tessmacher, listen to how he folds it and puts it under his shirt. We hear every fold, crease, and nuance of that newspaper, something that didn't exist in the original. To me it is overdone, and as much as I like hearing John Williams music pumped up to the breaking point, the added foley effects are simply too much. In the DVDFile review, they asked why the original sound negatives were not simply reused. Perhaps Warners, thinking of a massive rerelease, did not want to release a film with "70s" sound and wanted to release something that will play well on a state of the art system, which meant a complete redo of the sound. Nonetheless, the DVD is a must buy of course. In fact, you may want to spend the extra cash for the box set simply for the reflective packaging with the S logo. Very nice and makes you wish they had made the individual DVD keepcases with such quality.
UCFKevin : So I've probably seen this movie about 100 times, maybe more, so I know this movie. I know it backwards and forwards. I know every little intricate detail, every sound, every word, everything. So when I knew the DVD would be coming, I knew that I'd notice every little thing that had been changed. And I did. THE MENUS: Awesome. Maybe not the best ever, but they're definitely up there. Absolutely beautiful. My mouth was hanging open the entire time. Whoever did the menus needs a pat on the back, or a few hundred. Kudos. THE PICTURE: Good God. I knew it would be cleaned up, but I had NO idea it would be THIS cleaned up. This movie DID NOT look 23 years old. I was amazed in every single scene. The quality, the clarity, the color, the detail...I've never seen a movie look THIS great in comparison to its VHS counterpart. I never noticed any kind of orange blob that I read someone else saw during the Krypton scenes. And for anyone who complains about the haze/glow in the movie, it's SUPPOSED TO BE THERE! It's in the damn documentary, that's how Donner and Unsworth wanted it. I have no complaints WHATSOEVER in regards to the picture quality. I was constantly amazing by how BLUE Superman's suit was, in EVERY scene. Completely blown away. I was even MORE amazed during the scene where Supes is fixing the San Andreas fault. I can't believe that's the same scene as in the VHS version, you can't see ANYTHING in that version but you can see EVERYTHING in this version. Absolutely beautiful. ON a scale from 1-10, honestly, I give it a 10. THE SOUND: Ah, the aspect that's gotten the most talk. I put in the movie with an open mind. I wouldn't have ANY judgement until I saw the movie. Well, I saw the movie. And I LOVE the sound. LOVE LOVE LOVE the sound. This movie should NOT be watched or heard on a simple TV. YOU NEED surround sound. YOU NEED IT. This was MEANT to be heard on Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Mere TV's speakers cannot possibly convey what's meant to be heard. I know many of you can't afford a system, but if you can, for the love of God, GET ONE, if not for the sole purpose of listening to Superman: The Movie, the way it's supposed to be heard. I have NEVER heard a DVD take as much advantage of EVERY speaker as this one. The opening credits, holy CRAP, I was completely aghast. So much bass, so much whooshing power, oh man...it was so beautiful. The new sounds? I loved them, too. Ruler, I know you hated the "boomerang" sound during the revolving doors, but how did you listen to it? It sounded actually pretty cool on mine. In the documentary, it sounded RIDICULOUS, I think that was just using the two front speakers, but in the movie it uses the 5.1 channels and that made a huge difference. The Glass Head whooshing? To all who complained, again, it's all on how you heard it. On a TV system, it'll sound crappy, but otherwise it sounded AWESOME. It didn't overtake the music AT ALL. Not ONE instance in the movie did the sound FX take over the music. The music, in fact, sounded BETTER than ever before. Seriously. Krypton's destruction, oh my God...that was incredible. The explosion, ugh...earthshattering. The sound when the rocket explodes when Superman is still in space was awesome, that might've been the best single FX in the movie. F*CKING beautiful. The only complaint I have is that the dialogue was sorta flat at some points in the film, but completely livewithable. I love the new sound. LOVE IT. 1-10, a 10. THE CUT SCENES: This would be the absolute BEST version of the film EVER if ONLY it had the Rockets scene, the extended flight after dropping off Lois, and, as much as you all hate it, the babies scene. I LOVE these scenes and I'm still pissed that they're not in the movie. So what if it looked bad? Donner could've easily fixed it up, hell, he fixed up everything else. Otherwise, the trial scene was EXCELLENT, the JorEl talk was EXCELLENT, the quality in all of them were amazing. THE EXTRAS: The documentaries were awesome. I loved watching the behind the scenes stuff, I loved hearing the new interviews, I loved them all. The screentests are REALLY cool, made me feel lucky to have Margot Kidder get Lois, the others were just sorta "eh". I've watched everything expect for the commentary, I'm looking forward to doing that tonight. All in all, this is definitely the BEST DVD I've ever had the pleasure of watching or listening to. And I've seen a lot, and some damn good ones. Let me say it again for those who didn't hear it. BEST DVD EVER.
Jay Towers #1) Spend a great deal of time with the screen tests! This is a key opportunity to see how much the part of Lois and Superman evolved. I was really surprised to see the screen tests shot on film, with the Superman score underneath for the special edition. The screen tests had me Thank God for Margot Kidder. We also see a scene that Donner speaks of, and I wish they would have kept for Superman 2. Where Lois shoots Clark with blanks! #2) I think the sound is incredible, however I watched portions of the film with the Music Only feature, and I have a real problem understanding the scene where the space ship leaves the Lab, and crashes through the glass. It just doesn't sound like the original did, and when you take the effects away it fades up which sounds strange to me. Don't get me wrong this is my favorite movie of all time, and I'm happy with the DVD & the extras. I also noticed that I can barely hear the guy scream "he's lost it...he's lost it" at the top of the Planet Building during the helicopter scene! On the VHS it was really loud! And I will say that I do miss the sound the "S" made at the beginning, but the FX's for the credits are awesome! There you go! The extras and documentaries are so cool! I've been waiting 20 years for them!
Diesel: The picture looks amazing. The details in Krypton make me realize how much I've been missing. The Music Only track, disappointingly, does not feature music left out of the original cut. I was hoping that the WHOLE score would be included on an alternate track...after all, why have total silence during certain scenes when we can hear Williams' music as he intended it to play? I think an opportunity was missed here to include as much of Williams' great score as possible. The alternate tracks are not accompanied by video on the extra features section of the disc, which would have been nice to see and hear. By the way, the sound quality blows away the Rhino discs. I was amazed by how much better the sound quality was on the DVD audio tracks. If Warner Bros were to release the soundtrack on DVD-Audio or Super Audio CD, I would buy a new machine tomorrow. Some of the music on the tracks seem to miss their mark, compared to the original edit. When the spaceship crashes through the glass, it sounds as the the music is off by a half-second or two past when it should have kicked in. And it is true that the last note of the Destruction of Krypton is heard right as the Starship Escapes music thunders in. This is more puzzling than enhancing. The Jor-El voice-over of "It is forbidden for you to interfere with human history" is left out when Superman spins the world backwards, which I feel is a mistake because it reduces the drama. It was more exciting to see Superman spin the world to a halt as Jor-El's voice became more distant. It sounds like a mistake compared to the original edit. The Krypton destruction scenes definitely needed more screaming and yelling as we heard in the original, or at least the music put back in place. Too often, we hear all this "tinkling" glass sounds instead of raw crashing, which undermines the chaos. The Phantom Zone sounds have been reduced (as mentioned by others) which kind of lessens the impact of the villains being swallowed up. The documentaries are excellent...great,
informative stuff! Overall, this is a great DVD...but I am still glad I have my laserdisc and the KCOP version on videotape. Maybe someday we can record the KCOP version blended in with the DVD version for a complete edit.
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