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DVD REVIEW by Dharmesh, webmaster. REVIEW EQUIPMENT Sony Widescreen Wega 28" Donner chose 8 minutes of footage which he felt enhance the picture.The 2 Lex sequences (Otis feeding babies & Miss Teschmacher about to be killed at the end) were intended to be part of the film, and was restored, but Donner decided late-on that these scenes were too silly and included them in the deleted scenes section instead. Any other footage which he didn't want in the film, or DVD was never restored. Most of that footage was deemed too insignificant. The Superman soundtrack has also been given the royal treatment, it has been re-mixed in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, supposedly using the 70mm mix has reference. New sounds had to be re-created, so the film will be different to our ears?
THE REVIEW The Film
Ma Kent calling Clark is excellent, I don't think it's a problem, the pacing isn't ruined for me. The scene actually tells us that Ma Kent is in a better state of mind, and Clark is not deserting her. The photography is poorly done here, but I like the idea behind the scene. Clark at the Planet is another nice touch, we never really got to see enough of the Planet set, so I'm quite happy with this, especially when the camera zooms out, showing off the quality British production. The Jor-El and Superman chat is a big disappointment, I really don't think it works because of the abrupt cut - there's no bridging scene, for example - a shot of Superman flying before the Fortress scene would eliminate the abrupt cut and produce the perfect bridge. The film just comes to a grinding halt, this is not reminiscent of Baird's quick editing. Maybe adding the scene after the Donner cameo might have worked better. A strong candidate for the deleted scenes section. The Donner cameo is okay, not entirely necessary. It doesn't add anything to the picture. Bullets, fire and ice is fun, I like it, again it doesn't add anything to the picture because Lex already knows these elements can't hurt Supes. Possibly a candidate for the deleted scenes section? I think so. Superman in the Earth's crust has been extended, it's awesome for the most part, but not sure about the two long shots which show Supes moving at a slow pace, it doesn't look right to my eyes. The 2 additions which I would've liked are the extending flying sequence after the helicopter rescue and Supes waiting for the New Jersey rocket. The latter scene required matte lines to be removed, I think this could've been done if they found the original composites. The former is a great scene, and a nice angle on Supe's flight, crying shame it's not included in the cut. I don't think Donner sat down and watched this new cut. The Jor-El and Superman chat simply doesn't work. Everything else is okay, I'm 80% happy with this cut, but the theatrical was just about perfect. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Picture
Some shots which feature rear screen effects look off, the colour of the background plate is blurred which makes some scenes look fake. I'm not sure why the background plates were not restored and matched with the foreground. On the VHS wide-screen, the background looks fine, but here, it really looks like it needs major work.
Sound
The destruction of Krypton is a little disappointing, a lot of screams have been drowned out. Would've been nice to have heard the screams in the rear speakers, with the destruction of the crystalline structure taking up the front stage. The original destruction certainly had the right mix, here, it's mixed all wrong. Superman now has whooshes - One long shot where Superman is looking for Lex's lair, you can hear whooshes, but he's a mile away!!! Why am I hearing it? I'm not quite sold on this new effect, I think it's overdone. A lot of sounds have been enhanced, which I really love - the chasing rockets sounds much fuller, and the Earthquake is much stronger. I could be here all day talking about these new sound effects, but I digress for the time being. The surround sound is pretty awesome. The sound panning around the room is a treat, this what I expect from a Superman movie. Lex calling Supes is heard all around the room, this is AWESOME! You feel right in the middle of the action. I always loved the dialogue accompanied with this sequence, the sound placement takes it further, it's really exciting. Probably the best sequence which will blow your rear speakers is the The Gauntlet AKA Bullets, Fire & Ice. As the guns come into view, the surround stage becomes active, but the cool thing is that the sound feels like it's coming from all directions. Maybe this was a little too loud? It's certainly the loudest rear action I've heard on DVD. There's plenty of subwoofer action, which will have your neighbours moaning! The John Williams' score has never sounded better, the music fills the room, it's balanced very well for the rear sound stage. There are times when the music is drowned out, like the opening of the dome. If the music is heard in the original, then it must be heard in this one, irrespective of the foley work. Overall, there are plenty moments of coolness, it's not all bad, I like a lot of the sound mix, but I feel that some additions affect the picture.The original soundtrack omission was A HUGE mistake! If this was included, no one would be complaining.
Extras
I really think they needed a brainstorm before doing the commentary. Oh well, it's fun to listen to. I suppose I know so much about the film, that it's no surprise that I'm disappointed with it.
The 3 documentaries are pretty neat - Taking Flight and Making Superman are hosted by Marc McClure, they are a nice insight, but never detailed. I felt that the production was never probed, it touched the surface. We do get to see plenty of on-location stuff, but it cuts away too quickly sometimes. It's very teasing, because there's a bits of Donner directing Superman 2 footage!!!. I think the aim of this documentary was to prove to newbies that Donner shot scenes for 2 and are in Lester's cut. Doesn't Alex Salkind looked pissed off in some shots when he's listening to Donner? It's a shame that Chris Reeve didn't have a lot to say. There's no mention of the premiere :( The controversy behind Donner's firing is touched upon, but it doesn't tell you WHY he was fired. These 2 docs are rushed. The special effects documentary is the best of the 3, hosted by Roy Field. We get to see a plenty of different f/x techniques, film sets and more on-location footage. I love this, my favourite extra on the disc. Some of the best seamless work was done on Supes! Watch out for some Brando dialogue from Superman 2!!!
The isolated score wasn't necessary, the Rhino CD Set is superb. The music quality is excellent on the DVD, but you can't skip to individual cues, which is a major bummer!!! The sound is presented in Dolby Digital 5.0 and follows the film. On Side B, you get to hear additional cues, which are not heard in their entirety in the film, includes the complete Chasing rockets and Destruction of Krypton. Also, there is an alternate version of the main title, which is basically the prologue and the long unedited version of the main theme (track 17 on Rhino CD1). The cues on side B are not discrete, the same sound comes from all speakers.
Since I don't have access to a DVD-ROM, I can't check the storyboards. Why it's confined to the DVD-ROM is a mystery. The menus are good, but the trend continues - Showing scenes from the film, there's a whole new generation out there to see this film, and you are spoiling it for them! I really don't like this trend. Anyway, the menus are not the best I've seen, I feel it's a little bland. The packaging is a disappointment, the front cover art pales in comparison to the original Bob Peak teaser. Why is it so difficult to replicate it? I want to know who designed this donkey dung cover, it's a damn disgrace. You didn't have to try too hard, the Bob Peak art was perfect
Final Thoughts So, am I satisfied with the disc? No, there's so much stuff missing: 1. Theatrical cut and original
sound mix I suspect space was at a premium, but you have to be disappointed that some of this stuff is not on the disc. This is a big title, it deserved to be a 2 disc set (2 DVD-18s?). What we already have on the disc will please most, but I wouldn't mind paying more to get everything. The theatrical cut should've been on this disc, it's the film everyone grew up on, I'm really surprised that Donner was not sold on the idea - I'm sure it was a late decision to remove the seamless branching. It's really unfair for people to go back to laserdisc to see the original version of the movie. I wish I could've contributed some ideas for this disc. I wasn't expecting the 2nd coming, my expectations were low. Some sources have told me that legal issues dictated what could go on the disc, something to do with the Salkinds, funny that, eh? The Superman movies have been a nightmare for Warner Bros. I think there was and is concern not to upset the Salkind family. One should thank Michael Thau for leading the restoration. The task was immense, but sometimes you only have one shot at it, you have to make the most of it the first time. I personally don't think it was done quite right this time around. The restored picture is not quite as good as it should be
Superman maybe frowned upon by cinema snobs, but no one can deny that the film is the father of comic book features. The film singlehandly changed the comic book concept for the screen. I'm proud to say that Superman ranks alongside Apocalypse Now, Lawrence of Arabia, Touch of Evil & Once upon a time in the West as my all-time favourite pictures Movie SE - 9 out of 10
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The
theatrical cut was near perfect, and not having it on the disc is disappointing,
but the Special Edition works for the most part. The extra dialogue between
the Council and Jor-El fleshes out the characters. The Military officer
is a good addition, it adds urgency and intensifies the situation. 
The
anamorphic transfer is very good to excellent for the most part, but the
process flying shots look grainy. There is enough to distract but if you
love the film you will not be bothered by it, I wasn't. The film has a
dreamy quality to it, so none of the shots take on a razor sharp look,
but the style used by the cinematographer was very unique. The background
looks hazy, almost untouchable. 
The
sound has been enhanced, but some new sound effects had to be re-created,
and it doesn't always work. The original sound mix was never satisfying,
I don't think it was representative of the director's vision. The signature
sound effects are very unique to the picture, and what has hurt some fans
is the opening credits. 
Screen
Tests is a winner in my book, you get to see why Chris was
chosen for the Supes role. The Lois tests are even more interesting, and
you get to see the blank bullets sequence (used for the test) - I tell
you, the dialogue is excellent, Chris Reeve plays Clark like Jimmy Stewart. Ursa
tests are pretty neat, Sarah Douglas is not featured, but she was the
best choice in my opinion. These tests are very watchable and surprisingly
quite addictive!
There
is one major omission, since the original soundtrack reels were found,
they must have contained the alternate version of the dome opening, which
couldn't be located by the Rhino producers. The omission of this and 2
other alternates cues is a big disappointment. I highly recommend buying
the Rhino CD, because it offers more music than the DVD.