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This "movie" comprises the first three episodes of the superb Superman: The Animated Series. It is an excellent introduction to Superman, and one of the best of the first season. (...)If you're not a completist then don't buy this, because(...) there is a box set due out in the summer. I bought it for the sole purpose of having it in a movie format.
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Superman: The Last Son of Krypton is a classic--the very first episode of the Superman animated series, which sadly, I was too young to appreciate when it came on TV regularly. The simple fact that Superman really does seem utterly invincible in this first episode (apparently before everybody and his cousin discovers Kryptonite)--that's enough to enjoy the experience. I, for one, enjoy seeing the good guys win. If you're into collecting the Batman animated series, then this, too, is a must-have. There's just no other way to say it--this is Superman at his finest.
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This is the 90 minute pilot to the Superman cartoon series from Warner Brothers. The story is excellent. I am very pleased with the care that was taken in trying to retell the original Superman legend making it identifiable for adults and interesting for kids. The entire series was well produced and I sincerely hope that someday the series will be available as a DVD boxed set.
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Superman: The Last Son of Krypton is the first three episodes of the acclaimed animated series that ran on KidsWB! in the late 90's. As became par for the WB marketing department, rather than give fans fresh Superman material, they were content to edit and repackage episodes together into "movies". The resulting video is worth your attention and collection, but it's not a movie, and it's nowhere near the best that the series had to offer.
Superman: LSK was produced by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and the many talented people that created Batman: The Animated Series, and later, Batman Beyond and Justice League. While the group has had no problems with Batman, they never quite got the hang of Superman, and it's evident in these episodes. Like Richard Donner's 1978 Superman movie, the origin of Superman is told in three distinct parts: Starting on Krypton, we learn of the planet's demise and follow scientist Jor-El as he rockets his son to Earth. We see Clark grow up in Smallville and learn of his heritage, then we move on to Metropolis and the introduction of Lois Lane, the Daily Planet, and Lex Luthor. The scenes on Krypton are the best part of the "movie". In a wise move, the villain Brainiac is re-imagined as Krypton's supercomputer, and lets everyone die so it can save itself.
Kal-El is rocketed to Earth, and the "movie" starts going downhill. Too little time is spent on Clark finding out about his powers in Smallville. I would've liked to see more of Lana Lang, and more of Clark gradually accepting that he's different. The story skips by these important scenes too quickly as it moves us to Metropolis. Lex Luthor has designed a prototype battle suit that is appearantly stolen by terrorist John Corben. Too much time is spent on this plot thread, and at times it overwealms Superman's introduction to the citizens of Metropolis. I would've liked to see more of a shock among the bad guys when they find out they're being chased by a flying man, Superman's interview with Lois, and the scene of Superman finding acceptance after his final victory is too short. The fight sequences go on a tad too long, and Superman is knocked about repeatedly until he suddenly cuts loose and finishes the fights in a matter of seconds. Worst of all, the "movie" ends with the foreshadowing of the return of Brainiac. Nothing wrong with that, but it only makes sense in the context of the entire series. Fans who haven't seen the other episodes will be left hanging.
Despite all this, there are also many positives. All the characterization is dead on, from eager Jimmy Olsen to hardened Perry White, Lana Lang, Jor-El, and especially the three big stars, Clark, Luthor, and Lois. While actors Tim Daly and Clancy Brown are still struggling with their voices here, they find themselves by the third episode's end, and give great performances.
For those wanting to watch a "movie", try the "Batman-Superman Movie". It's the only other three episodes of the Superman series released, but its story is more self-contained and more enjoyable. Superman: The Last Son of Krypton is not the best introduction the character could've recieved, but it's still an important part of the series, and essential viewing.
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Bruce Timm and Paul Dini prove that lightning can strike twice when they switched creative gears from the dark streets of Gotham City to the bright lights, big city look of Metropolis. This animated epic begins on Krypton but quickly travels to Earth, with the arrival of baby Kalel to the Kents. Eventually, Clark Kent's trials lead him to Metropolis, where a rival/love interest named Lois Lane fights for headlines while a greedy businessman named Lex Luther fights for control of the planet! Outstanding family entertainment about the man of steel! A must for any serious Super-fan!
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