DVD : Superman - The Movie (Limited Edition Collector's Set)

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Rating:

- Plot Driven with Wit and Wisdom
This is still the best of the Superman movies to date. While the special effects are dated and less than spectacular than he recent Superman Returns, it still exceeds as a superiorly directed, acted, and Superman presentation than any other version.

This is not to say that the more recent movie, Superman Returns or Superman II are not fine films, they are; but here Richard Donner, still a young director at the time, manages to flush out a superior performance from Christopher Reeve and Margret Kidder. The proof is in their careers - both actors gave their best performances in this movie, while they were yet still unpolished performers. Gene Hackman was great with a superb dry wit and great sense of timing.

There are plenty of places to get a review of the plot so I'll skip it, but the sense of hope Superman brings to this film is great. He is America's Moses. While the special effects don't quite make you belive a man can fly, you will get lost in the adventure and maybe be a better person for it.

Rating:

- Theatrical Cut Please
The original Superman:The Movie I give 5 Stars: without a doubt a monumental movie. This version, while technically great, cuts in too many (wisely cut in the first place) extra scenes and extended versions of existing scenes placing a drag on the pacing. The original theatrical cut is considered by Richard Donner to be his 'director's cut': this version is more of a curiosity piece. Film students could watch it to learn something about film editing and pacing. I saw the original movie at least 15 - 20 time during it's theatrical release and feel Warner's has almost ruined the film with this presentation. Let's hope Warner's releases the theatrical cut on the upcoming (fall 2006) Ultimate Superman collection. One thing I will say I did like was the audio remix for Dolby 5.1. Although I'm a purist concerning this film, they did a great job remixing the dialogue, sound effects and music.

Rating:

- A True classic that's hard to match
Superman may be over 20 years old but it's still not out-dated and works for todays audience. It's a true classic with Christopher Reeves 100% becoming not only the role of Superman but Clark Kent as well. He's the best Superman and also the best Clark Kent. He had the bumbling reporter thing down pat better than Brandon Routh did in Superman Returns or Dean Cain in Lois and Clark. He also had great chemestry with Margot Kidder who played Lois Lane. The scene where he takes her flying with him is still magical and special. Eventhough I really liked Superman Returns, the scene where he flys with Lois is easily forgettable compared to the scene in this movie.

The film also has the late great Marlon Brando as Superman's dad Jor-el in the beginning of the movie. In the Fortress of Solitude Clark is able to learn everything that he needs to know about his father and where he came from. He then becomes Superman and makes himself known to the world by saving Lois Lane. His skills are about to be put to the test by Lex Luther (Gene Hackman) who's about to start world chaos.

Gene Hackman makes a really good Lex eventhough he was stubborn about wearing a bald cap or even shaving his mustache for the director. It's funny how Richard Donner got him to shave though. He put on a fake mustache and told Gene he'd shave if he did. Gene shaved and said "you're turn" and Richard said "ok" and just pulled off the mustache. Gene looked at him mad but then started laughing. I remember Richard Donner talking about that on a director show. Anyway Gene at least wears the bald cap for like a second at the end of the movie and in the beginning of Supeman 2. He shows that Lex doesn't need to be bald the whole movie to still be an evil and calculated mad-man though. He still did the part well. While Ned Beatty is also excellent as his dimwitted side-kick Otis. With this movie being so well made and being a great start to the Superman franchise. It's very sad that part 3 and 4 were failures. Christopher Reeves deserved a much better last Superman movie than Superman 4 since he was the perfect Superman.

Rating:

- The Best of the Best
I don't think I could say anything bad about this film. It's where all the other Comic adaptations look to, to see how it was done. The story was done well, and the way it was filmed, gives a sense of reality and a way for us to connect with the characters. This wasn't a 2-Dimensional portrayal, but felt like these were real poeple. Wish the other deleted scenes were in this film though.

Rating:

- A classic to stay forever
This is the most loved classic movie loved by all ages. The recent release refreshes the thrill the previous productions have left behind on our hearts.

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