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I didn't realize how much I missed these shows. The first season was fantastic, the reason I had to purchase all the seasons !! I am very happy with my purchases and have enjoyed the shows many times since receiving them.
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`The Adventures of Superman' (TAS) was made under difficult circumstances: almost no time, almost no money, and no CGI. Yet three things make TAS a timeless classic:
1) The recurring cast members were all superb, especially George Reeves as Superman. Reeves played the part with just the right combination of intelligence, righteousness, manliness, and, when necessary, gentleness. A WWII vet and former boxer, Reeves had a physical presence that implied strength and power. Reeves never played Clark Kent as a sissy or klutz, and within the framework of the show this approach worked well. Reeves is to Superman as Errol Flynn is to Robin Hood, as Sean Connery is to 007.
2) Tight, disciplined stories. Every episode has some kind of hook early on, and each one has some element of suspense to keep you involved.
3) Good to excellent directing and cinematography. Every episode is at least competently done, and some work marvelously.
There is a widespread concensus among fans that the 1st two seasons of TAS are the best, due to their being less whimsical than the remaining 4 seasons, and due to their being shot in crisp black and white they resemble film noir, which has the effect of making these shows seem somehow more realistic than the color episodes.
There is considerable debate as to whether the 1st season or the 2nd season is actually the best. In season 1, Lois Lane was played by Phyllis Coates, a good actress who somehow got stuck doing exclusively B movies. Her Lois is a little edgier and tougher than then Noel Niell, who played Lois in the rest of the 6 seasons, as well as playing Lois in the 2 Columbia pictures movie serials. Fans who prefer Phyllis Coates' Lois will give an edge to Season 1.
A deeper difference is that Season 1's stories are a little more hard-boiled, with more guns being fired and more people getting shot and/or killed. The decision to tone-down the violence probably had something to do with the fact that the Kelloggs cereal company had assumed sponsorship of the program, and due to the Senator Estes Kefauver crusade against violence in comic books.
Violence is a major element in the best Season 1 episode, `The Stolen Costume.' This episode also provides the most nuanced or perhaps even ambivalent portrayal of Superman in the entire series. `The Stolen Costume' is one of the two greatest episodes in the whole series, the other being `Panic in the Sky' from Season 2.
Many episodes in Season 1 and Season 2 are almost as great. Even the weakest episodes of TAS are infinitely better than the 2006 film `Superman Returns,' which cost all the money in the world and took 3 fricken years to make.
While many fans give the edge to Season 1, I have a slight preference to Season 2, although I've no complaints with Season 1. Season 2 still had the occasional death (of a villain, mind you, and never by Superman's hand!) but also introduced more science fictional elements and stories began to explore the question of Superman's invulnerability. In at least 3 episodes of Season 2, Superman is in some way weakened, injured, or otherwise taken out of action as a major plot point.
Also of note, Season 2 features the TV debut of Noel Niell as Lois Lane. Ms. Niell's portrayal of Lois is softer than Phyllis Coates', and perhaps somewhat more stereotypically female. Many fans of the show debate the 2 Lois' merits, but I will not, finding many appealing qualities to them both. Moreover, to think of them reminds of how woefully inadequate Kate Bosworth was in `Superman Returns.'
These DVD collections are a good value. Twenty six episodes per box makes almost 11 hours of pure show, plus the featurettes and audio commentary are not bad either. These DVD's are, hands down, the most satisfying and fun home video product I have ever purchased.
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I love so many of the old Television shows from the 1950's & 1960's but for bringing back good ol' memories of yesteryear few shows can match up with George Reeves in "The Adventures of Superman".
The second season continues to bring us more thrill packed episodes and in glorious black&white like season one.
DVD quality is good and extra's are fun to watch.
George Reeves is so wonderful as SUPERMAN.
Buy all six seasons. You'll be glad ya did.
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I am old enough to remember when these were new shows. I've had the pleasure of introducing my 10-year-old to first, the serial, then the first season of AOS. Now, we've been able to share in viewing the second season, and it has not disappointed.
George Reeves shows why he is the quintessential Superman. The episodes in season 2 really show the subtleties of his depth as an actor.
The effects are dated, buy they don't take away from enjoying the episodes. Panic in the Sky is considered the best episode of the entire series. Watch this and you will see why.
All in all, I thoroughly look forward to getting seasons 3-4 soon.
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Even though the hard-edged grittiness has been toned down, the second season of TV's "Adventures of Superman" (1953) is great fun. George Reeves breaks through the small screen as the definitive Man of Steel in this memorable DVD set - highlighted by "Five Minutes to Doom," "The Face and the Voice," "Superman in Exile" and the justly famous "Panic in the Sky." The special features are rather scant, but include the government short "Stamp Day for Superman" and a nice tribute to Noel Neill. Enthusiasts of classic television will not be disappointed.
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