DVD : Superman II - The Richard Donner Cut

In association with Amazon.com

Rating:

- The Sequel Audiences Should Have Recieved
Though it may never be known for sure what a completed version of a Richard Donner Superman II would have been like, this effort is acceptable enough to replace Lester's lack luster version. Richard Lester, like Joel Shumacher on the original Batman film series, was clearly not the person to go to when it came to continuing this franchise. Though I like Lester's Superman III to a certain extent, I think his cut of Superman II is vastly inferior to Donner's "Cut". Whatever scenes I did like about Lester's Cut, I've found to be done much better in Donner's version. The scenes Lester shot that are still in Donner's Cut,(for the sake of making a complete feature), are good ones to be sure, and in conclusion, the combination of Donner and good Lester scenes put together, make Superman II the film it should have been when originally released.

Rating:

- Super Alternate
**Warning - May Contain Spoilers**
This is a great thing for anyone who considers themselves a student of film making. This is an alternate edit of the classic second movie in the Superman franchise.

Now don't get the wrong idea about this version. Just because it is labeled "The Richard Donner Cut" does not mean that this is the way the movie would have looked had Donner not been fired after shooting roughly 75% of this movie. There would clearly have been some changes made. For instance, the scene where Lois forces Superman to reveal his identity was never actually shot for the move in this way. The footage they use here is from Margot Kidder's screen test for the original movie which was done in one camera shot originally. By interspersing reaction shots from Christopher Reeve that were taken from other actress' screen tests, they are able to create a more polished feel, but they are unable to do much more than that. (They had the scripts for both movies from the beginning and had actors try out with scenes from both.)

Another big complaint that many have regarding this movie is the ending. It comes off as too repetitive after what happened in the first movie. The fact is that the "turning back time" ending was originally intended for the end of the second movie, but was placed at the end of the first one instead. Donner did not get the chance to shoot the kind of ending he would have wanted once the original ending was moved. Had he been able to finish the movie, he would have doubtless had something else entirely.

But it is refreshing to see how two people can take such different approaches to the same basic concept.

If you get this, be sure to watch the special features where Donner explains a little about why he made many of the decisions that are shown in this version of the movie.

Rating:

- the real Superman 2
Many years ago, Richard Donner was working on filming back to back Superman adventures, and filing was put on hold for the sequel in order to finish 'Superman the Movie'. When this was a huge hit, the Salkinds, who produced the film, decided to fire Donner in favor of a director they felt would be more cooperative . . . or at least that's one version of the story. Lester used a great deal of the original footage Donner shot, but added some new scenes and adapted the sequel to mesh with the new ending of the first movie (originally, Superman would not go back and change time until the end of Superman 2). But Donner always wished he could have made the sequel his way, and while that can never really happen, this is as close as we're ever going to get. Utilizing footage and effects long considered lost, this labor of love presents a Superman sequel more in line with the original script. While retaining some Lester footage, and despite the use of some mismatched screen test footage in one scene which was never filmed any other way, this movie stands as the true sequel to Donner's groundbreaking film, and is a wonderful treat for fans of the series. So if you ever wondered what if, then check out this disc. Plus: Marlon Brando is BACK!

Rating:

- Don't buy this unless you're REALLY interested in the Superman movies
I'm not alone in my thinking of the first Superman movie as the very best comic book adaptation of all as well as a GREAT accomplishment in film making. The (original, theatrical) Superman II was a great success as well, however, it lacked the grand qualities of the first installment.

So what happened? This DVD tells that story (as well as some quick searching on the internet will find as well)

Under no circumstances should you get this without seeing the original theatrical release of Superman II. This cut simply isn't finished. It it a compilation of what they were able to find and restore that was taken out of the original, a great accomplishment, but without it being complete, not to mention other problems (see below) it doesn't really stand on its own for others besides film buffs and fans of these movies.

There are many "in between" shots missing, choppy editing and the ending is a complete film school exercise because as is freely admitted in the commentary, it was used in the first movie and they were going to come up with something for the second, but didn't get to do that, and so there it is. Any greater expectations will be disappointed.

I have tremendous respect for Richard Donner, but his commentary (without which this DVD would be nearly worthless) comes off as quite bitter at times (albeit understandably). I'm really sorry he harbors such ill will toward Lester (whose name is never mentioned in this) and company, because the commentary is constantly peppered with times where it's obvious Donner is holding back what he really wants to say.

The one true value of this DVD is showing the scenes with Marlon Brando, showing the story arc of the father and the son, and how that basic narrative and story arc was completely lost in the theatrical version. For that, I can recommend this for those truly interested. For others, however, especially those who haven't seen the original theatrical release, I would recommend AGAINST getting this.

Rating:

- Not what you think
If you want to purchase this movie because you like Superman II as it aired way back when, then don't buy this movie. The beginning is COMPLETELY different and I was too irritated to even continue watching past the first 10 minutes. I am now looking to purchase the complete set of all the movies just so I can have the real version of this one.

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