You will believe a man can fly... (Superman (DVD))

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Product:	Superman (DVD)
Date:	17/09/01 (38 review reads)
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Advantages: DVD enriches the Superman experience

Disadvantages: none

***DVD REVIEW***

The fact that this movie is on DVD may seem redundant to some people; after all, it has been on TV several times. But even so, this more than 2 decades-old movie is still worth getting on DVD. The extras on it and the clear picture and sound are worth a twenty dollar investment, especially if you like to toss reality to the side once in awhile.

People forget that the art of special effects didn't always have the help of computers. When creators of this movie were faced with the dilemma of how to make Superman fly, it was a huge undertaking. Mind you,they didn't have the help of computer imagery, and this all had to be done with old fashioned methods,like wire and camera tricks. But this old fashioned moviemaking doesn't seem dated to me:quite the contrary. It makes the magic seem more real because there was genuine thought and imagination behind it. In one of the DVD extras, it is explained to a great extent what was involved in creating the image of Superman flying. It also showed Margot Kidder explaining her ordeal with the flying scenes, which she described as the most tedious part of the movie.

The story, which follows Superman's birth on another planet to the heroic end, where he saves the world from the devices of the evil Lex Luther, is formulaic. But the superb casting truly brings the story to life. From the part of Superman's other worldly Kryptonion father(Marlon Brando) to Lex Luther (Gene Hackman), to Margot Kidder as Lois and Chris Reeve as Superman, every part is played to perfection. Believe it or not, Christopher Reeve was not the choice for Superman at first, and this is talked about in a DVD extra describing the casting. Only after many practice screen takes did he get the job. Reeve was so brilliant in this film, probably too good as he could not get another decent role. There was also much work in casting the part of Lois Lane. Everyone from Anne Archer to Lesley Ann Warren tested
for the part, yet no one seemed as right as Margot Kidder. There is an extra on the DVD that is purely made up of auditions for the part of Lois. It is so interesting to watch these takes, because it is so apparent why Margot Kidder was chosen. It's not that the other actresses weren't qualified, it was that they frankly lacked the magical, sincere quality that Margot Kidder brought to the part.

Even though this movie seems complete, there are some scenes left on the cutting room floor, as in every film. Some good scenes left out of the movie: A scene concerning Superman's rescue of Luther's assistant, Ms. Tessmacher(Valerie Perrine), after she has been left for certain death by Lex Luther after helping Superman escape. There is also a good flying scene cut out which showcases a wonderful wintry-looking set. It is also interesting how this scene and others were constructed from small-scale models then blown up into a large, life-like scenes. This is explained on another extra on the DVD. Also, the making of the film is also discussed, including the outrageous multi-million dollar budget at the time, and interviews with some of the moviemakers and actors in the film, including Christopher Reeve.

Seeing Christopher Reeve in his wheelchair is a tragic irony: Superman is supposed to be able to fly and yet here is Superman, unable to even move. But Reeve's eyes do not reveal self-pity or regret. He is determined to walk again, an action most of take for granted daily. Infact director Richard Donner says "I saw him fly and I will see him walk again". Margot Kidder, who also speaks about her Superman experience, has faced her own difficulties in life, ones as real as the physical manifestation of Reeve's paralysis. Yet she does not seem bitter either, and speaks fondly and sincerely about making this and other Superman movies.

You will like the crisp, sharp picture and sound on this DVD. And your favorite sce
nes become more poignant after realizing the work that went into them. My personal favorite is the scene where Superman gets to Lois too late after the earthquake that Lex Luther has caused with his destructive missiles. Full of determined emotion, he uses his rage at the situation to literally circle the world over and over to go backwards in time to save Lois. It's a scene where you realize Superman is a being of superhuman emotion. It makes you think of the powers not only that Superman has, but also the power of sheer will that we all have within us.

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