Superman Lives On (Superman (DVD))

Member Name: utero

Product:	Superman (DVD)
Date:	08/10/01 (152 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: awesome extras, excellent presentation, great film

Disadvantages: the R2 snapper case

Movies based on comic books are currently pretty hot stuff in Hollywood with every studio looking to get the rights to every superhero the world of ink drawings has to offer. You can hardly blame them because ever since Superman, if a comic book adaptation is done right then it's a very big cash cow.

Superman was made over twenty years ago now and it's still as good as it was back then. Sure the effects might not stand up to today's standards but one thing this has is character. It captures the wonder, romance and fantasy of superheroes with great directing and a charismatic performance by Christopher Reeve in the lead role.

The plot of the film really establishes Superman's origins from his beginnings on Planet Krypton to his landing on Earth. We see his early years of life, growing up into a mild mannered and somewhat shy man named Clarke Kent who works at the Daily Planet newspaper in New York. As Superman he has to stop Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) from orchestrating the greatest real estate swindle of all time. Doesn't sound like much of a plot but it doesn't really matter as there's humour and a degree of credibility.

But that's enough waffling about the film because now Superman has been given the special edition dvd treatment and unlike some dvd's the words 'Special Edition' really do apply to this release.

The film has undergone some restoration for dvd and it really shows. The film is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and for a 20-year old film I have to say the results are nothing short of stunning. Colours are bold and clean. There's little sign of grain and even the special; effects have some degree of credibility in the digital environment. Obviously there are few blemishes but overall the results are way above what you'd expect.

The sound has also undergone a restoration with a newly created Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. Normally soundtracks that weren't
created in a digital realm originally sound a little flat but not here. Just strike up the opening title sequence and your hair will literally stand on end. The score sounds amazing and at decent volume you'll hear the credit fly past your ears from the rears to the front speakers. The dialogue channel has that slightly hollow sound that you expect from older films but again it's an amazing experience that puts some dvd's to shame.

IS IT A BIRD?, IS IT A PLANE?, NO IT'S THE SUPERMAN EXTRAS!

The dvd is a double sided dual layer affair that makes use of all available space. On one side you have the film as well as an audio commentary from Director Richard Donner and Creative Consultant Tom Mankiewicz. This is a fantastic track where no stone is left un-turned. The pair make no bones about the troubled production and you find out that Mankiewicz actually wrote the film despite not getting a credit. Also throughout there is some great humour and anecdotes.

Also included in an isolated score track in full 5.1 sound. Now I'm a bit fan of this kind of extras and when it's John Williams you're in for a real treat. Of course some won't sit through the entire film listening to the track but if you like scores then here's a great remastered version of a classic.

The other extras on this side of the dvd is the fact that the film is now an extended version. Another 8 minutes have been added to the final version. This includes such scenes as the Hollywood sign nearly falling on school kids and a heartfelt conversation between Superman and his father Jor-El. If you desire to view these scenes independent of the film then you have the option to do so.

Rounding out the side is a cast/crew listing as well as an awards listing.

Flip the disc and you are greeted with the bulk of the extra material. The main attraction is 3 documentaries on the film.

TAKING FLIGHT -THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUPE
RMAN
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This is a 30-minute documentary presented by Mark McClure (No relation to Troy!) who played Jimmy Olsen. This covers the beginnings of the film project with up to date interviews and archive footage. You learn that Bond director Guy Hamilton was originally in the director's chair and Richard Donner was offered the project while doing things of a bathroom nature! It's great stuff and packs so much into half an hour. Most inspiring of all is Christopher Reeve talking about the film as well as his current disabled state. Richard Donner pays tribute by saying, "He convinced me he could fly and he's convinced me that he'll walk again"

MAKING SUPERMAN -FILMING THE LEGEND
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Another 30-minute documentary again presented by McClure. This concentrates more on the actual shooting of the film with loads of behind the scenes footage. You see storyboards, hear from crew members and get information on the costumes and special effects such as the difficulty in making the audience believe Superman could fly. You also get the dirt dished on the behind the scenes pressures of shooting the film and it's sequel at the same time.

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE CAPE
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A 22-minute documentary on the special effects on the film. This is excellent stuff that shows early test footage of superman flying as well as examples of model's used to create the illusion of the set pieces in the film. Without the advent of CGI this shows what an achievement the film was in effects work.

"STARRING STOCKARD CHANNING AS LOIS LANE!"

The next feature runs for 20 minutes and features screen tests for the film. Superman's casting director shows you footage of Christopher Reeve in 1977 trying out for the role with a scene from Superman 2. On seeing this there can be little doubt that Reeves was the right cho
ice for the role and on a note of amusement it seems that the Superman costume could get a little sweaty in the armpit region!

But by far the best part of this segment is the tests fro the role of Lois Lane. Well known actresses can be seen here trying for the role such as Anne Archer, Lesley Ann Warren and Stockard Channing. These are all good actresses but once you see Margot Kidder's test then again you know the right choice was made.

Finally there is a small segment that features various actresses trying out for the role of Ursa. Again it's fascinating stuff and you hear why some were considered not right for the role.

"OTIS, DID YOU FEED THE BABIES?"

An amusing 3-minute deleted scene ere Lex Luthor is about to lower his ditzy girlfriend into a pit of snarling beasts as food’s until he's thwarted by Superman!

Next up is the theatrical trailer as well as a TV spot. Rounding out the package is a collection of 8 additional musical cues from John Williams score. Once again great for fans of the film's score as well as William's fans in general. There is no footage to back these pieces up but it’s a clever little addition.

So there you have it. Some dvd's have great extras but also a lot of fluff, this is one dvd that rewards the fans, celebrates the film and gives you everything that you want in the format. With every main cast member and crew member featured I'd even go out on a limb and say this is one of the best discs currently available.

The only thing that lets it down is the Region 1/2 packaging. Because it's a Warner Brothers title you get the average cardboard snapper case. But there is a way around this; the Region 4 comes with the same extras and presentation but also an amaray plastic case. Not only that but from somewhere like devoted.com.au it's available for around £12.00.

C'mon you owe it to yourself and your dvd playe
r to have this in your collection. In fact if you don't have a dvd player then you really are missing out!

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