The Superman 5-Film Collection on 4k is a must for fans of the franchise. While some of the features left out of previous versions may irritate purists out there, the Ultra High Definition and Atmos tracks make revisiting these film a lot of fun. This set is out today!
“Superman 5-Film Collection: 1978-1987 includes Superman: The Movie (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987), plus hours of special features, including making-of featurettes, filmmaker commentaries, additional scenes, theatrical trailers, TV spots and more.”
Disclaimer: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided us with a free copy of this Blu-ray/DVD that we reviewed in this blog post. The opinions we share are our own.
It’s been five years since the release of the first film, Superman: The Movie on 4k, and we finally have a boxset containing the rest of the Christopher Reeve films. While this isn’t as complete as the Superman Motion Picture Anthology released on Blu-ray in 2011, with Superman Returns missing, it still marks a milestone in the Reeves films getting a ‘super’ treatment.
Superman: The Movie
One of the first mainstream superhero films, Superman: The Movie demonstrated that comic book characters could indeed be successful in film. With a stellar cast including Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty, and of course Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, the introduction of Superman into the world of cinema was a stunning success and paved the way for subsequent comic book films. Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman, in my opinion, has definitely been the best. He has a very strong presence with looks that beam compassion and humanity, something vital for the character. When people scoff at the fact that glasses were the only thing hiding his identity, I have to disagree, since the bumbling, nervous, and socially awkward Clark Kent we see in this film hides his identity more than anything. Superman: The Movie, just as the character, has a lot of heart at its core, allowing the harsh realities of our world take a back seat as we watch this hero save lives who stands for truth, justice, and the American way.
As much as the original film changed the playing field for comic book characters, this is a far cry from the superhero films we know today. The origin story of the character severely lacks in this film, not really focusing on Clark’s growth or self-discovery, but only showing a few sequences of Clark wanting to compete with classmates but can’t. Additionally, there is only one short moment of Jonathan Kent imparting very humanizing knowledge to his son telling him he’s here for a reason. With his adopted father as one of the main reasons of Clark being the man he is, this felt way too short to define such a vital character trait. With the film clocking in at almost two and a half hours already, it’s understandable to let the origin story lack, but perhaps focusing on some different aspects of Superman’s origins would have made for a more fluid introduction. His actual transformation into Superman was a bit strange as well. Admittedly, I haven’t read the comics, but have seen about every incarnation film/tv wise of the character, but basically going into a cocoon for twelve years and coming out already dressed in the tights and cape always seemed like a bit of a stretch. They were too anxious to get to the meat of the story and lost sight of introducing the character properly.
These writing issues also apply to much of the film, one major one being Clark’s relationship with Lois. Their introduction to each other was much too fast, as well as Superman’s attraction to her. All we are really shown is a workaholic who can’t spell and doesn’t seem to care about much else. The fact that Superman is shown to be almost infatuated with her right off the bat is odd to say the least, which also makes his reaction to Lois’ fate at the end of the film even more strange. Lex Luthor, Superman’s greatest arch nemesis, although played well by Gene Hackman, doesn’t flesh out much of any relationship between the two. Forget the fact that Lex figured out Superman’s weakness by PURE DEDUCTION, but their interactions seemed forced. I also won’t go into the flying around the Earth fast enough to go back in time, but struggles to fly fast enough to catch the missile.
Regardless, these writing issues pale in comparison to the entertainment value of the film, what it did for comic book films, and one of the better Superman characters we’ve been given on film. Superman: The Movie still manages to entertain even after 40 years!
Video
Superman: The Movie is presented in 2160p 4k Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.4:1 featuring HDR and Dolby Vision. For a 40 year old film, the 4k transfer of this looks really good. The Dolby Vision offers some amazing colors, providing those brilliant brights and deep darks. Grain is maintained at a reasonable level, although there are a few special effect sequences where it is a bit excessive, which is exacerbated by the clarity of the picture. The only issue I had with this transfer is the majority of the film has a softness to it that is fairly noticeable.
The Blu-Ray included is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.4:1.
Audio
The audio is presented is the same Dolby Atmos mix from the previous release, and is by far the best thing about this disc. Great balance between the surrounds, with lots of action coming from them and not drowning out the center channel. The John Williams score sounds fantastic on this mix, and in my opinion one of the best Superman scores, if not all superhero scores of all time.
There has been blowback from purists who object to the replacement of the Dolby 5.1 track on the original 4k release with a lossless 2.0 stereo track, which omits the original intention of the soundtrack that was included in 70mm releases of the film in specially equipped theaters during the time of its release, which from what I read were few and far between. That being said, you can’t please everyone it seems, and with limited space on a single disc, and dwindling physical media support, I for one am pleased to get what I can, even if it’s not the way I would have heard it in 1978 going to one of the few theaters in the country capable of providing the experience.
Special Features
A few extras on the Blu-Ray disc, complete with commentary on both. Here’s what you’re going to see:
- Commentary by Producer Pierre Spengler and Executive Producer Ilya Salkind
- The Making of Superman: The Movie 1978 TV Special
- Superman and the Mole-Men
- Cartoons
- TV Spots & Trailers
Superman II
“Unwittingly released from Phantom Zone imprisonment, three superpowered Planet Krypton criminals (Terence Stamp, Sarah Douglas, and Jack O’Halloran) plan to enslave Earth 0 just when Superman (Christopher Reeve) decides to show a more romantic side to Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). Gene Hackman also returns as Lex Luthor in this sequel that features a top supporting cast, witty Richard Lester direction, and visuals that astound and delight.”
Having the Donner Cut and watching the two back and back it’s amazing the differences in the film we got originally and how it would have changed had Donner not been replaced. While I prefer the Donner Cut myself, Richard Lester brings a certain levity to the film in areas where it certainly wasn’t needed, and removes levity where it was effective. Still, it’s part of how the majority of us saw the film growing up, and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the silliness of the people of Metropolis being blown down the street, and the different direction the film took in portraying Lois and Clark’s relationship and her drive to connect the dots to his identity.
Video
Superman II is presented in 2160p Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1 featuring HDR10. No Dolby Vision here unfortunately, but still, colors are amazingly vibrant, especially the red, blue and yellow of the suit. Grain is kept at a manageable level, but does seem to be abundant in a few areas. The clarity is very impressive, often highlighting some of the inconsistencies of the special effects, which is understandable. The film looks fantastic.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, and is a very excellent audio track. The sound can be very immersive at times, with a good balance between the surrounds, atmos speakers and center channel. The score, as with all the films, sounds best here.
Special Features
- Commentary by Executive Producer Ilya Salkind and Producer Pierre Spengler
- The Making of Superman II
- The Fleischer Studios 1940s Superman Cartoons
- Superman’s Souffle Deleted Scene
- Theatrical Trailer
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
“Director Richard Donner began shooting Superman II while concurrently filming Superman: The Movie, though the theatrical version of the film was ultimately direction by Richard Lester. In 2006, Donner’s original unique vision was release for the first time. Jor-El (Marlon Brando in footage cut from the theatrical version) appears in key scenes that amplify Superman lore and deepen the relationship between father and son. Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) plots more schemes to unmask Clark Kent as Superman (Christopher Reeve). With so many changes, large and small, including a different beginning and resolution, this version is an eye-opening alternate experience.”
Watching The Richard Donner Cut is like watching an entirely different Superman II film. Entire scenes added, others shifted around, and new special effects added to creatively reconstruct the film that Donner had intended. This includes utilizing a screen test for part of the hotel sequence that cuts back and forth between what was actually shot. Continuity issues aside, this works surprisingly well, and looks better than I would have thought.
It’s great that both versions of the film are included on this set, each with their own individual disc and transfer, as it really is like having an entirely separate film.
Video
Superman II: The Donner Cut is presented in 2160p Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1 featuring HDR10. No Dolby Vision here unfortunately, but still, colors are amazingly vibrant. Grain is kept at a manageable level, but does seem to be abundant in a few areas, as with the other films. The clarity is very impressive, often highlighting some of the inconsistencies of the special effects.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, and is a very excellent audio track. The sound can be very immersive at times, with a good balance between the surrounds, atmos speakers and center channel. These tracks on the subsequent sequels are consistently good, with no issues that I was able to notice during my viewings.
Special Features
- Commentary by Director Richard Donner and Creative Consultant Tom Mankiewicz
- Introduction by Director Richard Donner
- Deleted Scenes
- Superman II: Restoring the Vision
- The Famous Studios 1940s Superman Cartoons
Superman III
“Meet Gus Gorman (Richard Pryor), a naïve computer programming natural. For him, a keyboard is a weapon – and, as a result, Superman faces the microelectronic menace of his life. Christopher Reeve reprises his signature role, deepening his character’s human side as Clark Kent sees Lana Lang (Annette O’Toole) at Smallville High class reunion. And when the Man of Steel becomes his own worst enemy after exposure to Kryptonite, Reeve pulls off both roles with dazzling skill. Relive Superman III with all its heart, heroism and high-flying humor.”
Superman III has some great moments, and some really bad moments. With some of the worst villains in the franchise, including Richard Pryor, who can’t seem to learn the practices at McDonald’s, but can instantly become a computer genius by mashing a bunch of keys together, and somehow design a sentient super-computer on the back of cigarette packs that is one of the greatest threats Superman has yet to encounter.
Some of the more entertaining moments include what should have been a Bizarro character, when Superman is affected by the Tar-laced Kryptonite and becomes uncaring and almost mischievous. Being a perfectly good and honorable person, it’s always entertaining when Superman faces dark versions of himself, as you can really see more dimensions to the character. Seeing him drink at a bar with five o’clock shadow, with the darker, and honestly more attractive costume, which interestingly enough becomes a more signature costume in the more recent films (maroon instead of bright red); it’s a shock, and could have played a much bigger role in the film to make it more entertaining than some bumbling brother-sister duo that no one cares about.
Video
Superman III is presented in 2160p Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1 featuring HDR10. No Dolby Vision here unfortunately, but still, colors are amazingly vibrant. Grain is kept at a manageable level, but does seem to be abundant in a few areas, as with the other films. The clarity is very impressive, often highlighting some of the inconsistencies of the special effects.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, and is a very excellent audio track. The sound can be very immersive at times, with a good balance between the surrounds, atmos speakers and center channel. These tracks on the subsequent sequels are consistently good, with no issues that I was able to notice during my viewings.
Special Features
- Commentary by Executive Producer Ilya Salkind and Producer Pierre Spengler
- The Making of Superman III
- Deleted Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
“Christopher Reeve not only dons the title hero’s cape for the fourth time but also helped develop the movie’s provocative theme: nuclear disarmament. To make the world safe for nuclear arms merchants, Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) creates a new being to challenge the Man of Steel: the radiation-charged Nuclear Man (Mark Pillow). The two foes clash in an explosive extravaganza that sees Superman save the Statue of Liberty, plug the volcanic eruption of Mount Enta and rebuild the demolished Great Wall of China.”
I will forever be interested in the story of The Cannon Group and the films they made, some of which are masterpieces, others, trainwrecks. After buying the rights to Superman to make the fourth film, slashing the budget and runtime to play the film more times a day expecting it to be a huge success, its disappointment at the box office was an immeasurable blow to their production company. Because of it, a Spider-Man film which they had planned to produce was canceled. Oh, what could have been.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace rightfully deserves the harsh criticism it receives, even from Christopher Reeve, who’s only mention of the film in his autobiography is “The less said about Superman IV the better.” Despite that, not having seen the film in years, I did find some admirable qualities of the film. For me, I never found it particularly interesting when Superman fought anyone. It’s always the same. They find a weakness, he’s weakened, then bounces back and wins. Over and over. What does interest me about Superman are some of the decisions he has to make, like sacrificing his own personal happiness for the good of the planet. They explore further in this film with how far should he go to ensure peace on the planet? He could easily corral all of us humans to do what he thought best, take away all weapons and arguably make the world a paradise, but what counts as going too far? Interestingly enough, Superman decides to rid the world of nuclear weapons. This could have been explored much more interestingly, as the weapons he takes seems are being fired into the atmosphere. Are these being tested? Have all nations decided to agree to this all of the sudden and are firing them for Superman to catch? I would have liked this explored much more, and perhaps see him forcibly take them from nations not cooperating. It makes for an entertaining first half, but then we’re subjected to the worst chase around the planet where Superman shows off his brick stacking eye beam and humans are flown out into space with not anything happening to them.
This film isn’t good, but the good moments in it are worth having it in the set, which completes the 4k Christopher Reeve collection.
Video
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is presented in 2160p Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1 featuring HDR10. No Dolby Vision here unfortunately, but still, colors are amazingly vibrant. Grain is kept at a manageable level, but does seem to be abundant in a few areas, as with the other films. It looks consistent with the other films in terms of clarity, but with the special effects budget so much lower, the effects look even worse on 4k. That being said, there are practical effects and the rest of the film that looks incredibly clear and vibrant.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, and is a very excellent audio track. The sound can be very immersive at times, with a good balance between the surrounds, atmos speakers and center channel. These tracks on the subsequent sequels are consistently good, with no issues that I was able to notice during my viewings.
Special Features
- Commentary by Co-Screenwriter Mark Rosenthal
- Superman 50th Anniversary Special
- Deleted Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
This Superman 5-Film Collection: 1978-1987 in 4k isn’t the most definitive collection we could have gotten. I don’t know if there ever will be. With the amount of incarnations of the character, you could include everything that’s ever mentioned Superman and it wouldn’t be enough. For me, revisiting the Christopher Reeve films was a delight, and to have them all in 4k is a real treat. If you’re a fan of these films, and I know there are many, even of the last two, these are definitely worth checking out if the price is right for you. They look and sound great, and I for one am pleased with what Warner Brothers have provided. This set is out today!
