Superman Special Editions

[insaneMoViEgoer]

Superman Homepage (http://www.supermanhomepage.com/movies/movies.php?topic=interview-salkind-SE) talked to producer Ilya Salkind who revealed that Warner Home Video is working on new DVDs of the five "Superman" films released between 1978 and 1987:

Ilya Salkind, who co-produced the first three "Superman" films, "Supergirl", and the "Superboy" television series, confirmed that he is indeed working with Michael Thau, the Producer and Restoration Supervisor on the 2001 Special Edition of "Superman: The Movie", and others who've been retained by Time Warner to produce new versions of the original Superman films (and Supergirl) for DVD release in conjunction with marketing plans for 2006's "Superman Returns".

Check out the full interview for more details at the link above.
i knew that after the Batman SEs came out that Warner would do something similar with Superman. the supergirl one is a bit surprising to me though, i only expected the 4 movies to have SEs. unless it comes in some sort of Uber cool packaging, i'll only be picking up 1 & 2

[Tornado]

Yeah, I figured these were coming. I'll buy the boxset.

[WuTical]

there was a Superboy tv show?

[insaneMoViEgoer]

http://www.tv.com/the-adventures-of-superboy/show/5146/summary.html?q=Superboy

[Spidey2DocOck]

Best news I've heard all week.

[sec127]

This is great news. Warner Bros. Home Video did such a great job with the 5 Batman feature films on DVD. The Two-Disc Special Editions were filled with features and the video and audio were great. I can't wait to see what they do with the Superman feature films. I am glad that they are going all out and even releasing the lesser films as well. Everyone loves "Superman: The Movie" and "Superman II" (the same with "Batman" and "Batman Returns") and deserve the new Special Editions. But there are also fans of "Superman III" and "Superman IV: The Quest For Peace" (just like "Batman Forever" and "Batman & Robin") so those people will love to have Special Editions of those. Some more great news is that Warner is finally releasing a Special Edition of "Supergirl", I know that is a cult favorite and really deserves a nice official treatment. The main question I have is weather Warner will release these 5 films in conjunction of the theatrical release of "Superman Returns" or wait for the DVD release, much like they did with "Batman Begins". Regardless I cannot wait to pick up these DVDs. Thank your Warner Bros.!

[Birdy]

I have the first Superman on dvd already but I'm still buying the Special Edition. And I'm glad their bringing out the original version of Superman II that I've heard so much about that I refused to buy Superman II on dvd. I'll probably buy Superman IV too cause I do have a soft spot for that one. Never seen the third film and don't really want too.

[Tara]

i think that i will get the SE, these movies were faves when i was a kid

[boydston_14]

Wow, a week after I buy the first Superman on DVD the news is released. Anyways, I'll probably buy all the DVDs (I've only seen the first one and part of the second one, so I'll give the others a try).

[Brenzi51]

The others are pretty bad and don't really deserve the special edition treatment imo...

[hei1spawn1]

Definitely not buying 3 and 4

[boydston_14]

Never heard of the Superboy show until now. was it good?

[WuTical]

http://www.tv.com/the-adventures-of-superboy/show/5146/summary.html?q=Superboy
sounds just like Smallville

[Vchipp]

except he has the suit.

[sec127]

I think that all the films deserve Special Editions. Just because you might not be a fan of a certain film does not mean someone else is not. It was so great what Warner Home Video did giving all 5 Batman feature films the Two-Disc Special Edition treatment, they gave everyone what they wated. I cannot wait to see what they do with "Superman", "Superman II", "Superman III", and "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace". I am especially excited that Warner is also giving "Supergirl" a new special edition, I know that is a cult favorite and those fans should be happy.

[insaneMoViEgoer]

looks like you can add superboy to the list
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=5016

[rangen25]

looks like they are planning a 14 disc ultimate collection:http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php

[Tornado]

I'll definitely buy it, but damn. 14 discs? That's a lot, hopefully it's not overkill.

[Gomamon]

Good news!

[insaneMoViEgoer]

The "Donner Cut" not really Donner's cut?

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=22387

[Birdy]

I read that this morning. I'm not gonna buy a 14 disc Superman collection just to see that cut. I mean I wanna see it, but not that bad. Hopefully they break up that disc collection so we can buy it seperate. Cause I only wanted Superman I-II, and IV plus that Donner Cut.

[Sculder]

I don`t think they will break it up. I think they will do like they did with Matrix :(

[jay_dog]

They probably will have each by themselves, like they did with the Batman SE's last fall.

[boydston_14]

They probably will have each by themselves, like they did with the Batman SE's last fall.

I hope so, but if they don't sell them separately and just sell them in a box set, then I'm gonna tell them to screw off, I'm not spending that much money.

[Cloud Buster]

Because no matter what it is, and no matter how cool it is, I have a fundamental problem with calling it “Richard Donner’s cut.” Because it’s not.

Yeah. But even so, there’s a lot of stuff missing. Michael... he asked me come in every once in a while, and I do... but it’s his picture. I don’t really want to see it early. I want to see it in the theater. It was too many years ago for me to be involved. If I were going to redo it, I’d do it totally different. The reason it’s... the reason it is what it is... I was so naive then, and there were so few things you could use. Technically speaking. So it’s not my cut. It’s not really my film anymore at all.

I hate to argue with the horse's mouth, but....

Imagine if Jaws was shelved just before release, and today it was released as "Steven Spielberg's Jaws". This would be like Spielberg saying "It was so long ago, and I have changed so much since then....it's just not my film anymore", then arguring that the DVD shouldn't be labeled "Steven Speilberg's".

Donner may not have gone to finish the last 20%-25% of the film, but that it is not terribly uncommon among film. The film was still shot by him, and the good majority of it was still cut by him. Donner may not have done it the same way today, but the fact that's it's been under lock & key for 20 years doesn't change the fact that it's HIS work, and nothing can change that.

I see no problem labeling it the "Richard Donner Cut", unless Donner prohibited it (which if you read the rest of the article, he is in full support of the project).

[insaneMoViEgoer]

more info:

Gustavo' wrote in with some summary items from Warner Home Video's chat with The Home Theater Forum about the upcoming Superman DVD box set:

From the Warner chat on HTF last night on the 14-disk Superman DVD Box Set

No definite release date for the Superman 14-disc collection except that it's before X-Mas.

Superman Returns will be a part of the 14-disc Superman collection.

We will be releasing both the extended cut of SUPERMAN THE MOVIE (the one on DVD now) and the original, shorter theatrical version as well. Further, we will be releasing both the SUPERMAN II theatrical cut, and the "Donner cut" both in the box, or available singularly. Lastly, SUPERGIRL is coming, but SUPERGIRL will not be part of the 14 disc SUPERMAN set.

We have located all the footage for SUPERMAN IV, and will be
including a great deal of deleted scenes. But no change in the version.

You can read the full chat transcript here (http://www.hometheaterforum.com/chat/warner2006.txt)

[Tornado]

Hmm, I'm not sure I like the idea of Superman Returns being included in the boxset.

[insaneMoViEgoer]

im actually glad its included, it will be more uniformed with the collection.

[Tornado]

I know that Returns is sort of the sequel to 1 and 2, but I still don't like the idea of it being included. I'd prefer to have it in my DVD collection the same way I have the Batman films. The boxset from last October on the bottom shelf with my other boxsets, and Begins in the alphabetical line-up.

Maybe if they're in amaray cases I'll just remove it from the set. Hopefully they don't go the way of The Ultimate Matrix Collection (which, judging by how many discs there are, seems likely).

[insaneMoViEgoer]

i hope they interview Kevin Smith for the dvd set :D

http://www.youtube.com/w/Superman-Lives?v=gUU_Vs1BL0E&search=superman

[JustinCredible]

Never seen the third film and don't really want too.

Second best Superman movie. Right behind 2. I hope they release them individually so I can 2 and 3 and not have to touch the rest.

[sec127]

Im glad that "Superman Returns" will be in the set. I was also hoping "Batman Begins" was going to be included in the set for the Batman films but it wasnt. It just unifies the series.

So let me get this straight, the set will include, "Superman", "Superman II", "Superman III", "Superman IV: The Quest For Peace", "Superman Returns" and "Supergirl".

[Tornado]

I was also hoping "Batman Begins" was going to be included in the set for the Batman films but it wasnt. It just unifies the series.

That wouldn't have made any sense. Batman Begins was a rebirth. Superman Returns is a continuation from 1 and 2.

So let me get this straight, the set will include, "Superman", "Superman II", "Superman III", "Superman IV: The Quest For Peace", "Superman Returns" and "Supergirl".

Read this:

We will be releasing both the extended cut of SUPERMAN THE MOVIE (the one on DVD now) and the original, shorter theatrical version as well. Further, we will be releasing both the SUPERMAN II theatrical cut, and the "Donner cut" both in the box, or available singularly. Lastly, SUPERGIRL is coming, but SUPERGIRL will not be part of the 14 disc SUPERMAN set.

[Jspitalieri]

Supergirl was horrible, shouldn't even be mentioned! As was the last Superman with CR.

[the elmo zombie]

i hope they interview Kevin Smith for the dvd set :D

http://www.youtube.com/w/Superman-Lives?v=gUU_Vs1BL0E&search=superman

omfg so funny i cried. the ending was priceless

[Tornado]

i hope they interview Kevin Smith for the dvd set :D

http://www.youtube.com/w/Superman-Lives?v=gUU_Vs1BL0E&search=superman

That was great, thanks for that. I knew Smith had worked on a script, but I never knew that it had developed that way.

[SethRex]

That was good.

[insaneMoViEgoer]

it's from "An evening with Kevin Smith" go rent it if you can, you won't regret it.

[the elmo zombie]

screw that im buying it best laugh ive had this month

[hei1spawn1]

That is truly a great DVD set, its basically an unscripted stand-up session with college teens and Smith

[SethRex]

I'm bumping this up...for future reference, since Superman Returns is coming up within a month or so.

[sec127]

I cannot wait for this. But I do have one question. Only "Superman: The Movie" and "Superman II" will have seperate releases only with also being included in the boxed set. I thought that Warner was going to do the same thing as the Batman boxed set. I also like the idea of including "Superman Returns" in the set, it will be complete that way. You get every Superman film. I just wish that "Batman Begins" was incuded in the Batman boxed set. I am also glad to see a new DVD of "Supergirl" is coming.

[insaneMoViEgoer]

I cannot wait for this. But I do have one question. Only "Superman: The Movie" and "Superman II" will have seperate releases only with also being included in the boxed set. I thought that Warner was going to do the same thing as the Batman boxed set.
because not many people enjoyed three and four.

[dvdfan]

I think it's great that they're including "Superman Returns" in the 14-disc Superman DVD Box Set.
I haven't seen either "Superman IV" or "Supergirl". Should I see them?

[hei1spawn1]

I think it's great that they're including "Superman Returns" in the 14-disc Superman DVD Box Set.
I haven't seen either "Superman IV" or "Supergirl". Should I see them?


Nope hahaha

[insaneMoViEgoer]

The Superman Homepage can reveal exclusively that Warner Bros. held interviews last month to find a double for Christopher Reeve for additional footage they are shooting for the special edition DVD of "Superman II".

It is not known if Brandon Routh was available or considered, but I was told that the scenes involved were only a couple of shots from a distance. The interviews were for actors not photo-doubles. It probably would not have been worth it for them to bring in Brandon Routh.

This Donner Cut of "Superman II" is being released as part of the 14-disc Ultimate Edition Superman DVD collection scheduled for release later this year.

http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php?readmore=1991

[insaneMoViEgoer]

dvd covers posted

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/superman5.html

[boydston_14]

Finally we get to see the cover art, even if it doesn't look that good.

[Dracula]

Notice how they don't put the real star (Richard Pryor) on the cover of Superman III

[insaneMoViEgoer]

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/827/crscqc0.jpg

trailer with Donner footage!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi66Vhh_uP4

[insaneMoViEgoer]

...............


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/TJ4life/supermandonnercutr1art1.jpg

[Tornado]

November 28th is going to be a great day. Superman Returns, the Christopher Reeve Superman Collection, and finally Dick Donner's cut of Superman II. It won't be cheap, but I'm uber-pumped.

[darthspielberg]

I will def. be picking up the Donner cut of II and the four disc of Superman (which i don't currently own), and of course Superman Returns 2 - Disc.

[insaneMoViEgoer]

finally it's official...

As fans have been hoping, Warner has also officially announced the release of the 14-disc Superman: The Ultimate Collector's Edition DVD box set (SRP $99.92). Packaged in a special tin case, the set will include the 2-disc Superman Returns: Special Edition, the 4-disc Superman: The Movie - Special Edition, the 2-disc Superman II: Special Edition, the single-disc Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, the single-disc Superman III and Superman IV DVDs, the You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman documentary, the previously-released Look Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman and a Bryan Singer's Journals Extended Edition disc featuring ALL of the director's video journals shot on the set of Superman Returns (along with 2 that have never been seen before). The case will also include a reproduction of the Superman #7 comic book, a booklet on the history of the character and a mail-in offer for all 5 Superman feature film movie posters. Here's a look at the box set's contents, all laid out for you to see...

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/miscgfx2/superman14disctinopen.jpg

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/miscgfx/covers4/superman14disctindvd.jpg

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#mytwocents

[the elmo zombie]

multiple orgasms

[Tornado]

That's pretty tempting, BUT, there are several things in there that I don't really need (I already have the "Look, Up in the Sky" doc, and I don't need an extra copy of Superman Returns).... but it's badass. I might buy it, we'll see.

[Boro]

omg double post!

[Boro]

fingolfin would win and you know it, tornado.

[Tornado]

fingolfin would win and you know it, tornado.

Haha, not in a million years my friend.

[boydston_14]

Sweet! I'm glad we'll be getting the 14-disc set. I'll hopefully get this.

[cg124]

I probally won't be getting the set. All I really need is

Superman Returns
Superman II cut
and maybe a copy of the original superman on DVD finally

[kakarot069]

I'm personally hoping that STM will have the rare footage that the Salkinds shot that weren't included in the theatrical release or the 2001 release.

[gar0781]

I probably won't get the set either. However, I'm looking forward to the Superman II cut the most, even thought I loved the original release of the same movie. I just recently saw Superman III for the first time and it was easily the worst. IV wasn't good either but I am curious about all the deleted scenes from that particular movie.

[kakarot069]

lol, if you thought SIII was the worst, you obviously haven't seen SIV.

[insaneMoViEgoer]

review for Donner's Superman II

Clint's Review : Superman II : The Richard Donner Cut (DVD)

The fists are shaking in the air. The jaw is robust and raw with grit. The attitude? Quite simply, pissed off. Having now seen what Richard Donner would have done with “Superman II”, I can honestly say there’s a couple of folks I’d love to see as merely heads-on-sticks.

For the first time in over thirty years, DVD gives us “Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut”, a film many – especially the aforesaid director – thought would never see the light of day. Thanks to a mass of fan petitioning – and, of course, the power of DVD – Warner, and the other powers-that-be, have decided to give ‘em what they – we - want.

For those not in the know, “Superman” and “Superman II” were filmed simultaneously –not back to back, but together. In other words, when Richard ‘Dick’ Donner would shoot a scene in ‘The Daily Planet’ for “Superman”, he’d shoot whatever needed to be shot for “Superman II” in the same location. Quite a juggle.

When the budget for the films’ started to spiral out of control, Donner was ordered to suspend work on “Superman II” – which he had completely about 70% off – and finish the first film. Donner expected to return to work on “Superman II” once the first film was in the can - but alas, that wasn’t to be.

Donner was let go.

The producers had decided to cut Marlon Brando – who had filmed his scenes – from “Superman II” altogether, because it would mean they wouldn’t have to pay the actor his staggering fee. They also decided on a few other cost-cutting exercises – including dumping Donner, who according to the producers was one costly element that needed to be eliminated. Believing that he worked too leisurely, and would ultimately hurt the bank, the moneymen replaced him – needless to say, Donner was shocked, flabbergasted, and as hurt as a poodle under a car tyre – with a second-rater.

Richard Lester was bought in to finish the film. His “Superman II”, as it was released, was average to say the least. Brando was gone, but so was the storyline. In many ways, it was incomprehensible – sure, not “Superman IV” incomprehensible, but still a mess.

Thanks to some insanely hard work from the restoration troops, “Superman II” is available to view as it should’ve been from the get-go – Well, not entirely as it would’ve been (because many of the special effects sequences weren’t finished and some of the scenes were shot by Lester), but good enough. Scratch that. Great…enough.

Donner’s film is a totally different film. It really is. From the storyline to the tone to the performances to the pacing…. It just plays different, and works a hell of a lot better than the condensed “Superman II” that we know. It also has some real heart, something sorely missing from the Lester version.

Among some of the changes – a more detailed introduction which explains how Zod, Non and Ursula escaped the Phantom Zone, the original ending (which involved Superman turning back time – something they ended up using for the first film), a spectacular third-act battle between hero and villains in the Metropolis streets, and, most importantly, the reincorporation of Marlon Brando’s scenes as Superman’s pop, Jor-El.

The most wonderful ‘new’ moments are those between Superman/Clark and Lois Lane, though. At the start of the film, Lois realises that Clark is indeed Superman, so she proceeds to try everything she can – like jumping out a window, and ultimately shooting him in his indestructible chest – to get him to expose himself to her. There’s a joyous little sequence (which is actually the screen test because the sequence was never filmed for the movie) in which Clark eventually does come clean with Lois, and as a consequence, they admit their true feelings for one another. This ultimately leads Clark – with Lois in tow – to the Fortress of Solitude, where he proceeds to talk Jor-El (Brando in another of his restored scenes) into letting him become ‘human’.

The finale – incorporating the ‘turn back the time’ element – is also quite touching. Knowing they can’t be together, a weepy Lois agrees to let Superman turn back the clock so that the next day, everything will be back to how it was…before she knew his secret identity. It’s actually quite touching. Kidder is especially excellent in the scenes (Donner says in the commentary that the waterworks were real – she didn’t need anything to help her cry).

I don’t want to say too much more about Donner’s film, it’s too good to spoil. I’m inclined to say that if it had been completely finished – and it’s not far from it – it would’ve been just as good a film as the original.

Director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz provide an insightful and very honest – Donner is understandably and obviously rather hurt still, by what happened way back when, and isn’t afraid to let it rip. For instance, he refuses to name ‘Richard Lester’ by name but sours at watching one of “his” scenes– commentary for the film, that’s worth listening to once you watch the film with its soundtrack.

Other extras include an introduction to the film by Donner, a featurette about how the restored version came about, and an option to view the ‘new’ scenes on their own.

This is one of the most joyous DVD releases of the year. “Superman II” will never be the same again – and for once, that’s a good thing.

4/5

http://www.moviehole.net/reviews/20060930_clints_review_superman_ii_the.html

[kakarot069]

Amazon.com is selling the Ultimate Collectors Edition for $70

[morpheus1987]

Not bad i hate to spend money on another superman collection but it just looks to good to pass up

[anakin234]

im definitely buying this set!

[FilmJerk]

getting it for sure, dont own any Superman movies

[FilmJerk]

deepdiscountdvd has it for 70 bucks as well. Thats where Im getting mine. already ordered it

[Dogbert0228]

Seems like such a great deal, almost too great for all the goodies! X-mas list must have!

[FilmJerk]

for those thinking of getting the collectors ultimate edition, think twice
http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/super-blunder.html

[kylesmile]

I don't see how such a big error could happen without someone realizing it. Maybe they figured no one would notice or care?

[Rizor]

Yeah, dispite the Superman III issue and no original sound mix on Superman: The Movie original cut, I'm still picking up this set. It's still too good to pass up.

Warners is a great DVD studio and keeps in touch with the fans, so I'm thinking it's very likely they'll be offering a disc replacement program for the Superman III discs at the very least (I'm hoping they'll do one for the original audio mix as well).

[Boiiinng]

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#mytwocents

We're busy working on some more disc reviews this afternoon, for posting over the next few days, but we wanted to pop in here with a couple of quick follow-up comments on WHV's Superman disc replacement program.

First, operators are basically just taking your names and phone numbers at this point. It will be a few days before all the details are in place, and they know when discs will be available. Discs are being replicated now, but it takes time. And if you get put on hold or have a hard time getting through, be patient. They're getting a LOT of calls.

Just to be precise, the 1978 Superman theatrical edition disc (Disc One of the Ultimate Collector's Edition) is supposed to have the revised 5.1 audio (edited down from the 2001 Extended Edition's 5.1 remix) and the ORIGINAL THEATRICAL 2.0 audio. That's what the corrected discs will contain (right now, the 2.0 is the remix also rather than the original theatrical audio).

WHV tells me that corrected DVDs and sets will eventually find their way into stores (as a 'running' production change) once the current stock sells out. They'll have new SKU numbers to distinguish them from the current ones - don't know what those are yet.

Finally, for you international (non U.S.) customers who may have purchased the Region 1 sets online via Amazon, Warner is checking with Amazon to confirm arrangements to make the corrected discs available to you. We're waiting to hear back from WHV to see if there will be a phone number or mailing address that other international customers (who may have purchased R1 sets online) can use to get the corrected discs. We'll try to let you know.

From WB:

"Bonus content was omitted from the Superman III Deluxe Edition in the 14-disc Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition. Furthermore, disc one of Superman: The Movie Four Disc Special Edition did not include the Dolby Digital 2.0 mix. Neither disc is known to be physically defective in any way.

Warner Home Video wants to extend apologies to all of our loyal Superman fans who've waited so patiently for these great collections and has taken immediate steps to correct these errors with the intention of standing behind our product 100%.

Replacement discs can be obtained by calling: 800-553-6937. The exchange program applies only to purchases of the Superman III Deluxe Edition in the Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition and to disc one of Superman: The Movie Four Disc Special Edition, available as a single title, as well as in The Christopher Reeve Superman Collection and in the Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition."

[Dogbert0228]

So... WB just put out a press release annoucning a late May re-release of the Ultimate 14 disk edition of 1-4 and Returns. They promised in this edition to insert the correct disks as well. Has anyone found anywhere to pre-order this yet? I don't want to buy the first release because of the disk screw up...

[Bats]

I wish the did this to the Batman special editions. They seemed to lazy with the Batman special editions and the Batman Anthology box set. the Superman ultamite collector's edition box set seems better. the dvds have new art on the the dvd cases. the Batman one is just to plain and boring. they didnt get new art on the dvd cases, well only overseas the did.

[Dogbert0228]

WB has re-released the Superman Ultimate Collection, with all the corrected disks! It'll be available on May 29th, and Amazon now has the corrected box set available for pre-order!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product//B000P6XQ50/ref=cm_rv_thx_view/102-8180433-4580910

You can tell between the new corrected set and the old set by a new UPC, and the new sticker in the bottom left corner. Most of the old sets have sold out in the US, but don't pick up the wrong one!

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KRw9PjpkL._SS500_.jpg

[TheKing88]

Bats...I would disagree WB was lazy with the Batman films. At least all four of them received brand new transfers and DTS mixes. Superman III and IV were not remastered and features 2.0 tracks. I also think that the transfers for Superman: The Movie and Lester's Superman II were not upgraded.