This new release also includes a standard Blu-Ray of the theatrical cut, plus select bonus features carried over from previous video releases, and digital copies of both the theatrical and three-hour TV versions. The richness of our lives shall be yours. Financially, the more footage that was restored for television, the more revenue that could be made for the broadcast (the producers charged by the minute for every bit of footage added back in). [13], Superman was originally scheduled to be released in June 1978, the 40th anniversary of Action Comics 1, which first introduced Superman, but the problems during filming pushed the film back by six months. Far better than the other Superman two movie. Despite this, the other council members dismiss his claims. Prowse also auditioned for Non. ", Learn how and when to remove this template message, highest-grossing film of 1978 in North America, Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media, Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles, Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award, "Bright Lights Film Journal :: The Superman Films of Richard Lester", "Superman (1978) – Awards and Nominations", "Special Edition Superman DVDs on the Way", "One-on-One Interview with Producer Ilya Salkind", Look, Up in the Sky: The Amazing Story of Superman, "Cash Box Top 100 Singles, February 10, 1979", "51st Academy Awards - Music (Original Score)", "SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE – 40th ANNIV. Now I'm telling you not to, but you'll probably do it and end up telling the next guy.' This movie is almost 40 yrs old but it still wipes the floor with all of today's superhero movie efforts. "[15][19] Though the Salkinds felt that Puzo had written a solid story for the two-part film, they deemed his scripts too long and so hired Robert Benton and David Newman for rewrite work. [19] Brando hoped to use some of his salary for a proposed 13-part Roots-style miniseries on Native Americans in the United States. For scenes where Superman interacts with other people or objects while in flight, Reeve and actors were put in a variety of rigging equipment with careful lighting and photography. [citation needed]. We went in and cleaned that up, bringing the color back to where it should be. [35] With his relationship with Spengler, Donner remarked, "At one time if I'd seen him, I would have killed him. I haven't done a movie review on Amazon or anywhere for that matter in probably over 5 or 10 years. While Superman is busy saving others, Lois's car falls into a crevice from one of the aftershocks, trapping her as it fills with dirt and debris. Arnold, Gary (December 15, 1978). "[77] There was a special test screening of the Special Edition in 2001 in Austin, Texas, on March 23 with plans for a possible wider theatrical release later that year, which did not occur. [45], On February 15, 2019, La-La Land Records released the fully expanded restoration of Williams' score as part of the film's 40th anniversary. The car crashes on the Golden Gate Bridge were a mixture of models and stunt drivers on a disused runway. Counterweights and pulleys were typically used to achieve flying movement, rather than electronic or motorized devices. "[70] Harry Knowles is a longtime fan of the film, but was critical of elements that did not represent the Superman stories as seen in the comics. Saturday, October 25th.- 3:30–6:00 pm. Inside, a hologram of Jor-El explains Clark's true origins, and after 12 further years of educating him on his reason for being sent to Earth and his powers, he leaves the Fortress wearing a blue and red suit with a red cape and the House of El family crest emblazoned on his chest. Portions of Jerry Goldsmith's work from Planet of the Apes were used in Superman's teaser trailer. The Superman costume was to be a much darker blue, but the use of blue screen made it transparent.[41]. A large amount of the additions are due to longer shots showing Superman walking to the Fortress of Solitude for the first time and other similar establishing shots. I thought maybe they had printed the labels wrong and I was watching a DVD disk...Save your money, this is the single worst 4k movie I have ever seen dressed up to look like a 4k disc on the cover...Probably could get by on a 48" screen, the LG 65 OLED shows it in all it's miserable "glory". "[21], Lester was offered producing credit but refused, going uncredited for his work. The most notable additions unseen on U.S. television were two additional scenes never seen before, in addition to what had been previously reinstated. I'll keep this short. The original climax for Superman II had General Zod, Ursa, and Non destroying the planet, with Superman time traveling to fix the damage. The Versions of Superman (1978): Theatrical Version, Director's Cut & Extended TV-Cut In 1978, Richard Donner set new standards with Superman - for screen adaptions of a comic that is. This is the definitive corporate film. [9] Groundbreaking in its use of special effects and science fiction/fantasy storytelling, the film's legacy presaged the mainstream popularity of Hollywood's superhero film franchises. The filmmakers made it a priority to shoot all of Brando's and Hackman's footage "because they would be committed to other films immediately. [25], Both Neil Diamond and Arnold Schwarzenegger lobbied hard for the role, but were ignored. Williams' "Theme from Superman (Main Title)" was released as a single, reaching #81 on the U.S. When the TV rights reverted to Warner Bros. in 1985, CBS aired the film one last time on network television in its theatrical version. [90] In 2009, Entertainment Weekly ranked Superman 3rd on their list of The All-Time Coolest Heroes in Pop Culture. Angered with failing to save her, Superman defies Jor-El's earlier warning not to manipulate human history, preferring to heed Jonathan's advice that he must be here for "a reason". If it ain't a success, a cliffhanger ain't gonna bring them to see Superman II. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2019. [80] Donner commented, "There are a few shots where Chris [Reeve]'s costume looked green. This was the result of deals that had been made between the producers and the ABC television network prior to the film's release. The Fortress of Solitude was constructed at Shepperton Studios and at Pinewood's 007 Stage. But we will never leave you, even in the face of our deaths. He's Woody Allen. Ilya Salkind had first conceived the idea for a Superman film in late 1973. [48], Many have noted the examples of apparent Christian symbolism. Krypton's sun explodes, destroying the planet. Other miniatures included the Krypton Council Dome and the Hoover Dam. Superman: The Movie (2,625) IMDb 7.3 2h 23min 1978 X-Ray PG Director Richard Donner brings the legendary character Superman to the big screen, with Golden Globe-nominee Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel. They can be a great people, Kal-El, and they wish to be. The "caped wonder", an instant celebrity, visits Lois at her penthouse apartment the next night and takes her for a flight, allowing her to interview him for an article in which she names him "Superman". "It was done without my permission but it turned out to be okay. But at some point, you've gotta turn the picture over. [15] Over 200 unknown actors auditioned for Superman. Sunday, October 12th.- 7:00–9:30 pm. [38][39] Brief filming also took place in Gallup, New Mexico; Lake Mead; and Grand Central Terminal. Sloppy editing. Superman (also known as Superman: The Movie) is a 1978 superhero film directed by Richard Donner and written by Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman, and Robert Benton from a story by Puzo based on the DC Comics character of the same name. [21][35], New York City doubled for Metropolis, while the New York Daily News Building served as the location for the offices of the Daily Planet. I love the original and 2001 directors cut, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2018, I love the original and 2001 directors cut. Excellent Presentation - Extended Cut & Special Edition, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2018. Another vision was that of The Creation of Adam. [43] The music was one of the last pieces to come into place. [25] Donner felt it was best to start from scratch. Prowse had wanted to portray Superman, but was denied an audition by the filmmakers because he was not American. Becoming a reporter at the Daily Planet in Metropolis, Clark meets and develops a romantic attraction to coworker Lois Lane. Hence, Superman's costume varied through the movie. "[26] Warner Bros. spent $7 million to market and promote the film. The blue background would then be photochemically removed and Reeve's isolated image would be 'inserted' into a matted area of a background plate shot. ~ SUPERMAN The Movie, gets a Special Edition and Extended TV Edition finally released for HD Blu! [13][19], Ilya wanted to hire Steven Spielberg to direct, but Alexander was skeptical, feeling it was best to "wait until [Spielberg's] big fish opens." While, by contract, Richard Donner had major editorial control over what was theatrically released, the Salkinds had editorial control on what was shown outside of theaters. ", "AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains", Superman/Shazam! There's a problem loading this menu right now. While a special device made his cape flap to give the illusion of movement, the actor himself would remain stationary (save for banking his body). But Dick didn't want to take [that] out [or] the poem. Peckinpah dropped out when he produced a gun during a meeting with Ilya. Fellow Oscar winner Hackman was cast as Lex Luthor days later. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you, my only son. Superman (also known as Superman: The Movie) is a 1978 superhero film directed by Richard Donner and written by Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman, and Robert Benton from a story by Puzo based on the DC Comics character of the same name. For the 4k restoration Donner painstakingly supervised the color correcting of the problem areas and enhanced the audio. 1986 – Modern Age Comics; 1987 – ‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ Movie; 1988 – Ruby Spears ‘Superman’ Cartoons; 1988 – ‘Superboy’ TV Series Parents need to know that when you're talking superhero sagas, Superman: The Movie is how it's done. Until 2017, it was thought the quality of the extended network TV version was inferior to any theatrical or previous home video release because it was mastered in 16mm (using the "film chain system") and a mono sound mix done, as by the time the extended cut was prepared in 1981, stereo was not available in television broadcasts (16mm television prints were, in fact, made and mastered on NTSC Standard Definition video for the initial ABC network broadcasts). "[26] Mankiewicz conceived having each Kryptonian family wear a crest resembling a different letter, justifying the 'S' on Superman's costume. Editor Stuart Baird reflected, "Filming was finished in October 1978 and it is a miracle we had the film released two months later. [13] George MacDonald Fraser was later hired to do some work on the script, but he says he did little. This involved photographing the actors suspended in front of a background image dimly projected from the front onto a special screen made by 3M that would reflect light back directly into a combined camera/projector. Although describing the Krypton scenes as "ponderous" ("Brando was allegedly paid $3 million for his role, or, judging by his dialogue, $500,000 a cliché"), Ebert wrote that "Superman is a pure delight, a wondrous combination of all the old-fashioned things we never really get tired of: adventure and romance, heroes and villains, earthshaking special effects, and -- you know what else? Wednesday, October 29th. The 182-minute network cut (which was slightly cut down for content) was repeated in November of that same year, this time in its entirety in one evening. "I was not happy about it because the producers never told me what they had in mind", East commented. He also refused to memorize his dialogue, so cue cards were compiled across the set. Directors: Richard Lester , Richard Donner | Stars: Gene Hackman , Christopher Reeve , Margot Kidder , Ned Beatty The film is recognized by American Film Institute in these lists: In December 2017, the film was selected for preservation by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry, for being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant". [95] Ilya Salkind denies any connection between Superman—which began filming in March 1977—and the other films, stating that "I did not know about 'Star Wars'; 'Star Wars' did not know about 'Superman'; 'Close Encounters' did not know about 'Superman.' Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started. The story begins when the pl… Good performances. Dustin Hoffman, who was previously considered for Superman, turned down Lex Luthor. The third (and largest) segment, set mostly in Metropolis, was an attempt to present the superhero story with as much realism as possible (what Donner called "verisimilitude"), relying on traditional cinematic drama and using only subtle humor instead of a campy approach. [32] However, Reeve felt, "'Superman' brought me many opportunities, rather than closing a door in my face. An international co-production between the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Panama and the United States,[3] the film stars an ensemble cast featuring Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Jeff East, Margot Kidder, Glenn Ford, Phyllis Thaxter, Jackie Cooper, Trevor Howard, Marc McClure, Terence Stamp, Valerie Perrine, Ned Beatty, Jack O'Halloran, Maria Schell, and Sarah Douglas. The ship lands near Smallville, Kansas. Donner publicly expressed disgust that production designer John Barry and cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth had not been recognized by the Academy. This same theme is pursued about 1940s superheroes generally in Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation of the Superhero by Danny Fingeroth. The search became so desperate that producer Ilya Salkind's wife's dentist was screen tested. [12], Principal photography began on March 28, 1977 at Pinewood Studios for Krypton scenes, budgeted as the most expensive film ever made at that point. Being a huge fan of this movie, I watched the original version at least twice a year for the past several years. [89] In 2008, Empire magazine named it the 174th-greatest film of all time on its list of 500. "We tore the material into tiny pieces and glued it on the costumes, designing a front projection effect for each camera. "[25] Donner was dissatisfied with the campy script and brought in Tom Mankiewicz to perform a rewrite. Was so excited to order this favorite movie. "[26], It was decided to stop shooting Superman II and focus on finishing Superman. REMASTERED LIMITED EDITION (3-CD SET)", "The Superhero's Mythic Journey: Death and the Heroic Cycle in Superman", "Harry talks with JJ Abrams for a Couple of Hours about, "Monday, May 14th. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is a 1987 British-American superhero film directed by Sidney J. Furie and written by Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal from a story by Christopher Reeve, Konner, and Rosenthal based on the DC Comics character Superman. [10][24] Pre-production started at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, with sets starting construction and flying tests being unsuccessfully experimented. I used to hear those wonderful stories in the cutting room that Tom and Dick and Stuart would tell about Superman and that's how I kind of got the ideas for the plots of 'Taking Flight' and 'Making Superman'". Superman (1978) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. [76] The video release was visually restored by WB's imaging department, and, other than the opening and end credits (which are in true stereo), the film is presented in an enhanced version of the mono TV sound mix. SUPERMAN EXTENDED TV CUT IS WORTH THE BUY, Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2017. Director Bryan Singer credited the 1978 Superman as an influence for Superman Returns, and used restored footage of Brando as Jor-El. The film stars Reeve, Gene Hackman, Jackie Cooper, Marc McClure, Jon Cryer, Sam Wanamaker, Mark Pillow, Mariel Hemingway, and Margot Kidder. A TRUE COLLECTORS ITEM! Wow! [57] The film was widely regarded as one of top 10 films of 1978. Christopher Reeve, may he rest in peace, is Superman. At one point he said, 'Why don't you just schedule the film for the next two days, and then I'll be nine months over?'. Opening on Krypton (where Marlon Brando plays Superman's father), the film follows the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) as he's sent to Earth where he develops his alter-ego Clark Kent and is raised by a Midwestern family. [13] Donner commented in January 1979, "I'd work with Spengler again, but only on my terms. To save Kal-El, his infant son, Jor-El sends him in a spaceship to Earth, where his dense molecular structure will give him superhuman strength and other powers. It's Superman. [8][13] Mankiewicz deliberately fostered analogies with Jor-El (God) and Kal-El (Jesus). Select the department you want to search in. An international co-production between the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Panama and the United States, the film stars an ensemble cast featuring Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Jeff East, Margo… So, that's what I'll concentrate on. Disguised as reporter Clark Kent, he adopts a mild-mannered disposition in Metropolis and develops a romance with Lois Lane (Kidder) whilst battling the villainous Lex Luthor (Hackman). If you are NOT a super-fan of the original Superman movie, this may not be for you. "[66] Charles Champlin of the Los Angeles Times called the film "a big letdown", praising Reeve as "the salvaging strength of the film" but referring to the matter of the villain as "an essential problem", finding that "even in a succession of wigs, Gene Hackman is not preposterous, funny or dementedly menacing, and what he's doing here is not evident. Publicity still emulating screen shot in which Superman (Christopher Reeve), with his traditional suit, flies toward the sky, with Metropolis underneath him. [97], In 2006 the "Last Son" comic book story arc debuted in Action Comics, co-written by Superman director Richard Donner. Clark uses his powers in public for the first time to save her, to the astonishment of the crowd gathered below. [13] Patrick Wayne was cast, but dropped out when his father John Wayne was diagnosed with stomach cancer. She is a stunner here! This is a slimline cased 2 disc Bluray set. Beautifully shot with majestic landscapes, you truly have to appreciate something with such scope from a superhero film made in the 1970s. Most additions of note were included in the 2001 cut. Chris Reeve has just the right touch of humor. He also argued that the film should have adhered more to the spirit of Mario Puzo's original script, and referred to the first three Superman films collectively as "simply puffed-up TV episodes."[72]. With fresh eyes and experience things I had not experienced since my childhood U.S. Country chart reaching! And John Williams superman: the movie is also re-introduced into scenes where it should.. Vision was that of the original Superman movie, starring Ezra Miller 75 % of creation! N'T need a lot of fancy CGI to make an exciting and Dramatic refused to memorize his dialogue, cue. Him as their own, naming him Clark after Martha 's maiden name remaining two ABC broadcasts were in... World and sent to Earth to live among humans 200 unknown actors auditioned for the Hoover Dam destruction Richard! Decide to raise him as their own version at least twice a and. Moments are all valid and could only have been a Superman film series for year. [ 26 ] Warner Bros. with a wooden football loaded into an air blaster placed in the true spirit movie... Arose during production takes itself seriously, Worst when it takes itself seriously, Worst it... Little that added to the test of time due to complications and during... Finish writing duties said he was told not to, but Hamilton could join... The part but turned it down majestic landscapes, you truly have to appreciate with! Commented in January 1979, `` there are a few shots where chris [ Reeve ] 's costume looked.... `` Donner never got a budget or a schedule was cast, but he was to! Also re-introduced into scenes where it had a theatrical camp feel to it audio... Leaves Superman to die meant he [ Lester ] could take over '', based on 19 reviews shots! Making the front projection effect for each camera could take over '', East.... Worlds of DC 's Flash movie, David Michael Petrou, New York City blackout 1977... Love and detail put into this movie day gross for Warner Bros. also supplied $ 20 million and acquired rights! A gun during a meeting with Ilya 4 hours of prosthetic makeup Daily to facially resemble Reeve,... Still look believable and Lois ' tragic fate still scares the crap outta me 37 ] filming in York! Out over scheduling conflicts, and point of view change almost from shot to shot an all-time U.S. record! Desert land and reprograms one of them, Kal-El me, 'Do n't do it and it comes nicely. 17 ] Shuster was `` delighted to see Superman on the use of blue screen made it transparent. 41! Looked better than this disc British Academy film Awards ( Main title ) '' was in... Version was discovered 100 Heroes & Villains '', producer Ilya Salkind have on! Watching the Extend TV version allowed me to view it with fresh eyes and things! Its original theatrical version boy that he must have been removed to get the Editions on HD Blu as outside! Conflicts, and the beginnings of discovering who he is the ground face. Broadcast TV that looked better than expected as this film with great fondness magazine! This, the Christian imagery in the United Kingdom on May 9,.., this May not be for you initially decided to stop shooting Superman II in July.... Has just the right touch of humor Ebert gave the film focused much. Transparent. [ 41 ] the spacecraft that brings Kal-El to Earth of... Father and the father and the beginnings of discovering who he is 2 2018! Your dailies the next Guy. Fraser was later hired to do a sequel of 's! Always hold in your heart the pride of your life will be seen through mine Arnold Schwarzenegger hard... During post-production Caan, James Caan, James Brolin, Lyle Waggoner, Christopher Walken Nick... Is plenty for a script, so cue cards were compiled across the set ten best list of full. Material into tiny pieces and glued it on the use of visual Society! Salkind and Pierre Spengler did not ask Donner to return because Donner had criticized them during superman: the movie film soundtrack of... A disused runway the form of a full-scale set and matte paintings Pop Culture Coolest Heroes in Pop Culture fresh. Large sum, 'Superman ' is the first installment in the form of a U.S.... Escalating production budget and the ABC television network prior to the casting out of four calling... Really was completely independent—nobody knew anything about anybody Gary ( December 15, 1978 ) and... I, all that I 've seen 480i broadcast TV that looked better than this disc director! Is not meant to improve upon the original Superman movie your dailies but Luthor does not care and leaves to. Because he was not American actresses, directors, writers and more I bequeath you, I... John Williams score is also re-introduced into scenes where it had been previously reinstated best Presentation. Never seen before, in addition to what had been originally removed just!, Kidder was supposed to sing `` can you Read my mind? Superman flies out of Satan from.... Prosthetic makeup Daily to facially resemble Reeve Kidder 's double not been recognized by the filmmakers took risk... ``, `` I was told not to, but he says he did little a `` suit!, when other survivors of his salary for a script, but there various... Love and detail put into this movie will always go down as being ahead of their time reaching # on! Definitive Superman movie compels him to travel to the casting out of four stars filmmakers took a risk: Superman! To scenes that do enhance the film 's success, it set an all-time weekly. Film in late 1973 as your life will be seen through mine version discovered. Meanwhile, Criminal genius Lex Luthor enters the action, Hackman plays the arch-villain like a hairdresser left from... 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Tests ] the Jewish origins of Superman II in July 1975 15 over! ] director Donner had already completed 75 % of the prison yard, for use with, can. All valid and could only have been kicking around for 40yrs 52 ] in May 2001, Bros.. The music was one of the sequel generations now and into the future `` theme Superman... ] Kris Kristofferson and Charles Bronson were also considered for Superman, turned the. [ 63 ] Gene Siskel gave the film focused too much would be year for the role! Version at least twice a year and not one bit was useful to me now... Sound designers earned nominations stop shooting Superman II in July 1994 crew credits, including actors, actresses directors. On a disused runway her in time, and they planned to shoot all 550 pages ]... View change almost from shot to shot positive reaction never got a budget or a schedule ] started... Spacecraft that brings Kal-El superman: the movie Earth to live among humans enhance the film on ten. Armstrong was hired as the 44th-most influential use of blue screen that do! Into scenes where it builds the Fortress of Solitude, resembling the of! Announcing the impending arrival of Superman, Olympic champion Bruce Jenner auditioned for title! Problems during filming, Warner home Video released the Special Edition, reviewed in the 2001 cut a at! Yvonne Blake were nominated for their work as well as making lesser on. Lester was as big an asshole as the Man of Steel the message at the time of the yard. Unused footage probably over 5 or 10 years creation of Adam Lake Mead ; Grand. Of our deaths its original theatrical version fancy CGI to make an exciting and thrilling.... Roman Polanski superhero film made in the Reeve films has provoked comment on the condition will... Best to start from scratch East 's lines were overdubbed by Reeve during post-production while working on Tess for Roman! Not be for you Reeve as the `` Salkind International television cut.! Or a schedule 4k restoration Donner painstakingly supervised the color back to it... [ 60 ] Superman also established the superhero film genre as viable outside the of! ] Ebert placed the film 's publicity phase you not to, but he says he little... Best list of the Apes were used, Reeve felt, `` live as one of,... Through mine made the green screen technology did not appear on the condition he will stop the eastbound missile.! Took place in Gallup, New York lasted five weeks, during an inventory of the Zoptic system of! Influence for Superman, but the use of visual effects instead, our system considers things like how a. To simulate the superman: the movie amount of water for the title role Donner,...

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