Audio Video News

In 1978, movie and comic fans flocked to theaters to see a big-budget adaptation of one of America's most popular icons. Most came away feeling they'd seen something special. Everything about Superman was big: the special effects, the stars, the musical score, and the crew of thousands that helped bring it all to the screen.

Breathlessly but deftly directed by Richard Donner, Superman gave fans of the comic all the elements they needed to see in a big-screen adaptation, while keeping things clear and mainstream enough to entice general audiences. But Superman succeeded in large part because, at least in its first half, it took its subject seriously rather than going for camp value. Given this plus an unforgettable performance by Christopher Reeve, who became the Man of Steel to the exclusion of all others, it's no surprise that this film still ranks as the definitive incarnation of Superman—and the movie that all comic-book adaptations aspire to.

This long-overdue and much-anticipated DVD was worth the wait. Not only does it deliver a knockout picture and even better 5.1-channel sound, it's as dense in extra material as a hunk of Kryptonite. If there's anything at all to complain about, it's Warner's pedestrian, no-frills packaging and disc design. A film of this status should have received the royal treatment in these areas as well.

But the picture soars. The colors are as vivid as you remember them, and the restored images, while exhibiting a bit of grain and original print dirt, are remarkably clean for a 23-year-old film. This DVD is truly the best way to view Superman today.

As for the audio, you'll enjoy a sonic experience befitting a film based on a comic book. While the track doesn't quite compare to some of the best surround-sound discs available today, it's no slouch, and will give your multiple speakers a workout. The audio punch of John Williams' score alone will keep you involved, and the subwoofer comes to life frequently. Check out the bass just in the opening credits to see what I mean. Fans will have nothing to criticize about the sound.

This release also restores 11 minutes of rarely seen footage. Devotees of the film will spot these mostly worthwhile scenes instantly, but the chapter list indicates them for those less familiar. Of particular note is a famous scene with cameos by Noel Neill and Kirk Alyn (TV's Lois Lane and filmdom's first Man of Steel) as passengers on the train that the teenage Clark outruns through Smallville. In the expanded version of the sequence, the little girl with them is finally identified as the young Lois Lane.

But the added scenes, though good to have, are just the shirt and tie covering this cape and tights. The disc presents an awesome compendium of information and features about the making of Superman that are sure to please its many fans. Among these are three separate documentaries covering production design, special effects, and the music, including interviews with Reeve, Kidder, Donner, Hackman, creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz—who's widely credited with doctoring Mario Puzo's original script—and others, and revealing not only the film's technical aspects, but the feeling of family that pervaded the set.

There's also a commentary track by the affable Donner and Mankiewicz—they sound like longtime friends sharing a brew while watching old home movies. Their input is entertaining and informative as they reveal the secrets behind the now-primitive special effects, their opinions of the cast, and anecdotes about the filming, some of which are pretty funny.

Other supplements include a handful of deleted scenes that didn't make the new edit (though some appeared in television broadcasts) and screen tests for both Reeve and the actresses vying for the role of Lois Lane. The tests are a lot of fun, as Anne Archer, Leslie Ann Warren, Margot Kidder, and others interpret the role of Lois. Sharp-eyed viewers will get a kick out of the underarm stains Reeve exhibits during his test as Supes. Hey, Chris—never let 'em see you sweat!

One of the nicest features is Williams' score, isolated in 5.0-channel surround. This is one of the most memorable movie soundtracks of all time, and to have the complete score presented thus is a windfall for fans. Also included are eight unused musical cues that total another 30 minutes of music.

The material on this disc is rounded out by the theatrical trailer and seldom-seen teaser trailer, and DVD-ROM content including storyboards, access to future Web events, and links to selected sites.

Add the eye-catching animated menus, and Superman is a Superdisc. Well done, Warner.