Superman: The Movie 4K UHD (1978)

[captainsolo]

I meant WB wouldn’t license it out. (Unless Criterion somehow had interest and only imagine then what the arty cover would be) No way no how would the studio label do anything like that ever again-and if so it would be barebones and likely full of mistakes.
The Archive will hopefully do the SII tv cut. I’m still beyond amazed the tv cut of I saw the light of day officially. And it’s funnily enough the best Blu-ray transfer of the film.

If Arrow or somebody could get ahold of rights an epic I and II boxset could be done. These two deserve it and a nitty gritty production documentary is long overdue. Somebody at Warner is a fan because they made the Vudu streaming cut of the Donner cut.

[Scott in UK]

Originally Posted by captainsolo

If Arrow or somebody could get ahold of rights an epic I and II boxset could be done. These two deserve it and a nitty gritty production documentary is long overdue.

The documentary and commentaries and everything else on the box set that already exists is already very thorough, with lots of information across the films, and the dramas, and firings etc. I dunno what else there could be to add, or that hasn't already been said.

So because it already covers alot, alot of the time re-do's of documentaries just end up repeating themselves. And that's even more likely to be the case or to not be able to be as good as we've already got from the fact Richard Donner is now dead, his writer and friend Tom Mankiewicz is also now dead, and Margot Kidder is also now dead.

[KC-Technerd]

Originally Posted by captainsolo

-Theatrical, Extended and TV cuts of 1

I'd really like to see the edit that John Williams scored (the second time). "Superman" suffers from some of the worst cut & paste scoring that I'm aware of. Some composers would be terribly offended by having their musical creation butchered that way.

[CreasyBear]

There's nothing else to say. Marc McClure is the only surviving cast member of the core cast, aside from Hackman, who hasn't held an interview in years. The sequels, sure, they could use some love in the extras department, but I'm not holding out hope because they're just not as beloved as the first two.

[DR Herbert West]

The only extras I want:

TV cut of Part II
Two hour cut of Part IV

[NKB2017]

Originally Posted by Scott in UK

The documentary and commentaries and everything else on the box set that already exists is already very thorough, with lots of information across the films, and the dramas, and firings etc. I dunno what else there could be to add, or that hasn't already been said.

So because it already covers alot, alot of the time re-do's of documentaries just end up repeating themselves. And that's even more likely to be the case or to not be able to be as good as we've already got from the fact Richard Donner is now dead, his writer and friend Tom Mankiewicz is also now dead, and Margot Kidder is also now dead.

I had no idea Margot Kidder had passed.

[Midway30]

I just ordered this from BestBuy and it came with a slipcover just in case anyone was looking for it.

[LoneWolfSones]

Originally Posted by Luke Dodge748

Man I would love to find this set. I didn't know it included all of the different cuts and Superman Returns... I should have picked this up when I saw it around.

It's on Amazon. I did see some reviews noting the difference in discs. There's a 5 disc and 8 disc set. The 8 disc set is about $50.

I had the DVD set. But I may give up home for a 4k set and just get the Blu-ray set which still should look good enough.

May pick it up before long once I pay for repair work on my car.

[dlb99]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

DV on Sony's isn't great, as should be obvious by now!

It's no better on LG, see my thoughts re The Red Shoes 4K here.

Dolby Vision has been buggy and still remains buggy. Or it could be that sometimes the authoring meta-data is just broken.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by dlb99

It's no better on LG, see my thoughts re The Red Shoes 4K here.

Dolby Vision has been buggy and still remains buggy. Or it could be that sometimes the authoring meta-data is just broken.

Certain TVs and certain players don't go well together when it comes to DV, but I've come around to its charms. It's certainly dimmer than HDR10 on the Sony ZD9 but not by some dramatic amount, and it causes nothing like the bizarre brightness shifts you're experiencing. But then it is player led and not TV led on the Zed, did you try changing the OPPO to player led to see what happens? In fact I remember someone (may have been Stacey Spears) saying that if the OPPO was left on Auto for DV then it would kick out player led even if the TV could do the full fat version, have you got the OPPO set to TV-led specifically? And I'd try connecting the player directly to the TV if at all possible just to rule out the AVR playing silly bastards.

[dlb99]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Certain TVs and certain players don't go well together when it comes to DV, but I've come around to its charms. It's certainly dimmer than HDR10 on the Sony ZD9 but not by some dramatic amount, and it causes nothing like the bizarre brightness shifts you're experiencing. But then it is player led and not TV led on the Zed, did you try changing the OPPO to player led to see what happens? In fact I remember someone (may have been Stacey Spears) saying that if the OPPO was left on Auto for DV then it would kick out player led even if the TV could do the full fat version, have you got the OPPO set to TV-led specifically? And I'd try connecting the player directly to the TV if at all possible just to rule out the AVR playing silly bastards.

Aha, it was on Auto on my Oppo.

Nice wrinkle, I will test force TV-led and report back in The Red Shoes 4K thread.

P.S. I suspect it will still be buggered, but who the bleep knows, maybe it fixes it.

[dlb99]

Setting Oppo to "TV-led" Dolby Vision fixed The Red Shoes issue.

Wow. I just assumed that Auto would do "TV-led" because Oppo <---> LG surely would do the EDID dance.

But instead I was getting "Player-led" Dolby Vision which on the Oppo has real issues.

Thanks Geoff D

[Nick Michalak]

Originally Posted by dlb99

It's no better on LG, see my thoughts re The Red Shoes 4K here.

Dolby Vision has been buggy and still remains buggy. Or it could be that sometimes the authoring meta-data is just broken.

I have had a lot of those green glitches from Dolby Vision on my Sony X85J 43" with my Sony UBP-X700 Player. I've had them happen on a few Paramount discs such as Scream and Collateral. I don't seem to have any issues with Scream Factory discs, though. No problems watching anything on streaming with Dolby Vision either. I've mostly kept the DV option off on the 4K Blu-Ray Player and stuck with HDR10. I upgraded my cables twice, most recently to 8K 48Gbps, but they didn't make a difference. Certain DV meta-data must be screwy with the Sony software somehow.

[dlb99]

Originally Posted by Nick Michalak

I have had a lot of those green glitches from Dolby Vision on my Sony X85J 43" with my Sony UBP-X700 Player. I've had them happen on a few Paramount discs such as Scream and Collateral. I don't seem to have any issues with Scream Factory discs, though. No problems watching anything on streaming with Dolby Vision either. I've mostly kept the DV option off on the 4K Blu-Ray Player and stuck with HDR10. I upgraded my cables twice, most recently to 8K 48Gbps, but they didn't make a difference. Certain DV meta-data must be screwy with the Sony software somehow.

Different issue to mine.

Mine was Dolby Vision way too dark, scroll back 10 seconds, scene brightness up to the correct level (about 3 times brighter). Lack of APL consistency (oft-times batcave dark, like I literally can't see anything).

Turns out it was because my Oppo 203 player was doing player-led Dolby Vision instead of letting my LG OLED TV do the actual Dolby Vision processing. Turns out Oppo 203 does sh*t player-led Dolby Vision.

[LoneWolfSones]

Still hoping we get a 4k compilation of the Superman films at some point. I debated picking up the 4k of the first film but since I only have the anthology on DVD? I figured I'd go for the Anthology on blu-ray which dropped in price further to $33.33 (not including shipping.) I would have spent about $20 on the first film alone with the 4k. I can always upgrade to a 4k set later.



I realize that Superman III and IV aren't exactly great. Superman Returns had it's moments but again fell short. But what you get in some questionable films? You get a ton of special features...

Like the 4k release it has some animated features like...

Looney Tunes cartoons ("Super-Rabbit," "Snafuperman" and "Stupor Duck")

Across 8 discs are...

(Copied from highdef digest.)

[Show spoiler]

Disc One

Audio Commentary — Producers Pierre Spengler and Ilya Salkind lend their voices and knowledge to the first commentary track. Each speaks candidly about the production and its many, now-legendary battles, which is somewhat surprising. Overall, the discussion is clearly from the perspective of individuals from only one mindset, but it makes for interesting listen nonetheless.

The Making of Superman (SD, 52 min) — A vintage 1978 TV special hosted by Christopher Reeve that thoroughly explores every aspect of the production

Superman and the Mole-Men (SD, 58 min) — The 1951 feature-length movie that was released in theaters and later turned into a two-part episode for the Adventures of Superman TV series. Premiering a year before the syndicated show, this was America's introduction to George Reeves as Superman and Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane.

Cartoons (SD, 19 min) — Three terrifically entertaining Looney Tunes cartoons ("Super-Rabbit," "Snafuperman" and "Stupor Duck") are also included. And each one is a total blast!

Trailers (SD, 4 min) — A small collection of two theatrical previews and one TV spot.

Disc Two

Audio Commentary — For the expanded edition of 'Superman,' director Richard Donner is joined by his long-time friend and screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz, who recently passed away. Tom was brought in to fix the campiness of David and Leslie Newman's script, but is only credited as a creative consultant.

Taking Flight: The Development of Superman (SD, 30) — Hosted by Marc McClure, the piece summarizes the film's development, from script origins and narrative changes to the exhaustive cast search. With lots of BTS footage to enjoy, interviews are amusing revealing and a few minutes are dedicated to talking only about Christopher Reeve.

Making Superman: Filming the Legend (SD, 31 min) — A continuation to the previous piece, this places attention entirely on the production and the work done behind the scenes. With more BTS footage spread throughout and comments on the cinematography, it touches on many of the challenges filmmakers faced, like costuming, wire work and optical effects. It all ends with the marketing, the film's success and thoughts on Donner's absence on the sequel.

The Magic Behind the Cape (SD, 24 min) — This would be part three to the two above, and it offers an overview of the optical effects designed specifically for the 'Superman' films.

Screen Tests (SD, 22 min) — Now, casting director Lynn Stalmaster takes hosting duties and presents early screen tests of Christopher Reeve, different readings of Lois Lane, with Margot Kidder being the clear winner, and several actresses auditioning for Ursa, with Sarah Douglas ultimately winning the role.

Restored Scenes (SD, 11 min) — Technically, a collection of ten deleted scenes, which received the same remastering treatment as the film.

Additional Music Cues (36 min) — With two choices for the main title sequence, this is a fun listen for film score enthusiasts, imagining what certain scenes would be like with these musical cues. The funniest is the seventies pop version of "Can You Read My Mind."

Music-Only Track — Watch the entire film again with only the John Williams score playing in the background.

Disc Three

Audio Commentary — Producers Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler return for another commentary track, and again they were recorded separately. Those with an interest in learning more about the troubled production will find something to enjoy in this discussion. The whole thing comes off weirdly apologetic and almost entirely defensive, especially from Spengler.

The Making of Superman II (SD, 52 min) — Another made-for-TV special that traces the production of the sequel from inception to theatrical release. Interviews with various cast and crew members, along with amusing BTS footage, maintains interest, but otherwise, it's only a charming vintage TV special.

"Superman's Soufflé" Deleted Scene (SD, 1 min) — A deleted scene with Lois Lane and Superman cooking a meal while at the Fortress of Solitude.

First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series (SD, 13 min) — With interviews of experts and historians, the segment is a good watch outlining the history of Max Fleischer and his important contribution to the Superman mythos.

Fleischer Studios' Superman (SD, 80 min) — Nine of Fleischer's cartoons are collected here and a must watch for Superman fans.

Trailer (SD) — The original theatrical preview completes the bonus collection on the third disc.

Disc Four

Introduction (SD, 2 min) — Director Richard Donner offers a genuine thank you and gratitude for being allowed an extraordinarily rare opportunity to restore his original vision of the 'Superman' sequel.

Audio Commentary — Director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz return for another entertaining track where listeners feel like they're eavesdropping. The conversation is pretty much between the two men, not simply remarking at what they see on screen but creating an engaging conversation about the production's history, casting and the story. It's a very enjoyable audio track for a movie with so much potential.

Superman II: Restoring the Vision (SD, 13 min) — A terrific look at the painstaking, meticulous restoration process for bringing back Donner's original vision of the sequel.

Deleted Scene (SD, 9 min) — A collection of six exorcised and extended sequences which would have added little to the overall storyline.

Famous Studios' Superman Cartoons (SD, 68 min) — Eight more of Fleischer's Superman cartoons are a must watch for film history buffs because a couple are animated propaganda shorts of WWII.

Disc Five

Audio Commentary — Once again, producers Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler are recorded separately but provide some interesting background info for this track. There's an interesting discussion going on which mostly travels through the process of creating story ideas, including those surrounding 'Supergirl' and possibly introducing Brainiac as a villain, yet it tends to drag in many areas. This isn't a very engaging commentary, but fans might be willing to give it a listen.

The Making of Superman III (SD, 49 min) — Opening with a brunch at a Special Olympics event, the segment is another vintage EPK program with interviews, BTS footage and an amusing look at the production.

Deleted Scenes (SD, 20 min) — Eleven sequences of deleted and extended scenes removed for good reason from the final print.

Theatrical Trailer (SD) — The original preview brings the fifth disc to a close.

Disc Six

Audio Commentary — Without an introducing himself first, screenwriter Mark Rosenthal jumps right into a surprising criticism of the end product and Cannon Films's involvement. While there are several moments of silence throughout, it is easy to hear a tone of disappointment in Mark's voice, particularly in the notion that the movie was originally planned as a 130-minute feature cut down to 90-minute campfest. The audio track has its moments of good revealing info, but what makes it rather entertaining is Mark's candid censure.

Superman 50th Anniversary Special (SD, 48 min) — Comedian Dana Carvey hosts this vintage 1988 TV special — which funnily I still vividly remember watching when it first aired — where he talks about Superman as if a real-living being and even visits Metropolis. Filmmakers offer their thoughts about making the movie series, while others, mostly hired actors in fictitious roles, are interviewed discussing many of Superman's heroic qualities. It's nothing thorough or probing, but a fun, fantastical watch nonetheless.

Deleted Scenes (SD, 31 min) — Fifteen removed scenes are collected, likely the material mentioned by Mark Rosenthal in the commentary and a few showing Lex Luthor's first creation. It is interesting to watch as something that stays truer to the original script.

Trailer (SD) — It all comes to a close with a theatrical preview.

Disc Seven

Requiem for Krypton: Making Superman Returns (SD, 173 min) — Ranking up there as one of the best documentaries about a single movie production ever, this exhaustive look at Bryan Singer's film leaves no stone unturned. With nearly three hours to do it, pretty much every area of the entire production is covered here, starting interestingly with home video footage of the plot's origins. Broken into five parts, one of which is further broken down into three segments, the doc moves logically into designing and the shoot, where fans will give gain a better understanding behind many creative choices. Interviews with cast and crew are insightful and informative with one discussion even dedicated just on Kevin Spacey and his shenanigans in character while on the set. It all comes together with a surprisingly fun look on a visual effects sequence that also happens to be the last day of shoot, making this a highly comprehensive doc and worth a watch when time permits.

Bryan Singer's Video Journals (SD, 82 min) — This a collection of the director's video journals which were available on his blog, and they trace random stages of the production.

Resurrecting Jor-El (SD, 4 min) — A brief sample of the amazing digital work performed in order for Marlon Brando to reprise his role.

Deleted Scenes (SD, 16 min) — Twelve scenes which didn't make it to the final cut are collected here, along with one entertaining outtake with different versions of Kevin Spacey yelling "Wrong!"

Trailers (SD) — One teaser and one theatrical preview completes the disc.

Disc Eight

Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman (HD, 111 min) — This is an excellent and highly-recommended documentary for fans everywhere, a feature-length film on anything and everything about the Man of Steel. Numerous interviews with actors, historians and experts sketch the long history of Superman, and the doc commences understandably on the character's comic book origins. It's a revealing and informative examination of how he became a cultural icon and seeped himself into our collective memories. Narrated by Kevin Spacey, the movie shows the evolution of his mythos through radio, television and finally the big screen, while taking a heartfelt moment on remembering both George Reeves and Christopher Reeve. Look, Up in the Sky! is a fascinating and compelling doc on a super comic book hero.

You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman (SD, 90 min) — Another great doc is this one, which takes a closer look at the 'Superman' films starring Christopher Reeve. Broken into five parts, the movie starts with the involvement of the Salkinds and their bringing the entire production into fruition. What's most impressive about this piece is how open and candid everyone is about the tensions between Donner and the producers. Essentially, this means much of the runtime is spent discussing the events of the first two features and interviews are mostly in the defense of Donner. The last segment discusses the failures of the last two movies with various theories on what went wrong, including a quick overview on 'Supergirl (1984).' In the end, it's a good doc for anyone with an interest on the original Superman films with Reeve.

The Mythology of Superman (SD, 20 min) — Filled with interviews of comic book experts, filmmakers, authors and scholars, this short piece treats the Superman mythos with seriousness and respect as genuine cultural mythology.

The Heart of a Hero: A Tribute to Christopher Reeve (SD, 18 min) — I absolutely love this segment! It's a very adoring and tender tribute to the great actor with many of the people who knew and worked with him. There are also a few words from people admiring his acting career and his role as Superman. As would be expected, some time is spent on his advocacy and charity efforts, giving us a glimpse into the inspiring and passionate man he truly was.

The Adventures of Superpup (SD, 22 min) — This is the rarely-seen pilot episode from 1958 for a TV show that never took off.

There's a ton of stuff here. Hopefully if we ever do get a 4k set? All these features are carried forward in such a release.

[suspiciouscoffee]

If only Warner would give the Fleischer shorts proper HD treatment.

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by captainsolo

Dolby Stereo, 70mm and Megasound mix for 2.

Megasound was the Dolby 70MM version (5.1 BTW). It required additional playback equipment to make it "Megasound".

Originally Posted by suspiciouscoffee

If only Warner would give the Fleischer shorts proper HD treatment.

One wonders what condition they're in though.

[captainsolo]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

Megasound was the Dolby 70MM version (5.1 BTW). It required additional playback equipment to make it "Megasound".



One wonders what condition they're in though.

I'm still really curious as to how good or effective Megasound was as a process and how it could have added more oomph to the mix of SII. There's little to no info about the system outside of the wikipedia article. Either it was a dedicated mix or the 70mm SII mix with added discrete low frequency enhancement.


The Fleischer Supermans are near the top of my all time wishlist. The last 2006 WB cleanup job in standard def resulted in the best looking image we've ever seen for them but with the caveat of the color not always matching up with original print sources and worst of all introducing many audio errors in the custom intros.
Warner seems to hold all the sources as they used vault elements for those transfers. They fixed some audio errors and encoded the shorts slightly better on the standalone DVD. I've been hoping the Archive could scan the vault holdings and do new work in 4K to really make a definitive release without errors or color issues. Currently I still like the old Bosko DVD which was straight from preserved 35mm sources and has no audio issues. But there you're stuck with the severely degraded "Terror on the Midway" that is only properly watchable on the cleaned up WB version.

[trevorlj]

Whoever remixed this in Atmos was not messing around. They made full use of the room but the sounds are all placed appropriately. Love it!

[Uptight]

About the current UHD:

- Can someone confirm if the 1080p Blu-ray that comes with it is exactly the same old disc from the theatrical cut with different color grading?

I bet the disc looks the same as the 4K, meaning the scene at 1 hour, 8 minutes and 45 seconds is darker (right before Superman flies to save Lois).

About the audio from this new Blu-ray, I assume this is the case:

English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (remix)
English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo (original)

While the 4K:

English Dolby Atmos (remix)
English Dolby Digital 5.1 (original)