Superman: The Movie (1978) (Extended Cut & Special Edition)

[Win Slow]

Where can we order this on line ?

[thatguamguy]

Originally Posted by baheidstu

Uh-huh, like I said, I based my comment on the 1st post of this thread which clearly indicates that this 188 minute version is the same version that aired in two parts on TV. If that is incorrect, the mistake belongs to Warner Bros, not me.

The WB statement is not incorrect, they simplified it because the truth is pointlessly complicated and interesting only to hardcore Internet nerds like those of us who post here; that is to say, the producers were selling the cut to TV by the minute, so they included literally every piece of footage which they could. When ABC got the cut which the Salkinds prepared, they cut a few minutes of the most extraneous footage out, for reasons that appear to have been lost to time (possibly for time or possibly because it was so far removed from anything they thought people would be interested in). Years later, the extra footage gradually surfaced in other TV screenings; the cut is often referred to as the "KCOP cut" because that station apparently aired it in its entirety in 1994.

So when WB says that this cut was prepared for the television premiere, that is accurate. When Mifune says that this cut is longer than what aired on ABC, that is accurate. You guessed about a situation that you didn't know all the facts about, and you guessed wrong. So deal with it and move on, dude.

[TylerDurden389]

So glad I'm off from work on Tuesdays. I know where I'll be at 9am that morning

[DMRI2006]

Originally Posted by thatguamguy

When ABC got the cut which the Salkinds prepared, they cut a few minutes of the most extraneous footage out, for reasons that appear to have been lost to time (possibly for time or possibly because it was so far removed from anything they thought people would be interested in).

It's undoubtedly because of time, not because the content was "so far removed from...what people would be interested in" (completely your conjecture). 93-95 minutes used to fit in a 2 hour network TV slot back then minus commercials. Put that over 2 nights and 4 hours, and that equals out to roughly 186-188 mins -- the difference is ABC ran the (lengthy) end credits of SUPERMAN on both nights, which is why they cut a few minutes out that appeared in the syndicated TV versions later on.

[milo bloom]

Originally Posted by Darth Marcus

I hope they go back and remaster Superman Returns as well.

Yes, I'm interested in seeing that "lost" opening sequence.

[UltraMario9]

I hope this gets the Premium Collection treatment in the UK

[thatguamguy]

Originally Posted by DMRI2006

the difference is ABC ran the (lengthy) end credits of SUPERMAN on both nights, which is why they cut a few minutes out that appeared in the syndicated TV versions later on.

The problem I had was why would a 1981 showing be shorter than a 1994 showing, when presumably the 1994 showing would have at least as many and probably more commercials. But the end credits thing makes sense, thanks.

[imsounoriginal]

I imagine at least the first two Supermans will come to UHD at some point. Would happily buy this on 4K.

[ditcin]

Years ago when I was working on SUPERGIRL for Anchor Bay I had spoken to the film's Producer, Ilya Salkind to have this edition released. My suggestion was to release both Superman and Superman II re-edited together with all the added footage from its Network airing into one long feature. When the Producer when to WB about this they told him of Donner's re-edited of Superman. There was no budget to do anything else. Now, finally at least it's coming.

[Havenbull]

One of the greatest movies of all time... Warner Archives hits home runs with its transfers (see "Bells Are Ringing") so I am very stoked for this.

[Andrew354]

OMG!!

I didn't even know this existed.

Hands down the most exciting BD announcement of 2017.

[BluBonnet]

To all folks who are mentioning the Supergirl movie from 84 - are you sure WB still has home video rights? I think it's been a while since that title was released by WHV.

[Stevie81]

Originally Posted by Guydowood

Maybe the long rumored long cut of Superman IV will get released. But I don't think that will help it's case.

The only footage we haven't seen is Clark visiting his parents grave and the Metro club (filmed at the hippodrome in Leicester Square) scenes which lead into Supes fight with Nuclear Man 1 which is in the deleted scenes on SIV (with unfortunately horrendous background music)

[mfitzwah]

I could have cried reading this announcement. I've been waiting for this release for so long! I'm always happy to see more of Christopher Reeve's performance in this film. And a new transfer too? Golden.

[Jay Mammoth]

Yep day 1. I may have seen this cut as a kid, I don't remember but cant wait.

[jess1581]

Originally Posted by ditcin

Years ago when I was working on SUPERGIRL for Anchor Bay I had spoken to the film's Producer, Ilya Salkind to have this edition released. My suggestion was to release both Superman and Superman II re-edited together with all the added footage from its Network airing into one long feature. When the Producer when to WB about this they told him of Donner's re-edited of Superman. There was no budget to do anything else. Now, finally at least it's coming.

Speaking of which... Supergirl... blu-ray. Wouldn't mind that one coming out especially the director's cut. For some reason that AB edition you guys did had framing issues on the international cut.

[heebiejeebie]

Pretty cool. I'll reiterate what others have said and keep my fingers crossed for the longer version of Superman II. I have a DVD of the Restored International Cut of Superman II, but the picture quality is atrocious.

[MrFlix1983]

This has definitely been the best bluray release news to see today!

So to clarify, this is going to be released on October 3rd?

Also, does anyone know if the TV Cut is going to be presented in widescreen or full frame? I know an HD remaster in 1080p is great news, but what aspect ratio is the bigger question??????

[TylerDurden389]

Originally Posted by MrFlix1983

This has definitely been the best bluray release news to see today!

So to clarify, this is going to be released on October 3rd?

Also, does anyone know if the TV Cut is going to be presented in widescreen or full frame? I know an HD remaster in 1080p is great news, but what aspect ratio is the bigger question??????

Considering that a few scenes of the Superman 2 tv edit/RIC cut are on the Donner Cut of Superman 2 as a supplemental/deleted scenes in widescreen format (the only place where it's been presented in this format), I see no reason why this release won't be in it's full aspect ratio.

[k_lodge]

This may be a stupid question, but will this release be anamorphic? I don't think I have ever seen a blu ray advertised as "16x9 Letterbox" like I see in the description on the release notes. Usually, I saw that on old DVD releases that were not anamorphic.