Starring
Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty, Marlon Brando, Terence Stamp, Richard Pryor, Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank Langella
Directed by
Richard Donner, Richard Lester, Sidney J. Furie, Bryan Singer
Rated
12
Out now
What's the story?
Behold! Within this beautiful metallic box there lies a veritable feast of Superman-related fodder. Take all four original 'Superman' movies, add the joyous 'Superman Returns' combine with over 20 hours of bonus features and the brand new 'Richard Donner Cut' of 'Superman II' and you've got the perfect recipe for a lost weekend…
Liking?
What's not to like? There's so much good stuff in this boxed set that it's hard to know which bit to tell you about. The extended edition of 'Superman: The Movie' is a real delight, and includes new scenes which give the movie a whole new feel. Seeing Christopher Reeve back in his magical hey day is nothing short of bliss, and reminds you what a great actor he really was. Follow that up with a dose of Brandon Routh's suped-up Superman and you are really in for a treat.
Best bit?
Without doubt, the best part of this collection is the long awaited Richard Donner cut of Superman II. If you are familiar with Superman lore, you will be aware that originally, Donner was meant to direct both Superman and Superman II and in 1977, set about simultaneously filming an epic two-part adaptation of the Superman comic book series. Once the first Superman film had been released however, problems arose between Donner and the studio which led to his eventual replacement as director. Some of his scenes were kept in the new version – but it was clear that new director Richard Lester had a very different vision for the film. Most importantly, the producers announced that Marlon Brando's completed scenes for Superman II would be removed from the movie completely in order to save money. For years, fans have wished to find out what Superman II would have turned out like had Donner been allowed back at the helm, now after years of begging and petitions, the people have finally got their way. This new version tells a totally different and somewhat darker tale and includes several never-before-seen scenes. In some places, the new version comes across slightly sketchy, but only because Donner was forced to use screen-test footage to fill in a few blanks that he never had a chance to shoot. Overall, the Donner cut comes off brilliantly and only makes you wish even more that he'd been allowed to complete his dream in the first place.
Perfect for?
Brightening up a miserable weekend.
Extras?
With over 20 hours of extras, you've got plenty to keep your thirst for Superman knowledge quenched, at least until the next movie comes out. There are tonnes of Superman cartoons, director commentaries, deleted scenes, restored scenes, screen tests, theatrical trailers, brilliant documentaries, a 1958 TV pilot for 'The Adventures of Superpup', and a couple of cracking WB cartoons, 'Super-Rabbit', 'Snafuperman' and 'Stupor Duck'.
Buy it from www.blahdvd.com for just £49.99
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