Superman: The Movie [DVD] [1978]

Original movie received as expected

My god the grain is plenty but it doesn't bother me as the other bits look quite good with enhancements, especially the reds and the sound has been tweaked. Some scenes look very odd. I'm not convinced by 4k although I own a mountain of stuff but I would never replace any blue ray although I did with The Matrix & Apocalypse Now and they rock but they like this one were good enough on standard blue ray. This movie unlike many 4k movies doesn't blind you with brightness. What is that all about? 4k is unnatural really. It's probably just a scam. I remember the claims that DVD's were the real film resolutions then Blue Ray and now yet another lie because more crap will be told 10 years from now.So, personally the upgrade is a waste of money because you know it will be a downgrade at some point but it does enhance bits but not all. I do feel that more work should have been put into it. How can this half hearted attempt be good marketing? Anyroad you get the standard blue ray too if you find the enhanced superman against a dull and uninspiring sky laudable...

The extended version doesn't offer much more to the Krypton and Smallville scenes other than extensions of existing scene, often without extra dialogue. The real bonus is in the scenes featuring Lex Luthor and thpse with Lois and the Chief. At 188 miutes, its a long feature, but the ptint quality is excellent cosidering it's history and the mono audio except during the credits is still crisp and engaging, If you are a fan of the theatrical edition and the spexial edition, there is still enough new material to justify the purchase and if you don't already have the special edition, you can enjoy that as well as it is also in the same package. Ithink you can safely say that this is one of my favourite films, which i first saw in the 1978 Christmas holidays. I subsequently recorded it on its debut on ITV in January 1983. I bought it on VHS for the stereo soundtrack in the pre-Nicam days. Next was the widescreen VHS. Then the NTSC Laserdisk in the early 90's. I bought the stainless steel tin DVD collection for the dircector's cut of Superman 2 and the extensive extras. The Blu Ray collection replicated many of the extras but they weren't upgraded to HD. The 4K edition is set aside for viewing over the christmas break. I did believe Christopher Reeve could fly!

For critics in the late seventies, it was very easy to be derisive of Superman. Brando's outlandish fee, the sledgehammer marketing and the film's own pompousness- not least in delaying the appearance of its title character for a whole hour- made it stick in the craw for many people.But for children, innocent of such things, it was a tremendous, uplifting (excuse me) experience. I remember leaving the cinema and instantly punching the air in the full belief that I too could streak into the sky. And I know I'm not the only one.Seeing the film now, it's possible to make sense of both responses. Now that it has dated badly, its commercial exigencies are all too apparent, and more than once come close to knackering the narrative (see any scene with Brando in it).However, the film is still bursting with charm. The cornfield Smallville sequence and yappy Metropolis are extremely well realised, and take life from a raft of quality performances.Central is the casting masterstroke of Christopher Reeve, whose sensitive reading of the role is about as perfectly judged as they get. His Clark Kent is a klutzy fish out of water, but it's the way he lets that vulnerability seep into the Man of Steel that makes it a performance to cherish. The effect is this: Superman has the looks and powers of a god, but he's also an outsider who just wants to be loved.The new release is excellent, with a much-improved soundtrack and supplementary materials that enrich the experience rather than just prolong it. Like the best DVDs, the documentaries and lively commentary provide an illuminating insight into the passions and struggles involved in making films, and recommend it as an essential buy, not only for fans of this film, but for everybody who loves the movies.

The UK 4K release of the film for clarity is as follows:The 4K UHD DISC is the standard Theatrical release. 2 hours 23 minutes (143 minutes).The BLURAY DISC is the expanded edition. 2 hours 31 (151 Minutes).The cover art is incorrect stating ‘151 Mins’ alluding to this be the 4K disc is 151 but it is not.Hope this helps.

I bought this after recently watching the rather disappointing "Man Of Steel" remake with Henry Cavill. It had been years since I saw this film and was curious to find out if my memories of it matched up to the reality of what it brought to the screen. And I have to say, I was impressed. Christopher Reeve is PERFECT as Superman - no other actor can match him in the role. The performances from all the cast are outstanding. Margot Kidder's charming and funny Lois Lane lights up the screen almost as much as Gene Hackman does as Lex Luthor - clearly enjoying himself immensely. Considering it was made in the late 1970's, the special effects stand up well and on many levels look better than the modern remake, especially the flying scenes. Add to that the fantastic John Williams score and you have a movie that is guaranteed to make you feel good after watching it. Too many superhero films these days feel the need to focus in on the hero's angst or dark past - Superman doesn't need any of that and his pure heroism floods the movie with endearing optimism. All the family can enjoy it. And admit it - you've forgotten just how good the theme tune is!