Superman Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Superman: The Movie" represents a monumental improvement over all previous versions, with a careful restoration that highlights both the original cinematic quality and the vibrant colors intended by director Richard Donner and cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth. Utilizing a VC-1 encode at 1080p resolution, the picture quality showcases an impressive level of detail and sharpness, bringing a new life to the film's visuals that fans have never seen before. Although there are moments where the picture quality reveals its age, with occasional scenes appearing slightly less vibrant or marred by a thin layer of noise, these instances are minor and do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. The true aspect ratio further enhances this presentation, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the scope of Unsworth's cinematography in its original grandeur.

The remastering effort is particularly evident in the rich, consistent blacks and strong contrast, making night scenes and the depth of landscapes more vivid and three-dimensional. Colors are strikingly bold, with Superman’s iconic red and blues, as well as the Kryptonite greens, radiating with intensity without bleeding or smearing. While some grain remains, it's a testament to the film's 1978 production rather than a fault of the restoration, preserving its filmic integrity without succumbing to an overly digital appearance.

Viewers utilizing modern playback equipment, such as the PlayStation 3, will appreciate the seamless presentation between Blu-ray and HD DVD formats, thanks to the shared master and codec. There is a notable absence of motion artifacts and macroblocking, ensuring a smooth and immersive viewing experience that was previously unattainable on lower bandwidth broadcasts and standard-definition DVDs. This release sets a high benchmark for the restoration of classic films, offering an unmatched clarity that both honours and revitalizes Superman’s heritage for new generations.

The audio presentation of "Superman: The Movie" on Blu-ray, delivered through a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track encoded at 640 kbps, mirrors that of the HD DVD release. This choice, likely made to accommodate the constraints of multiple formats, results in a Dolby track that, despite not being lossless, offers a commendable auditory experience. The mix is robust, featuring significant LFE and surround content, underpinned by a vocal presence and an orchestral score that are predominantly free from distortion. The audio detail is generally impressive, though it tends to struggle with clarity during scenes bustling with multiple audio cues. Despite these moments of congestion—a notable example being Otis's journey through Metropolis—the clarity in busy scenes is largely maintained, showcasing the mix's ability to handle complex soundscapes without overwhelming distortion.

In terms of restoration and remix efforts for this Blu-ray conversion, changes have been applied with a gentle touch, particularly with re-scored sounds and additional music cues for extended footage. Dialogue reproduction stands out for its clarity, stripping away the harsh highs that previously marred the audio track. The remastered epic soundtrack retains its grandeur, supported by a wide front soundstage and surprisingly profound bass for a film of its age. Surround sound elements are particularly revitalized, offering a more immersive experience. The mix, however, isn't without its faults—some might find the balance between dialogue, music, and effects slightly skewed. Notably, the iconic score by John Williams occasionally feels underwhelmed by the sound effects in certain action sequences.

Despite these minor imperfections, the audio component of "Superman: The Movie" on Blu-ray is largely successful. While audiophiles might lament the absence of a lossless PCM track and discerning listeners may crave a more dominant orchestral score during key moments, the overall quality of the Dolby Digital track is commendable. It offers a balanced blend of nostalgia and modernity, proving capable of delivering the film’s sonic elements—from dialogue to the iconic soundtrack—with fidelity that respects the source material while embracing the advancements in home theater technology.

The Blu-ray release of "Superman: The Movie" presents a mixed bag when it comes to its extras. Despite the lack of high definition in both the main feature's audio track and the supplementary materials, the content remains compelling, especially for fans of the iconic superhero film. The extras delve deep into the storied production, which was marred by behind-the-scenes contention between director Richard Donner and producers Ilya and Alexander Salkind, ultimately leading to Donner's replacement. The included featurettes, "Taking Flight: The Development of 'Superman'" and "Making 'Superman': Filming the Legend," offer nearly 80 minutes of insightful interviews with key figures such as Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, shedding light on the chaotic production and the groundbreaking special effects. Although some material from earlier DVD releases has been omitted, valuable content like a screen-specific audio commentary from Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz, Christopher Reeve's screen test, and John Williams' mesmerizing score in Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surrounds remain. However, the quality of archival trailers and TV spots underscores the extras’ nostalgic value rather than their technical merit, harking back to an era before the dominance of high definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Taking Flight: The Development of 'Superman': A featurette exploring the early stages of the movie's production.
• Making 'Superman': Filming the Legend: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews highlighting the film's shooting.
• Screen Test with Christopher Reeve: Footage showcasing Reeve auditioning for the iconic roles of Superman and Clark Kent.
• Audio Commentary by Richard Donner and Tom Mankiewicz: In-depth discussions on the challenges faced during filming.
• John Williams' Score in Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1: An isolated audio track of the film's memorable music.
• Theatrical Teaser, Trailer, and TV Spot: Archival promotional materials reflecting the film's original marketing.

"Superman: The Movie" on Blu Ray fortifies its stature as an enduring superhero film, encapsulating the essence of the quintessential comic hero amidst a backdrop of 1970s cinema. Under Richard Donner's deft direction, the transition of Christopher Reeve from the klutzy Clark Kent to the formidable Superman sets a benchmark, bolstered by splendid performances from Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor and Margot Kidder's ambitious Lois Lane. Despite its special effects, sets, and costume designs feeling antiquated in comparison to the modern digital age, the film's fidelity to Superman's comic origins and its injection of humor render it timeless. Donner’s valiant effort to maintain "verisimilitude" lends the film a sincere touch, making the fantasy of a soaring superhero grounded in reality, appealing to the ideals and virtues emblematic of its era and beyond.

The narrative, commencing on Krypton with Marlon Brando's Jor-El, delineates not only Superman's origins but also interweaves a rich tapestry of moral fiber and human frailty learned from his earthly adoptive parents. This foundational journey from Krypton to Midwest America, to ultimately Metropolis, is seasoned with additional sequences in the Blu-ray edition that enrich Superman's backstory without detracting from the film’s pacing. The technical restoration supervised by Donner enhances the landmark effects and crystalline aesthetics of Krypton, ensuring that they resonate as much today as they did over three decades ago, preserving the film’s spectacle.

In Metropolis, Superman’s dual existence navigates a narrative enriched by Lex Luthor's nefarious schemes, culminating in a nuclear crisis that only Superman can thwart. The inclusion of rare bonus footage on the Blu-ray version offers fans an expanded glimpse into this iconic adventure, notwithstanding some dated special effects. The enduring charm of Hackman’s Lex Luthor and Reeve’s embodiment of Superman underscore a portrayal that is as fresh and compelling today as it was upon its original release. Through meticulous restoration and unwavering reverence for the source material, "Superman: The Movie" on Blu-ray revitalizes an archetypal hero's journey for a new generation, marrying nostalgia with timeless themes of hope, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

"Superman: The Movie" on Blu-ray remains a pivotal piece of cinema, revered not only by generations that witnessed its original release in the 1970s but also by newer audiences discovering it today. Its portrayal by Christopher Reeve as the definitive Man of Steel transcends mere performance, embodying the very essence of Superman's enduring appeal – truth, justice, and the American way. The film's direction under Richard Donner, complemented by the writing of Mankiewicz, introduced a blend of earnestness and light-heartedness that set a benchmark for future superhero films. The pace of the narrative, coupled with its groundbreaking visual storytelling, represents a milestone in comic book adaptations.

Warner Bros.' Blu-ray presentation of the film does justice to its legacy. Utilizing a BD-50 dual-layer disc format allows for a high-quality transfer that retains the visual and auditory magnificence of the original cinematic release. The remastered audio and visuals are exemplary, offering fans an immersive experience that rivals contemporary releases. Although some extras from the standard-definition DVD release have been omitted, the Blu-ray edition retains the critical components that enthusiasts of "Superman: The Movie" would expect. This edition serves both as a homage to the film's initial splendor and as a gateway for new viewers to appreciate its significance in the superhero genre.

In conclusion, "Superman: The Movie" Blu-ray edition stands as a testament to the film's enduring legacy, offering unparalleled quality that enhances its viewing experience. For both long-time fans and newcomers, this release underscores the film's cultural impact and its role in shaping the superhero narrative. Despite minor shortcomings in extras, the Blu-ray edition remains an essential addition to the collection of any aficionado of the genre, affirming "Superman: The Movie" as a modern classic that continues to inspire and captivate audiences across generations.