Superman Returns Blu-ray Review

The "Superman Returns" Blu-ray presents a mixed bag in terms of video quality, primarily showcasing the transition from traditional to modern cinematic visuals with its entirely HD-shot content. While it sets a benchmark for digital effects and clarity, offering an undeniably pristine image with a 1080p/VC-1 encoding on a BD-50 dual-layer disc, it simultaneously suffers from a certain sterility that detracts from the 'aliveness' often attributed to celluloid. The enhanced clarity and space allow for detailed highlights, such as the textures in Superman's suit and the vibrant contrast in scenes set in Smallville and Lex Luthor's lair. However, this clarity often comes with a flattening of the image, leading to backgrounds that can appear almost two-dimensional, stripping some scenes of their intended depth and impact.

Despite its pioneering use of HD cameras, which lends a unique sharpness and color vibrancy to much of the film, "Superman Returns" is plagued by inconsistencies that mar its visual presentation. Issues such as fluctuating contrast levels, dull skintones that sometimes give characters a clay-like appearance, and noticeable digital noise in darker sequences underscore the transfer's uneven application. Soft edges and a lack of texture detail in various scenes disrupt the film's visual immersion, particularly in action sequences and underwater shots where artifacting and banding are pronounced. Nevertheless, some elements shine through, such as the striking display of primary colors and the metallic sheen of the Daily Planet, providing a glimpse into the potential excellence of its visual execution.

The Blu-ray's technical aspects offer some redemption with minimal compression artifacts and no significant issues with posterization or macroblocking. Colors are bold yet not oversaturated, maintaining fidelity to the director and cinematographer's vision despite an overall presentation that leaves much to be desired. The lack of noise reduction-related issues and a clean source material indicate a high-quality transfer that unfortunately doesn't consistently leverage its potential. With these mixed results, it becomes evident that "Superman Returns" on Blu-ray is in dire need of a remastered release to truly honor the iconic hero's cinematic return, making full use of modern transfer technologies to rectify the current shortcomings.

The audio presentations on the "Superman Returns" Blu-ray have been a point of contention and satisfaction among fans and audiophiles alike. Initially, the Blu-ray release lacked the lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track featured on the HD DVD, offering instead a 640kbps Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track. While this was deemed acceptable and surpassed DVD quality, it was overshadowed by the superior fidelity of the TrueHD track found in the HD DVD version. Warner Bros. took note of the feedback and, in 2008, reissued the Blu-ray with both an uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround track and the coveted TrueHD mix, elevating the Blu-ray audio experience to meet and sometimes exceed expectations.

Discerning between the original and reissued Blu-ray is made straightforward by distinct ISBN and UPC codes, a boon for shoppers keen on acquiring the optimal audio experience. Despite the initial release's competent Dolopy Digital track, which maintains intelligible dialogue and decent dynamics throughout bustling action scenes, it falls short when compared to the reissue's offerings. The lossy mix's rear channel clarity, interior acoustics, and overall ambiance are notably inferior, underscoring the importance for fans to seek out the enhanced edition for a truly immersive sonic experience.

The Dolby Digital track of the original release, while a notch below in terms of audio purity and punch when compared to the TrueHD mix, still delivers a commendable sound field. Its handling of quiet and intense scenes alike showcases a well-crafted sound design, with effective use of surrounds and good bass response despite its limitations. Ultimately, while Warner's efforts to upgrade the Blu-ray’s audio options in 2008 are laudable, discerning viewers and listeners should aim for this superior release to fully appreciate the atmospheric and dynamic range "Superman Returns" has to offer in its home video incarnation.

The "Superman Returns" Blu-ray extras provide a comprehensive and insightful look into the making of the film, spearheaded by the "Requiem for Krypton: Making 'Superman Returns'" documentary. This monumental, three-hour piece is meticulously divided into five chapters, offering an in-depth exploration of everything from early production stages to post-production, despite its standard definition presentation. Notably, Bryan Singer grants substantial behind-the-scenes access, minus his more controversial moments, ensuring a dimension of intimacy and detail rarely seen in supplementary material. The addition of 14 minutes of intriguing deleted scenes in full 1080p and a brief yet fascinating featurette on resurrecting Marlon Brando's Jor-El blend well with the main documentary to form a truly standout package. Though less conventional extras like audio commentary and a plethora of featurettes are absent, the quality and depth of the content more than compensate, making it an essential collection for fans despite some minor pacing issues and redundancies.

Extras included in this disc:

• Requiem for Krypton (SD, 173 minutes): A deeply comprehensive documentary divided into five parts, covering every facet of the film's production.
• Deleted Scenes (HD, 14 minutes): A collection of scenes not included in the final cut of the movie, offering additional character moments and plot details.
• Resurrecting Jor-El (SD, 3 minutes): A short feature on the digital recreation of Marlon Brando for his role in the film.
• Trailers (SD, 7 minutes): Includes a teaser trailer, theatrical preview, and a promotional video for the related video game.

Bryan Singer's "Superman Returns" stands as a complex homage to Richard Donner's original Superman series, particularly the 1978 debut and its 1980 follow-up. While it strives to rekindle the magic of its predecessors, this cinematic endeavor feels caught between eras, blending contemporary casting choices with a narrative and stylistic fidelity to the late '70s and early '80s Superman ethos. Remarkably, Brandon Routh dons the cape, embodying both the physical resemblance and the spirit of Christopher Reeve's iconic portrayal, amidst a story that revisits the hero's absence and return. His performance, alongside Kevin Spacey's delightfully unhinged Lex Luthor, serves as a cornerstone of the film, melding nostalgia with a fresh charisma. However, challenges arise with Kate Bosworth's Lois Lane, who, despite her efforts, fails to recapture the original character's essence, and the narrative's risk-averse adherence to Donner's blueprint, resulting in a product that occasionally feels more like a retread than a revitalization.

The film’s ambition is undeniable; Singer aims for a delicate balance between tribute and innovation, crafting sequences that echo the grandeur and heroism emblematic of Superman. Yet, it contends with its pacing and a script that opts for safety over exploration, limiting the development of its characters and their dynamics. Critics and fans alike have noted the underutilization of action—a core element of superhero cinema—that leaves "Superman Returns" feeling surprisingly lethargic at times. Nonetheless, there are moments of genuine excitement and emotional resonance, notably in the depicted heroics of Superman and the tentative rekindling of his connection with Lois Lane, providing glimpses of what could have elevated the film beyond its predecessors.

"Superman Returns" navigates its heritage with an obvious reverence, a quality that both encapsulates its greatest strength and its most perceptible weakness. It encapsulates the essence of an era when heroism was untainted by cynicism, echoing a sentimentality for the straightforward dichotomy of good versus evil. Despite its shortcomings—chiefly a conservative narrative approach and occasional lapses in casting chemistry—the film manages to craft moments of spectacle and warmth that remind us why Superman remains an enduring symbol of hope. While it may not reach the heights achieved by contemporary reimaginings or rival the groundbreaking impact of its inspirations, "Superman Returns" secures its place as a heartfelt if flawed, chapter in the Superman saga.

Superman Returns" on Blu-ray finds itself in an interesting position within the superhero genre. It simultaneously aims to pay homage to the Christopher Reeve era while charting a path forward for the Man of Steel. While not universally heralded as a reinvention of the franchise, it stands out for its earnest attempt at blending nostalgia with modern filmmaking. The performances of Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey are notable highlights, bringing depth to their iconic roles. However, prospective buyers should be aware of the technical advancements in the 2008 re-release, which boasts lossless and uncompressed audio tracks, a significant upgrade over the original 2006 release's limitations.

From a presentation standpoint, the Blu-ray edition shines in its video transfer quality, capturing the visual grandeur one expects from a Superman film. Yet, it's marred slightly by an audio experience that falls short of the current high-definition standards, lacking a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack. Disappointment also comes from unfulfilled promises regarding exclusive HD content, leaving fans wanting more from director Bryan Singer's vision. Despite these shortcomings, "Superman Returns" on Blu-ray serves as an impressive demonstration of the film's cinematic qualities.

In conclusion, while "Superman Returns" may not be the definitive Superman movie many fans were longing for, its Blu-ray release offers enough to appreciate, especially in terms of video quality and the performances by its lead actors. However, individuals looking to experience the movie in the best possible quality should seek out the 2008 re-release for its superior audio presentation. Despite its flaws, this Blu-ray disc is a worthy addition to any superhero film collection, capturing a unique chapter in the legacy of one of DC Comics' most enduring heroes.