Superman I-IV 5-Film Collection 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of the "Superman I-IV 5-Film Collection" reveals a technically nuanced enhancement of the iconic films. Each film receives a separate 4K master upgrade, prominently featuring HDR grading in Dolby Vision and HDR10. "Superman: The Movie" benefits from a detailed 4K master sourced from the original negative, though the aggressive grain and newly applied color correction may polarize viewers. While improved grain presence provides a textured richness to some scenes, it also introduces an occasionally intrusive visual quality that is marked by a stylistic softness, especially noticeable in the Smallville sequences. Enhanced resolution occasionally unveils the limitations of special effects, such as visible superimposition lines, yet achieves a sharper image in Metropolis scenes.

In "Superman II," the 4K upgrade offers significant visual improvements over the previous 1080p release. The application of HDR enhances the color palette, delivering more natural skin tones and vibrant reds, such as those in Miss Teschmacher’s attire. Although the grain remains somewhat inconsistent, overall compositional sharpness is noticeably advanced. The "Donner Cut" presents minor divergences in imagery due to test footage integration, evident through reduced resolution and a less polished finish compared to the new seamless blend attempted between old and new footage.

Moving to "Superman III" and "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace," both films show substantial upgrades. HDR technology brightens colors like kryptonite’s green glow and Nuclear Man's gold costume, while enhancing shadow details and adding depth to blues and reds. Notably, these renditions surpass their initial Blu-ray quality, although the notorious softness attributed to visual effects persists. Despite being tethered to their original production constraints, these 4K versions achieve marked enhancements, offering rich detailing that gives fans a fresh perspective on these classic superhero films.

The "Superman I-IV 5-Film Collection" 4K UHD Blu Ray audio presentation provides a nuanced upgrade with its Dolby Atmos tracks. Despite the lack of revolutionary changes, the mix offers subtle yet effective enhancements over its original 5.1 counterparts. Notably, Superman flying overhead introduces impressive height presence, elevating the experience beyond its predecessor’s capabilities. Each film has been remixed in Dolby Atmos, offering varying degrees of dynamic range improvements, although some reviewers note the upgrade primarily remains rooted in the 5.1 foundation with adjustments made to overhead channels and sound effects.

Dolby Atmos enhances spatial dynamics and detail retrieval, particularly evident in "Superman: The Movie," where John Williams' iconic score underscores an atmospheric sound field that enriches the viewing experience. The destruction of Krypton and missile sequences are highlighted as exemplary moments showcasing the system’s ability to handle off-screen cues and object-based placement effectively. The audio also maintains clarity in dialogue reproduction, ensuring vocals remain crisp throughout intense action scenes.

Superman IV’s Atmos track completes the set with robust soundstage capabilities, impressing in balance and depth of music, vocals, and effects. Low-frequency extension is well-handled, accompanying explosions and action sequences with a satisfactory rumble without overemphasis. Overall, the surround sound presentation adeptly utilizes ambient noise and directional effects to provide an immersive backdrop, pleasing both purists and newcomers seeking an enriched audio experience for these superhero classics.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray collection of "Superman I-IV" presents an impressive assortment of extras for each film. Catering to die-hard fans and casual viewers alike, these inclusions delve into the cinematic legacy of the Superman films. From insightful audio commentaries by key figures such as Ilya Salkind, Pierre Spengler, Richard Donner, and Mark Rosenthal, to revealing vintage featurettes that provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the movies' creation, this collection is a comprehensive celebration of the Man of Steel's cinematic history. The package also boasts a rich anthology of Fleischer and Famous Studios vintage cartoons, offering nostalgia for classic animation enthusiasts. However, new content has not been introduced for this release, with a reliance on previously available Blu-ray features. Enhanced by a special limited steelbook edition, this set stands out as a compelling homage to Superman’s enduring appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentaries: In-depth audio explorations by notable creators.
• Making Of Featurettes: Vintage insights into the film productions.
• Vintage Cartoons: Fleischer and Famous Studios' classic animations.
• Deleted Scenes: Unseen footage extending the movies' narratives.
• Trailers: Original promotional materials highlighting each film.

The "Superman I-IV 5-Film Collection" 4K UHD release is a long-awaited triumph for fans of the Christopher Reeve era, capturing the essence of these iconic films with sharp visuals and a wealth of nostalgic value. The set features both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs of each film, honoring Richard Donner's legacy, notably with the inclusion of his prized cut of "Superman II." This meticulous restoration elevates "Superman: The Movie," a classic that stands resilient over the years thanks to Reeve's quintessential portrayal of the Man of Steel and Marlon Brando's dignified Jor-El, despite its dated visual effects and the somewhat campy take on Lex Luthor by Gene Hackman.

With "Superman II," the set presents both famed theatrical and controversial Donner cuts, delivering distinct cinematic experiences. The original cut, completed by Richard Lester, doubles down on action and romance, while Donner's version offers a less comedic, more serious tone with substantial character depth—although it remains a varied assembly of footage. This decision provides enthusiasts a choice in revisiting Superman’s battles with General Zod, masterfully played by Terence Stamp.

Moving into "Superman III," the tonal shift becomes apparent as Richard Pryor's comedic influence hinders the film’s consistency, despite Christopher Reeve's unwavering performance and a noteworthy subplot involving Annette O’Toole. The collection culminates with "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace," which is often regarded as a low point due to its overtly campy approach and lackluster villain in Nuclear Man. While it struggles under poor execution, its good-hearted narrative persists. This comprehensive set is an essential piece for collectors, spotlighting both the highs and lows of Reeve's Superman legacy.

The "Superman I-IV 5-Film Collection" 4K UHD Blu-ray set is a compelling acquisition for fans and collectors, as it encapsulates both the highs and lows of the iconic Christopher Reeve era. This remarkable collection features new 4K transfers that surpass the visual clarity offered by previous Blu-ray releases, sharply enhancing the timeless performances that defined Reeve’s career. Despite the inconsistent quality of the film series—with the first two films being celebrated classics, and the latter entries less well-regarded—the collection's technical aspects, such as the inclusion of Dolby Atmos audio for all five films, raise the experience to a satisfying level.

Though some adjustments could be made for modern audiences, notably in how supplemental materials and previous Blu-ray content are approached, the set maintains significant allure. Viewers familiar with each film's unique tonal shifts will find the high-quality transfers provide a cohesive visual uniformity that honors the source materials, while technical extras cater to audiovisual enthusiasts. The issues surrounding the audio tracks in "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" merit attention, but generally, the technical features are robust.

In conclusion, this Superman collection is recommended for its substantial improvements in video quality and immersive audio features. While the price may seem steep, it stands as a necessary addition for completists and those longing to revisit the grandeur of Reeve’s Superman in stunning 4K detail. Despite its imperfections, the set offers an engaging dive into a cornerstone of superhero cinema history.