Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut" impressively showcases the film's visual essence, sourced from a meticulously crafted 4K digital intermediate. Originally shot on 35mm photochemical film using Panavision Panaflex and PSR R-200 cameras with Panavision C-Series anamorphic lenses, the film benefits from the collaboration of cinematographers Geoffrey Unsworth and Robert Paynter. Their distinct styles, from Unsworth's soft, romanticized imagery to Paynter’s vibrant, comic book-inspired clarity, combine to create a rich tapestry that highlights the varied visual narrative of the Superman saga. The extensive restoration and scanning efforts have preserved the original grain structure and details, offering an organic and immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the HDR grading amplifies the color spectrum, allowing Superman’s red and blue costume to burst with vibrancy against a multitude of backdrops, from the earthly terrains to the ethereal Fortress of Solitude.

The video presentation on this release does not shy away from the technical challenges involved in blending archival footage with newly created visual effects. The inclusion of test footage and alternate takes introduces a degree of variability in image quality, with some scenes exhibiting remarkable improvements in color and clarity, while others reveal their inherent source limitations. Despite these inconsistencies, the 4K resolution enhances overall picture quality, offering refined detail in textures, landscapes, and interiors that are significantly more pronounced than in previous releases. Night scenes and shadows are rendered with deep blacks, adding depth and dimension, while maintaining fidelity to the film's original aesthetic intent.

However, it is worth noting an anomaly in the iconic closing shot of Superman which appears squeezed, a remastering oversight unique to the 4K edition; such glitches notwithstanding, the effort to clean up and present both versions of "Superman II" in unparalleled quality is evident. The wide color gamut and high dynamic range work in tandem to ensure that both softly focused scenes and sharp comic book-style visuals achieve a balance, ensuring that for fans and newcomers alike, the viewing experience is as immersive and engaging as the filmmakers originally intended.

The audio presentation of "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut" on 4K UHD Blu-ray exhibits a noteworthy upgrade with its Dolby Atmos surround track. The track presents an impressive sense of separation and width, particularly noticeable in the score where instruments are dedicated to different sides of the surround environment. This approach, while ambitious, occasionally detracts from a cohesive auditory experience, drawing undue attention to the sound design and inadvertently pulling the audience out of the film. Despite these moments, the action sequences and ambient effects, like the echoes in the Fortress, benefit from this detailed treatment, enhancing the sense of immersion with well-realized effects and effective use of the height channels for flying scenes and action-packed sequences.

In stark contrast, the English Dolby Atmos track specifically tailored for The Donner Cut shows no such issues, offering a more unified and seamless auditory canvas. Dialogue is crisp and natural, with appropriate levels of directionality that do not disrupt the sonic environment. The score and effects are meticulously layered, contributing to an enveloping surround experience without any noticeable disparities. Bass response is robust, lending a tangible impact to the on-screen action, elevating the overall experience. The handling of newly inserted footage is seamless, with negligible fidelity variances, ensuring that these additions do not compromise the audio presentation’s quality.

Warner Brothers have provided a singular, yet remarkable audio option with the lossless English Dolby Atmos mix, which stands out as possibly the best Atmos mix in the franchise so far. It boasts a dynamic and expansive soundstage, with overhead channels utilized to great effect, adding depth to the film’s atmospherics and effects cues. Importantly, this Atmos mix avoids unnecessary audio tweaks or pitch issues with the iconic John Williams score, resulting in an engaging auditory experience which compensates for any visual inconsistencies in the film. Optional subtitles are available in multiple languages, catering to a diverse audience and enhancing accessibility.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut" presents a compilation of extras that deeply enrich the viewing experience, appealing particularly to those with a vested interest in the film's production and legacy. Notably, the extras are distributed across both the UHD and Blu-ray discs, incorporating a mix of legacy content from the 2006 DVD release such as director Richard Donner's introduction and insightful audio commentaries by Donner himself alongside creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz. The addition of "The Making of Superman II" and a selection of deleted scenes offers a deeper dive into the film's intricate production process. Moreover, the inclusion of both the Fleischer and Famous Studios' Superman animations pays homage to the character's rich animated legacy, making this edition a comprehensive collection for enthusiasts and collectors alike, despite the absence of new exclusive content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Richard Donner: A personalized introduction to "The Donner Cut".
• Audio Commentary with Richard Donner and Tom Mankiewicz: Insightful commentary from the film's director and creative consultant.
• The Making of Superman II: A detailed look into the production.
• Superman’s Souffle Deleted Scene: Additional content not seen in the original cut.
• First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series – Appreciation: An exploration into the significance of the Fleischer series.
• The Fleischer Studios Superman: Nine episodes from the esteemed animated series.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material for the film.
• Superman II: Restoring the Vision: A documentary on the restoration process.
• Deleted Scenes: More unseen footage from the cutting room floor.
• Famous Studios Superman Animations: Eight episodes from another iconic animated rendition of Superman.

The 4K UHD presentation of "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut" finds itself enveloped in cinematic history, a tale of what-ifs and might-have-beens that could only be rivaled by the legends of Superman himself. The tumultuous production, starting in October 1977 and marred by directorial swaps—from Richard Donner to Richard Lester—culminated in a movie that split audiences upon its initial release. Notably, Donner, having filmed "Superman: The Movie" and a significant portion of its sequel simultaneously, was unceremoniously replaced, leading to a sequel that many argue, lacked the cohesion and epic stature initially envisioned. Despite these setbacks, including the loss of cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth and disputes over Marlon Brando’s involvement, the completion and subsequent release of the film under Lester's direction achieved notable commercial success, despite its perceived lack of depth and slower pace.

This version of "Superman II," however, presented in stunning 4K resolution, breathes new life into the debated narrative, offering a glimpse into what Donner intended for the sequel. It refocuses on the depth of character relationships—most notably the complex dynamic between Kal-El and Jor-El—while providing a more credible exploration of Lois Lane's investigative prowess. This cut rectifies some of Lester's missteps by reducing the campiness and comic relief attributed to the Kryptonian villains, thus reinstating a sense of peril that complements the action sequences. Its improved pacing, thanks to strategic edits and alternative takes, offers a more coherent and engaging viewing experience, albeit still marked by unavoidable disparities due to incomplete filming—a testament to the challenges faced during its original production.

In essence, "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut" in 4K UHD stands not only as a restoration of Donner’s vision but as an alternate perspective on a classic that has polarized fans for decades. While it corrects several misjudgments seen in Lester’s version by reimagining character arcs and narrative focus, it remains inherently shaped by its fragmented production history. The resulting film is an intriguing hybrid: a monument to the ambitions of its original director and a poignant reminder of what might have been had Donner been allowed to complete his vision. As part of the Superman I-IV 5-Film Collection, it serves both as a historical curiosity and a compelling piece of cinema that provides a richer depth and a tighter narrative flow, even as it navigates the challenges posed by its complicated genesis.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut" presents an intriguing opportunity to witness what might have been, had director Richard Donner been able to complete his vision for the sequel back in the early '80s. This release allows for a direct comparison between Donner's more cohesive vision and the theatrically released cut by Richard Lester, with both versions benefiting from the latest in home cinema technology. The 4K restoration brings out stunning detail, vibrant colors, and deep blacks, truly making Metropolis shine. Additionally, the inclusion of a Dolby Atmos track on both cuts enhances the audio experience significantly, with the Donner Cut receiving particular praise for its well-integrated and immersive sound design. Despite the absence of new extras in this four-disc set, Warner Bros. has ensured that fans and cinephiles alike have access to a comprehensive package.

From a technical standpoint, the 4K UHD presentation of both cuts of "Superman II" is commendable, showcasing the potential of home cinema to breathe new life into classic films. While the Theatrical Cut has its own merits, the Donner Cut edges out slightly ahead with a more coherent narrative flow and a superior audio-visual experience. This distinction makes it an essential watch for die-hard Superman fans and those interested in film editing and directorial influence on cinematic storytelling. The bundled extras, though not updated, still provide valuable insights into the film's production history and its significance within the larger Superman saga.

In conclusion, "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut" on 4K UHD is a must-have for aficionados of the franchise, offering a glimpse into an alternate trajectory for one of cinema's most beloved superhero sequels. While it predominantly caters to the hardcore fan base, its technical excellency makes it an attractive proposition for anyone wishing to experience the height of home cinema quality. This release not only serves as a tribute to Richard Donner's original vision but also reinforces the importance of directorial intent in the filmmaking process. Whether you're a collector or a newcomer to the saga, this edition is a significant addition to any home library, set for release as part of the I-IV Steelbook Edition from April 17th, 2023.