Look! Up in the sky... it’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s a DVD18 Special edition of Superman!

First released to cinemas in 1978, Superman became an instant hit around the world, and is just as loved by those today as much as it was way back when.

Coming to DVD is the director’s cut of Superman, which was initially intended for a theatrical re-release in 2000 (in fact I believe it received limited play in the USA..pity about the rest of us)

I think it’s pretty safe to say you know the story of Clark Kent AKA Superman, the Man of Steel from the planet Krypton. The Man who Leaps Tall buildings in a Single bound, is Faster than a speeding Bullet (there’s also one about a locomotion....stronger than?)

In the "Salkinds" Version of Superman, our hero is played by Christopher Reeves. Margot Kidder is Lois Lane (the love interest), Gene Hackman is Lex Luthor(the arch nemesis) & Jackie Cooper as Chief Editor Perry White.(of the Daily Planet newspaper).

While some the blue screen effects are looking a little dodgy (when compared to effects of today that is) generally speaking this is one spiffy looking transfer. Colours are rich and vibrant, sharpness is very good (even during the intentional defused focus moments, of which there are quite a few) and Black Level is pretty much on par with the rest of the piccy, so Shadow Detail and depth is all good.

Given we’re talking about a 20+ year old movie here, it’s not perfect. Even so, I doubt you’ll have a problem with what’s on offer. just enjoy! :)

Just from the opening credits it’s pretty damn impressive with sound that is far from thin, deep thunderous bass and surround channels that are truly active AND discrete!. Musically it’s also excellent with a score that was (even back in 1978) designed for 6 channel sound!.

Warner have released Superman on DVD in the DVD18 format, Double Sided Dual Layered DVDs.

The Movie is contained on one side with a minimal set of extras, and the bulk of the extras are contained on the flipside of the DVD.

What’s on offer does so much more than just compliment the movie.

Side A Extras

• Audio Commentary. oooh this is a ripper with "dirt, dirt, and more dirt". Director Richard Donner and "creative consultant" Tom Mankewiez lend their voices to an incredibly interesting commentary. With all the controversy over the firing of Richard Donner during the making of part 2 filmed back to back with part 1), there’s all sorts of juicy details revealed here. (as well as plenty of technical info, etc on the actual making of the film.). This really is a comm track for lovers of Film.
• Isolated Music Score. Though encoded as a Dolby 5.0 track, this is another great addition for not only fans of Superman, but mainly for those of one of the best, (if not the best) film composers still alive today. The isolated music track also offers very interesting comparison to the English 5.1 track. Also encoded at 384kbps there’s oddly quite a difference difference between the sound of the two tracks. The music soundtrack of the 5.1 mix seems to have been sweetened a little more and had a bit more punch to it. (especially within the surround channels)
• Added Scenes Menu – this is essentially a "jump to" feature which allows you to view the added scenes and extended scenes as found in this new version of Superman (soundtrack is 5.1 and the picture is anamorphic widescreen)
• Cast And Crew Listings
• Awards Listings
• Original Theatrical Trailer (Anamorphic Widescreen, with MONO sound :)

Side B contains the following set of goodies

• Taking Flight : The Development of Superman. This is a 30 minute piece on the steps involved in getting Superman to the big screen (Marc McClure AKA Jimmy Olsen is our golf cap wearing host :)
• Making Superman: Filming the Legend, Also runs about 30 minutes and is a really good making-of. (with behind the scenes footage, and other juicy tid-bits)
• The Magic Behind the Cape rounds of the docos with a look at the special effects. this one runs a little shorter at 23 minutes.
• Screen Tests. Of all the extras you can get, I was most impressed with the Screen Tests. if ever you see screen tests it’s normally of the actors who end up in the film, BUT in the case of the Superman DVD you get the see the guys who tried out of Superman, AND the gals who tried out for Lois Lane!. I had NO idea of the actresses who tried out for Lois Lane, most of them who are well known in the Filmic World.  The segment for "Lois Lane" includes a fascinating optional running commentry with cast Director Lynn Stalmaster.
• Deleted Scenes. surprisingly enough these are also Anamorphic Widescreen. There’s just 2 deleted scenes here, both of which were wisely left out of the film, but are worth a look none the less :)
• Trailers – Theatrical and TV Spot. Both are Anamorphic Widescreen and have a Dolby 1.0 track.
• Additional Music Cues 8 pieces of music some of which are alternate takes, all presented in Dolby 5.0 at 384 kpbs and running for over 30 minutes total ..pity there’s no "play all option" as there’s quite a bit of music to go through.
• DVD Rom – story board comparisons and weblinks.