A limited edition release to coincide with DC Comics 75th anniversary, the Christopher Reeve as Superman bust represented a new direction for collectables division DC Direct by going retro. Indeed, the sculpture pictured above is only the second-ever officially licensed collectable from Superman: The Movie bearing the likeness of Reeve, (the 1/6 statue sculpted by Karen Palinko being the first) the line continuing to spawn similar tributes to Tim Burton’s Batman.
While the piece is nicely rendered by Adam Beane (reminiscent of Reeve in his earliest Fortress scenes) on a crystal base featuring the \S/ logo, its let down horribly by the paint-job and the sheer lack of attention to detail. While I admit not fully comprehending the purpose of display busts anyway this could have been a great, fun item but in honesty I’m a bigger fan of the box and purchased it only for completest sake.
Beane’s talents seem to have been way under-utilised here and one could make a convincing case that the 1/6 statue would have benefited more from his take on the celluloid Man Of Steel provided the finish was of equal standard. As is, IMHO its a chintzy companion piece to said statue and should only be of interest to die-hard fans. Having said that, a donation to the Christopher & Dana Reeve foundation is made with its every purchase and there can be no better recommendation than that…
In honour of the Super-Marketing campaign mounted by Warner Brothers to cash-in on the release of Superman: The Movie in 1978 I’m proud to present some of its highlights adorning my collection decades later –
From the top, artist Jim Dietz interpretations of key scenes collected in a glossy portfolio – even today this set of twelve paintings impresses making a mint set an expensive rarity. The Superman cut-out diorama set is a curiously complex paper model given its intended audience (even the instructions advise to take your time & dream) and although some of its whopping 80 pieces have dated poorly there is still the basis of an incredible kit should it be refined.
The 1979 calendar is the only disappointment of the group as only the giant centrefold (Superman pointing to the sky) can compensate for 12 months worth of grainy images printed on poor quality paper. Tucked away in an a smart but unassuming PVC envelope, the Superman blueprint set is a great insight into the practical effects besides being a visual treat. Here the 15 plates fold out into superb renderings of everything from Luthor’s Lair to the XK101 rocket complete with accompanying notes.
Besides David Michael Petrou’s incredible paperback account of ‘The Making Of Superman’ the remainder of the literary line was dedicated to non-movie specific lowbrow fare such as the ‘Official Superman quiz book’ until DC Comics issued some unmissable contributions of their own.
To be continued…
Anyone with an interest in the cinema of the last fifty years would no doubt be intrigued to discover what a significant, yet virtually anonymous role one Victor Armstrong has played in some of the most popular films. From humble beginnings showing a natural talent for wrangling horses to doubling for most ‘A’ list action men in the ’80’s and beyond, stuntman extraordinaire Vic’s legacy is ongoing and continues to dazzle audiences the world over.
Candidly written without a hint of egotism, Vic’s memoir is an unpretentious glimpse into the pratfalls of show-business. His recollections come from a love of his craft and some of the events (some tinged with tragedy) are never less than compelling. No surprise then, that Vic should be a notable part of the Superman Movie franchise and devotes a chapter to his experiences, from wires snapping on flying rigs to arguments with a star determined to do his own stunts…
Vic made a rare public appearance at this years Memorabilia event in Birmingham only a few weeks ago and it was my intention to attend and get my copy of his book signed – sadly I missed my opportunity to meet him so thank god for my good friend Greg who obtained his autograph for me in a great pic of Vic during filming of Superman: The Movie…From the top, Vic’s auto pic, the book, and screengrabs taken from the Superman DVD documentaries showing Vic in action…
Auction House
Profiles in History
Chosen to sell the fabled
Dreier Hollywood/Pop Culture Memorabilia
Collection this summer…
Profiles in History have been selected to handle the sale of the celebrated Dreier Collection. Due to the size, scope and significance of the Dreier Collection, it will take nearly two years and several auctions to offer all of the material. The first installment of the Dreier Collection will be sold in July 2012.
Some of the highlights of this historic collection include:
The most significant Christopher Reeve “Superman” collection in private hands
Michael Jackson’s signature leather costume from his “Bad” tour
The most important Willy Wonka collection extant
Will Ferrell’s “Ron Burgundy” costume from Anchorman & others from Blades of Glory & Talladega Nights
Signature costumes and props from such legendary films and TV shows as Star Trek, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, X-Men, Batman and Austin Powers.
According to Joe Maddalena, CEO and President of Profiles in History, the importance of the Dreier Collection cannot be overstated. “This is a monumental offering, and it is a collection that commands every adjective you can think of – impeccable, amazing, phenomenal, diverse, top quality. Even the most seasoned collector will be blown away by the collection’s depth, breadth and level of importance”.
“Our family has been honored to house these treasures over the last 15 years, and now it is time to share them with the hobby,” said father and son collectors, Chad and Doug Dreier. “Joe Maddalena and the crew at Profiles In History were clearly the right choice to help us with the collection”.
As vendors for the archive of producer Ilya Salkind in 2007 – The team at Profiles In History have considerable experience with original and genuine artefacts from the Superman series. Though the Dreier collection is a revelation to me (despite its legendary status attributed here) I eagerly anticipate the level of significance of the Superman collection boasted. If you are thinking of investing in what will no doubt be some expensive lots – may I firstly recommend some research on Jason DeBord’s incomparable Original Prop Blog followed by a revision on my exhaustive article on Superman costumes.
Stay tuned for further updates as information becomes available…
While not exactly Hot Toys quality, please nonetheless enjoy this vintage do-it-yourself paper marionette from Super POP magazine –
Though the text is in Spanish I had a bash at it myself (bottom pic) but at over 15″ tall decided to dispense with the primitive pull-string mechanism to animate the arms & legs…
