Arguably one of the finest soundtrack collections ever assembled, Superman: The Music is nothing less than a dream come true for everybody from completeists to the casual fan.
As much has been written about the set already I need not go into detail save for the fact this comprehensive set is the standard by which everything else must surely be judged. This was reflected by the unprecedented frenzy of its release on Film Score Monthly‘s website where demand had it crashing down, eventually prompting a second pressing.
Notable for its premiere inclusion of the hitherto unreleased complete soundtrack to Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, the liner notes (an exhaustive volume worthy of its own release) even detail the track listing of the abandoned album. Credit must go to producer Mike Matessino who made the ‘Blue Box’ his baby and UK SuperFan Oliver Harper, whose enthusiasm served as a conduit for the involvement of Superman II composer Ken Thorne. Yet more proof of the power and influence of the passionate Superfan…!
From the top – Original photographs of 1st release Blue Box from my collection – Bottom pic; beautiful unused promotional art by Jim Bowers.
If you were of school age in the 70’s and 80’s, there is a strong possibility you will have carted your dinner around in a lunchbox from Aladdin industries. With licenses ranging from ‘Annie’ all the way through to ‘Zorro’ their sets (including matching thermos flask with one gulp capacity) were robust and distinctive, often adorned with exclusive artwork on the lid.
Though boxes had been produced by Aladdin for both Superman: The Movie and Superman II, shown above is the inexplicably scarce Superman III edition. As almost all of these were put to good use back in the day (I last saw one through envious eyes in possession of a school pal) it is also rare to find one in such good condition – a testimony to their resolve. Photograph’s by me with the exception of the graphic at bottom courtesy Jim Bowers.
Second in a series of scans from BRAVO magazine featuring more pieces to assemble a giant Superman poster – Print and enjoy!
From cover to (backward) cover, this quartet of publications above may have text in Japanese but are easily the definitive photo reference for the first three Superman Movies –
From the top; Starlog Publications Superman: The Movie Companion, Japanese Starlog magazine June 1979, Superman II Roadshow booklet and Superman III Companion. Occasionally popping up on popular auction sites for ever-increasing amounts, my recommendation for starting a Superman Collection (besides Series 1 the Topps Trading Cards) will always be Book One…
