Following on from this post celebrating the release of one of the first-ever VHS ‘boxsets’, by Warner Bros – shown above are scans of the original cover sleeves of the ‘Superheroes’ collection.
Note the picture error on the Superman II artwork and the quaint yellow boot-tops in the Superman illustration used throughout the set (artist unknown) and the overbearing Weintraub logo (preventing the set from looking uniform) across the bottom of Superman III.
Also released in the Superheroes line but absent from the boxset was 1984’s Supergirl, a trend that would continue throughout subsequent formats to this day…
…Many formats.
The above is just a sample of the huge output Warner Bros. has released over the last three decades in a fine demonstration of the longevity of this timeless classic.
From the top, Super8 reel, NTSC Laserdisc, VHS cassette with feature in Widescreen (I remember this being very exciting in 1993, look how far we’ve come!!) and the 2001 Special Edition DVD. One wonders what can we expect in the years to come beyond Blu-ray? Superman in 3D? Time will tell but ultimately there is no substitute for reliving the experience on the silver screen – Take Flight…!
Hot from SuperFan Alex Serpa comes these pristine vintage Japanese VHS video tapes in original cases –
Though in NTSC format Alex reliably informs me “The picture quality on the tapes is amazing … for VHS that is – surpassing any of the British/U.S. VHS. The print is so clear and the colors vibrant”.
Many thanks to Alex for sharing this find and be sure to check out his incredible quartet of websites devoted to the Superman movie series…
This latest release on physical media is surely the most definitive presentation of the Superman movies to date.
As a recent convert to the Blu-Ray format (after a great deal of persuasion to convince me of its superiority!) I will state categorically that the series has never looked or sounded better and is therefore infinitely superior to DVD. That being said, the updated format lacks all the fun of DVD’s (no animated menus) and having been spoiled rotten by the sheer glory of the Ultimate Edition DVD steel tin and interior packaging, The flimsy cardboard case with pedestrian layout & generic artwork leaves much to be desired.
With a far more-manageable 8-disc collection rather than 13, content-wise everything is retained and there are some nice new additions, most notably the ‘Return To Krypton’ deleted scene from Superman Returns. As fantastic and in-depth reviews of the features can be found online all I will add is that this set was remarkably affordable and absolutely worth making the leap in a single bound from DVD…
From the top; various views of the Superman Motion Picture Anthology Blu-Ray Boxset and HMV UK ad…
To honour of the passion and efforts of SuperFans to bring you material otherwise unseen, shown above are what I consider to be the most defining works –
‘Fan edits’ are a relatively new concept where software exists to simply re-edit a favourite movie to your taste & specifications. Due to their personal vision they are at best hit & miss and found more often than not clogging up torrent sites. Very occasionally, however, some projects not only revolutionise and rejuvenate certain properties but can generate such enthusiasm and buzz that major studios themselves respond and capitalise on them. The best example of this is the Superman II: Restored International Cut (RIC) that I credit with no less than being the catalyst for WB to invest in the abandoned Richard Donner Cut Of Superman II.
From the top; selection of unofficial DVD’s starting with the longest existing cut (often referred to as the KCOP cut) of Superman; The Movie, Superman II, The RIC and fan edit Superman Redeemed – a bizarre fusion of Superman III and IV in an experiment to make one cohesive picture…
