…And we’re back to posting good old-fashioned retrospectives on vintage memorabilia – in this case something that may truly be unique as another copy of this has yet to emerge (to my knowledge) since 1988 –
Superman’s 50th anniversary was a big deal for both DC Comics and parent company Warner Bros. Although Superman IV: the Quest For Peace, (released only the year before but initially meant to coincide with festivities) had not performed to expectations, there was nonetheless great anticipation surrounding its transfer to home video. Indeed, WHV had initiated a new line of affordable ‘classic’ films under the ‘Superheroes’ banner to celebrate – including all four Superman movies, plus Supergirl, and even Santa Claus, The Movie.
Featuring a cover with all-new artwork (artist unknown) with the tagline ‘You’ll believe a man, a girl, and a reindeer can fly!”, this collaboration between Hollywood Nites, Cannon Films and WHV housed a copy of the 94-minute version of Superman IV, complete with ‘For Promotional Purposes Only’ in a black bar across the bottom of the screen for the duration of the film. Of course, the retail versions did not carry this over and the whole run of Superman Movies would be both released separately and later collected in their very own boxset for the bargain price of £34.99 (Approx. £121 in today’s money).
Just how this particular cassette found its way into the market after it served its initial purpose remains a mystery – regardless, it remains a key piece of both early VHS promotion and Superman movie history besides being a highlight of the CapedwonderEurope collection…
In the 13 (count them!) years since I started this website, I have been amazed time and again just how much material continues to emerge to celebrate this enduring franchise.
While the discovery of rare stills etc. and tales from folks lucky enough to be involved in the making of these pictures keeps our interest piqued, with all the releases of the movies on physical media there is still one complete version we are yet to see.
As the self-appointed ambassador of this particular film (go to Superman IV on the sidebar for proof!) I have started a campaign to get this final chapter released in the hope that Warner Bros. can bring closure to a both to magnificent series of films, and a legion of dedicated fans.
Alan & Rob, greatest criminal podcasters of the modern era have devised a way to DESTROY Superman with none other than Nuclear Man himself, Mark Pillow star of Superman IV: The Quest for Peace!
We learn how Mark landed the role of the supervillain with the most metal hairdo of the 1980s, how he broke his foot during an epic moon battle with Christopher Reeve, his thoughts on the reaction to the film, the mythical 134 minute cut and of the gratitude and love he still holds for the movie more than 35 years later!
SUPERMANIA is overjoyed to present this ‘new’ discovery shared by Superfan and YouTube legend Oliver Harper –
This Japanese extended trailer for Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (a.k.a ‘The Strongest Enemy’ translated from Japanese) not only contains all the scenes shown in both US and International trailers, but also extra footage from the deleted scenes featuring Lex and Lenny Luthor, the Pentagon and the Kremlin and the kiss shared between Clark Kent & Lacy Warfield. All this with Japanese text and the unique title card at the end.
Astonishing that after 35 years, finds like this are still being made – here’s to many more in the future..!
Superman reunited with his old pal Jeremy in Downtown Metropolis on the eve of the World Peace Summit – an event marking over three decades of sustained Nuclear disarmament (Photograph: Andy Hanton)
Jillan Freisen, DAILY PLANET14:00 ET July 24th 2022 –
History repeated itself in The city of Metropolis earlier today when The Man Of Tomorrow came face to face with a friend from yesterday. For those who recall the bizarre chain of events leading to Superman’s campaign to rid the world of Nuclear Weapons exactly 35 years ago, they may also remember how it culminated in a global battle with a maniacal radioactive foe that almost triggered World War III less fondly.
Having hurled Earth’s Nuclear stockpile into the core of the sun and defeated criminal mastermind Lex Luthor’s monster, Superman later concluded world peace was ‘not his to give’ after all and has adopted a neutral stance ever since. While the fallout and collateral damage across the globe may have been enormous (with Metropolis alone left with a regeneration bill in the Billions) Superman’s ‘Quest For Peace’ is nonetheless cited as one of the turning points in Mankind’s history, with the ending of the Cold War one of its lasting legacies –
The Man Of Steel poses outside the UN Building in 1987 with the youngster who’s simple plea prompted a change in Earth’s history (Photograph: James Olsen)
As for the young student whose impassioned words ushered in the winds of change, he stands by his actions all those years ago and says he’s do it over again. Jeremy Brooke, now 48 and a leading force for UNICEF, maintains that some of the best wisdom still comes from the mouths of babes –
“Its difficult for people to understand now, but in the mid to late 80’s a Nuclear Holocaust was a very real fear, with tensions rising on both sides it often felt to us that war was an inevitability rather than a possibility. When I put pen to paper that day it just occurred to me that only one man could save us from ourselves ”
And on the subject of his Kryptonian pal Brooke continued-
“Superman took a lot of criticism from all sides for what he did – people said he was mounting this big campaign but that was wrong – he was answering a call for help like he always does and that’s a very different thing. I could tell he was conflicted about interfering in our destiny but he could also see how easily we could destroy ourselves. Thank god – and I mean this – thank god he did as if the arms race had continued it could only have had one conclusion…”
The original letter as penned by Brooke during class 35 years ago is now regarded as a significant historical document, worthy of preservation in the Smithsonian where it is currently on display.
