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…
…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…!
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…
New additions to the fantastic retro-style wallpapers courtesy of artist Jayce76 –
Jayce clever reworkings of vintage Variety ads amongst others here gives these pieces a look of complete authenticity. The Salkind’s famously mounted quite the campaign from 1976 onward to capture the imagination of the movie-going public and would continue throughout production and even beyond.
Some of the best examples of these are peppered throughout this blog in the Superman: The Movie section where the fascinating evolution of the project culminates in the film still regarded as the arguably the best comic-book adaptation of all time…
Outstanding retro-style poster creations by SuperFan Jayce76 – managing to capture all the nostalgia of vintage print ad’s while giving them a distinctly modern twist..!
