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…
A long-overdue continuation of this magnificent collage – apologies to those who have been waiting patiently!
Further additions to complete the set are upcoming but for now, enjoy..!!
More cast-aside pieces rescued from the Pinewood Studios skip now residing in a private collection.
From the top; shot taken during rehearsals of the Flying Unit at Pinewood, ‘marble’ busts and Presidential shield from the set of the White House, sign from the East Houston Diner and pattern for the Daily Planet flags (visible on the building exterior during the climactic battle).
Thanks to SuperFan Steve Cambden for sharing images from his archive…
More rescued treasures from Richard Lester’s Superman II –
covered extensively in the vintage Making of Superman II special (available on DVD and Blu-Ray), the Metropolis Street set and corresponding miniature were a necessary (and expensive!) evil built at Pinewood Studios to accommodate the colossal battle between the Man Of Steel and his adversaries. Though somewhat of a dying art in special effects today, no amount of CGI could replicate the stunning detail on show in the images above nor the craftsmanship that executed it.
My sincere thanks to Steve Cambden for providing these photographs from his archive. If you want to read more about Steve’s time at Pinewood during the making of Superman II plus his adventures in Doctor Who I recommend his amazing memoir ‘The Doctor’s Affect’
Dear Hot Toys –
May I first congratulate you on an incredible prototype Superman figure – As I’m sure you are aware anticipation for this was incredibly high and consequently the subject matter has a very dedicated and devoted fanbase- many have waited over thirty years for this figure –
In recognition of the fact you are noted for listening to your fans when most toy companies do not I implore you to acknowledge the efforts shown here produced by two very talented artists & SuperFans with a wealth of experience in consulting and producing costumes, art and sculpture based on Christopher Reeve’s unparalleled portrayal.
You’ll find the amendments detailed in the images above to be slight and easily achievable but in doing so making the transition from acceptable to impeccable. These collages were created as a proposed guide and not intended as instructions – please disregard the notes about using provided art.
Look no further than the contents of this blog to see further examples of the work of Chris King in Costume and Sebastian Columbo in Photoshop to further compliment what are already great works.
And make no mistake, these offerings are not intended to highlight any shortcomings or indeed as an attempt at critique, they are merely the goodwill of artists that are seeking the best result for the perfect figure. This is what you are famous for as a company and have demonstrated time and again with your licenses, and on that basis we submit these humble adjustments in the hope you will agree they will only enhance what is already a fitting tribute to the original Man Of Steel.
With best Regards –
SUPERMANIA & Friends…
