As Warner Bros is in the midst of a super-powered reboot of the DCU, the Hollywood giant will be looking back with a new collection of classic Superman films.
New DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn recently revealed his plans for DC’s Man of Tomorrow, with a new Superman movie on the way, penned by Gunn himself.
After some mishaps on the Superman movie front recently, Gunn is looking to return to the Kryptonian’s story on the big screen, focusing on a “younger” Man of Steel.
This all comes after the mishandling of another Superman in Henry Cavill, who will not be moving forward with the character after a brief but ill-fated return last year.
The Ultimate Superman Box Set
A new Blu-Ray collection has been announced (via Screen connections) from Warner Bros., emphasizing Christopher Reeves’ classic Superman films.
The Superman 1978-1987 5 Movie Collection includes all four Reeves Superman films (Superhuman, Superman II, Superman IIIand Superman IV), as well as the late Richard Donner’s director’s cut Superman II.
The box set is said to be part of it “the centennial celebration of the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros.” spawning one of the big screen’s first superhero blockbuster franchises.
Each of these Ultra HD Blu Rays comes with a host of special features, including making-of documentaries, classic Superman and Superman cartoons, marketing material for each film, and commentary from the creatives who made the films.
The box set launches on April 18th and comes in stunning Fortress of Solitude themed packaging.
The full list of each included film and its special features can be seen below:
Superhuman
- Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spangler
- Its construction Superhuman – vintage featurettes
- Superman and the Mole-Men – vintage featurette
- Super-Rabbit – 1943 WB cartoon
- Snuffoperman – 1944 WB cartoon
- Duck ornament – 1956 WB cartoon
- TV spot
- Teaser Trailer
- Theatrical trailer
Superman II
- Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler
- Its construction Superman II – 1980 TV Special
- Superman’s Soufflé – Deleted Scene
- Vintage Superman cartoons by Fleischer Studios
- Theatrical trailer
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
- Commentary by Richard Donner and Tom Mankiewicz
- Richard Donner Introduction – featurette
- Superman II: Resetting Vision – featurette
- Deleted scenes
- Vintage cartoons of famous studios
Superman III
- Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler
- Its construction Superman III – 1983 TV special
- Deleted scenes
- Theatrical trailer
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
- Commentary by Mark Rosenthal
- Superman 50th Anniversary Special – 1988 TV Special
- Deleted scenes
- Theatrical trailer
DC looks back at Reeves’ Superman
For a generation of people, Christopher Reeves’ Superman was the superhero of the big screen. And now those avid fans can finally have all of these original adventures in one place on their shelf.
These kinds of compilations are nothing new for Warner Bros. (WB). The studio takes almost every opportunity to package films across its library together. However, this particular case looks like anything but a cash grab.
The first Superhuman The film turns 45 in 2023, with WB celebrating its 100th birthday at the same time, so now is the perfect time to celebrate a very important piece of filmmaking history.
Plus, add the fact that these films were one of the last times a beloved version of the character appeared on the big screen, and it only adds to Reeves’ importance in the world of superpowered blockbusters.
DC can only hope they can recapture some of that magic with the upcoming Superman: Legacy. With James Gunn on board, it looks like it has a good shot, but only time will tell if the studio can top this collection of Superman movies.
The Superman 1978-1987 5 Movie Collection is set to be released in both physical and digital formats on April 18th.
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