2006: The year of Superman!

[DarthPrime]

I picked up the 1 disc of Superman Returns and noticed the transfer as well. Its not that great. However I have read that the HD-DVD/Blu-Ray transfers are pretty good. The film seemed a lot darker and grainy than I remember it at the theater.

[2099net]

I've just been reading about the various store exclusives for the 2 disc Superman Returns on another forum, and this caught my eye (I've underlined what is important)

SUPERMAN RETURNS 2 disc Special Edition
TARGET 3D Lenticular Cover EXCLUSIVE: includes 2 original 30 minute episode frm the 1940's Superman radio show.

I've very disappointed that two episodes of the radio show are on a bonus disc, because it means Warners do (as I suspected) have the rights to them. I would have thought an ideal place for the odd episode of the radio series would be on the various Adventures of Superman releases. After all, Warners aren't shy about putting radio shows on their classic film DVDs.

Just like I was expecting Adventures of Superpup to be on an Adventures of Superman release (I'm thrilled its in The Ultimate Collection, honest, but it doesn't really fit) I have been hoping against hope with each Adventures release we would have got a radio episode or two.

Now... we just need more Superboy to be released and hopefully we can get the 1950's Adventures of Superboy pilot on that (being as it was omitted from the Adventures of Superman releases).

[2099net]

Well, my UK Ultimate Superman Set came today. And surprise surprise, the UK is shafted by the studios again.

I can live without the 14th disc, because I knew it wasn't included and the chances of me watching it if I had it are virtually nil. Still, I can't think of any reason why Warners UK should desire to leave it off, being as the content was cleared for the Internet and, presumably, cleared worldwide.

But the UK set does not come with the comic reproduction or the mail-in movie poster coupon. I'm more upset about this, because its these "gubbins" that make the tin set extra special (I love my lobby cards in the Forbidden Planet tin).

Well done Warners. Charge us more money and deliver us less content.

[DarthPrime]

For those who haven't got the Ultimate set yet, the corrected sets are now hitting the stores. I don't know how to tell the difference (maybe a different UPC?), but there have been reports of Best Buys and Targets getting the new sets and they have the correct Superman and Superman 3 discs.

Congrats on Warner Bros for fixing this problem so quick and getting new sets out.

[2099net]

So, what does everyone think to this set?

I have to admit, on the whole I'm disappointed. I'm going to sound hypocritical here because normally I moan when archive footage is absent from DVDs, but the Superman set relies on archive footage too much.

It's quite ironic really – the Batman re-releases were mostly all-new supplements, and the Superman re-releases are mostly all-archive supplements. Both needed a mix of both to be fully rounded releases.

There is the 13th disc which performs the function of offering a new retrospective on the Reeve superman saga (obviously Superman Returns is all non-archive stuff), but its not really long enough and doesn't go into enough detail.

I dunno, its not a bad set and some of the items from the Superman Vault are a delight (such as, say, Superpup!) but… was Superman and the Mole Men really required being as Warner have already released it on the 1st Adventures of Superman release? Wouldn't Superpup be better on the final Adventures of Superman release? This set just doesn't seem all that focussed to me. I know they were probably aiming for a celebration of Superman in various guises, but this, with the archive based nature of the supplements, leaves it feeling a little incoherent.

[Escapay]

.There is the 13th disc which performs the function of offering a new retrospective on the Reeve superman saga (obviously Superman Returns is all non-archive stuff), but its not really long enough and doesn't go into enough detail.

What I didn't like about the documentary (a mere 89 minutes) was it spent much too much time on the first and second films (the first is already covered nicely in the three featurettes from the 2001 disc and disc 3 here), and most of the coverage on Supes 3, Supergirl, and Supes 4 were pretty much nothing but feelings of "we did these films, realized they weren't as good as the first two, we're sorry you guys, so please punish us". Timed it to see how much coverage there was for Supergirl...it's only two and a half minutes. Expected, as Supergirl is related to Superman but the movie not so much, but still, they could talk at length about the problems with Superman IV, but not even give Supergirl a nice 5-10 minutes in the documentary? (Never mind the fact that there's only a mere mention of it in the Look Up in the Sky documentary...)

Which leads me to my continued gripe about WB's Supergirl DVD. The new WB disc is woefully anemic. I mean, the old commentary is great, as is the trailer, but come on, that's all WB wanted to put out? If they filmed Helen Slater and the others talk about Supergirl and only 2.5 minutes end up in the documentary, you'd think there's still enough material they didn't use that could easily have been put together as a new featurette (even if it's just 15-20 minutes) for the WB disc. It'd give Supergirl fans who own the two-disc Anchor Bay release a reason to pick up the new WB disc, as it's new material. And I'm still bitter that they didn't bother recording an audio commentary for the film with Helen Slater.

Haven't had a chance to watch many of the discs in the set, though I was able to glance at the vintage docs for Supes 1 and 2.

Deleted scenes is another bone of contention for me. Since I don't have the corrected version of Supes 3 yet, I'm not sure what their deleted scenes offer, though I'm sure it *doesn't* include the alternate opening titles that were used in the extended edition TV airings. Its inclusion would be welcoming, as the theatrical credits (over that comical scene) isn't the best way to read. And despite 45 minutes cut from Supes IV, only 31 minutes is presented. Now, the other 14 minutes likely would never improve the film, but its absence is still unsettling. And while I've thoroughly enjoyed the additional 8 minutes in Superman: The Movie, I have yet to understand the need to repeat them as "additional scenes" in the bonus features (along with a couple other short scenes). What I really would have loved to see was all 45 minutes of deleted footage that was added for the Salkind International Edit (which was abbreviated slightly for the extended ABC TV version). Supes 2 seems to be the only film that doesn't suffer from badly presented deleted scenes. While the Lester version only has one, there really wasn't much beyond that scene that could be presented. And the Donner version is pretty much one long group of deleted scenes, cleaned up and presented as a movie. Plus, they've got their own set of deleted scenes as well.

The Donner cut...hmm. I watched this first thing, and have to say...it's got a lot of great moments, and I'm forever grateful for it to be presented, but I still really like the Lester version. I mean, nearly every comment about the Lester version in the documentary (and even a few in the featurette on the Donner DVD) make it sound like the theatrical Supes 2 was an abysmal picture that was put together by an evil hack who unceremoniously replaced Donner. Now, I agree that it was ridiculous to dump Donner, but Lester is given the short end of the stick and to write off his version of Supes 2 simply because it's the second version...it just doesn't sit well with me. Supes 2 is an enjoyable and slightly campy (but still enjoyable) film and I always enjoyed it more than Supes 1.

Finally, I really love the packaging, but don't like their choice for the plastic trays used. It's hard to take and put back the discs without fear of breaking the tray or cracking the center the disc. Would've preferred a normal digistak of 14 trays, though that'd lose the whole "discs facing each other" aspect, which is one of the few positives of the trays they used.

And they could have saved a whole lotta money if the tin case was as wide as the packaging, instead of making it larger and requiring a piece of foam to keep it from shaking about.

Escapay

[2099net]

Finally, I really love the packaging, but don't like their choice for the plastic trays used. It's hard to take and put back the discs without fear of breaking the tray or cracking the center the disc. Would've preferred a normal digistak of 14 trays, though that'd lose the whole "discs facing each other" aspect, which is one of the few positives of the trays they used.

And they could have saved a whole lotta money if the tin case was as wide as the packaging, instead of making it larger and requiring a piece of foam to keep it from shaking about.

Escapay

Yes, I spent about 4 minutes getting Superman 3 (the first disc I skimmed to check the UK one was the correct disc) out. I've discovered the correct way to do it now - lift and twist.

I think the tin is the size it is because all "Ultimate Editions" will be. It's the same width and height as the Forbidden Planet Ultimate Edition for example (but not the same depth). I look forward to more in the future from Warners.

[Escapay]

I think the tin is the size it is because all "Ultimate Editions" will be. It's the same width and height as the Forbidden Planet Ultimate Edition for example (but not the same depth). I look forward to more in the future from Warners.

Ahh...that makes sense now.

But I wonder, then, why the Ultimate Editions for The Searchers and King Kong are different size (and The Searchers isn't even a tin). Also, the Astaire/Rogers boxset is labeled as an Ultimate Collector's Edition like the other sets, but instead of a tin contains a sturdy and thick (and I mean thick) cardboard with slimcases.

Escapay

[2099net]

But I wonder, then, why the Ultimate Editions for The Searchers and King Kong are different size (and The Searchers isn't even a tin). Also, the Astaire/Rogers boxset is labeled as an Ultimate Collector's Edition like the other sets, but instead of a tin contains a sturdy and thick (and I mean thick) cardboard with slimcases.

Escapay

Is Kong an Ultimate Collectors Edition?

I think this "branding" is new. Is the Astaire/Rogers box an older release? I'm sure Warners would love the Ultimate Matrix Collection to be in a tin. I feel this uniformed release is new for them, but will stick.

The test comes when a new release comes out from this point on.

[Escapay]

But I wonder, then, why the Ultimate Editions for The Searchers and King Kong are different size (and The Searchers isn't even a tin). Also, the Astaire/Rogers boxset is labeled as an Ultimate Collector's Edition like the other sets, but instead of a tin contains a sturdy and thick (and I mean thick) cardboard with slimcases.

Escapay

Is Kong an Ultimate Collectors Edition?

I think this "branding" is new. Is the Astaire/Rogers box an older release? I'm sure Warners would love the Ultimate Matrix Collection to be in a tin. I feel this uniformed release is new for them, but will stick.

The test comes when a new release comes out from this point on.

King Kong in the tin came November 22 last year but was called a Two-Disc Collector's Edition (as opposed to its Two-Disc Special Edition that the regular release got). Also, Gone With The Wind, Ben-Hur, and The Wizard of Oz had the "Collector's Edition" Brand as well, and were four (and 3) disc editions.

The Searchers, I believe, was the first to get "Ultimate" added to its brand name, and the only other times I've seen it on a WB title was on the Astaire/Rogers set (October 24), Forbidden Planet (November 14), and Superman (November 28). The Matrix set you mentioned is called "Ultimate Matrix Collection: Limited Edition Gift Set", so I'm guessing that could be considered a pre-cursor to the Ultimate Collector's Edition for WB (as could King Kong).

A couple of times I've seen the UCE name on non-WB releases for Fox's Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Universal's Van Helsing.

For future releases, I'm guessing/assuming that the 2007 multi-disc anniversary release for Blade Runner might be an Ultimate Collector's Edition as well, since it's speculated to be offering three or four versions of the film (either the US or the European Theatrical Cut, or both, as well as the 1992 Director's Cut and the 2001 "Final Cut"), along with a sizable amount of bonus features.

Would love to see WB do a UCE for more classic titles, like The Jazz Singer or An American in Paris.

Escapay

[MadonnasManOne]

I finally watched Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, today! I must say, I enjoyed it much more than Richard Lester's version. That's not to say that I don't enjoy Richard Lester's version. It's the version we've known for so many years. It's just that Richard Donner's cut of the film trims out some of the fat, in my opinion, and gets to the point. It also cuts out a few odd lines that I never liked in Richard Lester's version.

I love all of the scenes with Marlon Brando, as well as the new ending. Richard Donner's cut is a much better film than I expected it to be, having read Escapay's comments, as well as hearing the comments of a friend of mine, who bought the HD-DVD of Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. I am happy that we finally have this version to watch, whenever we like. It's a great addition to the Superman legacy!

I'm now watching the fourth disc of Superman: The Movie. I have watched several bonus features from the various discs, and I must say, this is one of the most awesome, complete sets I own. I'm so happy to own this, and can't wait to get my corrected discs.

I've also sent off for the posters, and I can't wait to get those. I'm going to have them mounted on poster board, and hang them in my home.

[disneyboy20022]

Ok after over 2 weeks since I called WB about the replacement discs I still have yet to recieve the Pre-Paid Envelopes to send back Superman and Superman III. So I decided to call the 1-800 number to ask about it. They said there was a delay in shipment of the pre-paid envelopes and they said the hopefully should be able to get everyone's out later in the week. Although tomorrow is later since Friday so I fear the pre-paid envelopes for the Superman discs may not be here for 2 more weeks. So much for getting the replacement discs by Christmas

[2099net]

I've just read this:

The other bit of info is that Warner Bros are now saying that the Superman Ultimate tin set is now being discontinued and will NOT be re-released with the corrected discs. The set may appear again but NOT in the tin packaging. Amazon.com are already showing the item as no longer available. I've seen no official confirmation of this from WB but that's the latest story.

[MadonnasManOne]

I've just read this:

The other bit of info is that Warner Bros are now saying that the Superman Ultimate tin set is now being discontinued and will NOT be re-released with the corrected discs. The set may appear again but NOT in the tin packaging. Amazon.com are already showing the item as no longer available. I've seen no official confirmation of this from WB but that's the latest story.

I don't know where you got this information, but, people have already been able to buy sets, in stores, that actually have the corrected discs.

[MadonnasManOne]

Just to let everyone know, I received my envelope, today.

Now, the question is, do I send them in?

The reason I ask this is because, since 2099net reported that Warner Bros. is discontinuing this set, I have read that several online retailers are reporting this same information. Sorry for doubting you, 2099net, but, you didn't list the source for your information. At any rate, should I just keep the set the way it is, because the value of the set is currently going up, or, will it not matter if I go ahead and send off for the two replacement discs?

Any suggestions?

[2099net]

Just to let everyone know, I received my envelope, today.

Now, the question is, do I send them in?

The reason I ask this is because, since 2099net reported that Warner Bros. is discontinuing this set, I have read that several online retailers are reporting this same information. Sorry for doubting you, 2099net, but, you didn't list the source for your information. At any rate, should I just keep the set the way it is, because the value of the set is currently going up, or, will it not matter if I go ahead and send off for the two replacement discs?

Any suggestions?

It was only "post of a post" information, so I didn't reference it. And I didn't believe it either 100%. I do know Australia has no tins left, and no more will be manufactured (but the set may come out with the same discs, but none tin packaging over there in the near future).

Personally I would exchange the discs. Have the "incorrect" Back to the Future sets shot up in value? Not that I know of.

I suppose it depends on how confident you are in your postal service, being as your discs will be making two journeys - one to Warner and then one back. I dunno. I will say, the only film disc I've looked at properly on the UK set is Superman III (just to make sure it was all there! And it was) but there's very little on it which screams "You must view me!".

The commentary... well, I turned it off after about 10 minutes and just watched the rest of the movie normally. The deleted scenes are nice, but hardly essential. And the making of is both substantial (its long) and fluffy (it never actually says much really). But as an example of 80s TV it's unbeatable (watch for minutes as vaguely famous or important people turn-up at a Garden Party at the beginning!). The trailer is amazing as it happens to tell the whole story of the movie in 3 minutes or so! The concept of spoilers must be a 90's invention!

The TV Making Of is probably the only thing really worth watching, but even then, you'll most likely only watch it once.

[MadonnasManOne]

It was only "post of a post" information, so I didn't reference it. And I didn't believe it either 100%. I do know Australia has no tins left, and no more will be manufactured (but the set may come out with the same discs, but none tin packaging over there in the near future).

Personally I would exchange the discs. Have the "incorrect" Back to the Future sets shot up in value? Not that I know of.

I suppose it depends on how confident you are in your postal service, being as your discs will be making two journeys - one to Warner and then one back. I dunno. I will say, the only film disc I've looked at properly on the UK set is Superman III (just to make sure it was all there! And it was) but there's very little on it which screams "You must view me!".

The commentary... well, I turned it off after about 10 minutes and just watched the rest of the movie normally. The deleted scenes are nice, but hardly essential. And the making of is both substantial (its long) and fluffy (it never actually says much really). But as an example of 80s TV it's unbeatable (watch for minutes as vaguely famous or important people turn-up at a Garden Party at the beginning!). The trailer is amazing as it happens to tell the whole story of the movie in 3 minutes or so! The concept of spoilers must be a 90's invention!

The TV Making Of is probably the only thing really worth watching, but even then, you'll most likely only watch it once.

Thanks for the suggestion! I will send them in. You are right about the Back to the Future Trilogy set. Plus, I like to have everything I paid for, so, I'll send them in.

[DarthPrime]

I doubt this will go OOP forever. DDD has it listed as coming out 2/6/2007. Maybe its just being reissued. I'm wondering if they will go with a different package though and make the Tin OOP.

[MadonnasManOne]

So, has anyone that sent away for the replacement discs received them yet? I sent my discs in the mailer before Christmas, but, haven't got my replacement discs, yet. I also sent off for the posters quite some time ago, and I don't believe they've even cashed my check. I'm just curious if anyone else here has any news?

[DisneyDVDFAN]

Nope nothing yet I also sent for the posters a while back as soon as i got the set Nov 28th or 29 ... and the mailer came in the second week of December so that went off also reight away...

no cashed check showing as of DEC 25th ;(