Superman Ultimate Collectors Edition

SUPERMAN: A box-office smash, an Academy Award winner and a fan favorite since it first flew into theatres in December 1978, SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE assembles a cast and creative contingent as only a big movie can. At its heart (just as in three sequels) is Christopher Reeve's intelligent, affectionate portrayal of a most human Man of Steel.

SUPERMAN - 2000 EXPANDED EDITION: Watching SUPERMAN again isn't just like being a kid again. It's better. The movie's legacy soared even higher when director Richard Donner revisited this beloved adventure 22 years later and integrated eight minutes into the film. Enjoy more footage of the Krypton Council, a glimpse of stars of prior Superman incarnations, more of Jor-El underscoring his son's purpose on Earth and an extended sequence inside Lex Luthor's gauntlet of doom. Reeve, Marlon Brando (Jor-El), Gene Hackman (Luthor) and Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) give indelible performances that fuel the film's aura of legend. Looks like a swell night for flying. Why not come along?

SUPERMAN II: "I thought the original SUPERMAN was terrific entertainment," the Chicago Sun-Times' Roger Ebert wrote, "and so I was a little startled to discover that I liked SUPERMAN II even more." Unwittingly released from Phantom Zone imprisonment, three super-powered Kryptonian criminals (Terence Stamp, Sarah Douglas and Jack O'Halloran) plan to enslave Earth - just when Superman (Christopher Reeve) decides to show a more romantic side to Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). Gene Hackman (as Lex Luthor) also returns from the first film and with a top supporting cast, witty Richard Lester direction and visuals that astound and delight, SUPERMAN II saves the day any day you watch it!

SUPERMAN II - THE RICHARD DONNER CUT: In the year of Superman Returns, SUPERMAN II starring Christopher Reeve also returns - with a totally different beginning and resolution. With Jor-El (Marlon Brando in recently discovered footage) in key scenes that amplify Superman lore and deepen the profound relationship between father and son. With different Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) schemes to unmask Clark Kent as Superman. With...well, with so many changes, large and small, that this Superman II is an eye-opening alternate experience. Director Richard Donner began shooting his vision of SUPERMAN II while concurrently filming SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE. Now, for the first time, his never-before-seen vision is here. And it's a must for every Superman fan, an important addition to the legend of the Man of Steel.

SUPERMAN III: After SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE's epic storytelling and SUPERMAN II's awesome battles, how could the first two hits be topped? In SUPERMAN III, meet Gus Gorman (Richard Pryor), a half-witted computer programming natural. For him a keyboard is a weapon - and Superman faces the microelectronic menace of his life. Christopher Reeve reprises his most beloved role, deepening his character's human side as Clark Kent reunites with old flame Lana Lang (Annette O'Toole) at a Smallville High class reunion. And when Superman becomes his own worst enemy after Kryptonite exposure, Reeve pulls off both roles with dazzling skill. Incredible visual effects abound - but above all it has heart, heroism and high-flying humor. All in superabundance.

SUPERMAN IV: Christopher Reeve not only dons the title hero's cape for the fourth time but also helped develop the movie's provocative theme: nuclear disarmament. "For me, it's the most personal of the entire series," Reeve said. "It directly reflects what Superman should be, and should be doing." Superman does a lot this time around. To make the world safe for nuclear arms merchants, Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) creates a new being to challenge the Man of Steel: the radiation-charged Nuclear Man (Mark Pillow). The two foes clash in an explosive extravaganza that sees Superman save the Statue of Liberty, plug a volcanic eruption of Mount Etna and rebuild the demolished Great Wall of China. Your quest for excitement is over!

SUPERMAN RETURNS: He's back. A hero for our millennium. And not a moment too soon, because during the five years (much longer in movie-fan years!) Superman sought his home planet, things changed on his adopted planet. Nations moved on without him. Lois Lane now has a son, a fiance and a Pulitzer for "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman." And Lex Luthor has a plan that will destroy millions - no, billions - of lives. Filmmaker Bryan Singer (X-Men) gives the world the Superman it needs, honoring the legend everyone loves while taking it in a powerful new direction. Brandon Routh proves a perfect choice to wear the hero's cape, leading a top cast that includes Kate Bosworth as Lois and Kevin Spacey as Lex. And the thrills - from a sky-grapple with a tumbling jumbo jet to a continent-convulsing showdown - redefine Wow. "I'm always around," Superman tells Lois. You'll be glad he is.
 
"[2] ...a big, generous, beautifully crafted piece of entertainment..."  Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
"[1] ...smart screenplay...striking cinematography...winning performance by Christopher Reeve..."  Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
"[3] Reeve continues his traditions of graceful flying moves, confident carriage, and twinkly warmth."  Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
"[Returns] Pure exhilaration...It's beyond Super. It's Superb."  Richard Corliss, Time
"[4] Pay particular attention to the detail and the depth of this film."  Ryan Olson, DVD Answers
 


Editor's Note

This collection of SUPERMAN titles includes many different incarnations of the kryptonite-fearing comicbook figure. Included in the ULTIMATE COLLECTOR'S EDITION are: SUPERMAN THE MOVIE: SPECIAL EDITION, SUPERMAN II: THE RICHARD DONNER CUT, SUPERMAN II: SPECIAL EDITION, SUPERMAN III: DELUXE EDITION, SUPERMAN IV: DELUXE EDITION, SUPERMAN RETURNS: SPECIAL EDITION, BRYAN SINGER'S JOURNALS: EXTENDED EDITION, YOU WILL BELIEVE: THE CINEMATIC SAGA OF SUPERMAN. Please see individual titles for synopsis information.