Superman: The Movie

Superman: The Movie is one of those epic films that’s a cornerstone of my childhood memories, as I grew up seeing it all over Cable and network TV where it quickly became one of the world’s most beloved and greatest movies. Now this legendary film has finally received the 4K HDR transfer it deserves to continue being a classic for fans and new generations to come.

For those unfamiliar with Superman and his origin, he was a baby named Kal-El sent by his father and scientist Jor-El (Marlon Brando) from the planet Krypton as their world exploded, and their son made it safely to ours. It isn’t long before the Kent family finds the little boy and his crashed spaceship, and find out our sun gives him powers from superhuman strength and durability, to heat vision and more. Thanks to the Kent’s humble and kind way of life growing up on the farm, Kal-El now known as Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) uses his abilities to help others as he grows up to become Superman.

These powers help him to fight crime and save those in trouble as the man of steel, while being the bumbling, mild-mannered Clark Kent any other time who writes at the Daily Planet with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). This film goes on to show the struggles Clark faces with balancing his life as himself and Superman, as well as dealing with the infamous Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) who uses his genius intellect to amass wealth and steal some of the military’s high-grade missiles to terraform the country which has disastrous results that can only be a job for Superman to handle.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since Warner Bros. and director Richard Donner made the world believe a man could fly, and they did ever so wonderfully as star Christopher Reeve would forever become the icon for the world’s greatest superhero. What makes this film even better is that every cast member was perfectly chosen and plays their characters flawlessly, from Gene Hackman’s spot-on campy but awesome take on villain Lex Luthor, to the late Margot Kidder as the always in trouble Lois Lane.

For a 40 year-old film, this 4K HDR transfer makes it look like it could’ve been released a few years ago as the visuals look super clean and better than they ever have, and the audio pumps John Williams’ iconic theme music through loud and clear. While the special features are from the previous released 2011 anthology set, they’re still pretty cool to go through.

First there’s audio commentary by producers Pierre Spengler and Ilya Salkind as they candidly discuss the production of the film and the many issues that happened during the making of it that fans will want to listen to. “The Making of” is a classic 1978 TV special that was hosted by Christopher Reeve as he takes viewers through behind the scenes clips, interviews and more that’s one of the best extras on here. Then there’s a few Superman related pieces such as “Superman and the Mole-Men” from 1951 with George Reeves as Superman and Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane, and some cool classic Looney Tunes cartoons “Super-Rabbit”, “Snafuperman”, and “Stupor Duck” that are guaranteed laughs for all.

Superman: The Movie in 4K HDR is a must-have for fans and movie lovers, as it’s easily one of the best film classics out there. A beautiful 4K transfer with HDR color, perfect casting and performances, an iconic soundtrack and theme music by John Williams, and some super special features will have you up, up, and away into this masterpiece in no time.