2001 Movie News Archives

March 1, 2001: Superman Soars

A Review of the VHS Screener's Tape
by Jim Bowers

What can I say about the VHS screener's tape? It soars! As pan-and-scan versions go, this is by far the best I've seen. Today's technology has taken Superman to the next level, while still preserving the integrity of the original effort. As I watched the film in its entirety, I couldn't help but think, "If only it could have looked and sounded this good in 1978". Wait until you see the theatrical trailer and screen tests. I don't want to give away any surprises, but let's just say they are the icing on the cake! There's no doubt that the wide screen DVD will soar even higher. I can't wait to see the three documentaries, hosted by our friendly newspaper photographer, Marc McClure!

The picture clarity and accurate color reproduction on the VHS tape are excellent. It was most noticeable in the Krypton segment (the costume glow is how I remembered it on the big screen in 1978), in the faces of the actors (you can see every blemish and detail), and in Superman's costume (beautiful, natural looking colors with details in the stitching of the S shield and the cape material). One of the most exciting visual elements are the blue screen flying shots. Gone are the greenish looking leotards. I cheered when I saw Superman's beautiful BLUE costume as he flew towards the cat in the tree, by the bus on his way to Lex's lair, and by the camera on his way to rescue Jimmy from the dam. The scene of Superman flying around the building and zooming past the camera on his way down to the street is greatly improved so you can easily see the look of determination on his face. The digital artists obviously spent many hours at their computers to insure that these shots looked perfect. Blue screen never looked so good! There IS hope for Superman IV!

The extended underground sequence is amazing. It's the first time that I could actually see Superman's face and his flying maneuvers without straining. The extended trial by fire, bullets and ice segment, and Superman/Jor-el Fortress conversation are definite highlights. Seeing them in their restored state was very, very satisfying. The conversation was edited differently from the KCOP version. You'll like how it was done. The Fortress set looks awesome with its lit control chamber and dispersed green glow. I must also mention that the baby's starship and outer space environment never looked better. It was a joy to see Kirk Alyn and Noel Neill inside the train talking with young Lois.

For those of you who are concerned about the new sound mix, I am confident that you will be thrilled with the DVD. Don't worry, there are plenty of familiar sounds still present that you remember and love (like his x-ray vision). The new sounds are a welcome enhancement and, contrary to what you may have heard, don't ruin the film at all. In fact, the new mix is exactly what I anticipated and so much more. It has very defined separation with incredible highs and deep bass that adds more dimension to the level of wonder, danger and excitement. It seems that the recording studio sampled original, distinctive sounds and re-recorded/duplicated them, and then mixed them with fresh, new sounds for appropriate scenes with the latest digital equipment.

These sound effects and dialogue deserve mention:

  1. The credits and S shield streaks. Ultimate surround sound enjoyment.
  2. The echo of Jor-el's voice in the trial chamber. Haunting.
  3. The rings holding the villains. They sound like they possess some sort of force field.
  4. The trial chamber dome as it opens. It sounds much more substantial and gigantic.
  5. The Phantom Zone triangle. Big and scary.
  6. The green crystal as it is removed from the control panel by Jor-el and placed on the baby's ship. It sounds like it is a piece of very advanced technology.
  7. The crystalline breaking sound heard throughout the destruction of Krypton.
  8. The background sounds of birds and crickets, and Ma Kent walking through the wheatfield in the Smallville scenes.
  9. The slight echo (at the beginning) and clarity of Jor-el's conversation with Clark as they streak through space on their 12 year journey. This is the first time that I could easily hear everything Jor-el is saying. The film's entire dialogue track is crystal clear.
  10. The new energy sound of the green crystal as it flies through the air and lands on the chunk of Arctic ice.
  11. Clark ripping his shirt open and spinning through the revolving door. Even better scene now!
  12. The helicopter and cable sounds throughout the entire crash/rescue sequence are more authentic.
  13. All new gun shot sounds during the bad guy and cop car chase. An automatic weapon can be clearly heard. So can the line, "Move you ass!"
  14. The sound of the crowbar hitting Superman's back. Sounds like it's hitting real steel.
  15. The subtle whipping sound of Superman's cape as he flies away from the boat (first place it's heard), flies towards the cat in the tree and flies off, lands on Lois' balcony, and takes Lois for a night flight. Also, the sound of Lois' dress as she falls towards the ground.
  16. The general sound of Superman in flight. It changes depending on his speed and velocity, but overall it sounds like a cross between a skydiver falling through the air (with his loose clothing whipping in the wind), and a bullet and a small jet (not the gun firing sound and engine sound, just the movement through the air at a high rate of speed). His flying sounds most like the original mix when he flies past the burglar down the side of the building and during his take off after delivering the burglar to Officer Mooney.
  17. Air Force One's jet engines and the lightning that hits the engine. Much more realistic with heavy bass.
  18. Lex Luthor's voice as he "talks" to Superman about the gas pellet. It has a high frequency/digital technology element about it.
  19. The sound of Superman drilling through the ground to Lex's lair. Awesome! Sounds like he's moving a lot of air out of the way!
  20. All new sounds of the machine guns coming out of the walls, bullets bouncing off of Superman and ricocheting off the walls, shell casings hitting the floor (clear as a bell); the flame throwers; and the machines that generate the snow and ice (they now have a turbine/jet engine sound that is very cool). The steel door that he pushes seems to weigh about 1000 pounds!
  21. The background sounds (sirens) during the dam scene. Adds to the stress level and danger of the scene.
  22. The sound of cables hitting the Golden Gate Bridge as they break away. A high-pitched metal whipping sound.
  23. The sound of the Earth's crust being pushed back up by Superman adds more believability to the scene.
  24. The incredible sound of Superman spinning back the Earth. Your surround sound system will love it!

The re-edit's soundtrack is spectacular. I'm sure it will sound great on the isolated track of the DVD with the alternate cues. There are only two instances where ABC/KCOP extended version music is used. The first is during the council's talk with the Executioner. The second is the first 27 seconds of the "Superfeats" track on disc two of the Rhino release that begins with Superman flying straight at the camera underground, the Hollywood sign falling, back to Superman flying underground, and fades out with the local people and their animals running from the train overhead. The music used in the KCOP Fortress conversation between Superman and Jor-el is still present. It is, of course, a repeat of the music used in Jor-el's rocket chamber as he bids his son farewell. Otherwise, the re-edit's score essentially matches the theatrical cut's score. This may be a disappointment to some fans, but I actually think scenes such as the starship launch, throwing the rocket into space and returning to Earth, and drilling through the street work equally well with and without music. Without music makes the sound effects stand out, especially in true surround sound that you're sure to enjoy.

You may not want to view the theatrical and extended versions between now and May 1 (or the San Antonio preview in March if you are planning to attend). Having fresh eyes (and ears) will be the best way to fully appreciate what has been done to Superman. It's not what you saw on the big screen as a child or have seen on your television. It's a whole new presentation that is exceptional and wonderful. Overall, it's the best presentation yet. Please make every effort to attend the San Antonio preview of next month. Your attendance and support will increase the chances of Superman: The Movie going nationwide in major U.S. cities and internationally. Superman's going to be a huge hit... again. I can't wait for March 23, can you?

Congratulations to the restoration team for their dedication and hard work to preserve this classic film. A personal thanks to Richard Donner for listening to the fans and campaigning for his vision of Superman. My hat (and glasses) goes off to Christopher Reeve for making us believe. He will always be Superman. Verisimilitude.



2001 Movie News

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