2006 Movie News Archives

October 6, 2006: Official WHV DVD Press Release

Warner Home Video has finally officially sent out a Press Release regarding the "Superman Returns" DVDs and "Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition" 14-disc DVD set.

There isn't much new in the press releases that hasn't already been reported here previously, and documented in our "Guide to Up-Coming Superman Movie DVD Releases" article.

Click "Read More" below to see the official Press Release documents.

DVD Artwork DVD Artwork DVD Artwork DVD Artwork
Single Disc Single Disc [Back Cover] Double Disc Double Disc [Back Cover]
14 Disc Set 14 Disc Set 14 Disc Set
14 Disc Set 14 Disc Set 14 Disc Set

Superman Returns Soars onto DVD on November 28th from Warner Home Video
Friday October 6, 9:30 am ET

Bryan Singer's Heart-Pounding, Action-Packed Heroic Epic Starring Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey

Available in a Single Disc Version and Stunning 2-Disc Special Edition with over 3 Hours of Special Features Including Revealing Additional Scenes and a Multi-Part Making-of Documentary

HD DVD Combo and Blu-ray Disc Also Available Day and Date

"Loaded with digital dazzle... 'Superman' returns with a bang."
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

"Pure exhilaration... It's beyond Super. It's Superb."
Richard Corliss, Time

The fight for truth and justice continues when Superman Returns soars onto DVD November 28th from Warner Home Video. Superman Returns delivers an epic story, spectacular special effects, and exhilarating action that will leave you breathless. Directed by Bryan Singer (X-Men I & II, Usual Suspects), Superman Returns features powerful performances from newcomer Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth (Blue Crush, Beyond the Sea) and two-time Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey (American Beauty, Usual Suspects).

The Two-Disc Special Edition is filled with over three hours of bonus features, including more than ten revealing additional scenes with characters and plotlines never before seen and a "Resurrecting Jor-El" featurette. A multi-part, nearly 3-hour documentary, "Requiem for Krypton: Making Superman Returns" takes you on an in-depth, behind the scenes journey of the making of this momentous film with visionary director Singer and crew. Viewers will experience what it was actually like to be part of the production on location in Australia. The documentary uncovers the secrets behind some of the most astonishing, effects-laden scenes in the film, including the shuttle accident, the Metropolis disaster and the formation of New Krypton. The Two-Disc Special Edition comes encased in collectible, embossed, gold foil o-sleeve packaging.

Superman Returns marks a day-and-date release for HD and Blu-ray. The HD version will be an HD DVD Combo Disc (High Definition DVD on one side and SD DVD on the other side) with the film in MLP audio and all special features on the HD side and film only on the standard DVD side. The Blu-ray version offers the film and all special features.

Warner Home Video HD DVDs and Blu-ray Discs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The new formats also provide a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu-bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.

Superman Returns will be available at $28.98 SRP in both widescreen and full frame formats. The Special Edition will be available in widescreen format for $34.99 SRP. The HD Combo will be available at $39.99 SRP and the Blu-ray version will be available at $34.99 SRP.

DVD Artwork DVD Artwork DVD Artwork DVD Artwork
Single Disc Single Disc [Back Cover] Double Disc Double Disc [Back Cover]
SYNOPSIS

Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure Superman Returns, a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world's most beloved Super Heroes. While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman (Brandon Routh) faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth), has moved on with her life. Or has she? Superman's bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him. In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space.

DVD ELEMENTS

The Single Disc version of Superman Returns contains the theatrical version of the film.

The Two-Disc Special Edition contains the theatrical version of the film on Disc 1 and over three hours of special features on Disc 2, including:

-- Additional Scenes

  • The Date: Ma Kent plays a game with her new man
  • Family Photos: Clark reminisces over family photos
  • Crash Landing/X-Ray Vision: Clark discovers he can fly and he has x-ray vision
  • Old Newspapers: Clark realizes what happened while he was gone
  • Are You Two Dating?: Clark discovers his mother is dating
  • Martinis and Wigs: Lex and Kitty bicker
  • I'm Always Right: Once again, Lex is right
  • Jimmy the Lush: Jimmy and Clark discuss Lois at the bar
  • Language Barrier: Japanese talkshow makes fun of Superman
  • Crystal Feet: Having a bad day
  • New Krypton: Lois names the new planet
  • Easter Egg: Lex Luthor's "Wrong" Montage

-- "Requiem for Krypton: Making Superman Returns" multi-part documentary
  • Secret Origins and First Issues: Crystallizing Superman
  • The Crystal Method: Designing Superman
  • An Affinity for Beachfront Property: Shooting Superman
    • Superman on the Farm
    • Superman in the City
    • Superman in Peril
  • The Joy of Lex: Menacing Superman
  • He's Always Around: Wrapping Superman

-- "Resurrecting Jor-El" Featurette
  • 3D rendering of Marlon Brando's face for the Fortress of Solitude scene

BASICS
Single disc Amaray (WS) $28.98 Single disc Amaray (FS) $28.98 2-disc Special Edition (WS) $34.99 HD-DVD Combo Disc (30/9) $39.99 Blu-ray Disc (50) $34.99

Street Date: November 28, 2006
Languages: English, Spanish
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Running time: 157 minutes
Rating: PG-13 (for some intense action violence)
DLBY/SURR

CREDITS

Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, presents a Jon Peters Production in association with Bad Hat Harry Productions, a Bryan Singer film, Superman Returns, starring newcomer Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth (Beyond the Sea, Blue Crush), James Marsden (X2: X-Men United, The Notebook), Frank Langella (HBO's Unscripted), Academy Award winner Eva Marie Saint (North By Northwest), Parker Posey (Best in Show), Kal Penn (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle), Sam Huntington (Detroit Rock City), and Oscar winner Kevin Spacey (Beyond the Sea, American Beauty, The Usual Suspects). Directed by Bryan Singer (X2: X-Men United, X-Men, The Usual Suspects), the film is produced by Jon Peters, Bryan Singer and Gilbert Adler. The executive producer is Chris Lee. The screenplay is by Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris, and the story is by Bryan Singer & Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris. The director of photography is Newton Thomas Sigel A.S.C.; the production designer is Guy Hendrix Dyas; the film is edited by John Ottman and Elliot Graham; the costume designer is Louise Mingenbach; and the music is by John Ottman. The film is based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Comics.



WARNER HOME VIDEO ANNOUNCES
SUPERMAN ULTIMATE COLLECTOR'S EDITION

Superpowered 14-Disc Collector's Edition Includes

Superman Returns Special Edition

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Superman: The Movie Four Disc Special Edition
Superman II Two Disc Special Edition
Superman III & IV Deluxe Editions

Bonus Discs Featuring 20 Hours of Extra Content Includes:
You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman,
Look Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman

and Bryan Singer's Video Journal

Burbank, Calif. October 6, 2006 - Warner Home Video continues to celebrate the year of Superman with the release of the Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition (UCE) on November 28 -- day and date with the DVD debut of the Superman Returns Special Edition as well as the previously announced Superman DVDs Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut and The Christopher Reeve Superman Collection.

The Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition includes all six films in the Superman theatrical franchise -- Superman Returns Special Edition, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, Superman: The Movie Four Disc Special Edition, Superman II Two Disc Special Edition, Superman III & IV Deluxe Editions -- and is loaded with more than 20 hours of bonus features. Three bonus discs include Look Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman and exclusive to the collection, You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman, a feature length documentary, plus Bryan Singer's video journals chronicling the making of Superman Returns. The Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition will sell for $99.92 SRP.

14 Disc Set 14 Disc Set 14 Disc Set
14 Disc Set 14 Disc Set 14 Disc Set

The 14-disc set will be packaged in a collectible keepsake tin which is shelf ready and holds the set inside lenticular packaging, along with a reproduction of the comic book Superman issue #7, a Superman overview booklet and a mail-in offer for five Superman theatrical movie posters. This Collection is a "must have" for any fan.

Also being released the same day will be the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions of Superman: The Movie and Superman II: The Richard Donner CutThe bonus materials for Superman: The Movie (2000 Expanded Edition) include commentary by Richard Donner and Tom Mankiewicz, two featurettes: Taking Flight: The Development of Superman, Making Superman: Filming the Legend, additional footage, music only track and trailers. All bonus materials on the Standard Definition version of Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut will be included on the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions. Both titles will be available for $28.99 SRP.

Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition
Street Date: November 28, 2006
$99.92 SRP
Not Rated

Superman Returns Special Edition
Run Time: 157 minutes
$34.99 SRP
Rated PG-13

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Run Time: 122 minutes
$24.98 SRP
Rated PG

Superman: The Movie Four Disc Special Edition
Run Time: 151 minutes
$39.92 SRP
Rated PG

Superman II Two Disc Special Edition
Run Time: 127 minutes
$26.99 SRP
Rated PG

Superman III Deluxe Edition
Run Time: 125 minutes
$19.97 SRP
Rated PG

Superman IV The Quest For Peace
Run Time: 90 minutes
$19.97 SRP
Rated PG

Look Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman
Run Time: 110 minutes
$14.99 SRP

The Christopher Reeve Superman Collection
Street Date: November 28, 2006
Collection: $68.92 SRP

Details of New Warner Superman Theatrical Releases

Superman Returns Special Edition

Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure Superman Returns, a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world's most beloved Super Heroes. While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life. Or has she? Superman's bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him. In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space.

Disc 1

  • 2006 Theatrical Version
Disc 2
  • Requiem for Krypton: Making Superman Returns
  • Resurrecting Jor-El
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Trailers
  • EA Game Trailer
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut

Superman II will delight fans who, for years, have been imploring Warner Home Video via voluminous numbers of petitions, letters, phone calls and e-mails to release the Donner cut.

In fact, Donner had already shot most of the Superman II footage during Superman: The Movie. But as production on the sequel continued, creative differences between the director and the film's producers became irreconcilable and Donner left the project. Although Richard Lester was hired to finish production, he chose to make major changes to the film, leaving only vestiges of Donner's original vision and concepts in the version of Superman II that was ultimately released to theaters.

Now, nearly thirty years later, Warner Home Video is honored to grant the wishes of countless Superman fans. With this DVD release, Richard Donner has become the first director in history to be able to complete a film he left during production with nearly all his footage "in the can." Adding back a substantial amount of that unused footage, the director has seen his original vision restored and brought to fruition.

Most notably, the "Donner cut" restores the Marlon Brando role, filmed for, but not included in the final theatrical release version of Superman II. The legendary Brando's performance as Jor-El has finally been restored in key scenes that amplify Superman lore and deepen the profound relationship between father and son.

With so many other changes, large and small, including a variety of Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) schemes to unmask Clark Kent as Superman, this Superman II will prove to be an eye-opening experience and an important addition to film history.

DVD Special Features:
- All new introduction by director Richard Donner
- Commentary by director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz
- New featurette Superman II: Restoring the Vision
- Deleted scenes
- Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)

Superman: The Movie (1978/2001) Four-Disc Special Edition

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. 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 (Lex Luthor) and Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) give indelible performances that fuel the film's aura of legend.

DVD Special Features:

Disc One
- Original 1978 theatrical version with its original Dolby Stereo theatrical soundtrack, as well as remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1.
- Commentary by producer Pierre Spengler and executive producer Ilya Salkind
- Theatrical trailers
- TV spot
- Languages: English & Français
- Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)

Disc Two
- 2000 expanded edition movie with commentary by director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz
- Music-only audio track as well as Dolby Digital 5.1 English 
- Subtitles: English, Français, EspaÒol & PortuguÍs (feature film only)

Disc Three
- Three documentaries:
- Taking Flight: The Development of Superman
- Making Superman: Filming the Legend
- The Magic Behind the Cape
- Restored scenes
- Screen tests
- Audio-only bonus: additional music cues

Disc Four
- Vintage TV special The Making of Superman: The Movie
- 1951 Movie Superman and the Mole-Men, starring George Reeves
- Nine Fleischer Studios Superman cartoons mastered from superior vault elements:
- Oscar nominee Superman
- The Mechanical Monsters
- Billion Dollar Limited
- The Arctic Giant
- The Bulleteers
- The Magnetic Telescope
- Electric Earthquake
- Volcano
- Terror on the Midway

Superman II Two-Disc Special Edition (1980)

"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.

DVD Special Features:

Disc One
- Movie with commentary by executive producer Ilya Salkind and producer Pierre Spengler
- Soundtrack in Dolby Digital 5.1
- Superman's SoufflÈ deleted scene
- Theatrical trailer
- Languages: English & Français
- Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)

Disc Two
- Vintage TV specials The Making of Superman II and Superman 50th Anniversary
- New featurette First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series
- Eight Famous Studios Superman cartoons mastered from superior vault elements:
- Japoteurs
- Showdown
- Eleventh Hour
- Destruction, Inc.
- The Mummy Strikes
- Jungle Drums
- The Underground World
- Secret Agent

Superman III Deluxe Edition (1983)

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 abundance.

DVD Special Features:
- Commentary by executive producer Ilya Salkind and producer Pierre Spengler
- Vintage TV special The Making of Superman III
- Deleted scenes
- Theatrical trailer
- Languages: English & Français
- Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)

Superman IV The Quest For Peace Deluxe Edition (1987)

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.

DVD Special Features
- Commentary by screenwriter Mark Rosenthal
- Deleted scenes
- Theatrical trailer
- Languages: English & Français
- Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)



2006 Movie News

Listed below are all the Movie News items archived for 2006 organized into various categories:

“Superman Returns” Movie News:

Christopher Reeve Movie News: Hollywoodland (George Reeves) Movie News: Direct-to-DVD Animated Movie News: Other Movie News:

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