Superman (1978)
Although I've seen this movie countless times I thought I'd watch Sky's HD version. Big mistake. It shows up the difference in the elements used to make the fx sequences really clearly so that back/front projection becomes even more obvious, graininess is even more noticeable throughout and the models look even ropier than they did on the cinema screen.
However, it did give me the chance to check on something I never realised until it was pointed out: the voice of Jeff East's young Clark Kent is actually provided by Christopher Reeve.
None of which prevents it from being an enjoyable, lovingly made, undeniable classic.
Can't see "Superman Returns" lasting so well.
However, it did give me the chance to check on something I never realised until it was pointed out: the voice of Jeff East's young Clark Kent is actually provided by Christopher Reeve.
None of which prevents it from being an enjoyable, lovingly made, undeniable classic.
Can't see "Superman Returns" lasting so well.
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It looks amazing on Blu-Ray, seeing the rear projection etc is part of the charm of these older effects now.
I still believe a man can fly
I watched my dvd of this on saturday night actually. Still stands up extremely well even though the effects are inevitably a bit ropey by modern standards. There's actually a lot of plot packed into two hours. Considering how many slightly-off performances Brando gave in his career, he got it spot on in this.
I wonder how Jeff East's false nose looks on on blu-ray:D
there's a great moment after Lois/Superman have done their nightflight. In one shot, Superman says goodnight, flies off and the camera then follows Lois to her front door where Clark Kent is standing. very cleverly done, though i expect most people don't notice it.
Superman Returns didn't seem right at the time and hasn't improved any, so if Man of Steel is a success next year I expect it will basically be forgotten. A $200 million exercise in fanboy worship.
That's my favourite FX shot ever and until yesterday, although I knew how it was done, I'd never seen the join.
I don't know why they bothered with Jeff East at all: false nose, different voice, there's not that much of him actually left in the movie at all.
I agree that Brando definitely earned his money in this movie, along with just about everyone else.
Ned Beatty grates a bit but Gene Hackman, for once not turning down a decent part in a blockbuster, is as magnetic as ever.
If Kevin Spacey had been given more to work with instead of being swamped by the production design and as crappy love story, he might also have come up with something memorable but sadly, it wasn't to be.
As for Superman The Movie's effect, they're obviously going to show their age in HD, but I still maintain there are a few flying shots that look better and are more exciting than anything in SR, not to mention that it's just a vastly superior movie. I doubt Reeve's Superman performance will ever be matched.
Have you forgotten Superman 4..that was worse than superman returns
The live action, on set flying sequences are excellent but the miniature flying bits, even for the time, weren't too good.
What does hold up are the performances. Playing it totally straight is always the best plan with comic book stories; if the cast don't respect their movie, it's a fairly safe bet the audience won't either, e.g. any Batman movie without Michael Keaton or Christian Bale.
I had . . . until now.
Milton Keynes doubling for Metropolis? Really?:eek:
I can't believe I actually paid money to see it.:o
Agree, but the scene where he takes off from Luthor's lair and crashes through the ceiling still gives me a thrill that's completely unmatched by anything in SR. I try to forget the following shot of him over Metropolis, though.
Parts I - IV are THE series.
Just as the bright light of the explosion happens you can clearly see the room the scene was shot in as you see the floor and creases in the bottom left of the curtain/screen they used.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z126/gonzo1_photo/5443D645-E412-4CD4-9BB0-7ECB5377E286-251-0000003668DCB20B.jpg
MISTAAAH LOOOTHHHOOOR.
And I have to do this...
Miss TESCHMACHERRRRRRRRRR!!!
HAHAHA!!