|
| ||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Special Features
- Unused footage, including a never-before-seen beginning, a never-before-seen resolution, 15 minutes of restored footage of Marlon Brando as Jor-El, and more
- All-new introduction by Richard Donner
- Commentary by Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz
- Superman II: Restoring the Vision featurette
- Deleted scenes
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential video
The Richard Donner cut of Superman II is an infamous legend come to life. Director Donner shot most of the sequel at the same time as his first blockbuster film, but somewhere along the line, the producers and studio lost confidence and brought in Richard Lester (The Three Musketeers) to rework the film, and receive sole credit. For years fans speculated on how different the final film was from Donner's original until an underground copy appeared showing a fully formed feature. In an unprecedented move, Warner Brothers officially embraces this alternate version. For those who have not been part of the rumor mill, know that Donner shot all the footage with Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). You can find blow-by-blow descriptions of what is new/changed elsewhere, but most of the changes deal with Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder as the comic-book couple. Donner's cut provides alternate scenes for how Lois tests her hunch that Clark is Superman, the moment he reveals his identity, and how Lois unlearns that truth. Thing is, Lester's reshots are stronger, adding weight to the romance between the two, lifting the picture's stature. Lester also added the dandy Eiffel Tower opening. Donner's chief additions are in the Fortress of Solitude, where Marlon Brando returns to teach (Susannah York, as Superman's mom, appears in the Lester cut). The producers cut Brando's footage so they wouldn't have to pay him millions. The Brando/Reeve scenes continue the father/son dynamic of the first film. There is a great lesson in editing--Lester's less is better than Donner's more--when you compare how Kent turns back into Superman after losing his powers. The Donner cut is completely formed but does use some rehearsal footage, new effects, and some pieces shot by Lester. The history of cinema has many of these stories of movies reshot, hijacked, and changed from the original version, but here the underdog wins and Donner gets his chance to change history, even adding a note in the end credits about the use of fur and smoking as regrettable choices of the time.
Director Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz have a jolly good time revisiting their past on the commentary track. You get a clearer picture of who shot what, but the two have nothing good to say about Lester's edition. Donner doesn't go much into why he was dropped, just a difference of opinion and the need not to pay Brando. He also explains why the déjà vu ending of this edition was used in the first movie and a new ending would have been thought up for part 2. A quick featurette looks at how Michael Thau and a small crew reconstructed the film and compares several scenes from both versions. Also added are additional scenes shot by Donner but not used, most with Hackman. --Doug Thomas
Product Description
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.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
64 of 68 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Having just watched the Richard Donner version of "Superman II" twice (once with his commentary with 'Creative Consultant' Tom Mankiewicz), I can say that I prefer the Donner version, over Richard Lester's...but with reservations.
Other reviewers point out redundancies, over-long scenes, and character development problems in the Donner version, but these aren't really fair arguments; what you see are the basic scenes, originally shot; Donner, himself, admitted that had he continued on the film, he would have had to do reshoots of several key scenes, and, of course, would have been involved in the editing process (which couldn't be accomplished to the same degree, in the 'restored' edition). The 'turning the world back' resolution was intended for "Superman II"; when the Salkinds chose not to end the first film with a cliffhanger ending, Donner shot the Lois 'death' scene, and Supes turns back time to save her...so repeating the same resolution in "Superman II" was simply a case of using the original film conclusion, which Donner would have changed, had he continued with the film.
There are plotholes, and leaps of logic; as the film stands, Luthor is apparently in the Fortress of Solitude when Superman destroys it(!); Clark's 'revenge' against the diner bully makes no sense, since, after winding back time, the original confrontation never took place; indeed, the Jor-El 'farewell' scene would have been unnecessary, as well, insomuch as Supes rewound time back to before he lost and regained his powers. And what ever became of Miss Teschmacher?
All this having been said, there are moments where I think Richard Lester's lack of understanding of Superman and his Universe makes me stand in Donner's corner; he introduced abilities Supes never had (Saran-wrap symbols...what exactly were they supposed to do?...the 'Kiss of Forgetfulness'...turning Metropolis citizens into comic buffoons, during the climactic brawl...the whole British-accented town sequence, when Zod 'introduces' himself to the world). Other critics have panned Brando's 'Jor-El' in the Donner sequel, praising the Salkinds for dropping him, and increasing Susannah York's involvement, but she seems totally out-of-place as the 'final authority' figure in the Lester version. Maybe he was overpriced, but I think Brando was essential, and the film certainly would have been big enough to offset his paycheck.
I think the Donner version has more 'heart', and reverence to Superman, than Lester's broader, more comic 'take'. Even with the abrupt transitions, logic lapses, rough edges, and redundant resolution, a vision of what "might have been" emerges, and it was a pretty terrific film!
Other reviewers point out redundancies, over-long scenes, and character development problems in the Donner version, but these aren't really fair arguments; what you see are the basic scenes, originally shot; Donner, himself, admitted that had he continued on the film, he would have had to do reshoots of several key scenes, and, of course, would have been involved in the editing process (which couldn't be accomplished to the same degree, in the 'restored' edition). The 'turning the world back' resolution was intended for "Superman II"; when the Salkinds chose not to end the first film with a cliffhanger ending, Donner shot the Lois 'death' scene, and Supes turns back time to save her...so repeating the same resolution in "Superman II" was simply a case of using the original film conclusion, which Donner would have changed, had he continued with the film.
There are plotholes, and leaps of logic; as the film stands, Luthor is apparently in the Fortress of Solitude when Superman destroys it(!); Clark's 'revenge' against the diner bully makes no sense, since, after winding back time, the original confrontation never took place; indeed, the Jor-El 'farewell' scene would have been unnecessary, as well, insomuch as Supes rewound time back to before he lost and regained his powers. And what ever became of Miss Teschmacher?
All this having been said, there are moments where I think Richard Lester's lack of understanding of Superman and his Universe makes me stand in Donner's corner; he introduced abilities Supes never had (Saran-wrap symbols...what exactly were they supposed to do?...the 'Kiss of Forgetfulness'...turning Metropolis citizens into comic buffoons, during the climactic brawl...the whole British-accented town sequence, when Zod 'introduces' himself to the world). Other critics have panned Brando's 'Jor-El' in the Donner sequel, praising the Salkinds for dropping him, and increasing Susannah York's involvement, but she seems totally out-of-place as the 'final authority' figure in the Lester version. Maybe he was overpriced, but I think Brando was essential, and the film certainly would have been big enough to offset his paycheck.
I think the Donner version has more 'heart', and reverence to Superman, than Lester's broader, more comic 'take'. Even with the abrupt transitions, logic lapses, rough edges, and redundant resolution, a vision of what "might have been" emerges, and it was a pretty terrific film!
25 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Don't believe the naysayers. 95% of people like myself who saw the first Superman II, loved it, but had problems with some of the stupid humor, will love this version. Obviously, you can't go back and fix everything. For those who complain about the screen test footage, it's been over 25 years people!!! I for one am absolutely stunned by what was saved and the quality of it. And where there is an opportunity to have an alternate take of the same scene, it's in here. I had heard over 50% of the film would be new. Well, with the alternative takes, it seems like more like 80% of the film is new! And I have gone back and looked at Lester's Superman II again, and there is no comparison. Practically every single dumb humor moment that was in Lester's Superman II has been cut and has been replaced with Brando footage as the film was originally intended. It's like cutting out the Jerry Lewis humor and replacing it with Lawrence Olivier. If you liked the opening ten minute credit sequence of Lester's Superman III, then I guess you might like Lester's version better. But I think for 95% of Superman fans it's not even a debatable subject.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT:
I will not mention what new Richard Donner footage there is, (you should enjoy that for the first time yourself) but for those of you who want to know exactly what "dumb humor" or illogical stuff that has been cut from Lester's version that IS NOT in Richard Donner's version, read on below...
Lois' chain-smoking orange juice squeezing scene. - Gone!
Zod raising farmer with silver beam from his finger. - Gone!
Ursa beating farmer at arm wrestling. - Gone!
Almost all jokes relating to Non's dumbness including his inability to use heat vision like the others. - Gone!
Lame wise-cracking bell hop at Niagara Falls "have a happy.... whatever" - Gone!
Superman steps into molecule chamber with Superman suit on, and exits wearing street clothes? - Gone! (Now he enters and exits with street clothes. Some scenes appear to have been reshot with a body double for Reeve.)
During super fight, long extended scene with earthquake going on while Superman and Non fight underground and humans on surface bounce around like bowling pins had been drastically reduced.
During super fight, all jokes relating to villains blowing at humans are gone, (ice cream cone in face, toupee falling off, laughing man falling over in phone booth and continues to talk - all gone. The rollerskating backward guy is seen only briefly if you look for him, but he's not at all obvious like before.
Ursa hits Non accidentally with flag pole and kid on street says, "Wow, home run....." - Gone!
Three villains each using their silver beams against Superman at the Fortress of Solitude. - Gone!
Superman throwing a red "S" at Non at the Fortress of Solitude.. - Gone!
Superman playing stupid Krypton "hide and seek" superpower game at Fortress of Solitude with villains. - Gone!
There are a few jokes that were cut that could have remained, but after looking at Lester's Superman's II again back-to-back with this new version, like I said, there's no comparison. Buy it now.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT:
I will not mention what new Richard Donner footage there is, (you should enjoy that for the first time yourself) but for those of you who want to know exactly what "dumb humor" or illogical stuff that has been cut from Lester's version that IS NOT in Richard Donner's version, read on below...
Lois' chain-smoking orange juice squeezing scene. - Gone!
Zod raising farmer with silver beam from his finger. - Gone!
Ursa beating farmer at arm wrestling. - Gone!
Almost all jokes relating to Non's dumbness including his inability to use heat vision like the others. - Gone!
Lame wise-cracking bell hop at Niagara Falls "have a happy.... whatever" - Gone!
Superman steps into molecule chamber with Superman suit on, and exits wearing street clothes? - Gone! (Now he enters and exits with street clothes. Some scenes appear to have been reshot with a body double for Reeve.)
During super fight, long extended scene with earthquake going on while Superman and Non fight underground and humans on surface bounce around like bowling pins had been drastically reduced.
During super fight, all jokes relating to villains blowing at humans are gone, (ice cream cone in face, toupee falling off, laughing man falling over in phone booth and continues to talk - all gone. The rollerskating backward guy is seen only briefly if you look for him, but he's not at all obvious like before.
Ursa hits Non accidentally with flag pole and kid on street says, "Wow, home run....." - Gone!
Three villains each using their silver beams against Superman at the Fortress of Solitude. - Gone!
Superman throwing a red "S" at Non at the Fortress of Solitude.. - Gone!
Superman playing stupid Krypton "hide and seek" superpower game at Fortress of Solitude with villains. - Gone!
There are a few jokes that were cut that could have remained, but after looking at Lester's Superman's II again back-to-back with this new version, like I said, there's no comparison. Buy it now.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
It is pretty sad that some people don't realize how good director Dick Donner is. First Superman film is classic, unfortunally he couldn't keep on the gig. What is important to realize from this version is that, even when is FAR from been finished, Donner treats viewers with respect and not like morons instead of Lester; I mean, c'mon!: Magic Kiss, celophan S, Pink bears on the floor?. Don't get me wrong, I did loved Superman II when I was a little boy, but now that I see the Donner version, I can tell you right here and now that it is WAAAY superior.
Brando was completely necessary on the story given that, even in comics, it is Jor-El whom is more attached to Superman than Lara. I saw in other review that Brando's acting on this part was flat and lack of humanity... well, guess what: Jor-El is not human!!. Not even half of it like his son. He is more a Demi-god with advance understanding of things and problems, and that's why he had to be a little dry, however the story is so well written that I couldn't avoid to feel a little sad when he say good bye to his son.
Ladies and gentlement, THIS is how a Superman movie must be made. Not the original Superman II nor even the long boring Superman Returns is as good as Donner incompleted non-budget version.
This is a must have!!!.
Brando was completely necessary on the story given that, even in comics, it is Jor-El whom is more attached to Superman than Lara. I saw in other review that Brando's acting on this part was flat and lack of humanity... well, guess what: Jor-El is not human!!. Not even half of it like his son. He is more a Demi-god with advance understanding of things and problems, and that's why he had to be a little dry, however the story is so well written that I couldn't avoid to feel a little sad when he say good bye to his son.
Ladies and gentlement, THIS is how a Superman movie must be made. Not the original Superman II nor even the long boring Superman Returns is as good as Donner incompleted non-budget version.
This is a must have!!!.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Manufacturer Fraud: Not In High Definition
Anyone who wants to argue over different cuts of "Superman 2" is wasting their time, in my opinion.
I do wish the "Superman 2" theatrical version was available in... Read more
I do wish the "Superman 2" theatrical version was available in... Read more
Published 9 days ago by David Mundstock
superman 2 R Donner Cut
Some disks are defective. WB problem. Some disks cannot pLay or get stuck. This cut is not as good as original...but it is nice to see something different. NEW SCENES, ETC...
Published 1 month ago by stevo
Super!
For a long while I had been wanting to get this version of Superman II. I have the Richard Lester one and while that one is cool I have to say the Donner Cut was way better. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ram Pros, USA
the ultimate Superman sequel
I won't give the plot, since that has been given thousands of times. But for years we grew up with the Lester version of this movie, and while it wasn't great, yeah it was bad. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ben Milton
Definitely Better than Richard Lester's version
Major movie studio refuses to pay a big-time Actor (Marlon Brando) his asking price and then takes the movie away from a great Director (Richard Donner) only to hire another... Read more
Published 3 months ago by M. Ruiz
My review
The blu ray version of this movie is even better than I thought it would be.
I enjoyed being able to purchase an item at a great price, the convenience
of staying at... Read more
I enjoyed being able to purchase an item at a great price, the convenience
of staying at... Read more
Published 4 months ago by buckeyefan
An abomination
I wasn't aware this version was so far removed from the original Superman II. They took out every scene that I liked about the original and replaced it with screen tests, computer... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Dennis Padeiro
The Definitive Version of Superman II
After the success of the original The Superman Movie, it should have been a foregone conclusion that Richard Donner would return as Director of Superman II. Read more
Published 6 months ago by T. RHEAULT
Received, excelent management
Perfect item quality, arrieved on time. Plus, I want to congratulate and say thank you to Shiela B. for all the efforts made on this item. Thank you very much
Published 7 months ago by Gerardo
Cannot go back in time... but this is really close!!!
re: SupermanFan
"This begs the question, if Superman can have sex with a human, why give up his powers? It makes no sense! Read more
"This begs the question, if Superman can have sex with a human, why give up his powers? It makes no sense! Read more
Published 7 months ago by HegelianForLife
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192250339_.gif){kind=small}
