Customer Reviews

Superman II (Two-Disc Special Edition)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Widely regarded as one of the best superhero sequels ever, director Richard Lester's 'Superman II' had the daunting task of living up to the legacy of the original film, despite having major restrictions placed on it. For instance, Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman were not available for additional scenes, thus much of the film had to be re-cut and Brando had to be removed entirely for legal reasons. Lester had to incorporate footage shot by original director Richard Donner with newly shot scenes, while keeping the tone of the sequel consistent. The end result is a sequel that's almost every bit as good as the film that spawned it. Christopher Reeve even said that this was his favorite of the Superman movies.

In recent years, the revelation of all the behind-the-scenes drama of Donner's dismissal from the franchise has unfairly placed Lester's version in a negative light. Some fans even went as far as to state that the new Superman II-The Richard Donner Cut was the definitive sequel before even having seen it! While which 'Superman II' is superior remains subjective, the simple fact is that the Donner Cut is a close approximation of his original vision rather than a fully realized film, since he had only shot around 70% of the footage. The rest was spliced together from screen tests, new shots using body and voice doubles, and footage from Lester's version. This is not unlike what Richard Lester had to do to finish his sequel. Thus, both films can and must co-exist since there are shared footage and scenes unique to each version that simply work better. For instance, terrorists hijacking the Eiffel Tower is simply more of a job for Superman than Lois jumping out a window. Consequently, Donner's Brando footage better illustrates the father/son motif established in the first film than Lester's re-shoots with Superman's mother.

As for the extras in this re-release, WB has compiled an impressive array of rarely seen material. There is a commentary by the producers, a 1981 'making of' special hosted by Chris Reeve, 8 Fleischer Studios Superman cartoons plus a retrospective, deleted scenes, and perhaps the most eclectic...the 'Superman 50th Anniversary' TV Special. Produced in 1988 by the 'Saturday Night Live' crew, this special was widely panned originally but had since become a hot commodity on the bootlegging scene. With appearances by classic Superman and SNL alumni, this special can be better appreciated now in hindsight for its quirky blend of comedy and nostalgia.

In closing, despite its shortcomings, 'Superman II' set forth a benchmark in the superhero film genre by showing how a sequel can take off the "kid gloves" and come out swinging once the exposition is firmly established in the original. Knowledge of the off-set controversy should only enhance our appreciation of the final film the cast and crew put together because it really is a classic sequel.

I was disappointed when I bought this version, when I recorded the Superman 2 version on ABC way back in the late 80's. VHS tapes don't last, so I wanted the UNCUT version of Superman 2 on DVD. I wasted my money.

Vital scenes are cut from the DVD:
1) Superman saves the boy at Niagra Falls. He goes back to the hot dog stand and meet up with Lois, changes back to Clark Kent and walks away from the hot dog stand with a proud and humourous smile on his face (knowing that he saved the boy).
2) Flying to Paris.....and it shows him passing the Concorde in the sky.
3) A prison scene with Lex and Otis, about Otis going "pssh", which Otis mentions he had wished before they left the cell, even though it means something else. Funny scene.
4) Miss Teschmacher needed to go to the bathroom at the Fortress of Solitude, where she says she thinks she found it. And Lex says, "she found it."
5) And finally, the ending where Superman defeats the 3 supervillains, Lex shows more interest in befriending Superman (which he doesn't), the cops show up at the Fortress to arrest Lex, and Superman destroys the Fortress Of Solitude.

There's more from the ABC version, but too difficult to explain.

Just to say, the Lester cut wasn't worth the price! I don't know about the Donner version, but the DVD creators destroyed this movie....and who knew a TV version would be so much better!

The following gripes I have are mainly related to the Donner cut DVD, but I've also summarized various issues with the theatrical version.

The Superman II theatrical movie (by Richard Lester) isn't the same as the TV movie I remember seeing in the 80s.. nor is the Donner cut DVD. Apparently, the TV version was the Lester cut, with some of Donner's best scenes integrated in. It is refreshing to see never-before-seen footage from the Donner cut, but by no means is it superior to Lester's version. In fact, many of the scenes are terrible...

Donnor Cut Version:

1) For example, the opening scene showing the credits and highlights from the first movie are gone. The John Williams score is still there, but it is a shortened (and less effective) track.
2) Also, they took out the Eiffel Tower scene and replaced it with Lois jumping out of the Daily Planet building.
3) Lex Luthor and Miss Tessmacher scenes when they first enter Superman's Fortress are new, but dialogue is no better than the Lester scenes. The tv version's hackman seemed like he wasn't over-acting. It featured a close-up view of Hackman's face, where he says "think of it.. three super villains, all with the same wonderful contempt for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".
4) Niagra Falls is included, but the part where Clark trips and lands on the fireplace is replaced by a ludicrous scene of Lois shooting a gun filled with blanks.
5) Marlon Brando scenes were dissapointing. Whereas Superman's interaction with his holographic mother, Lara, was compassionate, his meeting with Jor-El seemed confrontational, portraying Superman as a spoiled teenager.
6) And towards the end, Superman flies back in time to undo the damage done by General Zod.. an "anticlimax" indeed, Lex Luthor!

As a general comment, Reeve's appearance in several "restored" scenes - like his physique and hair - is inconsistent with the rest of the movie. Overall, the Donner Cut felt like a compilation of deleted scenes.

Moving on to the theatrical version, some missing scenes which I thought took away substantially from the film include the following...

Theatrical Version (Lester Cut):

1) Concorde scene
2) Luthor's funny comment to Otis in the prison laundry room, "Otis, your brain defies any known scientific laws in its infinite capacity to deteriorate."
3) Nasa personnel: "All right, which one of you guys is using a hair dryer?"
4) Lex Luthor's unique North Pole dialogue (mentioned above in Donner's cut).
5) When the US army approaches the three villains, Non first gestures to Zod for permission before unleashing his heat vision.
6) Luthor's witty response to Zod, "No, Jor-El the baseball player!"
7) A few missing scenes of the New York battle. One example includes Zod's comment to Superman, "It is extremely likely you are merely a fool. Like father, like son."
8) Superman grabbing the S from his chest and throwing at Non (some people think it's corny, but I found it fascinating as a child..a super power no one has ever seen before).
9) Humorous response from tough-looking bald guy whom Clark accidentally bumps into, "Hey, try sleeping at night, buster!". This fluidly transitions to the hotdog diner scene where Clark was brutally beaten up as a human.

I am wishing they would release the ABC-TV version. It had all the great qualities from Lester and Donner. To me this tv version was the superior movie. How about a release of all three versions in one DVD package similar to the Bladerunner 4-version set?

I got this movie because it's my personal favorite of the Superman movies{and too,the price was real good}!Some say this movie was comical{yes,it has that}but overall,I like this movie better than the 1st movie.And this movie,by far,has the best theme song!I haven't seen the Donner version,but from what I've read,I'm glad I haven't.From what I've read,the blending of scenes{or the scenes in this movie}isn't as good as the Lester version.However,this is NOT the best version of this movie.The best version of SupermanII{as some have said}was the ABC-TV version that was on TV back in the 1980's.That version was mostly a Lester-version movie,with the best Donner scenes in it.THIS is the best version of SupermanII!

When the Richard Donner version came out in 2006, I gave it a positive review on this website, hailing it over the original theatrical version. The reason that I did that is for the love and support of Christopher Reeve after he passed away, since he was upset when Richard Donner was fired. I have to say though, and I believe Mr. Reeve is listen in heaven, this version credited to Richard Lester is the better one. I was thrilled in this original version when Mr. Reeve got the second billing (even though he should have gotten first) and his acting and energy are beyond belief. And I will admit the Eiffel Tower scene is better than the missle scene from the original film. To see Christopher Reeve's face when he stops the cargo to say to Margot Kidder, "I believe this is your floor!" we know we are looking at a legend. In 1985, I viewed this version on channel 7 (ABC), which had extra scenes as it ran 3 hours with commercials. It was the second time the film was shown, as I could not see it the first time as I was at a communion The most memorable scene that was added is when Zod puts the boy's father (Jodie) down when asked and the extra scene appears. The boy goes for help on a horse and Non throws the police siren at him. We then see an explosion of the boy and the horse (not bloody or anything). Last but not least, a woman says to Ursa, he was just a "boy". Ursa says sadistically that he will never become "a man". Extremely powerful, I will say. The villians are excellent, as well as our familar cast from the first film. Mr. Reeve, I just want you to know that your first sequel, which is a rare situation, succeeds your original film. This is because a superb energy throughout the film, where you are #1. I also find the symbolism in this film more hidden but even better. The fact that Superman's mother disagrees with him being with Lois Lane is an example of Superman being married to the world like Jesus Christ was and not to be intimate with another person. And we did need humor in this film, as this was the darkest one, partly being that the villians are heartless (excellent acting) and our hero has turned weak because of intimate love (brillant as well). I just want to remained you Mr. Reeve that Superman II and every film you have done, which I have seen, show what an amazing actor you are and and you as Superman, a Christ figure. Actually, you always were a Christ figure, as you ended up showing the world you really were Superman. Love you, Joseph

Here is Superman II, the direct sequel to the 1978 classic superhero movie in the series. When Superman (Christopher Reeve) tosses a hydrogen bomb into outer space to save France, he accidentally frees a trio of Kryptonian villans, General Zod (Terrance Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas), and Non (Jack O'Halloran) from the Phantom Zone. When Clark Kent and Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) go on an assingment in Niagra Falls, Lois becomes suspitious of Clark's secret identity as Superman. After a failed attempt to pretend to fall off a rail and wait for Superman, she ultimately discovers this when Clark tripped and his hand got in the fireplace and didn't burn. The two return to the Fortress of Solitude while General Zod, Ursa, and Non form an alliance with Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) and the four plot to take over Earth, at first, thinking it was Planet Huston (Ha! Ha! Ha!) Superman decides to become normal to be with Lois, but restores his powers after realizing what went wrong and the villanous gang's plot and goes to save the day. Despite that this is a worthy sequel, its predecesor was a little bit better. The visual effects were still top-notch, a lot of main actors from the first returned, and it helped advance the storyline further. A downside is that it was a little bit more lighthearted, while the original was a bit more serious. I felt bad for the director of the first, Richard Donner, when the crew treated him badly and replaced him with Richard Lester. Even the main actors felt bad. This is still a good entry in the Superman franchise nonetheless.

After viewing "Superman: The Movie", it is difficult to believe that any sequel could top the story, effects, and just the overall aura of that masterful film. Well, Superman II is at least as good, and some would argue better, for two main reasons:

First, the special effects (many of them filmed at the same time as scenes from Superman I) are still incredible (at least by early 1980s standards). The action scenes, where as many as four beings are flying through the air simultaneously, are even more exciting than those from the first film. Also, the comedic and heroic tone of the first film remains intact for this effort (likely because parts of both were filmed together). Thus, Christopher Reeve is still the same old bumbling, stumbling Clark Kent but wholesomely heroic Superman, Lois Lane is just as rambunctious, and Lex Luthor is just as comically maniacal. In essence, it wasn't as if there was a big break in shooting and the actors had to rediscover their roles again...and that stability is very refreshing.

Of course, the second reason the film succeeds so well is that it introduces enough change to not become old hat. Instead of thwarting Luthor, Superman dukes it out with three Kryptonian baddies (led by the merciless General Zod). Instead of fooling Lois, Clark reveals his deepest secret to her (and, ultimately, puts the world in grave danger for doing so).

I have always felt that most sequels fail due to one of two (or maybe both!) issues: Either the film is too repetitive, or the actors can no longer fully regain the passion for the roles as they once had. However, with the combination of a fresh plot and the fact that both the first two Superman films were mostly filmed together, this film was able to avoid those traps.

So, if you were enthralled by Superman: The Movie, Superman II will not let you down in any way. The visuals are still stunning, the drama is still palpable, the humor is still funny, and I can guarantee that the closing scene will have you on your feet and cheering at your television!

Superman II is considered to be the best Superman film by many. I have always enjoyed it not only because of the story but for the action and adventure. The producers/director knew that they would have to give the audience some even more spectacular than what had been seen in Superman: The Movie. They succeeded!!!

Superman II is filled with fun, action, a nice love story and great specail effects. This DVD release contains some unreleased documentaries which give us a unique behind the scenes look at Superman and the film Superman II. Also, the film is presented in 5.1 Surround which adds better definition than the 2.0 Surround of the 2001 DVD release.

If you are a fan of Superman you will love this film!

You can probably count on your fingers the number of movie series (comic book or not) where the second movie holds up completely to the original. (Star Trek II, T2, Spider-man 2, X2, The Rescuers Down Under, etc.) It can be debated as to whether Superman II outshines the original, but what can't be debated is the fact that it is at least in the same league as the original, whichever one you may personally feel is above the other. That's something that can't be said of the third movie. And it's just insulting to try to compare Superman IV to any of the others at all.

Of course, even if you do feel, as many do, that this one is a better movie than Superman: The Movie, you have to acknowledge that it wouldn't be that way without the first one. It relies too heavily on the first movie, as a continuation of certain plot points introduced there. Not the least of which is the introduction and imprisonment of the Zod Squad.

In fact, both scripts were developed at the same time and the movies were being shot concurrently. In fact, after the first movie came out and Richard Donner was fired as director (long story) and they brought in Richard Lester to finish up (and reshoot a few scenes) Gene Hackman never actually worked with Richard Lester. All of his scenes were shot before Donner was booted.

Terrence Stamp is perfect as Zod. He creates a wonderfully ominous air about him. You can easily see how tiring it is to Zod to have to reassert his superiority every time these piddly little humans try to fight back. His restraint makes the character forebodingly threatening, since you never know just when he will snap and show his full power. That's refreshing to see in an age of so many over-the-top villains.

Superman does it again with this sequel, which truly is a great sequel indeed. What makes the movie is the three villains, especially Zod. In this movie, Superman almost meets his match when three fellow Kryptonians arrive on Earth bent on conquest. There are a lot of scenes in this movie that are very memorable. From the big battle in Metropolis to the strange plastic "S" that Superman uses from his chest.

I give this movie four stars, probably more like four and a half. I just don't think that this film had as much emotion as the original movie. In the first movie, you felt for Superman when he has to go back in time (which I won't give away why). This movie is way different than the Donner version of the film, so buy both if you want to see the difference. This movie is the canon version, especially with the new "Superman Returns" storyline. Overall great film, but a little less than the first movie