Superman Returns (BD) (Cinram) [Blu-ray]

I love this sequel, even though some people downplay it.Why do I call it a sequel to Reeve's second Superman movie?If you haven't seen Superman II yet, STOP READING, and go watch Superman: The Movie (1978) and Superman II. If you can, watch the extended versions of each one. (The extended version of the first one includes Kirk Alyn and Noel Neill playing little Lois Lane's parents. Kirk and Noel played Superman and Lois Lane in The 1948 & 1950 Theatrical Superman Serials Collection.)SPOILER ALERTIn Superman II, Superman voluntarily gave up his powers, temporarily, and while powerless, had sex with Lois Lane. Then after gaining his powers back, he hypnotized Lois into forgetting the entire incident.In Superman Returns [HD], Kal-El returns to Earth after spending five years journeying in a rocket to Krypton space and back, looking to see if anyone survived. (The fact that he found an intact piece of Argo City implies we might see a Supergirl Movie someday.)Superman Returns to discover that Lois has a son. During the length of this movie, he learns more and more about little Jason, and obviously realizes that Jason must be his son. He doesn't see, but we do see Jason surprising himself with sudden bursts of superpowers, like pushing the piano over onto the thug that was threatening his mother.Unfortunately, Superman Returns novel leaves out the details about Jason's superpowers. I had so hoped to see more about Jason's powers in the book.So, if the matter of Jason's powers didn't make sense to you, be sure to go back and watch the first two movies, which can be purchased as part of several sets, including The Christopher Reeve Superman Collection (Superman - The Movie / Superman II / Superman III / Superman IV - The Quest for Peace). I also enjoyed the fact that the producers put details into Superman Returns [HD], to honor the memory of Chris Reeve, like letting Superman remind us of scenes from the CR movies. When Superman told the people on the plane that he hoped the experience didn't put them off flying, and how flying was still the safest form of travel (not an exact quote), he was, in my mind, telling Lois, "Yes, I remember the first time we met, it had to do with flying."I hope you enjoyed this movie as much as I did, and I hope you go back and watch the earlier movies. And don't forget Kirk Alyn as Superman - The 1948 & 1950 Theatrical Serials Collection, George Reeves in the 1950's TV Adventures of Superman, and the old 1940's Radio Superman, which you can download for free at ARCHIVE.ORG.

The primary reason I found myself revisiting Superman Returns (this time on Bluray), is because of the 2013 release of the Man of Steel. I've just finished watching SR twice, and it's much clearer to me what the newly released MoS is missing: humanized characters that we can relate to. Additionally, SR comes with the same powerful, moving score that has inspired millions since its 1978 release, thanks to the genius of John Williams.From the emotionally compelling opening scene with the space shuttle, to the ever-so-short clip of Superman pulling the submerged half of a large yacht out of the Atlantic Ocean, SR is a welcome enjoyment of triumph and goodness that makes me smile each time I sit down and watch it. None of the events of MoS were as momentous or as memorable as SR successfully delivered to us. Sure I had my issues with it when it first came out. Illegitimate children and that silly green rock aside, I wanted more punch. After having seen Man of Steel, I know now what too much of a good thing is, the latter half of MoS being nothing more than an alternate 3rd Matrix ending with a Transformers/Independence Day flare. The ending of SR is still a bit hollow, but it's nothing compared to the overall travesty of MoS. From MoS's shaky camera footage, jittery zooms, under-written characters, gratuitous CGI numbing violence, Hans Zimmer's turgid, over-produced score, and a general lack of any moment of true heroism - SR successfully trumps MoS with simple, yet powerful elegance. My personal take - the warmth, joy and enthusiasm that SR delivers is the Superman I directly relate with, although I may be in the minority. "Why the world doesn't need Superman," the article SR Lois Lane wrote during Kal-El's absence seems fitting for the 2013 Man of Steel, because the Superman I love forgot to show up, and the masses enjoyed it.Superman Returns, in my opinion, is the best Superman Movie to date, followed closely by the 1978 original with Christopher Reeve. Bryan Singer did a terrific job capturing the presence and personality of both Clark and Superman, that gives him the human touch we lost in MoS. Over 100 years of movie making standards that defined the mechanisms for making memorably impressionable films were dismissed in the 2013 Blockbuster, leaving it cold and heartless with zero fun. Thanks to owning Superman Returns, I can reclaim what was recently lost and still hold on to the true spirit of Superman - a hero we can look to rise above the trials and struggles of disjointed humanity... to eventually triumphantly join him in the sun.

Superman Returns was released in 2006 - WB released a different version in 2008 with an Audio Upgrade (Dolby True HD Uncompressed Audio) I have a 5.1 Home Theatre Set up (Polk Audio) The difference is Night & day - The Dialogue is clear But the Sound effects (surround sound & sub-woofer etc.) is where the Uncompressed audio Shines, Wow, what a difference! Punchy, Clear, the separation is precise. This Seller was kind enough to put the release Date (2008) in the information part on the page. This is the tricky part the actual disc still has 2006 stamped on it, the only way to tell is stamped on the back of the blu ray case. Here is what you need to see (ISBN# 1-4198-6004-6 and UPC code 0853911779130) in the upper right corner on the back of the blu ray case - If you see this code, you have the updated version of this movie. Enjoy!! (Go to Blu Ray.com - They review the up - dated version)

Thanks very much!