The Official Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Discussion/News Thread!!!!

[boywonder13]

*Well I hate that every so often a new thread comes up on this subject. This should be the only thread with news and things like that.

"Warner Home Video"
"On November 28 2006 in celebration of the year of Superman, Warner Home Video will release a host of DVDs, all starring the late Christopher Reeve in his landmark portrayal of the Man of Steel. Leading the way will be the long-awaited Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut ($24.98 SRP), directed by Donner and representing Superman II as it was originally conceived and intended to be filmed. An overwhelmingly requested title, the movie features Donner's original footage, shot but never used before, including a never-before-seen beginning, a never-before-seen resolution, with 15 minutes of restored footage of Marlon Brando as Jor-El and much more."
http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=4530
(More info on it's release at this link)
-------------------------

TRAILER: http://www.totaleclips.com/player/Splash.aspx?formatid=2&bitrateid=214&custid=235&playerid=65&clipid=e28615&affliateid=-1

PRE-ORDER REGION 2 RELEASE HERE: http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/PROD/3-/1112985/Superman_2_3_Disc_Special_Edition/Product.html

SUGGESTED LINKS ABOUT THE DONNER CUT

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_II:_The_Richard_Donner_Cut

www.supermancinema.co.uk (http://www.supermancinema.co.uk)

http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/superman2/general/scripts/index.htm

http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/superman2/general/extended_versions/index.htm

http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/superman2/real_s2/analysis/index.htm

http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/superman2/real_s2/water_under_the_bridge/index.htm

[Lazlo Panaflex]

I have the IRC version of Superman 2 and the newer scenes make the movie have a different feel, and it's obvious that Donner wanted to let Lois know Superman's secret but Lester added the memory kiss scene.

[boywonder13]

I have the IRC version of Superman 2 and the newer scenes make the movie have a different feel, and it's obvious that Donner wanted to let Lois know Superman's secret but Lester added the memory kiss scene.

The International Restored Cut is different from the new Richard Donner Cut. It has some of donner's footage but this will contain alot more. It will be alot different from the IRC also. :supes: :up:

[Jlandsw]

When is this coming out on DVD again??

[SFII]

i was watching that Look Up in the Sky documentary, and there was a shot of Lois Lane wearing Superman's shirt. i wonder if that's part of the deleted scenes of Superman 2. like after they make love or something.

[boywonder13]

When is this coming out on DVD again??

Sometime in the last quarter of this year or maybe even next year if they need more time.

[BatFitz]

i was watching that Look Up in the Sky documentary, and there was a shot of Lois Lane wearing Superman's shirt. i wonder if that's part of the deleted scenes of Superman 2. like after they make love or something.

Well, it was in the original script...but the way it looked filmed...it could've been a lighting/costume/make-up test

[Jlandsw]

I read the whole Donner SMII script! Very cool. I like the idea of lois jumping out of the Daily Planet window better! On the other hand, I like the idea of Clark falling into the fireplace and revealing himself rather then Lois shooting him with a blank.

[sidewinder57]

First of all. Superman II: The Donner Cut is my most anticipated release of the year. My question is. Is there anyone out there who's worried that the new version might be a let down? Donner himself isn't directly involved with the project, but at the same time they are editing based on the original shooting script. The pivotal scene of Lois firing a gun a Clark to reveal that he's Superman was never shot, however they will be using screen test footage of Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. Plus Donner had only filmed about 70% of SMII so they will have to incorporate Richard Lester footage to fill the gaps.

My take is, there can never be a true Richard Donner version of Superman II based on the sole fact that Richard Donner never finished it. The version coming out will be as close as possible to the completed work. 70% is a lot and if it had been less then 70% I feel a Donner version would have been impossible. As far as the screen test footage goes. Yes, it will probably stand out, but I feel with proper editing they can make it look like it belongs with the rest of the film. You would think to just not have the scene in the movie, however it's a scene that's very important. Screen test or not, at least it exists in some form.

[boywonder13]

:up::up: First of all. Superman II: The Donner Cut is my most anticipated release of the year. My question is. Is there anyone out there who's worried that the new version might be a let down? Donner himself isn't directly involved with the project, but at the same time they are editing based on the original shooting script. The pivotal scene of Lois firing a gun a Clark to reveal that he's Superman was never shot, however they will be using screen test footage of Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. Plus Donner had only filmed about 70% of SMII so they will have to incorporate Richard Lester footage to fill the gaps.

My take is, there can never be a true Richard Donner version of Superman II based on the sole fact that Richard Donner never finished it. The version coming out will be as close as possible to the completed work. 70% is a lot and if it had been less then 70% I feel a Donner version would have been impossible. As far as the screen test footage goes. Yes, it will probably stand out, but I feel with proper editing they can make it look like it belongs with the rest of the film. You would think to just not have the scene in the movie, however it's a scene that's very important. Screen test or not, at least it exists in some form.

If scenes are unusable they will not use them or they will reshoot them using doubles if they have characters from far of.

It wont be some fan edit so it will be pretty good quality but look a little worn..... like the Superman dvds have been.

It's called Superman: The Richard Donner Cut.....

Can't wait!!!!:supes: :up:

It's gonna be a whole New Adventure but out of continity with Superman Returns.....

oh well....Its gonna be good.:supes: :)

[LostSon88]

Remember that report a few months back about how they were looking to hire a body double to re-shoot some Chris Reeve scenes that have since deteriorated for Superman II? Nothing specific I'm thinking...just like some reference shots from afar...

Still, nice to know that some real effort is being put into the Donner cut of Superman II. :up:

[boywonder13]

Finnally some NEWS::http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php

According to the web site for Comic-Con International 2006 in San Diego, Warner Home Video and a variety of Superman celebrities will be participating in "Warner Home Video's Superman Through The Ages" Panel on Friday, July 21, 2006 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. This panel will feature a look at "extended exlusive footage for Superman II -- The Richard Donner Cut." Here's Comic-Con's description of the panel:
1:00-2:00 Warner Home Video's Superman Through The Ages— Featuring special guests from the film and television incarnations of Superman, including a special reunion with surprise guests and extended exclusive footage for Superman II—The Richard Donner Cut. Q&A with Marc McClure, Jack O'Halloran, Tom Mankiewicz (creative consultant), Michael Thau (editor in charge of the SII reconstruction), and more. Also in attendance super-secret special guests from the Adventures of Superman, Lois and Clark, Smallville, Superman The Animated Series, and Superman Returns! Room 20

--

YAY! I hope we get a Superman II: The Donner Cut trailier, that's gonna be pretty cool. Only like 2 weeks or so.....

cant wait!!

:)

[boywonder13]

I found this on www.supermacinema.co.uk about a new opening for Superman II:
--------------

Ilya and me reckon the beginning of Donner's Superman 2 should open like this:

As the credits come to an end, in the background we see the Earth spinning backwards. This sends out shockwaves, they ripple towards us, even skewing the final credits.

The shockwaves from turning back the world cracks the phantom zone.

Cut to an aerial shot of Metropolis.

So now the ending of Superman carries more weight...in order to save one life, he has put the lives of millions in jepoardy. The stakes have risen dramatically, Superman can't turn back time again either knowing the dangerous pitfalls. What do you guys think? What does Michael Thau think? No chance now, but I strongly believe this is the way it should open.

CinemaInsomnia has posted up interviews with Jack and Sarah. The host stumbles upon an interesting idea, he thought that the consequence of turning back the world sent shockwaves across the galaxy thus shattering the phantom zone, you know...I think that's a great idea. Superman doesn't pay the price despite his father's warning, but he should and that host got it.


Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is the official title and has been awarded a PG rating [sequences of action violence, some language and brief mild sensuality] by the MPAA. A limited theatrical release is not outside the realms of possibility. This means that this is not a rough cut as such, but a film ready to be shown on the big screen. John Williams has not been asked to score the film.

---

This is from last month but I never saw this stuff posted last month.
http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/news/jun06.shtml

[Furious Styles]

In the Wikipedia article, it states Donner, Tom M. and Michael Thau will be involved in the "restoration" process. However, I've read posts that state Donner isn't involved. Could someone please clear this up for me!

Side Note: No John Williams *Shakes head in disappointment*

[boywonder13]

In the Wikipedia article, it states Donner, Tom M. and Michael Thau will be involved in the "restoration" process. However, I've read posts that state Donner isn't involved. Could someone please clear this up for me!



”Moriarty”: So are you involved in the new DVD release of SUPERMAN II?

Richard Donner: Here’s how I’m involved. Michael Thau... it was his idea because he had read so much on the internet about how people wanted to see it.

”M”: Sure.

RD: So he went to Warners... with my blessings. He asked me. And at first, they weren’t going to do it. Then they did the research, and lo and behold, they flew the negative over from England and started reprinting every foot...

”M”: Wow.

RD: Yeah. But even so, there’s a lot of stuff missing. Michael... he asked me come in every once in a while, and I do... but it’s his picture. I don’t really want to see it early. I want to see it in the theater. It was too many years ago for me to be involved. If I were going to redo it, I’d do it totally different. The reason it’s... the reason it is what it is... I was so naive then, and there were so few things you could use. Technically speaking. So it’s not my cut. It’s not really my film anymore at all.


http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=22387

[Steelsheen]

this is a great thread dude :up:

[Furious Styles]

Thanks BW13, it's kind of a shame Donner isn't around, but I guess some capacity is better than nothing.

[JTStarkiller]

Man, I really can't wait to see this.

[boywonder13]

this is a great thread dude :up:

Thanks, its was time an official thread was made, because thisis coming out in November of this year and news is going to pick up and one would expect many threads to pop up about the exact same news......its also a haven of links and stuff.

Enjoy!! This thing is coming in November....!!!!!

3 months baby!

:supes: :up:

[matthooper]

Thanks, its was time an official thread was made, because thisis coming out in November of this year and news is going to pick up and one would expect many threads to pop up about the exact same news......its also a haven of links and stuff.

Enjoy!! This thing is coming in November....!!!!!

3 months baby!


:supes: :up:


3 months? I can't wait 3 months. I thought Superman Returns would fill the void, but that certainly didn't happen.

Is the Donner version still only going to be available on the 14 disc set as stated in the Q&A? Or with the good buzz, might it be available on it's own? Also, is it being released in theatres? I've heard yes and no.

[boywonder13]

3 months? I can't wait 3 months. I thought Superman Returns would fill the void, but that certainly didn't happen.

Is the Donner version still only going to be available on the 14 disc set as stated in the Q&A? Or with the good buzz, might it be available on it's own? Also, is it being released in theatres? I've heard yes and no.

Yes it will be relased seperately though you can still get it with the 14 disc set.

and yes it will proably run for a limited time iin a few theatres most likely....

because I read that they are actually working hard on this so it can actually be on the big screen.

[Retroman]

Check this out! Saw this posted a supermancinema.

iF: How much do you know about Richard Donner’s cut of SUPERMAN II that is currently being re-assembled?

SINGER: Oh yeah. Not only am I aware of it, but I ran into Dick on the lot recently and he took me into the editing room with [uncredited SUPERMAN 1 and II screenwriter] Tom Mankiewicz and showed me the first part of it and it was awesome?


iF: So what exactly are they doing? How intensive is this? I thought Donner wasn’t involved and now he is?

SINGER: He came in to take a look at it. They had an editor to work on it, and he and Tom came in and were going through it. A lot of it is elements of sequences that were shot and put together. I feel bad we’re talking about it, because I’m sure they want to talk about it, but it was such an impressive and fun thing to watch. They took two separate screen tests and cut them together and it’s this great scene where Lois Lane puts Clark to the test, because she believes he’s Superman and there’s a gun involved. That’s all I’ll say. At first you’re watching it and it’s very odd to watch these two separate things. It keeps looking differently to your eye. The lighting of the scene and construction of the scene is so good, that by the time the scene pays off you’re captivated by it. I watched it in the cutting room. It was a thrill for me. I had just laid the opening credit music for my movie and then suddenly I was in the cutting room in a building across the street watching this with Dick and Tom and it was a thrill?


iF: Are they shooting any additional stuff to link it to SUPERMAN RETURNS?

SINGER: That I don’t know. I just watched the first 20 minutes or so. They did want to want to borrow a prop at one point, but I don’t know if that was used.


iF: If they borrowed a prop, then they must have been shooting stuff?

SINGER: They did -- they shot certain things. They shot and reconstructed certain things. It isn’t for a massive release I don’t believe or anything, but they did shoot additional elements. They really went back to Richard Donner’s original intention of the film before he left it.
Source: http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1574

[boywonder13]

yah, I was gonna post that also.

Singer is acting like we've never heard of the Donner Cut before, even though we proably know as much if not more about it.

[Weir]

This is great and all and ill get Superman II, but I gotta say I want them to release the full version of Superman I taped off of TV when I was a kid. That version is 3 hours long!, Not including commercials and has stuff the dvds dont! And this is good stuff they took out, like Superman saving more people, Luthor making funny jokes and such, theres alot of side plots that were removed.

Second they should release all the deleted material of Superman II on an extended Lester Cut, and the Donnor Cut.

Thirdly, a extended cut of Superman III should be released, it exists.

And finally going back and editing Superman IV properly and adding the correct restorations to it.

That would call for the 14 set, and I wish they did that.

However this Donnor cut is going to be awesome!

[OzzMosiz]

I hope they remove some of the goofy rubbish, like when Zod, Ursa and Non are blowing at the people, the phone box falls over and the bloke continues his conversation whilst laughing - get rid of it!!

[boywonder13]

This is going to be a totally different movie than Lester's Superman II, it's gonig to be so much better also.

It was nice to hear from the INterivew with Singer that the two superman projects may have given ormight give each other help.

:up:

November 14 :)

[Super78]

I hope they remove some of the goofy rubbish, like when Zod, Ursa and Non are blowing at the people, the phone box falls over and the bloke continues his conversation whilst laughing - get rid of it!!

They are going to have to leave the Metropolis fight because that was one of the sequences Donner had to film in order to finish the movie.

But of course, that didn't happen.

[boywonder13]

Sweet, i just remembered we are getting a trailer for the Superman II Donner Cut at Comic Con!

:)

:up:

Anyone who is going to see this, we will need descriptions!!! OK!

[Bad Superman]

I hope they include Superman's Kryptonian love dance before the love scene with Lois at the FOS. :D













:mad:

[boywonder13]

BIG NEWS!!!!

http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=4530
(exceprts that deal with Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, much more about the other movies in link)

On November 28, in celebration of the year of Superman, Warner Home Video will release a host of DVDs, all starring the late Christopher Reeve in his landmark portrayal of the Man of Steel. Leading the way will be the long-awaited Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut ($24.98 SRP), directed by Donner and representing Superman II as it was originally conceived and intended to be filmed. An overwhelmingly requested title, the movie features Donner's original footage, shot but never used before, including a never-before-seen beginning, a never-before-seen resolution, with 15 minutes of restored footage of Marlon Brando as Jor-El and much more.

----

Finally, The Christopher Reeve Superman Collection ($79.92 SRP) will be offered in an 8-disc boxed set including all the above (except Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut).

-------
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.

[J.Howlett]

This 2-Disc Edition of the Richard Donner Cut is separate from the rest of the Chris Reeve Superman films that will be in the box set....

[boywonder13]

They pushed it back two weeks, i bet they want it to become a great holiday gift for Christmas...

who wouldnt want that! :) :up:

I guess the 14 DVD disc thing isnt coming out.....but will be released as the: Reeve's Movies
Superman II: Donner Cut
Supergirl
Superman Returns
Fleschier Cartoons
---

I thought 14 dvds would be 2 much....especailly to most of us who own the movies/cartoons on dvd.

[Super Kal]

yeah, but they're gonna make people pay through the nose just to get the entire set... which is plain bull**** if you ask me.

[boywonder13]

I'm just going to get the Donner Cut, Fleschier toons (if they are still coming out), and Superman Returns...

[Super Kal]

Finally, The Christopher Reeve Superman Collection ($79.92 SRP) will be offered in an 8-disc boxed set including all the above (except Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut).


how much is this in American currency?

[Bad Superman]

how much is this in American currency?

I think it's $79.92 American Dollars.

[boywonder13]

Yah its american dollars...

SRP mean Sale Retail Price???? Dont know....

[Super Kal]

really?... wow, I'm kinda surprised that it's not more...

[Bad Superman]

SRP = Suggested Retail Price

[boywonder13]

ok, thanks Bad Superman....
since Superman II: Donner Cut is 2 discs

i bet the Second Disc is going to be loaded with cool vault stuff, and the making of the Donner Cut and old documentary's and crap.

It's going to be worth every dollar...

[Bad Superman]

ok, thanks Bad Superman....
since Superman II: Donner Cut is 2 discs

i bet the Second Disc is going to be loaded with cool vault stuff, and the making of the Donner Cut and old documentary's and crap.

It's going to be worth every dollar...

Absolutely. :mad: :up:

[itflies]

Where does it say the Donner Cut is going to be 2 discs? Sorry, I might've missed it.

[buggs0268]

They are going to have to leave the Metropolis fight because that was one of the sequences Donner had to film in order to finish the movie.

But of course, that didn't happen.
Just saw in ACCESS HOLLYWOOD Donner scenes for the fight such as Zop punching Supes and him flying into the liberty torch, and Ursa flying up behind him and almost hugging him from behind. And Superman, at the destroyed torch, heading back to take on Zod. That shot of him in the torch looks like it was rotoed from him in Superman 2 hitting the side of the building. There is also the scene where Non flies up to Supes, and Supes punches him and he flies into the Empire State building and new shots of the spire coming down.

I remember when I went to see STM in 78, they had lobby cards with a shot from the Metropoilis fight, so I think he filmed a lot of it. As I am aware of, he only had to finish special effects shots.

[udar55]

Here is a link to the Access Hollywood footage. Superman getting kicking into the Statue of Liberty? Hell yeah!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHx7zV_XDPY

[boywonder13]

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=23943

This was the real surprise of the panel. Singer introduced Richard Donner, who sat with him on some questions and then segued into a nice long clip from SUPERMAN 2, that Donner cut everybody's been talking about. He said that the internet fans are what convinced Warner Bros to put the money into compiling and cleaning up all the footage and cutting it together. The scene he brought is what he called a pivotal scene in the second film where Lois figures out Clark's secret in the Daily Planet. He used this scene to audition and it was Christopher Reeve's reading of this scene that got him the role.
There was some talk of portions of this sequence not existing and that some of the footage in the edit is from the filmed screen test, which had a mousey-haired Christopher Reeve with black shoe polish in his hair and missing about 25 pounds of muscle. I think that's what he said, but I didn't see it in the cut, so maybe I got that mixed up somehow.
It starts with Perry White walking through the Daily Planet reading a story about the capture of Lex Luthor by Superman and how his bomb plan had been foiled by Supes... "story by Lois Lane, picture by Jimmy Olsen... Ah, Luthor. You never looked lovelier," referring to a mug shot of the bald Hackman in prison stripes. Jimmy and Lois are talking, she's sitting at her desk. Jimmy looks up and says, "Oh, there's Mr. Kent! Bet you he wishes he had been around when it all happened." Lois: "Clark's never around when Superman's here..." Realization hits her. Clark is standing across the room, shooting a few worried glances towards Lois and Jimmy. He's being cornered by some Chatty Kathy.
Lois looks down at her paper, a photo of Superman is in it. She takes out a marker and draws glasses on him, a business suit around his super suit and hat on his head. She looks up and smiles. The whole time Clark has been trying to get away from this conversation and is looking worried. Lois whistles, she's got it! At that moment, Perry White calls, "Lane! Kent! Get in here!"
Clark says (to the chatty kathy) "Oh, dear me. Now I'm in trouble. Next time don't do that to me!" Lois throws some "super" remark at Clark as they enter Perry's office. White says Clark was late. "Sorry, Mr. White. I, uh... got stuck in traffic." Lois smirks. "Oh, that's a new one." "Excuse me?" "I mean as opposed to 'I was stuck in a phone booth' or 'I was locked in a bathroom'" Clark, "What are you talking about?" Perry interrupts. "If you two want to bicker, that's great. I have just the assignment for you. You're going to pose as a honeymoon couple in Niagra Falls to get an expose on the newlywed racket. Some of those motels are bilking those poor kids for every cent they can get! Real human interest stuff. Makes your Aunt Hattie cry her eyes out. Clark, "Um..." Lois, "That is a great idea, Mr. White!"
Clark, "Um, I'm doing a series on the city counsil..." Lois, "Oh, it wouldn't take long. We could fly right up there... you know... Superman..." Perry, "Good! See if he can give you a ride, it'll save a couple of bucks. 6 good photographs and that kid's hitting me up for a raise already!" Perry leaves the two alone. Clark, to Lois, "My goodness, you look like the cat who has swallowed the canary this morning." Lois, "Canary? No, I was thinking of something bigger. Something that flies..." Clark fumbles some more and Lois shows him her artful rendition of Superman in Clark get-up.
Lois, "You know I didn't start putting this together until this morning, which is really strange because a good reporter isn't supposed to let anything slip by them." Clark tries to laugh it off. She describes Superman. "Let's see... Tall... broad shoulders," Clark slumps down. "I have to give you credit. You had me fooled and I am nobody's fool, Superman." "You mean... you think I'm Superman?" Again he tries to laugh it off. Lois, "I'm willing to bet my life on it," she says as she opens Perry's window. "Lois! What're you doing!?!"
"You wouldn't let me die, Superman!" and she jumps out of the window. Clark speed runs through the Planet's office, whooshing up papers and blowing past all the reporters, but he's moving so fast they don't see him. He's in front of the building in a second. Lois is still falling. He uses his super breath and slows her fall. At the same time he uses his heat vision to burn through a lock that's holding a nice cloth sidewalk cover in place. It pops out and he super blows again, slowing her fall one more time just before she hits the cover and bounces off, right onto a fruit stand. Like breaking through the wooden thing. He super runs back up and when Lois looks up, covered in watermelon, Clark's looking out the window worried.
That was the scene. Looked great, seeing an alternate reality from the one I know. It was good seeing new Christopher Reeve Clark/Superman scenes. Anyway, there you have it. One more super large day in the works. Be back early tomorrow!
-Quint

[boywonder13]

this might be only one disc actuall here''s whats gonna be part of the set: http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/dvd2006/s2dvd2006.asp

Superman doesnt turn back time!! no amnesia kiss to Lois!!! and latest Superman II RDcut news: http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/news/index.shtml

:up:

[CGHulk]

Superman II: The Donner Cut Film Clips shown at Comic Con!
http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_d4j_ezine&task=read&page=1&category=11&article=47&Itemid=38

[Lazlo Panaflex]

So just how many sets are there coming out 8-disc or 14 disc?

[sidewinder57]

notice how much more intense the Metropolis fight is.

[Superman]

Just watched the clips. Man this is going to be fun. It's going to be like watching a whole new Chris Reeve Superman movie.:up: :up: :up:

[mathhater]

So just how many sets are there coming out 8-disc or 14 disc?

From the looks of things, it's gonna be an 8 disc set, with the other six being released seperately...but I'm just guessing....
and if I were to keep guessing, I'd say the other 6 would be a 2 disc SR, a 2 disc Donnor cut, and 2 disc Supergirl. But still, all guesses.

[boywonder13]

http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/news/index.shtml

acording to a reliable site it seems the 14 disc thing is now dead and only 8 diss will be in the set, FEATURING THE REEVE MOVIES, EXCEPT FOR THE DONNER CUT.

[jrd550]

Great thread!!!!!!!!!!! I saw a snippet of missed footage online and stopped myself becasue I want to wait for the dvd. I also think I'm going to buy the Superman 2 SE.

[Mandrill]

http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_d4j_ezine&task=read&page=1&category=11&article=47&Itemid=38

[Kevin Roegele]

http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_d4j_ezine&task=read&page=1&category=11&article=47&Itemid=38

Wow......I'm speechless....almost.

[sidewinder57]

I think it's safe to say that this film will be an unqualified success. So much so that I feel that it will be the greatest superhero comic book movie of all time. I did watch the Lester version for the last time yesterday and I can't believe some people actually think it's better then the first one. To me and I'm sure to many fans out there the upcoming Superman 2 will be like Superman 2 is finally being released for the first time after almost 30 years. It will also render the Lester version useless.

Take the three clips for example. Look at how much better the acting is in the Daily Planet scenes. The actors actually look like they're into it. Where in the Lester version they look like they are just going through the motions. Even in the brief battle clip. The villians seem more of a threat and more of a challenge to Superman.

Now I know there is always that slight chance that it could end up being a huge failure. But, let's face it. There is no way that they are going to **** on the legacy of Christopher Reeve by doing a half assed job with this project.

November 28th can't come soon enough

[captain_jimbo]

I loved the original Superman II, but the idea of Donner's version coming out, excites me like no other film before. I can't wait. Roll on November 28th!!!

[Kevin Roegele]

I loved the original Superman II, but the idea of Donner's version coming out, excites me like no other film before. I can't wait. Roll on November 28th!!!

Exactly my sentiments. :)

[buggs0268]

I love everything except the one shot lifted and flipped horizontally from STM

[boywonder13]

http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/news/index.shtml

News Update 27th July, 2006

14 disc Ultimate Edition is still on the cards but details yet to be finalised. Release Date unknown.

Superman 2 Richard Donner cut is not part of the Christopher Reeve boxset, you have to buy it separately! As for Richard Donner's involvement, Digital Bits posted this:

Donner himself has stated in many interviews that he did not intend to be personally involved with the cutting of the new version. That's true, however he did give his permission to Warner Home Video for the cut to be done. What's more, I'm told that when he was later shown progress edits of the new cut of the film, he began suggesting additional tweaks, edits and changes... suggestions which were accommodated by the studio. In effect, he had final say on the film's editing and special effects, so the reality is that he DID eventually become involved. We hope that eases your concerns.

The ending of the Donner cut (scroll over to read SPOILER)is the time reversal. Listening to the Comic Con coverage again, Thau interrupted Donner from giving away the ending. According to the details I have here, that's the ending.

Listening to the Comic Con audio of the Donner opening, the release of the villains sounds terrifying, Zod sounds like a monster in this one.

:) :up: :supes:

[Spoarz™]

I loved the original Superman II, but the idea of Donner's version coming out, excites me like no other film before. I can't wait. Roll on November 28th!!!

You said it dude. How many times must we have seen Lester's version? Damn, that's a movie. :D

[ReeveFan1978]

HI

Im really confused now. LOL

I have the current dvd of one and two. Was waiting for the collecotrs set before buying 3 and 4.

After seeing Superman Returns, which i enjoyed, it made me appreciate the 4 Chris movies all over again. Although 3 and 4 had some sad moments, they also had some thrilling moments like the scenes with Clark and Lana..and the good superman/bad superman fight.

In 4, it was more the special effects that were bad. But the scenes between Clark and Lois were really good. The Stacy woman falling for Clark while lois was still hung up on Superman..I think they had their good moments.

As to 1 and 2---masterpieces. And I anticipate enjoying the Donner cut as I would a brand new movie. Thats a must even thought is a separate purchase.

But Im not sure if i want to buy the 8 disc set..getting redundant version of 1 and 2..or of I should just buy 3 and 4 singly. Id like to own the 50th Anniversary daily Planet special again. I had it on beta..

Like i said..confused what to get.

LOL

EL

[Kevin Roegele]

HI

Im really confused now. LOL

I have the current dvd of one and two. Was waiting for the collecotrs set before buying 3 and 4.

After seeing Superman Returns, which i enjoyed, it made me appreciate the 4 Chris movies all over again. Although 3 and 4 had some sad moments, they also had some thrilling moments like the scenes with Clark and Lana..and the good superman/bad superman fight.

In 4, it was more the special effects that were bad. But the scenes between Clark and Lois were really good. The Stacy woman falling for Clark while lois was still hung up on Superman..I think they had their good moments.

As to 1 and 2---masterpieces. And I anticipate enjoying the Donner cut as I would a brand new movie. Thats a must even thought is a separate purchase.

But Im not sure if i want to buy the 8 disc set..getting redundant version of 1 and 2..or of I should just buy 3 and 4 singly. Id like to own the 50th Anniversary daily Planet special again. I had it on beta..

Like i said..confused what to get.

LOL

EL

Okay, well the Richard Donner version of Superman II will be a new movie, almost - apparently it's 50-70% different from the existing version.

Superman IV should be worth picking up because it will include -finally! - some of the 30 minutes of deleted scenes, which were thought destroyed for almost twenty years.

Pu it al together and there's a heck of a lot of new material in these new DVDs.

[Spoarz™]

http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_d4j_ezine&task=read&page=1&category=11&article=47&Itemid=38

Oh man, those clips are just unbelievable!!! I cannot wait to see this movie!!! This could be the greatest Superman movie!!! :eek: :supes:

[captain_jimbo]

HI

Im really confused now. LOL

I have the current dvd of one and two. Was waiting for the collecotrs set before buying 3 and 4.

After seeing Superman Returns, which i enjoyed, it made me appreciate the 4 Chris movies all over again. Although 3 and 4 had some sad moments, they also had some thrilling moments like the scenes with Clark and Lana..and the good superman/bad superman fight.

In 4, it was more the special effects that were bad. But the scenes between Clark and Lois were really good. The Stacy woman falling for Clark while lois was still hung up on Superman..I think they had their good moments.

As to 1 and 2---masterpieces. And I anticipate enjoying the Donner cut as I would a brand new movie. Thats a must even thought is a separate purchase.

But Im not sure if i want to buy the 8 disc set..getting redundant version of 1 and 2..or of I should just buy 3 and 4 singly. Id like to own the 50th Anniversary daily Planet special again. I had it on beta..

Like i said..confused what to get.

LOL

EL

Well I'll tell you what to do, buy 'em all!!!

I plan on getting the Donner version and the 8 box set, and I can't f**king wait!:up:

[BatFitz]

wOOt!!! Donner's action scenes are awesome

[BatFitz]

this might be only one disc actuall here''s whats gonna be part of the set: http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/dvd2006/s2dvd2006.asp

Superman doesnt turn back time!! no amnesia kiss to Lois!!! and latest Superman II RDcut news: http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/news/index.shtml

:up:

Wait...this is weird...when it comes to the big reveal of Clark as Superman...the movie will stop and you'll have to choose whether or not to watch the reused screentest footage, or the pink bear footage from Lester's version?! And the screentest will have a disclaimer on it? Uhh...this will be awkward, I thought they were gonna make the movie flow...I don't want to feel like I'm watching a slideshow with descriptions...

[buggs0268]

Wait...this is weird...when it comes to the big reveal of Clark as Superman...the movie will stop and you'll have to choose whether or not to watch the reused screentest footage, or the pink bear footage from Lester's version?! And the screentest will have a disclaimer on it? Uhh...this will be awkward, I thought they were gonna make the movie flow...I don't want to feel like I'm watching a slideshow with descriptions...
I think they tried to but the scene changes so drastically from the different shoots that they had to.

[BatFitz]

Well, I could do without...but I guess other people would need it

[D4rkseid]

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/5378/adip1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^That's a piece of artwork I created for the Donner cut...

[ReeveFan1978]

GReat packaging!! Wouldnt that be cool. But they'll probably go with a version of one of the original posters..

EL

[Mister J]

That is pretty badass, D4rkseid. In reality, we'll probably get something recycled.

[captain_jimbo]

Yeah, that's great D4rkseid, nice bit of designing there.

[Kevin Roegele]

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/5378/adip1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^That's a piece of artwork I created for the Donner cut...

:up: That is the best piece of fan art I have ever seen. And one of the best DVD covers I have ever seen.

[captain_jimbo]

This is great and all and ill get Superman II, but I gotta say I want them to release the full version of Superman I taped off of TV when I was a kid. That version is 3 hours long!, Not including commercials and has stuff the dvds dont! And this is good stuff they took out, like Superman saving more people, Luthor making funny jokes and such, theres alot of side plots that were removed.

Second they should release all the deleted material of Superman II on an extended Lester Cut, and the Donnor Cut.

Thirdly, a extended cut of Superman III should be released, it exists.

And finally going back and editing Superman IV properly and adding the correct restorations to it.

That would call for the 14 set, and I wish they did that.

However this Donnor cut is going to be awesome!

See, why don't they do that? If there's footage I've never seen before, I want to see it. On the point of III and IV, they should definitely re-cut and re-edit them and try to tidy them up.

[batfan1028]

http://iesb.net/index.php?option=com_d4j_ezine&task=read&page=1&category=1&article=69&Itemid=28

[BatFitz]

when I click on the links on that page....the media player just says ready

[boywonder13]

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?p=3419643
*This isnt my review, i found it.....

I was able to see quite a bit of the Donner cut recently, and was shocked at how different it was. I was expecting a nip/tuck job...some extended footage, some of Lester's crappier scenes trimmed, an extra scene or two...but this was a hell of an overhaul. The parts I saw really did make it feel like a completely different film.

I just skimmed the movie looking for new content, as it wasn't an ideal viewing environment, and I don't want to see it for the first time on a tiny black-and-white computer monitor. But I thought I'd post a few tidbits and first impressions for those who are into that sort of thing. Not a review, just a little stream of consciousness-type outline.


Spoilers: (I mean, they don't re-work the whole plot or anything. But there are new scenes and a new ending)
spoilers:
There's a dedication to Chris Reeve at the beginning. To be expected, but still nice to see.

The opening of the movie (before the credits) is mostly made up of scenes from the first film, but with new shots and dialogue scattered throughout.

The film opens with Zod's trial on Krypton, with nothing changed that I noticed. Not until the Phantom Zone disc appears, where we see some extended and slightly disturbing shots of the criminals' bodies being twisted around and stretched out inside the Zone.

We see baby Kal's trip through space juxtaposed with the P-Zone disc drifting aimlessly. At one point the disc actually seems to split into three, before ultimately merging again into one. There's some new Brando voiceover heard within the ship, specifically mentioning Kal's red, yellow, and blue blankets. We also see the spaceship crash-landing and opening up from a new angle.

Various more scenes from the first movie, ending with Superman catching Lex Luthor's missile and throwing it into space. My guess is that this is the second missile (the one that killed Lois before Superman went back in time), although it looked to me to be the same footage from the first movie of him catching the first missile (whew!). Well, whatever, hopefully it'll make more sense when there's time to sit back and enjoy it. Anyway, it's this missile that collides with the Phantom Zone prison and destroys it. No French terrorist plot here. The criminals are freed and Zod flies toward the camera, bellowing, "FREE!"

Cue the credit sequence, which is entirely redone to looks just like the opening credits of the first film. The genuine Williams score plays over it, not the weird synthesized version of it that was there previously. Brando's name is of course added (with Chris getting top-billing this time), and it ends on Donner's sole director's credit.

Next is the footage that was apparently shown in San Diego, with Perry congratulating Lois for her story on Luthor's imprisonment. Then Clark walks in, lovably bumbling as ever, and it gave me such a thrill to see basically "new" Chris Reeve footage. What follows is a pretty funny scene with Lois, pen in hand, looking back and forth between Clark and the picture of Superman in the paper. Genius reporter Lane draws little glasses on the picture of Superman and, guess what: secret's out. Easy as that.

Perry White sends Lois and Clark on the honeymoon hotel scam story, and all the while Lois teases Clark about the fact that she's figured it out. She's SO sure, she leaps out of Perry's office window. Clark runs down to the street faster than the eye can see, keeps Lois afloat with super-breath, then knocks down a sidewalk cover to bounce her none-too-gently into a fruit stand. Thatll show the *****.

Lois' suspicions are later confirmed when Superman saves the child at Niagra Falls, leading to the scene where she proves Clark is Superman. Anyone who's seen the screen tests on the first Superman DVD will recognize this, and it's a lot funnier and cuter than the "hand in the fire" thing. Unfortunately, they're unable to HIDE the fact that it's screen test footage. It looks like a Clark Kent from five in the past has walked into the room.

I skipped over much of the middle and didn't see anything new until Brando reappears. Basically, holographic Jor-el takes the place of holographic Lara. I did notice that at least some of the "Zod vs. rednecks" scene is there, but hopefully not more than is necessary.

People will likely be glad to hear the "super-kiss" is gone. They'll likely be less glad to hear how Superman makes Lois forget: he flys around the Earth to turn back time. Yeeeeees, again. This actually serves two purposes. Besides making Lois forget, it also deposits the Kryptonians right back in the Phantom Zone. Truth be told, I'd almost prefer the super kiss. The time travel stunt worked for me in the first movie because he was THAT determined to save Lois, and it led to him rejecting Jor-el's teachings for Jonathan's. Here, it just seems like business as usual.

I didn't watch much after that, but there is a final scene in the Daily Planet, different from the goofy orange-juice-squeezing scene.end of spoilers


So, that's that. I was always looking forward to this, but now, I want to see this new cut even moreso. It makes me feel better about having to shell out for a huge boxed set. http://forums.comicbookresources.com/images/smilies/smile.gif


SEAN

I found this :up:

[captain_jimbo]

i was watching that Look Up in the Sky documentary, and there was a shot of Lois Lane wearing Superman's shirt. i wonder if that's part of the deleted scenes of Superman 2. like after they make love or something.

I've often wondered that, or if it was just Kidder mucking about on set. :)

[BatFitz]

its actually in the orginal SII screenplay...but that image you see...I think that was being used as a makeup test...

[Spoarz™]

I've often wondered that, or if it was just Kidder mucking about on set. :)

That's what I thought.

[ReeveFan1978]

I have several magazine layouts with Kidder in a superman sweater. I think it wasnt part of the movie. At least those I have.

EL
http://members.aol.com/modfrancie1966/chris.jpg (Not linked)

[BatFitz]

I can't wait to actually see the Brando scenes(and in color too lol)...but I think it's even more exciting to see more of Chris' Superman/Clark, supposedly there's so much that's added in...

[ReeveFan1978]

Great sysnopsis, Boywonder-- Thanks

I have a photo of Lois' stunt double falling into an awning. From a magazine way back in 1978 and could never figure out where it came from. Now I know.

EL

[Kevin Roegele]

Superman II originally had FOUR Kryptonian villains.....I believe Jak-El was the other one.

[captain_jimbo]

Yes, you're right, but I think originally all of their names were different.

[Kevin Roegele]

"Early drafts of Superman: The Movie and Superman II written by Mario Puzo contain 500-plus pages of script. They apparently had the names of the Phantom Zone villains as Jax-Ur, Kru-El, Faora and Professor Va-Kox from the comics. Later on through several rewrites a fourth villain along with General Zod, Ursa and Non was added. JAK-EL, a psychopathic trickster who played sick practical jokes that were only funny to him, was supposed to be a source of comic relief. The later, final versions of the shooting script dropped him in favor of only three villains."

- Wiki wiki wild wild Wikipedia

I always wondered why he was called Jak-El - surely he would have been related to Kal-El?

[BatFitz]

The puzo and newman draft was considered too comical so they brought in mankewiez to rewrite...who tremendously made it better (in my opinion)

[captain_jimbo]

The puzo and newman draft was considered too comical so they brought in mankewiez to rewrite...who tremendously made it better (in my opinion)

Exactly, because look at what happened to Superman III without Mankeweiz. :up:

[boywonder13]

www.supermancinema.co.uk

check out thelatest updates

- donner cut poster!!!

[ReeveFan1978]

Thanks Boywonder!!!

EL

[BatFitz]

Cool! Also those other new pics are great!

[captain_jimbo]

Thanks boywonder13, that's pretty cool. Although I don't want to read too much of it, because I want to keep most of it a suprise. :)

[boywonder13]

your welcome :up:

[boywonder13]

http://www.comics2film.com/FanFrame.php?f_id=21383

a new great article :up:

enjoy!

[boywonder13]

http://www.comics2film.com/FanFrame.php?f_id=21383

For many Superman fans, the behind-the-scenes story of Superman II is even more dramatic and memorable than the one that ended up on the screen. Director Richard Donner, whose seminal 1978 screen adaptation starring Christopher Reeve has become a classic of the superhero genre, was originally hired to make two Superman films simultaneously. But due to time and budget constraints, Donner's work on Superman II was halted so he could complete the first film. Later, Richard Lester was hired to reshoot and finish the sequel, which departed from Donner's original version significantly. For years, fans have been petitioning Warner Bros. to release Donner's now legendary original cut, and come November, their wish will be granted.

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, available on Nov. 28, is a painstaking restoration of the director's original vision using archived footage never seen before. Editor Michael Thau, who worked with Donner previously on the 2001 director's cut of the original film, lead the process of tearing the film apart and putting it back together again under the supervision of Donner himself.

"I had to find the shooting script for Superman II, Dick's shooting script," Thau tells Now Playing at last month's Comic-Con: International. "And packed away with all the film were 30 binders with a sheet for each setup that was done, A camera, B camera, so on. ... It was also organized in scene order, all the stuff that Dick had shot. So it was fairly easy to figure out what he had shot and what he hadn't shot. But then the most difficult thing was digging the negative out. The negative was not stored in an organized, orderly way. And it took 12 people just forever to find particular pieces of negative so that my assistant could synch the sound. I would read [writer Tom] Mankiewicz's scene, I would watch all Dick's dailies, just like you'd do with a normal film, cut it together and show it to Dick."

To restore one of the most integral scenes, Thau went back to screen tests that Reeve and co-star Margot Kidder had shot, both separately and together, before beginning work on the first Superman film. The scene takes place in a hotel room at Niagara Falls, where Clark reveals his identity to Lois.

"It was a really nice scene," Thau says. "I'm intercutting between two screen tests that were shot three months apart. And Chris doesn't match, when he walks out of Margot's screen test and into his. But the scene is so good, and it worked pretty well. People have said they don't really notice, it's so good. It's still Chris and it's still Margot, and they're in their outfits."

Among the other additions in the new cut are a different ending and an additional 15 minutes of footage with Marlon Brando, who plays Superman's Kryptonian father, Jor-El. According to Thau, about 50 percent of the film will be brand new to the audience.

"Half of it has never been seen in theaters," he says. "A lot of scenes that had been already cut, that Richard Lester had interwoven new material in — and there was a lot of them — I unwove that material and recut those scenes, basically from scratch a lot of times. I also had to deal with negatives that had already been cut. And when I wanted to recut it, and Lester had already cut it in a different way, I'd have to unwind that. It was a complicated jigsaw puzzle sometimes, to put it back the way I envisioned Dick would want it cut. ... We only used the Lester footage when there was material when they had not been able to shoot, and to keep some continuity to the story."

[jrd550]

can't wait for this - I'm more excited to get this than the SR dvd.

[captain_jimbo]

Can I just ask, does anyone know if Donner's version will come out on November 28th across the world, or just in America? I only ask because I live in England. :super:

[captain_jimbo]

can't wait for this - I'm more excited to get this than the SR dvd.

You and me both pal! :up:

[boywonder13]

Can I just ask, does anyone know if Donner's version will come out on November 28th across the world, or just in America? I only ask because I live in England. :super:

I think it will be relased in America first with a Region 1 encoding (only Canada/America)

im not sure when Region 2 (England, Middle East and other parts of the world) will come out...

lukcily i have a international region dvd player...

it will most liekly be released in America/Canada first :down:(:mad:

[ReeveFan1978]

I can't wait either!!! 3 1/2 months to go. It seems like forever. (Ive never been a patient person.)

LOL

EL
http://members.aol.com/modfrancie1966/chrisgc.jpg


"Once a girl's seen Superman in action, Niagara Falls kinda leaves you cold."

[BatFitz]

Hmm, a bit confused. I already have the Superman Collection from 2001 (STM Extended, SII, SIII, SIV)...and I am eagerly anticipating getting the Donner Cut and Superman Returns on DVD this fall. But with the Christopher Reeve collection is coming out...is it worth me getting that and the Donner Cut and SR? I know what's all on them, I'm thinking money-sake...

[ReeveFan1978]

Batfitz I had the same concerns. I think 1 and 2 will be the same (with some promise of deleted scenes in the CR collection for 2.)

It will feature the theatrical version as well as that extended edition that came in the 2001 release of STM.

Then there are deleted scenes for 3 and Quest for peace..


El

[boywonder13]

Sorry, ive been gone for awhile...

but Look what I found :up: Donner Cut preorder...

Superman 2: 3 disc Special Edition

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/PROD/3-/1112985/Superman_2_3_Disc_Special_Edition/Product.html

* Disc 1:
* Audio commentary by executive producer Ilya Salkind and producer Pierre Spengler
* Theatrical trailer
* Disc 2:
* 'First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series' featurette
* 8 Famous Studios Superman cartoons mastered from superior vault elements: 'Japoteurs', 'Showdown', 'Eleventh Hour', 'Destruction, Inc.', 'The Mummy Strikes', 'Jungle Drums', 'The Underground World' and 'Secret Agent'
* 'Superman 50th Anniversary' vintage TV special
* 'The Making Of Superman II' vintage TV special
* Disc 3:
* All-new introduction from director Richard Donner
* Audio commentary from Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz
* Additional scenes
* 'Superman II: Restoring The Vision' featurette

:up: :) :) 1111!!!

[Swordmaster]

Quick question that's been asked many times, I'm sure:

Is the scene where Supes gets his powers back in the DC?

[BatFitz]

I'm pretty sure it is...as it is a pivotal scene. Brando is in the scene. And they are giving us all the Brando material, so, I'm pretty sure it'll be there. (In better form than in Lester's SII, of course)

[SFII]

why the hell is it 3 discs??
god, can't they just make it easy for us.
1 or 2 discs would be sufficient.

[captain_jimbo]

I'm pretty sure it is...as it is a pivotal scene. Brando is in the scene. And they are giving us all the Brando material, so, I'm pretty sure it'll be there. (In better form than in Lester's SII, of course)

Oh my God, I can't wait. :)

[BatFitz]

I agree that finally seeing the Brando material is going to be amazing, but I'm just as excited to see new material of Chris Reeves performance...specifically his dialogue with Brando lol

[boywonder13]

having the fleschier toons seems a bit awkard but ive been wanting to get those for awhile so why not kill two birds with one stone.....

[BatFitz]

I'd rather get them in this set than in bargain baskets where it's a pain to look for them....hopefully, they are high quality...

^but back to the Donner Cut...
I'm wondering how Donner did the de-powering scene. All I've seen was a test they did with effects in 77 with sort of a psychedelic feel to it...

[KGBeast]

the incorporation of the flischer´s cartoons, in my opinion, is just to sature the feature presentation of unnecesary stuff to justify the "4 or 3 DISC SPECIAL EDITION" and of course the price. Many of us have already the flischer´s superman in 1 or 2 dvd`s with great quality, i think that the Richard Donner Cut and the audio commentary by Donner himself are quite enough for me,

[Mr.Census]

Quick question that's been asked many times, I'm sure:

Is the scene where Supes gets his powers back in the DC?


Yes thats the scene is in it.

Spoiler

Basically what happens in that scene is Reeves goes to the fortress like in Lesters, and cries out "FATHER!!!" just like in the lester cut. But this time Brando appears and reveals he has one last bit of energy that he can give Kal-el, however if he does this, the fotress will be forever lost, and he will be alone. Jor-el sacrafices himself for his son. Sounds good!:up:

[boywonder13]

I'm wondering how Donner did the de-powering scene. All I've seen was a test they did with effects in 77 with sort of a psychedelic feel to it...

yah ive seen that, that was FREAKY! :):D

[captain_jimbo]

yah ive seen that, that was FREAKY! :):D

It might be very similar to how Lester did it, but with quite a lot of the movie, when Donner was fired Lester just decided to re-shoot a lot of scenes which had already been done. :confused:

[Zor-El]

according to SuperCinema, the 3 disc Superman II that comes with the donner cut is only in europe, in the US we're gonna get 4 discs of STM 2 discs of SII (Donner cut not included, but sold separately), then 1 disc of SIII and 1 of SIV:TQFP.
Europe gets a 9 Disc Set
USA gets an 8 disc set. plus the separately sold donner cut.
but i guess its all tentative

[buggs0268]

It might be very similar to how Lester did it, but with quite a lot of the movie, when Donner was fired Lester just decided to re-shoot a lot of scenes which had already been done. :confused:
He had a lot of scenes rewritten and used footage from Donner that fit in with his stuff. The movie is very different in a lot of ways.

[boywonder13]

first post was cleaned up a little, I really sugges checking out the links there...

[jrd550]

first post was cleaned up a little, I really sugges checking out the links there...
Thanks!

[Kroc1138]

I have 2 Questions: What is the likelyhood of John Willaims rescoring the movie?
And will Superman: Turn back time again? in the climax?
It seems like nothing is truly certain about these two subjects.

[boywonder13]

I have 2 Questions: What is the likelyhood of John Willaims rescoring the movie?
And will Superman: Turn back time again? in the climax?
It seems like nothing is truly certain about these two subjects.

John Williams is definetly not scoring this film but it has his musical cues of course...

Superman will indeed turn back time in the climax it has even been reported by supermancinema.co.uk :eek:

He wont do it again because, in this contirnuity Superman never turned back time at the end of the first one....

[boywonder13]

bump, news has been kinda slow lately.......:down:

[ec86]

sorry that I only pop in here. But I have a little question. The Donner cut will be released in November, right (in the USA)? And there will be the "old" movie and the cut scenes? Cus I was thinking about buying the second movie on DVD, because I thought that there will only be the whole Donner film on the DVD.

[Superman-Prime]

bump, news has been kinda slow lately.......:down:

Agreed.

[Kevin Roegele]

I have 2 Questions: What is the likelyhood of John Willaims rescoring the movie?
And will Superman: Turn back time again? in the climax?
It seems like nothing is truly certain about these two subjects.

According to Superman Cinema, they've come up with a brand new ending.

[boywonder13]

According to Superman Cinema, they've come up with a brand new ending.

Not exactly "new"


http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/news/jul06.shtml
The ending of the Donner cut is the time reversal. Listening to the Comic Con coverage again, Thau interrupted Donner from giving away the ending. According to the details I have here, that's the ending.

People will likely be glad to hear the "super-kiss" is gone. They'll likely be less glad to hear how Superman makes Lois forget: he flys around the Earth to turn back time. Yeeeeees, again. This actually serves two purposes. Besides making Lois forget, it also deposits the Kryptonians right back in the Phantom Zone. Truth be told, I'd almost prefer the super kiss. The time travel stunt worked for me in the first movie because he was THAT determined to save Lois, and it led to him rejecting Jor-el's teachings for Jonathan's. Here, it just seems like business as usual.

[Ullar]

i heard they were still doing the 14 disc set.

[boywonder13]

bump

[buggs0268]

I have 2 Questions: What is the likelyhood of John Willaims rescoring the movie?
And will Superman: Turn back time again? in the climax?
It seems like nothing is truly certain about these two subjects.
They are remixing JW's score from STM and also mixing in some of Thore's SII (Lester cut) music. So they re just remixing the two older scores to make a new one.

[Kevin Roegele]

Not exactly "new"


http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/news/jul06.shtml
The ending of the Donner cut is the time reversal. Listening to the Comic Con coverage again, Thau interrupted Donner from giving away the ending. According to the details I have here, that's the ending.

People will likely be glad to hear the "super-kiss" is gone. They'll likely be less glad to hear how Superman makes Lois forget: he flys around the Earth to turn back time. Yeeeeees, again. This actually serves two purposes. Besides making Lois forget, it also deposits the Kryptonians right back in the Phantom Zone. Truth be told, I'd almost prefer the super kiss. The time travel stunt worked for me in the first movie because he was THAT determined to save Lois, and it led to him rejecting Jor-el's teachings for Jonathan's. Here, it just seems like business as usual.



No, not that, a brand new ending.

[boywonder13]

No, not that, a brand new ending.

:confused: im confused what do u mean....

[The Kid]

YOW! I can't wait for this @_@ OH I'm going to explode.

[Kevin Roegele]

:confused: im confused what do u mean....

A ending that hasn't been thought of before. A brand new idea to wrap the story up.

[I Am The Knight]

A ending that hasn't been thought of before. A brand new idea to wrap the story up.

Wow, I can't wait for that.

[boywonder13]

Region 1 Features:www.supermancinema.co.uk

One disc (Available as a standalone product or maybe in a 14 disc collection, but not in the 8 disc collection)

- All new introduction by director Richard Donner

- Commentary by director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz

- New featurette Superman II: Restoring the Vision

- Additional scenes

- Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)

Region 2 3 Disc Edition Features: http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/1112985/Superman_2_Special_Edition/Product.html

* Disc 1 (Original 1980 Theatrical Version in Dolby Digital 5.1):
* Audio commentary by executive producer Ilya Salkind and producer Pierre Spengler
* Theatrical trailer
* Disc 2:
* 'First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series' featurette
* 8 Famous Studios Superman cartoons mastered from superior vault elements: 'Japoteurs', 'Showdown', 'Eleventh Hour', 'Destruction, Inc.', 'The Mummy Strikes', 'Jungle Drums', 'The Underground World' and 'Secret Agent'
* 'Superman 50th Anniversary' vintage TV special
* 'The Making Of Superman II' vintage TV special
* Disc 3 (The Richard Donner Cut):
* All-new introduction from director Richard Donner
* Audio commentary from Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz
* Additional scenes
* 'Superman II: Restoring The Vision' featurette

[boywonder13]

Donner Cut Trivia/Facts from www.supermancinema.co.uk

spoilers are in them:

Trivia

83% - Is the magic number. The 1977 Donner footage equals 75% [Dick shot approximately 65% and 10% was shot by other units under his supervision]. The remaining % is material from the first picture [The Reprise, which is several minutes], new material and the screen test.

The XK101 missile. The Nuclear Missile shatters the phantom zone. Original footage of the XK101 used, probably with CGi enhancements.

Eiffel Tower. Cut out.

Lester Humour. Reduced or completely cut out.

Blank Bullets. Lois Lane shoots a blank bullet thus reveals Superman! Donner never shot this, the two screen tests have been cut together and will be used with a disclaimer.

Blanks Bullets vs Pink Bear. You choose which one you want to view * TBC

Marlon Brando. In 3 pivitol scenes; Lex Luthor in the Fortress; Clark and Lois watch home movies (rumoured) and Clark loses powers; Jor-El's suicide. New special effects.

The Villains rampage. No villains take over the world. Villains new powers probably cut out.

Bodydouble. He's used for 'over the shoulder and distant' Superman shots. Rumour has it that this material might be used for the Tower of Pisa, Superman lands in Metropolis in the beginning and maybe some Donner 'Metropolis battle' material.

Newly shot footage. To complete and bridge the 1977 scenes. Includes new exterior Daily Planet material.

Music. John Williams STM score and some Ken Thorne material.

Special Effects. Over 90 of them including credits, I guess.

Ending. Superman turns back the world.

Also check this out: http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/dvd2006/s2-recon-spec/default.asp

[Kevin Roegele]

Storyboards of the new ending, perhaps?


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c56/benwoodsinc/Storybd.jpg

[Edward Brock]

Baha! :woot:

That Brando footage looks so freakin' sweet it's giving me a thooth ache!

Has anyone noticed how the SR symbol is kinda making its way into these movies? Not only is it used in the Lester SII DVD cover, it's also used in the Donner footage! WTH? :huh:

[boywonder13]

http://www.capedwonder.com/newwebsite/pages/DVD.htm

Trailer

and Donner Cut PICSS

:super: :up:

[Kal-El 8]

http://www.capedwonder.com/newwebsite/images/DVD_art/DC3.jpg
http://www.capedwonder.com/newwebsite/images/DVD_art/DC4.jpg
http://www.capedwonder.com/newwebsite/images/DVD_art/DC6.jpg
http://www.capedwonder.com/newwebsite/images/DVD_art/DC8.jpg
from capedwonder.com - scenes from the Donner cut of SII!

:eek: This looks :super: INCREDIBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!! Jor-El Restoring Kal-EL's powers.

Jor-EL : My Son .

I can't wait to own this movie. It looks Incredible .

[jrd550]

Further Details:
On November 28, in celebration of the year of Superman, Warner Home Video will release a host of DVDs, all starring the late Christopher Reeve in his landmark portrayal of the Man of Steel. Leading the way will be the long-awaited Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut ($24.98 SRP), directed by Donner and representing Superman II as it was originally conceived and intended to be filmed. An overwhelmingly requested title, the movie features Donner’s original footage, shot but never used before, including a never-before-seen beginning, a never-before-seen resolution, with 15 minutes of restored footage of Marlon Brando as Jor-El and much more.

Other titles to be released include Superman: The Movie Four Disc Special Edition ($39.92 SRP) which features both the DVD debut of the 1978 theatrical version as well as the 2001 extended edition with commentary from director Richard Donner and Tom Mankiewicz, archival footage of additional scenes and screen tests. Richard Lester’s ever-popular Superman II will be available in a new Two-Disc Special Edition ($26.99 SRP) including a new featurette, vintage television specials and additional vault elements; and Superman III and IV Deluxe Editions ($19.97 SRP). Finally, The Christopher Reeve Superman Collection ($79.92 SRP) will be offered in an 8-disc boxed set including all the above (except Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut). We've attached detailed listings of every disc below, including the specs on Warner Home Video's release of Supergirl ($14.97 SRP) which, like the Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, will also be available separately.

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (1980/2006)
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.

All new introduction by director Richard Donner
Commentary by director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz
New featurette Superman II: Restoring the Vision
Additional 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 (Luthor) and Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) give indelible performances that fuel the film’s aura of legend.

Disc One
Original 1978 theatrical version with soundtrack 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
Subtitles: English, Français, Español & Português (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.

Disc One
Movie with commentary by executive producer Ilya Salkind and producer Pierre Spengler
Soundtrack in Dolby Digital 5.1
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 superabundance.

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

Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (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.

Commentary by screenwriter Mark Rosenthal
Additional scenes
Theatrical trailer
Languages: English & Français
Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)

Supergirl
Creative forces behind Superman: The Movie takes another page from DC Comics lore with this fun- and effects-packed adventure about the Girl of Steel. Helen Slater plays the title role, posing as Midvale prep-schooler Linda Lee, battling a sorceress (Faye Dunaway) for control of an alien power orb and enjoying an unexpected dating ritual called kissing. Peter O’Toole and Mia Farrow add more starpower to the superpowered excitement.

Commentary by Jeannot Szwarc and Scott Bosco
Theatrical trailer

[Kal-El 8]

http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/supergirl/general/dvd/big_sgirlle_dvdcover.jpg
Supergirl

Creative forces behind Superman: The Movie takes another page from DC Comics lore with this fun- and effects-packed adventure about the Girl of Steel. Helen Slater plays the title role, posing as Midvale prep-schooler Linda Lee, battling a sorceress (Faye Dunaway) for control of an alien power orb and enjoying an unexpected dating ritual called kissing. Peter O’Toole and Mia Farrow add more starpower to the superpowered excitement.

Commentary by Jeannot Szwarc and Scott Bosco
Theatrical trailer

Why Did Warner Bros. released this ?

Ok I mean seriously who in their right mind would buy this garbage ?

[TrailerCues]

The Restoration of these Movies look amazing. I can not wait

[Kal-El 8]

Superman dvd collection trailer on You tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi66Vhh_uP4

[Superman: Idols]

Wow! The Donner Cut looks top notch.

[ultimatefan]

Man I can´t wait to get the STM SE and Donner´s cut of SMII... Not only for the movie, but I´d love to also see Donner remind people what jackasses the Salkinds were with him...

But it still intrigues me how they intend to make something complete enough to feel like a cohesive cut of the movie, since Donner didn´t get to shoot everything he needed to complete the film.

[Edward Brock]

Man I can´t wait to get the STM SE and Donner´s cut of SMII... Not only for the movie, but I´d love to also see Donner remind people what jackasses the Salkinds were with him...Actually, I'd preffer if they had a commentary track with both Donner and Ilya Salkind. The Salkinds gave him s*** but he didn't help much, you know... maybe if they did something together we'd get the real facts and not the partial crap we've been getting over the years.

[ultimatefan]

Actually, I'd preffer if they had a commentary track with both Donner and Ilya Salkind. The Salkinds gave him s*** but he didn't help much, you know... maybe if they did something together we'd get the real facts and not the partial crap we've been getting over the years.
Well, given the result, it´s hard not to take Donner´s side on it...

[Kal-El 8]

I just notice something in the trailer in the Donner cut version of Superman II,That I didn't see in Richard Lester Superman II.

Lois is wearing a Diamond ring with a golden band on left finger – the fourth finger [Is it possible in donner's movie, after Lois found out Clark was Superman and Sups brought her to The FOS, that he proposed to her, theirfore they were Engaged before they had sex ?]

[Spoarz™]

http://www.capedwonder.com/newwebsite/images/DVD_art/DC3.jpg
http://www.capedwonder.com/newwebsite/images/DVD_art/DC4.jpg
http://www.capedwonder.com/newwebsite/images/DVD_art/DC6.jpg
http://www.capedwonder.com/newwebsite/images/DVD_art/DC8.jpg
from capedwonder.com - scenes from the Donner cut of SII!

OH MY GOD!!! :eek:

Must...see...this...MOVIE!!! :super: :super:

[boywonder13]

This is the most anticipated directors cut in the history of the world!!! :up:

Can't Wait!!!

[boywonder13]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q2OVSYAUGs

My Donner Cut fan trailer

Enjoy!

[KGBeast]

great trailer boywonder, i really can´t wait to see this, i can´t understand how this priceless footage was archieved for so many years, it´s like a whole new christopher reeve Superman film. Only one question (sorry if it has been asked before): Are we getting an entire new open credits sequence or it´s gonna be the same of the Lester´s movie?

[LostSon88]

It was reported somewhere that the opening credits will be consistient with that of Superman: The Movie & Superman Returns.

:super:

[Lazlo Panaflex]

Are any of you completists still keeping the original 2001 DVD box set?

[Jlandsw]

It was reported somewhere that the opening credits will be consistient with that of Superman: The Movie & Superman Returns.

:super:
What do you mean?? Will there be a starfield opening (S:TM) or a journey through the planets (SR)??

[Super Kal]

Buy.com is selling Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut for a total of $20.53, shipping included

[LostSon88]

What do you mean?? Will there be a starfield opening (S:TM) or a journey through the planets (SR)??

Sorry...should've made it clearer. When I said consistient w/ Superman Returns, I meant in the sense that it would look similar to the homage SR made to the original opening credits of Superman: The Movie.

In its simplest form: The Donner Cut of Superman II will have the starfield opening of S:TM. :yay:

[Edward Brock]

Sorry...should've made it clearer. When I said consistient w/ Superman Returns, I meant in the sense that it would look similar to the homage SR made to the original opening credits of Superman: The Movie.

In its simplest form: The Donner Cut of Superman II will have the starfield opening of S:TM. :yay:Are you sure? 'Cause the recap was supposed to be in the movie even from the earliest drafts.

[boywonder13]

http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/daily_planet/news/index.shtml

The BBFC have listed the Donner scenes NOT in the final cut but will be available in the supplementary section:

00:01:04:03 ("LEX AND MISS TESCHMACHER HEAD NORTH")
00:01:40:04 ("LEX AND MISS TESCHMACHER HEAD SOUTH")
00:01:20:02 ("THE VILLIANS TRY TO ENTER FORTRESS")
00:01:49:17 ("HE'S ALL YOURS BOYS") - Arctic Police?
00:00:53:23 ("CLARK AND JIMMY") - The bully sequence.
00:01:44:19 ("LEX'S GETAWAY") - Either we haven't seen this or it's Lex negotiating with Superman before being carted away.

Total: 8m 33s

[Super Kal]

i kinda figured there would be more than that...

[boywonder13]

i kinda figured there would be more than that...

This doesnt include the scenes inserted to the movie, those are just deleted scenes....

[buggs0268]

Are you sure? 'Cause the recap was supposed to be in the movie even from the earliest drafts.the opening 10 minutes was shown at comiccon and the credits are just like STM. Chris get first biling this time, and all the other credits are the same except for Cinematographers (two now) and Directed by Richard Donner.

[BatFitz]

If it doesn't have the recap, it's fine with me. Specifically because I, and all of us know what has happened beforehand. And this cut is mainly directed towards us fans of Donner. And if someone hasn't seen S1, they should watch that first.

[Super Kal]

Are any of you completists still keeping the original 2001 DVD box set?
probably...

[Bad Superman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q2OVSYAUGs

My Donner Cut fan trailer

Enjoy!

Our "buddies" from WB took it down. . . .



Will the Donner Cut have the Superman "spins the world" end?

[boywonder13]

Our "buddies" from WB took it down. . . .



Will the Donner Cut have the Superman "spins the world" end?

yeah i know, that pissed me off, im not making profit or anything.....:huh::cmad:

Will it end with the spin the world.....

Yes

[Super Kal]

never mind... I'm wrong.

[BatFitz]

So, when Michael Thau said at Comic-Con that there was a new ending; this is what he was talking about? That's odd...oh well....it'll sure confuse the people who watch S1 the first time and then watch this..."Is that how he solves everything?"

[O'Haire]

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/superman5.html

Donner Cut art for those who haven't seen it.

[BatFitz]

I actually like that better than the first one they put out...it feels retro Donnerish

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/BatmanFan/DonnerCutFront.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/BatmanFan/DonnerCutBack.jpg

[Ulic Queldroma]

I am sooooooooo jazzed about this one. I've been holding out on buyin Superman II because of this. I can't wait to see it.

[mclay18]

I have to say that the cover art for "Superman II: The Donner Cut" is just fugly. I liked the original art featured in the trailer for the DVD set, this art has the wrong font and the tone of Superman is supposed to be light and fun, not dark and somber like Batman.

The back cover by comparison actually looks quite good, and it's great to know that the Donner cut will have a Dolby Digital 5.1 track like the first film and the Lester version of "Superman II".

Oh, buggs0268, will the main title sequence have new Oxford Scientific footage (different space background) or will it be the exact same title sequence for the first movie, with the credits changed? I'm also wondering if the WB opening logo will be the recent one or the same one for "Superman"...

[LostSon88]

I actually like that better than the first one they put out...it feels retro Donnerish

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/BatmanFan/DonnerCutFront.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/BatmanFan/DonnerCutBack.jpg

The back cover is good but I personally preferred the original cover they showed in the Collection trailer...IMO this one looks as if it were fanmade.

[TheCalling]

The back cover is good but I personally preferred the original cover they showed in the Collection trailer...IMO this one looks as if it were fanmade.

WORD.

There´s nothing wrong with the image they used but they could have done more with it. Its too simple imo, especially with all the white style-less letters...

[Kal-El 8]

I actually like that better than the first one they put out...it feels retro Donnerish

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/BatmanFan/DonnerCutFront.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/BatmanFan/DonnerCutBack.jpg

The Cover isn't as cool as The one featured in the trailer, But I could care less, I'm so!!!!! going to get this dvd . :super:

[Bad Superman]

So, when Michael Thau said at Comic-Con that there was a new ending; this is what he was talking about? That's odd...oh well....it'll sure confuse the people who watch S1 the first time and then watch this..."Is that how he solves everything?"

I hope it's a new ending. Two movies ending the same way isn't good idea.

[buggs0268]

A few manips I made in another thread for the S2 Donner cut cover and poster. Since this is the first time it is being released, I think Warner's should have gone and gotten a painter and had a poster painted, as it would have if Donner was allowed to conitue with S2, in 1978, and based it on the poster for STM as a companion piece to it:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v670/buggs0268/mysuperman2poster.jpghttp://static.flickr.com/21/27065738_337adf2c24_m.jpg

DVD cover with the release poster and credits had this been the Superman 2 released in 1979.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v670/buggs0268/sup2donndvdcover.jpg

The full cover minus the credits that DVD covers have now:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v670/buggs0268/supermaniidonnerdvdcoverfull.jpg

[buggs0268]

The back cover is good but I personally preferred the original cover they showed in the Collection trailer...IMO this one looks as if it were fanmade.
Although it is better than that photoshop crap art that they used for the other ones, this is terrible. Out of all the promotional images they shot while Superman was filming, this is the one they chose. People are going to think this is a documentary in the video store and pass up on it. Why couldn't htey have done a painting? Jeeze.

[DogofKrypton]

Although it is better than that photoshop crap art that they used for the other ones, this is terrible. Out of all the promotional images they shot while Superman was filming, this is the one they chose. People are going to think this is a documentary in the video store and pass up on it. Why couldn't htey have done a painting? Jeeze.

Actually, I know why they chose it. That was the promotional picture they were using to advertise Superman:TM BEFORE it was filmed. So they went for a "nostalgic" cover, over anything else.

[buggs0268]

Actually, I know why they chose it. That was the promotional picture they were using to advertise Superman:TM BEFORE it was filmed. So they went for a "nostalgic" cover, over anything else.
I understand that, but it really isn't the best picture they could have chosen out of all they have. I really, really wish they could have hired a painter, or done a manip with existing material like the blue screen footage of Chirs on STM and made a photshop manip, and then used a painting filter to do a painting. I mean this should have gotten a painted poster that is a companion piece to STM's poster.

Don't get me wrong. I like it loads better than that photoshop crap they are doing for the Chris Reeve Collection.

[bingy13]

I actually like that better than the first one they put out...it feels retro Donnerish

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/BatmanFan/DonnerCutFront.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/BatmanFan/DonnerCutBack.jpg
I'm all for simple covers, but that is just ugly. :down:down

[jrd550]

I've waited so long for this I wouldn't care if the disc came in a tuna can BUT if I had to nitpick truth is they could have done a hell of a lot better - the cover looks like it belongs to a documentary about Donner's Superman 2 and not the film itself.

[LostSon88]

Well...I guess now we know why they half-assed all those other covers :woot:

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/superman-the-ultimate-collection.html

[johnsonuk]

DAMN... there's just no end to the madness this week! No sooner do we sign off for the day, tentative word comes in from Warner that the studio is going to be releasing at least SOME of the classic Superman theatrical films in high-def as well on 11/28! We're trying to get all the details for you, but what we know so far is that the studio's press site indicates that at LEAST Superman: The Movie and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut will be released on HD-DVD format on 11/28 (SRP $28.99 each). We're pretty sure that isn't the whole story (we'd be surprised if all the films weren't on the way to BOTH high-def formats, based on comments studio reps made earlier this year at their 2006 catalog press event). When we have an update for you, we'll be sure to jump back in here with all the details.

Stay tuned...

from digitalbits

[CGHulk]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/BatmanFan/DonnerCutFront.jpghttp://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3346/ultimatefleischerdvdxb1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This is neat, it's form over at http://supermancinema.co.uk/
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/4060/thankyouwbbn0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[sidewinder57]

Let the hyperbole continue

the full scene

http://trailers.warnerbros.com/web/...l1_loissuspects (http://trailers.warnerbros.com/web/player.jsp?client=HomeVideo&group=HomeVideoNewReleases&trailer=sm2_rdcut_comicon_reel1_loissuspects)

[boywonder13]

Let the hyperbole continue

the full scene

http://trailers.warnerbros.com/web/...l1_loissuspects (http://trailers.warnerbros.com/web/player.jsp?client=HomeVideo&group=HomeVideoNewReleases&trailer=sm2_rdcut_comicon_reel1_loissuspects)

nice find:yay:

[Kal-El 8]

Let the hyperbole continue

the full scene

http://trailers.warnerbros.com/web/...l1_loissuspects (http://trailers.warnerbros.com/web/player.jsp?client=HomeVideo&group=HomeVideoNewReleases&trailer=sm2_rdcut_comicon_reel1_loissuspects)

OMG :wow: :hyper: :wow: That's SUPERB!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :super:

Margot looks beautiful as Lois and Chris is Spectacular as Mild Mannered Reporter Bumbling idiot Clark Kent.

Already I'm loving The donner cut version . I can't wait to own this movie .

[Kal-El 8]

The dialogue between Lois & Clark actually makes sense , The Way Lois figures it out is well done, We got to see SUPERMAN use his Superpowers while as Clark Kent : Mild Mannered Reporter disguise . The playful banntering was well played.

The Chemistry between Margot & Christopher was prefect & .

I can't wait to own this dvd . This is how SUPERMAN II should've been .

Also look at how amazing Sups powers look with the CGI of today
We saw him in clean clear format .

1. Superspeed

2. Super- Breath

3. Heat Vision

The look on Lois face when she lands in the fruit stand and see Clark is looking at her from out the window of Perry Office is PRICELESS !!!!!!!!

I love How Clark super speed out of The Daily planet so fast no one saw him, he get downstairs out side the planet uses his super breath to stop Lois from falling down fast, uses his heat vision at a quick speed While The public doesn't notice him and super speeds back to the top of Perry office window without being seen .

[Naite22]

^ I agree, but I think he's pretty lucky that no one saw him use the heat-vision right there in the middle of the street...! While I have no doubt that this Richard Donner Cut of superman 2 is waaaay better then the Lester version, I think that this was a little over the top wasn't it??? I mean it looks great, and it's exiting, but in a way a bit stupid... I mean Lois is STILL taking one hell of a chance just jumping out of the god damn window, right there... Which is why I think (in this case) that the way Lester conceived it, with Lois jumping in the Niagra Falls river was better... Not as spectacular, but it works a bit better. But still I have to see this Donner cut in its entirely to get the full scope of it. I can't wait.

[sidewinder57]

not being picky or anything, but are those glasses resistant to heat vision?

[boywonder13]

imagine if this was released instead of Lesters Superman II way back when...and Donner did Superman 3 and 4!!!!!!!!! :up:

:(

[Kal-El 8]

^ I agree, but I think he's pretty lucky that no one saw him use the heat-vision right there in the middle of the street...! While I have no doubt that this Richard Donner Cut of superman 2 is waaaay better then the Lester version, I think that this was a little over the top wasn't it??? I mean it looks great, and it's exiting, but in a way a bit stupid... I mean Lois is STILL taking one hell of a chance just jumping out of the god damn window, right there... Which is why I think (in this case) that the way Lester conceived it, with Lois jumping in the Niagra Falls river was better... Not as spectacular, but it works a bit better. But still I have to see this Donner cut in its entirely to get the full scope of it. I can't wait.

Considering she knows now a Man can fly, she knows that she'll be saved somehow .

I hated that, I thought that scene was stupid. This scene is more like something Lois would do , Infact she did do this once in the comics, and her Flyboy did resuce her .

[buggs0268]

^ I agree, but I think he's pretty lucky that no one saw him use the heat-vision right there in the middle of the street...! While I have no doubt that this Richard Donner Cut of superman 2 is waaaay better then the Lester version, I think that this was a little over the top wasn't it??? I mean it looks great, and it's exiting, but in a way a bit stupid... I mean Lois is STILL taking one hell of a chance just jumping out of the god damn window, right there... Which is why I think (in this case) that the way Lester conceived it, with Lois jumping in the Niagra Falls river was better... Not as spectacular, but it works a bit better. But still I have to see this Donner cut in its entirely to get the full scope of it. I can't wait.
I like this a thousand times better. Lois does say "willing to bet my life on it" and it shows the characters trademark reclessness. And the way Lois figures out he is Superman is much better, and her prodding in Perry White's office. And as Kal-El 8 said, she did this in the comics before the movies were made too.

[sidewinder57]

Alright let's say that the Donner cut is a let down. Would that make it one of if not the biggest disappointments in film history?

[Kal-El 8]

Alright let's say that the Donner cut is a let down. Would that make it one of if not the biggest disappointments in film history?

After watching the trailer seeing that clip & reading all of the spoilers, The Donner Cut compear to Sups II . It Outstanding, I think If Donner had been given the chance to do Superman II his way, not only would Sups III & IV rock but their be plenlty more Superman movies .

[ec86]

@sidewinder: sorry, I didn't understand: why do you think it's a let down?

[sidewinder57]

No no you got it all wrong. I don't think it's going to be a let down. On the contrary. Everything that I've seen so far is superb. It's pretty safe to assume that it's going to be an unqualified success. But as with any big/hyped up release there is always that slight chance of it being a let down. The few scenes and clips are absolutley superb and 100x better then anything in the Lester Cut. What if though as a whole the film just doesn't work? If that's the case would that make The Donner Cut one of if not the biggest disappointments in film history?

Now if you'll excuse me I think I'll watch that Daily Planet scene again (isn't Clark's reaction to Lois when she shows him the newspaper priceless?)

[buggs0268]

Alright let's say that the Donner cut is a let down. Would that make it one of if not the biggest disappointments in film history?
We already know it isn't as the script has been online for years and we know exactly what happens. We have also seen pieces from it in the ABC releases.

We also need to thank Margot Kidder as well for being a person who got this done too. Had she never made that comment about seeing what was finished of the Donner cut while filming it, and stating that she knew for a fact it was in a vault in England somewhere, and that it was far superior to the Lester cut, Warner's might not have been pressed to go find it as well. It was one of the driving forces that got fans fueled and writiing letters.

[sidewinder57]

just because a script is great doesn't mean the end result is going to be great too.

[CGHulk]

Wow that scene was hysterical, I love it!!! :D

[BatFitz]

That was amazing! Although I can tell that they got a voice over person to do Chris' voice when he said "Lois are you crazy?" as she was laying on the fruit stand

[BatFitz]

I hope they don't release any more than that....I want to see most of what I've never seen in DVD-quality picture....

[The Sage]

That clip rocked baby!!

I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being the best superhero movie ever.

[sidewinder57]

I don't think it's a question of can it top the original version (although technically this is the original version) but can it top Superman: The Movie?

[ec86]

that's a really good question... I'm not too much into the whole Donner-cut thingy, but I will buy it :D that's for sure, cus I don't have the second movie so far. Maybe it can top S:TM, but I doubt it...

[BatFitz]

I think asking that is like asking which is better, Kill Bill Volume 1 or 2? They are intended to be viewed seamlessly basically...remember, it was one script....but I'm sure it will be like "This part is better" but it does have a possibility of topping S1....because of the fights and all the Donner Zod-Superman scenes...

[sidewinder57]

My questions was more like can the second half live up to the first? I honestly believe and I know I'm risking overhyping it, that Superman 2 will be the greatest superhero film of all time. It was filmed at the same time as the first one, the script is great and the few clips and scenes that are out there are fantastic. I don't even believe the blank bullets scene can bring this down. It may not match continuity wise, but who cares the performances are great (some of it is on the bonus features of the 2001 Superman: The Movie release)

And you're right. This is the second half of what is essentially one long movie. Yesterday I watched Superman and then right after I watched the Daily Planet opening of Superman 2. It really does seemlessly blend in with the first.

[SavageBanner]

not being picky or anything, but are those glasses resistant to heat vision?


Yep. Apparently this storyline draws off the pre-crisis, indestructible Clark Kent glasses (that were constructed out of left-over pieces of baby Kal-El's spaceship). :super:

[SavageBanner]

The Donner Cut is going to be a piece of patchwork, possibly the most eagerly awaited piece of patchwork ever made.

Basically, Michael Thau has had to re-construct the original Superman II using all the remaining Donner footage and intercutting it with Lester footage in place of any scenes Donner never shot. On top of that, the Soundtrack consists of leftover John Williams cues from the first Superman movie. Add a few CGI special effects for glue, and you have the closest approximation of Richard Donner's vision possible under today's standards.

However, once it's all done, you can still bet that had Donner been allowed to finish his movie, it would STILL be very different from what we're about to see on November 28th. :super:

[sidewinder57]

Obviously the screen test is just that. A screen test. There's no getting around it. They could have just left the scene out completely, but it's so vital to the plot that it needs to be there. We should be glad that it exists in some form. I have a feeling that the Lester stuff is going to be few and far between. It will basically be the glue that holds it together. Unless they look really hard first time watchers probably won't be able to tell the difference. I'm interested to see how the Niagra Falls scene works. I think everyone's concern as well as my own is that it looks like a cut and paste job rather instead of flowing like an actual film.

But I have faith in the creators. Richard Donner, Michael Thau, and Warner Brothers have no intention of letting the fans down. There's just way too much anticipation. When John Williams score hits and those credits fly by on November 28, I expect nothing less then tears of joy.

[ReeveFan1978]

LOve that scene!!! I could only view it small at 56 but I cant wait to see it on my 36 inch set. LOL Ive always had a pic of Lois' double (Ellen Bry) in the vegetable stand and never knew where it came from.

Thanks for sending link.

EL

[Super78]

The Donner Cut is going to be a piece of patchwork, possibly the most eagerly awaited piece of patchwork ever made.

Basically, Michael Thau has had to re-construct the original Superman II using all the remaining Donner footage and intercutting it with Lester footage in place of any scenes Donner never shot. On top of that, the Soundtrack consists of leftover John Williams cues from the first Superman movie. Add a few CGI special effects for glue, and you have the closest approximation of Richard Donner's vision possible under today's standards.

However, once it's all done, you can still bet that had Donner been allowed to finish his movie, it would STILL be very different from what we're about to see on November 28th. :super:

Essentially, that was what Lester did with the exisiting Donner footage in '79.

The exisiting Superman II theatrical cut is a patched up job too. And it wasn't done very well at that either. Margot's hairstyle changes, as is her makeup, in scenes at the Planet and at the Fortress towards the end (obviously Lester's blending in of his newly shot footage with that of Donner's).

[SavageBanner]

Essentially, that was what Lester did with the exisiting Donner footage in '79.

The exisiting Superman II theatrical cut is a patched up job too. And it wasn't done very well at that either. Margot's hairstyle changes, as is her makeup, in scenes at the Planet and at the Fortress towards the end (obviously Lester's blending in of his newly shot footage with that of Donner's).

I agree with you 100%. Lester's S2 was a piece of patchwork too, and far inferior to the film that Donner would have created had he been allowed to finish it. Patchwork or not, I'm very happy that Donner's cut is finally coming to us after almost 30 years. I for one am NOT going to complain about scenes looking too "CGI", or voice dubs not sounding like the original actors. I think arguments like that are lame and weak in the grand scheme of things. It's like complaining about receiving a Lamborghini as a gift, then complaining about it not having its original paint job. Come on! It's a Lamborghini for Crikey's sake! Either take it or leave it! :super:

[dabilee01]

while viewing the clip, did anyone else notice that the audio and video were out of sync? or was it just me...

it was more noticeable to me towards the end of the clip, when lois is showing clark the newspaper.

[Super78]

Not sure if this is good or bad,

But, the Richard Donner cut is a whole 11 minutes shorter than the Lester version.

I found this out by taking a look at the scans of the DVD art box.

Superman II - original Lester cut (127 mins)
Superman II - Richard Donner cut (116 mins)

My guess is that the cutting of several Lester scenes and not compensating for some of them led to the overall film being cut in terms of its time.

[buggs0268]

Well Lester did add the whole Paris thing, which wasn't in the Donner version, and that took up a large portion of the movie as from opening credits until the elevator explodes in space will be missing as it contradicts what Donners version of what opened up the Phantom Zone is different. There are also other things. They never actually went up and shot at the falls, so that they will have to use Lester's stuff, and I am sure he edited it down as much as possible.

[CGHulk]

Here's a direct link to the Daily Planet opening of the Donner Cut! Right click and Save As, for streaming video in Quicktime format.http://trailers.warnerbros.com/web/synmedia/HomeVideo/HomeVideoNewReleases/trailers/us/quicktime/300000/sm2_rdcut_comicon_reel1_loissuspects.mov

[Dan33977]

^just watched that clip for the first time a few seconds ago. it pretty much owns. See, now that's ONE thing that I felt was REALLY missing from RETURNS: that kinda whimsical sense of humor between Clark and Lois that Donner had down pat. Really missed it (though I enjoyed RETURNS IMMENSELY).

can't wait 'till the DONNER CUT is released, though...:super: :super: :super: :super: :supes: :supes: :supes:

[Kevin Roegele]

I hope they remove some of the goofy rubbish, like when Zod, Ursa and Non are blowing at the people, the phone box falls over and the bloke continues his conversation whilst laughing - get rid of it!!

Well, half of that sequence is serious and works. The shots of cars flying into each other are awesome. The slapstick stuff should be taken out, definetly, but the whole sequence doesn't need to go.

[Kevin Roegele]

Not sure if this is good or bad,

But, the Richard Donner cut is a whole 11 minutes shorter than the Lester version.

I found this out by taking a look at the scans of the DVD art box.

Superman II - original Lester cut (127 mins)
Superman II - Richard Donner cut (116 mins)

My guess is that the cutting of several Lester scenes and not compensating for some of them led to the overall film being cut in terms of its time.

I agree. Plus, take out the Eiffel Tower sequence and all of the inane slapstick and you have a shorter movie.

[buggs0268]

This scene just gets better and better the few times I watch it. And I love the fact that even the other Daily Planet reporters have character and are like real people. November can't come fast enough for me.

[BatFitz]

....was that Routh filling in a line? "Lois, what have you done?" or somebody who sounds like Chris to fill it?

[Super78]

This scene just gets better and better the few times I watch it. And I love the fact that even the other Daily Planet reporters have character and are like real people. November can't come fast enough for me.

I agree.

Not to mention the movie, but the DVD itself (with a cleaned up, new transfer, 5.1 DD, etc) should be a blast.

Sadly, I don't have an HD DVD Player yet, so the HD version would have to wait. :csad:

[BatFitz]

if you have a 360 you can pay 200 for the HD drive...

[buggs0268]

....was that Routh filling in a line? "Lois, what have you done?" or somebody who sounds like Chris to fill it?
Well that was shot on the set that they had made for him to jumpout the window on Superman 1 and the exterior fly ins on Supes 2. They probablyy didnt get any ADR while filming as they had to drop production and post on S2 while trying to get STM done. Here is the definition of ADR:

http://www.filmsound.org/terminology/adr.htm

So they probably never got Reeve into the ADR studio do do this line, so it is probably someone who sounds like him. Especially since Reeve died before they started working on this. Also, had he not died, his voice would have been so different from his paralasis that he would not have been able to do it anyway.

[BatFitz]

I knew what adr was by the way...but yeah...most likely someone else...because if it was Routh we would've known....

[TrailerCues]

Here's a direct link to the Daily Planet opening of the Donner Cut! Right click and Save As, for streaming video in Quicktime format.http://trailers.warnerbros.com/web/synmedia/HomeVideo/HomeVideoNewReleases/trailers/us/quicktime/300000/sm2_rdcut_comicon_reel1_loissuspects.mov

I just love how they remastered the movie it looks beautiful

[Super78]

I just love how they remastered the movie it looks beautiful

yeah, it sure does.

Superman will be vindicated by this release after the garbage that was Superman Returns.

[bond 007]

sorry if this has been posted but does anyone know if the bloddy awfull sheild throwing bit has been cut (please say it has ), you know the bit at the fortress

[sidewinder57]

Michael Thau confirmed that not only is the cellaphane S gone, but the entire final act plays out different

[bond 007]

whoo hoo!

[BatFitz]

yeah....just read the donner sII script and you can see that the final act has more drama...

[KGBeast]

BatFitz could you pm me the donner´s superman 2 script or the link please

[Morgoth]

Can you buy Superman II separate when it comes out? Or do you have to buy the box set? I really do not want part three.:cmad:

4 ain't that bad though.

But all I want is 1 and two, especially the REAL part 2.

I have one now on the old dvd but I can't wait for the new box.

[Superman: Idols]

Can you buy Superman II separate when it comes out? Or do you have to buy the box set? I really do not want part three.:cmad:

4 ain't that bad though.

But all I want is 1 and two, especially the REAL part 2.

I have one now on the old dvd but I can't wait for the new box.

Don't worry. Amazon is saying that all of these DVDs can be purchased seperatly.

[Binker]

Very early. Here is the review to Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, and its a good one.

Source: http://www.moviehole.net/reviews/20060930_clints_review_superman_ii_the.html (http://www.moviehole.net/reviews/20060930_clints_review_superman_ii_the.html)

The fists are shaking in the air. The jaw is robust and raw with grit. The attitude? Quite simply, ed off. Having now seen what Richard Donner would have done with “Superman II”, I can honestly say there’s a couple of folks I’d love to see as merely heads-on-sticks.

For the first time in over thirty years, DVD gives us “Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut”, a film many – especially the aforesaid director – thought would never see the light of day. Thanks to a mass of fan petitioning – and, of course, the power of DVD – Warner, and the other powers-that-be, have decided to give ‘em what they – we - want.

For those not in the know, “Superman” and “Superman II” were filmed simultaneously –not back to back, but together. In other words, when Richard ‘Dick’ Donner would shoot a scene in ‘The Daily Planet’ for “Superman”, he’d shoot whatever needed to be shot for “Superman II” in the same location. Quite a juggle.

When the budget for the films’ started to spiral out of control, Donner was ordered to suspend work on “Superman II” – which he had completely about 70% off – and finish the first film. Donner expected to return to work on “Superman II” once the first film was in the can - but alas, that wasn’t to be.

Donner was let go.

The producers had decided to cut Marlon Brando – who had filmed his scenes – from “Superman II” altogether, because it would mean they wouldn’t have to pay the actor his staggering fee. They also decided on a few other cost-cutting exercises – including dumping Donner, who according to the producers was one costly element that needed to be eliminated. Believing that he worked too leisurely, and would ultimately hurt the bank, the moneymen replaced him – needless to say, Donner was shocked, flabbergasted, and as hurt as a poodle under a car tyre – with a second-rater.

Richard Lester was bought in to finish the film. His “Superman II”, as it was released, was average to say the least. Brando was gone, but so was the storyline. In many ways, it was incomprehensible – sure, not “Superman IV” incomprehensible, but still a mess.

Thanks to some insanely hard work from the restoration troops, “Superman II” is available to view as it should’ve been from the get-go – Well, not entirely as it would’ve been (because many of the special effects sequences weren’t finished and some of the scenes were shot by Lester), but good enough. Scratch that. Great…enough.

Donner’s film is a totally different film. It really is. From the storyline to the tone to the performances to the pacing…. It just plays different, and works a hell of a lot better than the condensed “Superman II” that we know. It also has some real heart, something sorely missing from the Lester version.

Among some of the changes – a more detailed introduction which explains how Zod, Non and Ursula escaped the Phantom Zone, the original ending (which involved Superman turning back time – something they ended up using for the first film), a spectacular third-act battle between hero and villains in the Metropolis streets, and, most importantly, the reincorporation of Marlon Brando’s scenes as Superman’s pop, Jor-El.

The most wonderful ‘new’ moments are those between Superman/Clark and Lois Lane, though. At the start of the film, Lois realises that Clark is indeed Superman, so she proceeds to try everything she can – like jumping out a window, and ultimately shooting him in his indestructible chest – to get him to expose himself to her. There’s a joyous little sequence (which is actually the screen test because the sequence was never filmed for the movie) in which Clark eventually does come clean with Lois, and as a consequence, they admit their true feelings for one another. This ultimately leads Clark – with Lois in tow – to the Fortress of Solitude, where he proceeds to talk Jor-El (Brando in another of his restored scenes) into letting him become ‘human’.

The finale – incorporating the ‘turn back the time’ element – is also quite touching. Knowing they can’t be together, a weepy Lois agrees to let Superman turn back the clock so that the next day, everything will be back to how it was…before she knew his secret identity. It’s actually quite touching. Kidder is especially excellent in the scenes (Donner says in the commentary that the waterworks were real – she didn’t need anything to help her cry).

I don’t want to say too much more about Donner’s film, it’s too good to spoil. I’m inclined to say that if it had been completely finished – and it’s not far from it – it would’ve been just as good a film as the original.

Director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz provide an insightful and very honest – Donner is understandably and obviously rather hurt still, by what happened way back when, and isn’t afraid to let it rip. For instance, he refuses to name ‘Richard Lester’ by name but sours at watching one of “his” scenes– commentary for the film, that’s worth listening to once you watch the film with its soundtrack.

Other extras include an introduction to the film by Donner, a featurette about how the restored version came about, and an option to view the ‘new’ scenes on their own.

This is one of the most joyous DVD releases of the year. “Superman II” will never be the same again – and for once, that’s a good thing.

Rating: ****/*****

[BatFitz]

Awesome

[Morgoth]

Don't worry. Amazon is saying that all of these DVDs can be purchased seperatly.Cool!:woot:

[Morgoth]

Very early. Here is the review to Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, and its a good one.

Source: http://www.moviehole.net/reviews/20060930_clints_review_superman_ii_the.html (http://www.moviehole.net/reviews/20060930_clints_review_superman_ii_the.html) That sounds great! Good review.:yay:

[Kal-El 8]

I can't wait .

[captain_jimbo]

I can't wait .

Neither can I. :yay:

[jrd550]

Can't Wait!!!!!! There Is A God!!!

[Mike_D202]

The color of the film looks beautiful, i cant wait.

[Kevin Roegele]

Believing that he worked too leisurely, and would ultimately hurt the bank, the moneymen replaced him – needless to say, Donner was shocked, flabbergasted, and as hurt as a poodle under a car tyre – with a second-rater.

Whatever you say about Lester's Superman efforts, he cannot be considered a second-rate director. He pretty much invented the music video with Hard Day's Night, and most people will tell you he directed the best Three Musketeers film ever (no mean feat considering it's been filmed endless times).

[BatFitz]

I wouldn't say he's second rate....for OTHER films. For Superman, yes, he was a second rate director

[Eros]

As Soon as i heard superman was "reversing time" in donners cut, I lost all interest. Does Donner not realize the concept of superman reversing time[impossible no matter how fast you fly] is the "campiest" thing in any superman movie? I mean in the first movie it was emotional and a one time thing, but for superman to casually once again show that he can avoid any threat buy doing that is just dumb.

[Mike_D202]

^this is true.

[ReeveFan1978]

Thanks for the link to review. 8 weeks to go.

EL

http://members.aol.com/modfrancie1966/chrisgc.jpg


"Once a girl's seen Superman in action, Niagara Falls kinda leaves you cold."