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Topic: Superman II

James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003

posted February 04, 2005 07:08 PM

This is, in my opinion, the best of the four Superman movies. Why it was never released in full length on super 8 is a mystery to me. It's action packed, and makes very good use of humor, as well as strong performances by all. With that said, I will proceed with the review [Smile]

.

Superman II was available in the following super 8 versions:

3 x 400 foot flat / letterboxed (unknown distributor)

2 x 600 foot plus 2 x 200 foot (extra scenes) (Derann Films)

Trailer (Jef Films)

I owned both digest versions, so I will review them both.

3 x 400 foot flat version:

This version was sold in the U.S. exclusively through L.A. Films (remember Larry Arpin?)

Each reel was about 18 to 20 minutes (very full). The quality varied. Some scenes were fully letterboxed, while others were only slightly letterboxed. Some scenes had very good color, while other scenes were sort of pale and grainy. The sound was consistantly good and stayed on track with the picture, with no sign of being home-dubbed.

The titles were cut down to a mere large "S", then "Superman II" and lasts about five seconds (with no score), then moves right into the Paris, France scene.

As far as contents go, this version did have alot of different scenes from the Derann scope version. I remember some of the extra scenes- the complete scene when the astronauts encounter the alien villains on the moon ("planet Houston?"). Also, more of the love story between Louis and Superman (eww [Razz]

) I think the scene were the town sherriff and deputy first encounter the aliens is there too, as well as the scene where the snake bites the female and she burns it up. Its been a long time since I've seen this version, so I don't remember everything.

Another draw back on this version was that there is no resolution with the truck driver. You see Clark Kent get pulverized by this guy, but the movie ends at Superman's fortress, with Lex Luther asking for a ride back. Then, the picture just goes dark! No "The End", no music, nothing but about ten feet of end leader.

Overall, I would rate this version a "C". There are a few good self contained clips that could be used as a short scene (Like the battle in Metropolis between Superman and the three villians) but as a digest, it just doesn't flow well. And without any score or credits at the beginning or end, it just feels wierd.

2 x 600 plus 2 x 200 foot cinemascope version

This version was released by Derann Films about two or three years after the above version (I think it was '86 or '87) and is much superior to the above version. The color and sound is very good, and the cinemascope is great.

This version starts out with the pre-credit scene in which the villains are judged guilty and imprisoned, then a partial credit scene, with score. Clark is told of Louis's assignment in Paris, France. Most of the bomb scene is shown, the villains are released, they land, Lex escapes from prison, Clark and Louis in Niagra Falls, Clark reveals his secret to Louis, he gives up his powers, gets beat up at the diner, villains take over small town, then the White House. Most of the street battle between Superman and the villians is intact (about 75 %). Then the final battle at Superman's fortress is about 95 % intact, then the scene where Clark kisses Louis back at the office and she forgets everything, then the "Sorry Mister President" scene, and Mr. Reeves does his trademark flying off into space and smiling. A little score and credits. the end.

Then, by popular demand, Derann was nice enough to release the complete opening credit scene (which basically tells the story of the first Superman movie in pictures and music, no dialog. Pure genius). This comes on a pretty full 200 foot reel.

Also, and best of all, the complete diner scene at the end where Clark gets the truck driver back! One of the most satisfying scenes ever! This is about 60 or so feet on a 200 foot reel.
All these put together, a very smooth flow. An excellent release.

Whew! that was a lot of typing. I hope someone out there finds this review helpfull.

I never did see the trailer released by Jef Films, but if it was anything like his other trailer releases, I'm sure the quality is top notch.

P.S.- stay away from the flat release, unless you just want to have a few scenes to show as shorts or something, like me.

Nick.

[ April 30, 2013, 03:53 PM: Message edited by: James N. Savage 3 ]