Warner Formally Announces ‘Superman: the Blu-Ray Collection’
In 1977, director Richard Donner made us believe a man can fly. It also proved for the first time that comic book heroes could be successfully translated to the silver screen. The subsequent films in the Superman series were of varying quality, getting worse by the film until the series was given a rest. In 2006, the franchise was revived under director Bryan Singer whose slavish attention to Donner’s vision may have compromised the film’s own integrity. And now, Zack Snyder is busily prepping production on a brand new vision of the Man of Steel.
Before that, though, Warner Home Video is finally releasing the five films on Blu-ray in a mammoth collection, in support of June’s Green Lantern release. Here’s a trailer followed by the formal release.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGTeCN0iq0Q[/youtube]
Burbank, Calif. March 31, 2011 –Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (WHV) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray. For the first time, fans will be able to own one super-entertaining Blu-ray collection with all four original theatrical Superman films starring Christopher Reeve (available for the first time in high def), Superman Returns, and the two alternate versions of Superman I and Superman II.
Available now in superb hi-def, with new digital/hi-def film masters, the must-own comprehensive Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray includes all six versions of the films in the original Superman theatrical franchise — Superman: The Movie – Original Theatrical, Superman: The Movie – Expanded Edition, Superman II – Original Theatrical, Superman II – The Richard Donner Cut, Superman III – Original Theatrical, Superman IV – Original Theatrical, plus Superman Returns. The Collection also boasts 20 hours of bonus features including the never-before-seen original opening to Superman Returns. Also included are two documentaries in hi-def, Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman and The Science of Superman, as well as You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman, deleted scenes, and much more. Fan-boys and technophiles will especially appreciate that all of the Superman films are being released with English DTS-HD-MA soundtrack for superior sound quality. Also included is Movie Cash good up to $8 off one admission ticket to see the newest Warner Bros. superhero film, Green Lantern, at participating theaters between June 17, 2011 and July 3, 2011. The eight-disc collection will be available for $129.95 SRP. Orders are due May 3, 2011.
Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology is also available On Demand and for download through online retailers including iTunes and Amazon on Demand.