CapedWonder Superman Imagery

With the most recent report from WB Archivist George Feltenstein regarding the original camera negatives from “Superman IV” still existing, do you think there’s a chance of a newly restored and updated version of the film being made?

Likewise, happy new year!

I was born after the theatrical release. But I’ve been watching it on home video since before I can remember. There have been many portrayals of Superman in media. I appreciate everyone else’s love for other actors in the role. And the many interpretations of the character. But for my money Reeve is the gold standard. That first movie is near perfect.
So in 2018 when it was released in theaters for the 40th anniversary I was overjoyed to finally see it on the big screen for the first time.

off to see superman at my local cinema 11th woo hoo

got my tickets to see the 45th anniversary of superman

Aged 15 saw it in December 1978 and was bowled over.
From Title cards bellowing John Williams’ masterful score to the chemistry of Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, I was hooked.

The first line of Kryptonian dialogue by Jorel set the proceedings forward, “This is no Fantasy!”

Awesome direction and special effects make this my favorite “Super Hero” film.

THERE IS ONLY ONE SUPERMAN/CCLARK KENT and his name IS CHRISTOPHER REEVE.

Jim thank you for your website. i love superman movies. i know had donner not been fired then the 3 villains would have been in Superman 3. i read that in an article a year or two ago. Jack who played Non said that. I would like Warners and Selutron come together and fix superman The movie to fit that will the Donner cut of superman 2. i wish then Jack who played non and Warners could do alternative superman 3 and 4 with the 3 villains They could use CGI That 3 starts off where donner cut ended. If Warners and jack can write storyline similar to what donner would have most likely done for 3 and 4. i wish these things could happen. thank you for your website Jim.

I heard in June 2021 that Superman II – The Expanded Richard Donner Cut was done, is the Expanded Richard Donner Cut available for the public to buy? I understand a fan did the expanded version of the Donner cut. If it is not available, i hope at some point we can but the expanded version of Superman II Donner Cut.

Hello !
I really enjoy what you do!
The original Donner film is a one of the pillars of my life
I was wondering if you guys have any update on Richard Donner life or work ? He’s 90 ! is he doing ok ?
Do you guys think he will work on a new lethal weapon ?

cheers !

I love this site! Can´t get enough of the pictures and all the background information.
There is so much love and respect for the character of Superman and the movies, you can feel it in every single article.
Very nice work, please keep it up!

Thanks buddy I love the website and keep the torch lit thanks for all you do for us all like the Superman movies did inspirational forevermore forever unconditionally I miss the legendary legacy Christopher Reeve left us all but not to worry we have Brandon Routh (doppelgänger of Christopher Reeve) this is hard to believe but Steve Harvey (doppelgänger of the legendary late Richard Pryor) I have proof wouldn’t it be great for themselves to be in a newer Superman movie like in Superman 3 (1983,2000,2006) thanks buddy keep the torch lit thanks peace and blessings to you all peace.

Hi there Jim,

I just stumbled upon a very special scene from Superman I where the spaceship had just landed in the farms of Smallville. From that moment in the movie right till the 4th part of Superman(The Quest for Peace), I guess I must have seen these movies at least a dozen times if not less. As I was watching through this video yet one more time, I stumbled upon your website and boy! I could just say one word AWESOME. You have rekindled the “Christopher Reeve” in me who in my humble opinion epitomized Peace, Smile, Happiness, Confidence, Goodness and above all Self Belief. I have always been a fan of Mr Reeve ever since I was a child growing up as of today in my early forties. Thank you for all the wonderful information, you have shared with us here and once again it has been an absolute joy knowing the legacy of Christopher Reeve. To me, in short Christopher Reeve is SUPERMAN. God Be with you Mr Reeve and thank you once again for all the amazing memories and love imparted to us.

“In the decade of the 1930’s, even the great city of Metropolis was not spared the ravages of the worldwide Depression. Amid times of fear and confusion, the job of informing the public was the responsibility of The Daily Planet, a great metropolitan newspaper whose reputation for clarity and truth had become a symbol of hope for the city of Metropolis!”

The greatest superhero movie of all time celebrates its 40th anniversary today. Superman was released on December 15, 1978. I was in middle school at the time, and I remember all of the buzz surrounding the movie in the months prior to its release. I bought many of the celebrity magazines, as well as several DC comic books, and each month there were various reports on casting and production. Some of those reports turned out to be incorrect, such as the one in which Rona Barrett announced that Anne Archer had been cast as Lois Lane. I will be forever grateful that Rona got that one wrong.

I found all of the news interesting, yet I had little desire to see the movie. In fact, I did not see it until it had its network television premiere on ABC on Sunday, February 7 and Monday, February 8, 1982. Even though I watched it on my tiny 13-inch black and white portable TV, I was enthralled. From that kid reading from Action Comics #1 to the very end of the ten-minutes-long closing credits, I loved every second of it. I got goosebumps when I first heard John Williams’ theme music and still get them every single time I hear it. And those opening credits flying through space are as incredible today as they were four decades ago.

The casting was superb. Marlon Brando was worth every penny of the millions he was paid for his portrayal of Jor-El. I loved Glenn Ford and Phyllis Thaxter as Jonathan and Martha Kent. It was clever how we were subtly informed that Martha’s maiden name was “Clark.” Even though he had only a few minutes of screen time, Jonathan’s death never fails to bring a tear to my eye. One of my favorite moments is in the wheat field when Martha reaches out her hand to comfort Clark then draws it back, as if she’s suddenly become afraid to touch him.

Christopher Reeve was perfect as both the adult Clark and the Man of Steel. The scene in the Fortress of Solitude when we first see him in his Superman costume and he flies toward the camera is thrilling. But it’s Margot Kidder as feisty, vivacious Lois Lane that really makes the movie for me. ABC also aired a documentary on the making of the film in which there was a very telling behind-the-scenes moment where director Richard Donner instructed everyone to take a break from filming the balcony scene. As Margot walked away, Richard pulled Chris aside and informed him that Margot was stealing the scene from him, and Chris sheepishly agreed. I feel that Margot stole every scene in the movie. She had an indefinable something that I found totally charming.

The helicopter rescue is one of the most exciting scenes ever captured on film and features my favorite line: “You-you’ve got me? Who’s got you?!” Then there’s the aforementioned balcony scene. The interplay between Chris and Margot is so much fun. I love that moment when Lois hesitates as she says, “Clark…says that…you’re just a figment of somebody’s imagination. Like Peter Pan,” and Superman gets a brief look of panic on his face, thinking that she’s calling him “Clark.” And the flying sequence! It’s absolutely magical, with John Williams’ music again inducing goosebumps. There is one brief shot as the two of them fly away from the Statue of Liberty that looks so real you’d swear that somehow they were actually suspended in mid-air above New York Harbor. A lot of people apparently don’t like “Can You Read my Mind,” but I find Margot’s performance of it enchanting.

Lois’ death scene is powerful. It’s brilliantly done, as you really feel her panic as she’s being buried alive. And Superman’s anguish is gut-wrenching. Chris and Margot were both incredible in this scene. I’ve always found it a bit difficult to watch it, and I think it will be even harder to watch it now. It breaks my heart that neither of them lived to celebrate this 40th anniversary of their most iconic roles. I hope they know how much this movie and they themselves mean to us.

40 years ago today, cinema was elevated to new heights and the superhero genre was officially kicked off much to the respect of Hollywood as well as to general audiences with the release of this spectacle. Without it, we wouldn’t have all the superhero movies flooding the cinemas today. The love and dedication to making this film is definitely felt right from the soaring opening credits. The soaring performance of Christopher Reeve is easily the best casting in superhero movie history as well as one of the best in movie history in general. The supporting cast also brings a lot to the table in many ways. From amazing special effects to John Williams’ soaring score, it all comes together to create a fun, nostalgic adventure that still soars today!

Hello
This is a wonderful website. Christopher Reeve is still the best Superman there has ever been. He so epitomized the true ideals and personality of this character:Clark Kent and Superman with humility and generosity and never-ending courage that always lifts the human spirit and inspires so many people like myself. Always grateful that his lifetime gave us these incredible moments of entertainment. Christopher Reeve’s charismatic portrayal and his life in memorable films are iconic and a true testament to the legend Superman. Miss him, thank you for sharing.
M.D. Mortsfield

Dear Jim , CapedWonder.com is amazing and you do a super amazing job honoring Christopher Reeve and him as Superman. Keep up the super amazing work !!!

Where was the alley transformation filmed? NYC?

Yesterday I watched the TV extended cut to honour Margot Kidder’s passing. After dozens and dozens of viewings over the past four decades, I can’t believe I found a detail I’d never noticed before! After the Phantom Zone villains disappear off screen, you can actually see the Council Dome closing!! Never noticed this detail before and it’s why the shot is held for a couple of seconds after the villains exit on the top right of the screen. I’m shopping for an 80 inch TV this weekend. Can’t wait to see what other morsels I find once the images are larger.

Just very sad at the loss of Margot Kidder. She made Lois Lane “real” and helped the audience believe that a man could fly. Somewhere Chris and Margot are flying again.

For 6 weeks, I went to see the movie every weekend in downtown KC at the Empire theatre. It simply blew me away. It was the start to the true superhero era.

Hi Jim
This is Aaron’s Mum and Dad.
We would just like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have done for our son.
Aaron holds you in the highest regard,and your generosity and kindness is overwhelming to say the least.
We are hoping that one day,someone will realise Aaron’s potential,(as you have my friend) when that day comes Jim,you will definitely not be forgotten,we will make sure of that.
When i was growing up,George Reeves was my hero,and i guess that has rubbed off on Aaron.
I’m 70 next year,but i still have faith in Aaron to make his mark by becoming famous before i depart this world.
You have given our son inspiration,and the tenacity to move forward in the quest to further his career.
God bless you Jim,you are a real “Superman”.

Kindest regards
Lew and Angie Price.(York,England)

HI Jim and Chris Reeve fans

It is amazing to think that out of all the actors that played the Man of Steel, Christopher Reeve is in actual fact the incarnation of how the hero would have been in real life. It is inspiring to know that not only die Richard Donner set the tone for one of the greatest hero movies of all time, but also defined a generation with greatness that we so seldom forget.
It is sad on the other hand that so many youngsters will not know what it is to have a hero like Christopher Reeve who really shined with the values of days forgotten, as the hero we see on the screen in 2017 lacks the sincerity and the integrity that made Christopher still being celebrated 40 years after his debut as the ultimate Superman.

Jim , you have to be commended in keeping this site so vibrant and congratulations on the success and inspiration you keep flaming. In the legacy of time, Richard, Christopher and Margot will always be AWESOME!

Hi Jim, I got back yesterday from the Superman Celebration in Metropolis, IL, where I met you. I was one of the contestants in the trivia contest. Thanks for all the interesting information you shared with us and also the Super-cut of the movie. I forgot to ask you a couple of questions. If you mentioned this, I missed it, but there are at least 2 Easter eggs in the new Wonder Woman movie that are a homage to Superman the Movie. Also, doesn’t Warner Bros. have all the master prints for all the scenes you have in the Restored International Cut? Surely they weren’t stupid enough to destroy them. Next year is going to be the 80th anniversary of Superman first appearing in the June 1938 issue of Action Comics #1. That would be a good time for them to release a high quality cut with all the scenes you have in your cut on widescreen on Blu-ray.