26 November 2023; Podcast 5th Anniversary!
It’s the 5th Anniversary of the Podcast!
Jay Towers and I are really, really Excited about our Caped Wonder Superman Podcast 5th Anniversary today! 50 episodes and many more to come with great guests!
Thanks so very much for your Super Support; we are Grateful to each and every one of you!
Listen to our very first episode, featuring exclusive audio of David Michael Petrou interviewing Christopher Reeve in 1977 for The Making Of Superman: The Movie book. Click here to listen today!
Learn Something New! Stay Super! Happy Holidays!
— Jim Bowers, CapedWonder Founder & Editor
23 November 2023; Happy Thanksgiving!
“𝑯𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆, 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒇𝒍𝒚.” — Richard Donner.
We are eternally thankful for Christopher Reeve, Richard Donner, and the entire Superman cast and crew.
22 November 2023; Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain Art!
Take a look at Hayden Sherman’s awesome cover art Superman ‘78: The Metal Curtain issue #4! Zoom in to view the Easter Eggs!
Take a look at Danny Earl’s amazing cover art inks and Nick Filardi’s colors for Superman ‘78: The Metal Curtain issue #3! Zoom in to view the Easter Egg!
05 November 2023; Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain!
In our blockbuster 50th Episode of the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast, DC Comics writer Robert Venditti is talking about Superman ’78 The Metal Curtain. Not only is the Man of Steel back for another Reeve inspired series, but Robert surprises Jay Towers and Jim Bowers with some big news on 2 new characters in the DC universe you may know.
03 November 2023; David Petrou Birthday..!
Happy Birthday to our Great Super Friend, David Michael Petrou, Author of The Making of Superman: The Movie book!
The Blackout of 1977 in New York City couldn’t shut down Superman! Now 46 years later, David chats with co-hosts Jay Towers & Jim Jim Bowers on The Caped Wonder Superman Podcast about the cast, the crew, the filming and some stories you likely didn’t know!
02 November 2023; Donner Cut Anniversary..!
Today, November 2, 2023, is the 17th Anniversary of the world premiere screening of Richard Donner’s Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut at the Director’s Guild of America in Hollywood. My wife and I were fortunate enough to be invited by Warner Home Video to the screening. The evening was nothing short of spectacular, and one we shall never forget. Read more and see all of the photos here. — Jim Bowers, CapedWonder Founder & Editor
25 October 2023; Patriotic Man of Steel…
I love this last shot of Christopher Reeve in Superman II (theatrical). Download the full resolution 4K UHD screenshot here.
Truth, Justice & The American Way!
Have a great day! Stay Super!
–Jim Bowers, CapedWonder Founder & Editor
20 October 2023; The Fortress…
Please enjoy this video created by CapedWonder Video Editor, Daniel Pulliam.
03 October 2023; The Amazing Alberta Adventure! Part II!
Get ready for Part II of our Alberta Adventure! Jay Towers & Jim Bowers make a roadside stop at the Kent Farm, the Smallville Cemetery, and that exploding gas station. Plus our friend Stephen Lane from Propstore gives us an exclusive first look at some of the Superman Film Props in this year’s big auction. You can watch the episode below or at The Caped Wonder Superman Podcast Facebook Page.
28 September 2023; The Amazing Alberta Adventure! Part I!
In Episode 49, Part 1, Jay Towers and Jim Bowers reflect back on their Alberta Adventure, visiting some of the original filming locations for Superman and Superman III. This video podcast takes you to downtown Calgary for a few of the Metropolis scenes is Superman III. They guys also check out the starship crash site, Smallville High and some of the most famous train tracks in Superman ’78 History! Jay & Jim also get a first look at the Exclusive NYCC 2023 Foil Variant Covers of Superman ’78. We’re flying high over the wheatfields of Kansas and beyond on The Alberta Adventure. You can watch the episode below or at The Caped Wonder Superman Podcast Facebook Page.
27 September 2023; Journey to Smallville, Part II..!
Jay Towers and Jim Bowers from the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast are at the Museum of the Highwood & High River Visitor Information Centre with the ultimate movie prop from Superman: The Movie!
Enjoy the video! Please give it a bit of extra time to load.
26 September 2023; Journey to Smallville..!
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My Caped Wonder Superman Podcast co-host, Fox 2 Detroit news actor Jay Towers, and I journeyed together to Smallville, a.k.a., Alberta, Canada, where the Smallville scenes were shot for Superman: The Movie and Superman III, as well as some of the earthquake scenes for Superman: The Movie.
It was an incredible and unforgettable experience for us! We are so thrilled that we were able to be at these magnificent locations and imagine what it must have been like for the cast and crew in 1977 and 1982. So peaceful, so beautiful, so breathtaking!
Watch Jay’s morning news segment about our journey and our podcast teaser video at Barons School!
MANY more videos and photos yet to come! Stay tuned here and on social media!
— Jim Bowers, CapedWonder Founder & Editor
25 September 2023; Remembering Christopher Reeve…
Our Friend, Christopher Reeve, was born on this day 71 years ago.
23 September 2023; Book Giveaway!
Four fans will be receiving complimentary copies of the Superman: The Richard Donner Years 240-page deluxe hardbound coffee table book as holiday gifts in December. We will announce their names on December 15, 2023, the 45th Anniversary of Superman: The Movie. There is no “entering”; determination of names will be at our discretion.
22 September 2023; “Seeing is Believing!”
Amazon UK has Santa Claus: The Movie 4K UHD coming on November 13, 2023 from STUDIOCANAL! Pre-ordering will likely begin soon. Will it be available on Amazon US? Likely, yes. Stay Tuned!
In this stunning UHD 4K release of Santa Claus: The Movie, viewers will witness every detail of the film’s enchanting landscapes, whimsical characters, and dazzling special effects with unparalleled clarity and vibrancy. It’s a Christmas treat for the senses!
Santa Claus: The Movie is another Salkind production and was directed by Jeannot Szwarc (director of Supergirl/Jaws 2/Somewhere in Time). Plenty of Superman movie crew members helped bring this magical film to the silver screen, including Derek Meddings, Stuart Freeborn, and Roy Field.
There’s lots of discussion about this 4K UHD release on our Caped Wonder Superman Podcast Facebook page. Join us!
Here’s Bob Peak’s Santa Claus: The Movie beautiful poster art.
Super Fan Andy Raab alerted me today to this Quartet Records soundtrack release on the Intrada website. Be sure to pick up the 3-CD set by Henry Mancini. It’s gorgeous!
16 September 2023; Superman ’78 Variant..!
Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #3 (of 6) Tom Reilly Variant, releasing January 2, 2024.
I pre-order/order my comic books from: Big Time Collectibles, MyComicShop, and Ash Avenue Comics.
13 September 2023; Superman ’78 Exclusive..!
A New York City Comic Con Exclusive!
These Exclusive NYCC 2023 Foil Variant Covers are Amazing! Very reflective!
Only 1000 copies of each book are being produced…500 of each book will sell on the website and the other 500 of each book will sell at NYCC.
You can buy the books at NYCC in October and/or pre-order them on the Big Time Collectibles website starting Friday, September 29, 2023 at 8PM EST!
The artist of the flying Superman cover, Mico Suayan, will be at NYCC booth #3825 to sign his book for you.
Big Time Collectibles are also on Facebook and Instagram, so go check them out.
Have fun at the con!
(Huge thanks to the fine folks at Big Time Collectibles for this amazing opportunity to design the banner and be the first website to announce this exciting release of two beautiful foil variants! I know they will be Super Sellers!)
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11 September 2023; Iconic Portrait..!
Here’s an iconic portrait of Christopher Reeve as Superman shot by Bob Penn in New York City in July 1977.
Truth, Justice & The American Way!
03 September 2023; Happy Birthday Wishes to Valerie!
Happy 80th Birthday to our Incredible Super Friend, Valerie Perrine! Let’s show her our love and devotion with a donation to help in her fight against Parkinson’s!
Please enjoy this original slide scan from the CapedWonder Collection.
25 August 2023; Restore Superman IV Podcast Episode..!
In this special podcast episode, Jay Towers & Jim Bowers are joined by the ‘Kryptonian Keeper’ of all Superman IV knowledge, Martin Lakin. Martin is the Editor of Supermania CapedWonder Europe, part of the CapedWonder Network.
Jay, Jim, and Martin discuss the elusive 134-minute cut of Superman IV seen only once before being cut down to 89 minutes in 1987. The budget challenges of Sidney J. Furie are often talked about, but in this episode the guys celebrate some of the great moments of Christopher Reeve and the entire cast. Plus the Alexander Courage score and the filming locations.
Click here to watch the video preview on Facebook, or watch it below.
Martin Lakin has recently begun a Superman IV Facebook page called “Restore Superman IV”. Be sure to click here to get behind this important campaign!
You can also listen to the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast on iHeartRADIO, Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.
18 August 2023; SUPERMAN ’78: THE METAL CURTAIN…!
Very exciting news regarding the sequel to the Superman ’78 comic book series, coming this November and December! Will this be another six-issue series? Likely! Stay Tuned!
SUPERMAN ’78: THE METAL CURTAIN #1
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art and cover by GAVIN GUIDRY
Variant cover by WILFREDO TORRES
1:25 variant cover by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
1:50 variant cover by ADRIAN GUTIERREZ
Blank sketch variant
McFarlane Action Figure variant
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 11/7/23
When the planet Krypton exploded, its last son was rocketed across the cosmos and came to settle in a small town in Kansas. But what else came with him, and what if a piece of his home landed somewhere we never knew about? As Superman has become a symbol of strength and pride for America, the Soviet Union looks to crush that image with a creation of their own, built by their own might and forged by their own power! Robert Venditti returns to the Man of Steel with new artist Gavin Guidry!
SUPERMAN ’78: THE METAL CURTAIN #2
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art and cover by GAVIN GUIDRY
Variant cover by MICHAEL CHO
1:25 variant cover by MAX DUNBAR
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 12/5/23
Superman brings Lois to the Fortress of Solitude for a private interview. Meanwhile, the Russians launch their first assault with their mighty Metallo in hopes of drawing the Man of Steel out into the open. Witness as the power of the people breaks Superman!
15 July 2023; Second Definitive Gene Hackman Signing…!
Jay Towers and Jim Bowers, co-hosts of the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast, are excited to announce their SECOND partnership with Chris Wyman and Official Pix for the Definitive Gene Hackman Autograph Signing. This is your chance to get the Lex Luthor signature of your dreams!
Below are just a few sample photos to choose from on the Official Pix website; click here to see all of the photos.
You also have the opportunity to send in your own items for Gene to sign!
From the Official Pix website:
“In conjunction with The Memorabilia Network & Authentic Signings, Inc., we couldn’t be more excited to bring you our 5th private signing with 2-Time Academy Award Winning Actor, Gene Hackman! Select from nearly 200 photo options in multiple sizes that span his entire career! Once again, we’re delighted to be partnering with www.CapedWonder.com & the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast, who has provided even more rare and never-before-seen Superman images of Lex Luthor & cast!”
Pre-order Deadline is MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2023
Send-in Deadline is THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023
Jay Towers and Jim Bowers invited Chris Wyman in 2022 to be their guest on the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast to discuss the first Definitive Gene Hackman Autograph Signing…listen today!
05 July 2023; Remembering Richard Donner
𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙅𝙞𝙢,
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚. 𝙄 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙚.
𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙮𝙚. 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
𝙄 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙮.
𝙅𝙞𝙢, 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝. 𝙄𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚.
𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩,
𝘿𝙞𝙘𝙠
(Richard Donner’s 91st Birthday, April 24, 2021)
Here’s the scene. Aaron Smolinski is looking at Richard Donner as he mimics him.
03 July 2023; 4th of July!
Have a Wonderful and Safe 4th of July Week!
02 July 2023; Mario Puzo’s Scripts!
They have arrived! Sought after for decades, Mario Puzo’s first and second draft of Superman! Although many of his ideas were shot down by DC after the very first draft, some of Puzo’s original story ideas made it all the way to Superman & Superman II. The CapedWonder Superman Podcast is excited to present these drafts from 1975 for your reading pleasure. Superman: The Movie could have looked like a very different film. We encourage you to read, analyze, dissect, and imagine Mario Puzo’s vision for Superman.
17 June 2023; Superman III is 40..!
Please enjoy this new 35mm slide scan and restoration, featuring Paul Kaethler, Annette O’Toole, Richard Pryor, Christopher Reeve, and Gordon Signer on stage in High River, Alberta, Canada, in August 1982 filming Superman III. Superman III was released in U.S. and Canadian theaters 40 years ago today.
Below are a few more of my favorite photos. Click here to visit the Superman III gallery.
05 June 2023; Superman Web3 Movie Experience..!
SUPERMAN WEB3 MOVIE EXPERIENCE
Iconic DC Super Hero Film Being Released as a Multimedia Living Movie Experience from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Eluvio.
Includes 4K UHD Feature Film and Special Features, Interactive Themed Navigation, Explorable Image Galleries, Discoverable Digital Easter Eggs, and more!
Burbank, CA, June 5, 2023 – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, in partnership with content blockchain pioneer Eluvio, announced today the next installment of the WB Movieverse with the iconic DC Super Hero film Superman Web3 Movie Experience, available for preview at https://web3.wb.com and opening for purchase on June 9.
The release of Superman Web3 Movie Experience follows the 2022 first-of-its-kind Web3 entertainment offering The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition) Web3 Movie Experience.
Superman Web3 Movie Experience is a multimedia NFT for fans to own and to engage with the 1978 Richard Donner film in an exciting way. Through dynamic menu options based on iconic locations from the film, owners can watch the film in 4K UHD on desktop, mobile, tablet or TV, access special features, view image galleries and artist renderings by notable DC artists, discover digital easter eggs, as well as sell the experience in a community marketplace.
The Superman Web3 Movie Experience will be offered in standard and premium editions:
• Standard edition ($30 for 1 week from 8:00AM ET on June 9 to 7:59AM ET on June 16) includes an interactive location-based navigation menu, Superman: The Movie Theatrical Version, previously released special features and an image gallery featuring stills and behind the scenes galleries.
• Premium edition ($100 for 24 hours from 8:00AM ET on June 9 to 7:59AM ET on June 10) includes 3 different variations available for purchase separately, Truth, Justice, and Hope, each featuring an illustration of Christopher Reeve’s Superman from one of three DC artists – Ivan Reiss, Ben Oliver, or Bill Sienkiewicz. Each variation includes an interactive and explorable location-based navigation menu and 3 versions of the feature film – Superman: The Movie Theatrical Version; Superman: The Movie Expanded Director’s Cut; and Superman: The Movie Extended TV Edition – along with previously-released special features, and image galleries featuring costume and detail images from the Warner Bros. Archive and stills and behind the scenes galleries.
The Superman Web3 Movie Experience will include a free voucher code for a DC3 Super Power Pack: Series Superman from the DC NFT Marketplace, offering 3 randomly selected Superman comics with rarities from Common to Legendary. These packs are time-gated, open edition drops, limited to one per account. There will be new themed packs launching every few weeks, so stay tuned for updates.
Early access to all editions of the Superman Web3 Movie Experience will be available to DC Bat Cowl NFT holders at 8:00AM ET on June 8, to DC3 holders at 11:00AM ET on June 8, and to The Lord of the Rings Web3 Movie Experience holders at 2:00PM ET on June 8.
“For fans of this beloved and iconic film, Superman: The Movie is being released as an exclusive Web3 film and immersive digital collectible for the first time,” said Michelle Munson, CEO and co-founder of Eluvio. “As part of the WB Movieverse, consumers can easily watch, collect, and sell their film Web3 Movie Experiences on the blockchain, in the Movieverse marketplace. For Warner Bros., and the broader industry, Eluvio is honored to back this novel digital sell-through experience for 4K films and premium video assets – all streamed from and backed by secure blockchain access and ownership on the Eluvio Content Fabric.”
The Superman Web3 Movie Experience will drop to the public on June 9, exclusively at https://web3.wb.com and will be available for purchase by credit card or crypto currency.
To participate in this novel experience, fans can create a secure, easy-to-use media wallet that acts as a digital vault and enables consumers to stream and purchase content via credit cards or crypto wallets.
The Superman Web3 Movie Experience is powered by Eluvio, pioneers of Web3 innovation throughout the media and entertainment industry. The Eluvio Content Blockchain provides a high-performance, simple-to-use, and cost-effective Web3 platform built for content. It enables Web3 native media experiences, allowing publishers and fans to directly enjoy and monetize shows, films, concerts, digital albums, digital collectibles, interactive and metaverse experiences, and more. Content creators, and their communities, benefit from a significantly more carbon-efficient and high-performance alternative to traditional platforms for content streaming, distribution, and storage, including 4K streaming, ticketing, NFT minting, and trading
of premium content. Notably, in this experience, the core digital assets along with derivative NFTs are all on the blockchain, not just the token (NFT) itself. Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment and fans enjoy blockchain-backed access control and content rights enforcement, scalable attestation of ownership, smart contracts that enable distributed royalties, and content experiences that can even evolve over time.
Eluvio’s Content Blockchain also provides a breakthrough in carbon-footprint efficiency in the ways it manages media and uses blockchain technology, and on-chain content ownership. Through a novel compositional and just-in-time protocol, the Eluvio Content Blockchain does not make digital file copies and significantly reduces the network storage and usage requirements as compared to traditional streaming and content distribution systems. It also uses an eco-friendly “proof-of-authority” consensus, which avoids the high energy consumption used in computational “proof-of-work” blockchains.
28 May 2023; Superman in New Mexico..!
Here’s a wonderful photo of Christopher Reeve as Superman shot in Gallup, New Mexico in late May 1978 during the filming of Superman: The Movie. See many more New Mexico photos here.
24 May 2023; Superman Extended Cut Montage..!
Warner Archive did a great job mastering Superman: The Movie Extended Cut on Blu-ray in October 2017. Here’s an exclusive extended cut video montage prepared by CapedWonder Video Editor, Daniel Pulliam. Enjoy!
20 May 2023; Superman in Concert..!
I am VERY excited about attending the Superman in Concert John Williams Spotlight event with the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 8PM. Tickets will likely go on sale in August 2023. The CapedWonder Team is currently exploring ideas to make this event extra special for everyone, and many Superman celebrities are already planning to attend. Stay tuned for details throughout the coming months.
Many of our CapedWonder UK friends attended last year’s Superman in Concert with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in London. While I was unable to join them, I was treated to many of their wonderful photos and videos. Here’s a video that I created tonight; I replaced the movie’s Blu-ray audio track with audio from the Royal Albert Hall performance. The end of the video features the beginning of the concert’s intermission. Please enjoy!
13 May 2023; “Lois…Lois Lane!”
Remembering our favorite Lois Lane and a Wonderful Friend…Margot Kidder!
01 May 2023; Superman DVD Cast Reunion!
Twenty-two years ago, on May 1, 2001, I had the great fortune of attending the Superman movie reunion at the Warner Bros. Museum in Burbank, California to celebrate the release of the Superman-The Movie Special Edition DVD (I was Research Consultant on the DVD’s three documentaries). Warner Bros. also presented a $10,000.00 check to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (today known as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation).
The attendees were Richard Donner, Tom Mankiewicz, Margot Kidder, Valerie Perrine, Jeff East, Marc McClure, Sarah Douglas, Noel Neill and representatives from Warner Bros. Home Video. It was so touching and smile-educing seeing this family together again for the first time since filming the first and second Superman films. Christopher Reeve sent a message to the group via videotape since he was very busy doing speaking engagements around the world. It was unfortunate that he could not attend, but he appreciated the photo album I made especially for him from the day’s events.
Read the entire article and see all of the photos here.
23 April 2023; Superman 4K ULTRA HD First Look!
In Episode #48 of the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast, Jay Towers & Jim Bowers are back, and this time they each have the brand new Superman 5-Film Collection 4K Steelbook. It’s a very first look and first listen! This special episode can be viewed below, on our Facebook podcast page, and on YouTube. You can also hear the episode on iHeartRADIO or on any of your favorite podcast platforms! The first of many deep dives in the Christopher Reeve Legacy of Superman Films. Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest For Peace.
15 April 2023; A Star for 26 Years!
April 15, 2023 is the 26th anniversary of Christopher Reeve’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star ceremony and party in Hollywood, California. This once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching Christopher Reeve receive his much deserved star is a moment in time that I shall never, ever, forget. Click here to read more and see more photos. — Jim Bowers, CapedWonder, Founder
30 March 2023; Share your Memories!
Please share with us your very first memories of watching Superman: The Movie. Click on the floating green circle in the lower, left side of this webpage to share your memories.
I was 17 years old in 1978 and saw the movie 14 times in the same movie theater in Washington State. It was a magical time to be an avid moviegoer!
— Jim Bowers, CapedWonder Editor/Founder
21 March 2023; Superman I-IV 4K UHD Official Press Release!
CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF WARNER BROS.
WITH ONE OF FILM’S MOST ICONIC CHARACTERS – SUPERMAN
SUPERMAN 1978 – 1987 5-FILM COLLECTION FEATURING:
SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE, SUPERMAN II, SUPERMAN II: THE RICHARD DONNER CUT, SUPERMAN III, AND SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME AS A REMASTERED COLLECTION IN 4K RESOLUTION WITH HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE (HDR)
PURCHASE THE COLLECTION ON 4K ULTRA HD COMBO PACK MAY 9 AND DIGITALLY ON APRIL 18
Burbank, Calif., March 21, 2023 – As part of the year-long centennial celebration for the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros. Studio, five films featuring the iconic DC Super Hero Superman – Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, Superman III, and Superman IV – will be available for purchase in a five-film collection on 4K Ultra HD Disc May 9 and on Digital April 18.
Based on the DC character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the Superman films star Christopher Reeve as the legendary “Man of Steel.”
On April 18, the Superman 1978 – 1987 5-Film Collection will be available to purchase on Ultra HD Blu-ray™ Disc from online and in-store at major retailers and available for purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu and more.
The Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Packs will include an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the feature films in 4K with HDR, a Blu-ray disc with the feature films and special features in HD, and a Digital version of each film.
Ultra HD Blu-ray showcases 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR) and a wider color spectrum, offering consumers brighter, deeper, more lifelike colors for a home entertainment viewing experience like never before.
For the complete 4K Ultra HD experience with HDR, a 4K Ultra HD TV with HDR, an Ultra HD Blu-ray player and a high-speed HDMI (category 2) cable are required.
Ultra HD Blu-ray Elements
Superman: The Movie Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following previously released special features on Blu-ray Disc:
Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spangler
The Making of Superman – vintage featurette
Superman and the Mole-Men – vintage featurette
Super-Rabbit – 1943 WB cartoon
Snafuperman – 1944 WB cartoon
Stupor Duck – 1956 WB cartoon
TV Spot
Teaser Trailer
Theatrical Trailer
Superman II Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following previously released special features on Blu-ray Disc:
Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler
The Making of Superman II – 1980 TV Special
Superman’s Soufflé – Deleted scene
Fleischer Studios’ Superman vintage cartoons
First Flight
The Mechanical Monster
Billion Dollar Limited
The Arctic Giant
The Bulleteers
The Magnetic Telescope
Electric Earthquake
Volcano
Terror on the Midway
Theatrical trailer
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following previously released special features on Blu-ray Disc:
Commentary by Richard Donner and Tom Mankiewicz
Introduction by Richard Donner – featurette
Superman II: Restoring the Vision – featurette
Deleted scenes
Lex and Ms. Teschmacher head north
Lex and Ms. Teschmacher head south
The villains enter the fortress
He’s all yours, boys
Clarke and Jimmy
Lex’s gateway
Famous Studios vintage cartoons
Japoteurs
Showdown
Eleventh Hour
Destruction, Inc.
The Mummy Strikes
Jungle Drums
The Underground World
Secret Agent
Superman III Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following previously released special features on Blu-ray Disc:
Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler
The Making of Superman III – 1983 TV special
Deleted scenes
Save my baby
To the rescue
Making up
Going to see the boss
Hatching the plan
The con
Rooftop ski
Boss wants this to go
Superman honored
Gus’ speech
Hanging up on Brad
Theatrical trailer
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the
following previously released special features on Blu-ray Disc:
Commentary by Mark Rosenthal
Superman 50th anniversary special – 1988 TV special
Deleted scenes
Clark’s morning
Jeremy’s letter
Superman’s visit
Nuclear Man’s prototype
Metropolis after hours
Lex ponders
Flying sequence (extended scene)
Battle in Smallville
Battle in the U.S.S.R.
Nuclear arms race
Superman’s sickness
Red alert
By my side
Lark and Lacy say goodbye
No borders
Theatrical trailer
About the Films:
Superman: The Movie
Academy Award winners Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman head an all-star cast in the fantastic, action-packed film that made Christopher Reeve an international star playing the greatest superhero of all time. From the doomed planet of Krypton, two parents launch a spaceship carrying their infant son to earth. Here he grows up to become Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for the Metropolis Daily Planet. But with powers and abilities far beyond those of ordinary men, he battles for truth and justice as Superman.
An Alexander Salkind presentation and directed by Richard Donner (The Goonies, Lethal Weapon, The Lost Boys), the film stars Academy Award winner Marlon Brando (On the Waterfront, The Godfather) as Jor-El, Academy Award winner Gene Hackman (The French Connection, Unforgiven) as Lex Luthor, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman.
Based on the DC character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman was produced by Pierre Spengler from a story by Mario Puzo and a screenplay by Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman, and Robert Benton. Ilya Salkind served as executive producer. The film also features Ned Beatty as Otis, Jackie Cooper as Perry White, Glen Ford as Jonathan Kent, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, Valerie Perrine as Eve Teschmacher, and Terrance Stamp as General Zod.
Superman was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing, Best Music (Original Score) and Best Sound. The film also received a Special Achievement Academy Award for Visual Effects. In 2017, Superman was inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry.
SYNOPSIS
Superman II (Theatrical Version)
Unwittingly released from Phantom Zone imprisonment, three superpowered Planet Krypton 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 also returns as Lex Luthor in this sequel that features a top supporting cast, witty Richard Lester direction, and visuals that astound and delight.
Directed by Richard Lester (A Hard Day’s Night, The Three Musketeers), the film stars Academy Award winner Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman.
Based on the DC character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the film was produced by Pierre Spengler from a story by Mario Puzo and a screenplay by Puzo, David Newman, and Leslie Newman. Alexander Salkind and Ilya Salkind served as executive producer. The film also features Ned Beatty as Otis, Jackie Cooper as Perry White, Sarah Douglas as Ursa, Jack O’Halloran as Non, Valerie Perrine as Eve Teschmacher, Susannah York as Lara, and Terrence Stamp as General Zod.
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Director Richard Donner began shooting Superman II while concurrently filming Superman: The Movie, though the theatrical version of the film was ultimately directed by Richard Lester. In 2006, Donner’s original unique vision was released for the first time. Jor-El (Marlon Brando in footage cut from the theatrical version) appears in key scenes that amplify Superman lore and deepen the relationship between father and son. Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) plots more schemes to unmask Clark Kent as Superman (Christopher Reeve). With so many changes, large and small, including a different beginning and resolution, this version is an eye-opening alternate experience.
Directed by Richard Donner, the film stars Academy Award winner Marlon Brando as Jor-El, Academy Award winner Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman.
Based on the DC character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the film was produced by Pierre Spengler and Michael Tau from a story by Mario Puzo and a screenplay by Puzo, David Newman, and Leslie Newman. Ilya Salkind served as executive producer. The film also features Ned Beatty as Otis, Jackie Cooper as Perry White, Sarah Douglas as Ursa, Jack O’Halloran as Non, Valerie Perrine as Eve Teschmacher, Susannah York as Lara, and Terrence Stamp as General Zod.
Superman III
Meet Gus Gorman (Richard Pryor), a naive computer-programming natural. For him, a keyboard is a weapon – and, as a result, Superman faces the microelectronic menace of his life. Christopher Reeve reprises his signature role, deepening his character’s human side as Clark Kent sees Lana Lang (Annette O’Toole) at a Smallville High class reunion. And when the Man of Steel becomes his own worst enemy after exposure to Kryptonite, Reeve pulls off both roles with dazzling skill. Relive Superman III with all its heart, heroism and high-flying humor.
Directed by Richard Lester, the film stars Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane.
Based on the DC character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the film was produced by Pierre Spengler from a screenplay by David Newman and Leslie Newman. Alexander Salkind and Ilya Salkind served as executive producer. The film also features Richard Pryor as Gus Gorman, Jackie White as Perry White, Marc McClure as Jimmy Olsen, Annette O’Toole as Lana Lang, and Robert Vaughn as Ross Webster.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
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. 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 the volcanic eruption of Mount Etna and rebuild the demolished Great Wall of China.
Directed by Sydney J. Furie (The Ipcress File, Iron Eagle), the film stars Academy Award winner Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman.
Based on the DC character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the film was produced by Yoram Globus and Menahem Golan from a story by Christopher Reeve & Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal and a screenplay by Konner & Rosenthal. The film also features Jackie Cooper as Perry White, Marc McClure as Jimmy Olsen, Jon Cryer as Lenny, Sam Wanamaker as David Warfield, Mark Pillow as Nuclear Man, and Mariel Hemingway as Lacy Warfield.
BASICS
Superman 1978 – 1987 5-Film Collection
$99.99
4K Ultra HD Combo Pack
Superman: The Movie
Ultra HD Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French
Ultra HD Blu-ray Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Run Time: 143 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Physical Street Date: 5/9
Digital Street Date: 4/18
Superman II
Ultra HD Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French
Ultra HD Blu-ray Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Run Time: 127 minutes
Rating: PG
Physical Street Date: 5/9
Digital Street Date: 4/18
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Ultra HD Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French
Ultra HD Blu-ray Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Run Time: 116 minutes
Rating: PG For sequences of action violence, some language, and brief mild sensuality
Physical Street Date: 5/9
Digital Street Date: 4/18
Superman III
Ultra HD Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French
Ultra HD Blu-ray Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Run Time: 125 minutes
Rating: PG
Physical Street Date: 5/9
Digital Street Date: 4/18
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
Ultra HD Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French
Ultra HD Blu-ray Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Run Time: 90 minutes
Rating: PG
Physical Street Date: 5/9
Digital Street Date: 4/18
THE CREDITS
About Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the homes and screens of millions through physical Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD retail sales and digital transactions on major streaming, video-on-demand cable, satellite, digital, and mobile channels. WBDHE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales, one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming.
24 February 2023; Pre-order Superman I-IV in 4K!
These are very exciting times for Superman Movie Fans and Home Video Physical Media Collectors! The entire Christopher Reeve Superman Movie THEATRICAL library has been remastered and is being released on 4K UHD discs this coming May. Additionally, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, originally released on November 28, 2006 straight to DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-ray, has been remastered for a 4K UHD release this coming May.
Please notice above that I typed the word “THEATRICAL”. This means that ONLY the original U.S. theatrical cuts of Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman III, and Superman IV: The Quest For Peace are being released on 4K UHD in May. The extended cuts and the Superman: The Movie 151-minute Special Edition cut, originally released on DVD on May 1, 2001, will NOT be released on 4K UHD in May (I have no news at the present time about the future of these cuts on Blu-ray and/or 4K UHD).
Additionally, some of you may be aware that a longer version of Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut popped up on various streaming platforms (such as VUDU) a few years ago. This longer version is NOT being released on 4K UHD this May (read more about the longer version here).
Lastly, I hope that Warner Bros.’ Superman 4K UHD official announcement, which could land any day now, will provide answers to the many questions I have about these releases. Stay tuned for updates, and be sure to pre-order these great releases faster than a speeding bullet!
Superman 5-Film Collection 1978-1987 Steelbook
Pre-order on Amazon US, releasing in early May 2023.
Pre-order on DCSHOP, releasing in early May 2023.
Pre-order on Amazon UK, releasing in early May 2023. They WILL ship outside of the UK.
Pre-order on Amazon Germany.
Pre-order on Amazon Japan.
Pre-order on HMV.com, releasing in early May 2023. They will NOT ship outside of the UK.
Pre-order on the the WB UK Shop, releasing in early May 2023. They will NOT ship outside of the UK.
Pre-order on Amazon France, releasing in early May 2023.
Pre-order on DVDFR.com, releasing in early May 2023.
Pre-order on ZAVVI.com, releasing in early May 2023. ZAVVI does NOT ship to the U.S.
ZAVVI EXCLUSIVE Superman II Steelbook
Pre-order the Superman II ZAVVI EXCLUSIVE release, releasing in early May 2023.
Superman 5-Film Collection 1978-1987 Box Set (Standard Amaray Packaging)
Pre-order on Walmart.com, releasing in early May 2023.
Pre-order on deepdiscountdvd.com, releasing in early May 2023.
Superman Movie Sequel 4K Ultra HD Individual Titles
These are NOT being sold in the U.S., and there isn’t a new Superman: The Movie 4K UHD disc (only the 2018 version is currently available here and here.)
Pre-order Superman II (Theatrical & Donner Cut) [4K Ultra HD] [1980] [Region Free], releasing in early May 2023.
Pre-order Superman III [4K Ultra HD] [1980] [Region Free], releasing in early May 2023.
Pre-order Superman IV: The Quest for Peace [4K Ultra HD] [1980] [Region Free], releasing in early May 2023.
14 February 2023; Iconic Superman!
Motion picture promotional photographs aren’t shot this way today. Photo by Bob Penn. Christopher Reeve strikes a heroic pose atop Hotel Mayflower in New York City in July 1977. The hotel, located at 15 Central Park West, was built in 1926 and demolished in 2004. It was replaced with luxury residential condominiums.
The pointed building in the distance to Christopher Reeve’s right is the Sherry-Netherland Hotel where Chris met with Ilya Salkind and Richard Donner to discuss various topics as a precursor to his interest in the Superman films. The following day Reeve received the Newman/Benton script and was contacted to fly to London and film a screen test.
I own many of the original 35mm camera negatives from Richard Donner’s scouting trips throughout New York City for Superman. Here is a scan of one of the negatives showing “HOTEL MAYFLOWER”.
13 February 2023; Superman: 5 Movie Collection!
Warner Bros. Superman: 5 Movie Collection (1978-1987) 4KUltraHD plus Blu-ray, releasing April 18, 2023:
Superman: The Movie
Superman II
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Superman III
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
All theatrical cuts
WB Home Entertainment has recently stated that they did not release this artwork, so we shall see if it is indeed official. Stay tuned for their official press release…
Warner Bros. WB 100th 25-Film Collection, Vol. Three – Fantasy, Action and Adventure) Blu-ray, releasing April 4, 2023:
Includes Superman: The Movie and Supergirl Blu-rays. I am currently unaware of the source material for these two films in this box set (new remasters vs. old remasters, etc.). This is a BLU-RAY release and NOT a 4K release; I don’t know if there will be a 4K version of this particular box set. Pre-order on Amazon today!
10 February 2023; Superman at 45!
Superman: The Movie is 45 this year! See many more Superman promotional photos here.
30 January 2023; Mario Puzo’s Scripts!
They have arrived! Sought after for decades, Mario Puzo’s first and second draft of Superman! Although many of his ideas were shot down by DC after the very first draft, some of Puzo’s original story ideas made it all the way to Superman & Superman II. The CapedWonder Superman Podcast is excited to present these drafts from 1975 for your reading pleasure. Superman: The Movie could have looked like a very different film. We encourage you to read, analyze, dissect, and imagine Mario Puzo’s vision for Superman.
30 January 2023; Hackman’s Birthday!
93 and going strong! He’s “Fantastic!” Happy Birthday, Gene Hackman!
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- PM93F7 Studio Publicity Still from Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Gene Hackman © 1987 Warner Photo Credit: David James All Rights Reserved File Reference # 31697073THA For Editorial Use Only
17 January 2023; Legacy Reunion Takes Flight!
Here we go! The Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion is coming to GalaxyCon Richmond, March 24-26, 2023! Superman fans rejoice! See you there!
15 January 2023; Recent 35mm Slide Scans!
I have recently made some time to scan and restore new 35mm color slides, which I absolutely love to do…
Jeff East and Christopher Reeve were photographed by Bob Penn on the same day in early May 1977 on the Fortress of Solitude interior set at Shepperton Studios, England.
Here’s a cameraman (identity yet to be established) with a Panavision camera at a glacier in the Canadian Rockies (right), and a screenshot of his footage captured from the extended cut of Superman: The Movie (left). This is while Clark Kent is walking “North” to build the Fortress of Solitude.
09 January 2023; Legal & General Information!
CapedWonder’s Legal and General Information webpage has been updated. It discusses copyright, watermarking, original photography, resume & projects, and contact information. Click here to read.
04 January 2023; Our Podcast Facebook Page!
03 January 2023; Happy New Year!
Here’s a teaser poster that I have created for Superman: The Movie‘s 45th Anniversary this year! Check back throughout the year for more posters…
I’m still hoping that Warner Bros will release the extended versions of the Christopher Reeve “Superman” films, especially since the 2001 Director’s Cut of the first film was my introduction to what made us believe.
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.
I’m not sure how old I was, but I’m pretty sure it was younger than ten. I first saw the original film on VHS, and the same with all the sequels too. I was surprised by all the differences in the Donner Cut of Superman II, and I still like Supergirl even though I know that movie has an (unfairly) bad rap. Both Chris Reeve and Helen Slater were perfect for their characters, and they were surrounded by so many expert supporting players as well. Superman Returns was an okay film, but I feel it relied too much on nostalgia, and wasn’t allowed to stand on its own two feet.
off to see superman at my local cinema 11th woo hoo
As a young boy I had an extremly difficult childhood & was taken away from my parents. I remember visiting the Curzon Cinema in Belfast (Northern Ireland) to view Superman. I was aware of the character via comics but not tv series with George Reeves. The holographic titles & John Williams march really where a spectacle before the story began, viewing Superman’s home on Krypton & then onwards to earth was great. The big moment was the 1st flying sequence, as Superman flew in fortress of solitude, wow! The next Superman moment is for me one of the highlights of cinema history – the helicoptor rescue. The rescue of Lois Lane & helicoptor was so real (still is!) visually alongside the music, the spectacle was very impressive for a boy at 8yrs old. I remember as a boy trying to fly with a towel around my neck, wearing the costume at parties, thinking very hard how I could be Superman. In a childhood surrounded by sadness, neglet, rejection, hurt & abuse, Superman The Movie became a teddy bear, a hero to look up to, a character who lost ‘his’ parents early in life. I could identify with this Superman & thank goodness it was Christopher Reeve & not some of the Hollywood candidates of the time. I went on to be employed in the Curzon as a cinema projectionist & many asked me my favourite film (as I was fortunate to view tons!) & “Superman” was my reply. The quality of the film was so good that few would laugh or sneer, all knew that Superman The Movie was a cinema classic coming a year later after Star Wars. This was a rich time in film production with many classic films in 70’s & 80’s & Superman was my highlight.
Later in life, coming to faith in God, you can see the parallels in the Superman story, the saviour being sent to earth to do amazing things. Superman The Movie means so much to me, the visuals, the costume, Chris Reeve, the music, the production, the spectacle, the memory of viewing on a 40ft approx wide screen in my youth.
This Saturday (8th April 2023) I visit the Stand Cinema (Belfast) to view Superman again. This cinema would’ve shown Superman originally but has been converted to a 4 screen complex. Thankfully we are viewing Superman in it’s main screen upstairs (the original balcony / circle) & with being a 1930’s designed (same designer as Curzon) cinema it has the same decor in places as the now gone Curzon.
Superman The Movie – what lovely memories as an 8yr old boy which has stuck with me all these years later.
An evergreen film.
i had just turned 12 on 12/13 and was a major comic book nerd. I must admit I was a Marvel kid but was very excited to see Superman. In short, when the big S blasted in during the magnificent opening I was transported by cinema more than any other movie before. Star Wars had been a transformative experience 16+ months before but this was a whole new level. I have never been the same!
Walker
got my tickets to see the 45th anniversary of superman
Hi Jim here are my memoires of seeing Superman The Movie it was in 1990 when I 1st saw Superman The Movie on HBO during the Saturday Night Movie of The Week and fell in love with the film & the character of Superman ever since & still am a huge Superman fan to this day. I love Christopher Reeve as Superman & will forever be best Superman on film
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.
Stay Super! — Jim Bowers, CapedWonder Editor/Founder
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.
Had I been the Salkinds when Richard Donner was hired these are the things i would have done: i would have given Richard Donner a budget for both Superman The Movie and Superman II, then i would have said both films needed to be done by 1st January 1980, also both films would have been done everything the way Richard Donner and tom wanted. And for them to have done all future films. i would have then had Donner and Tom do Superman 3 to 10. In my view Donner and Tom were far better than Richard Lester.
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 Jim Bowers and the rest of the Superman and Super Friends at Caped Wonder Superman Imagery. Caped Wonder is a super amazing place to see the legacy of The Christopher Reeve Donnerverse Superman film series live on.These films are what got me into the character of Superman and I started reading the comics not long after seeing the film in 1990. Christopher Reeve has been and always will be my favorite live action Superman / Clark Kent on film. His performance as Superman has not been topped. Chris brough so much to the role and really respected the character of Superman. And The Caped Wonder Superman Podcast is with Jim Bowers and Jay Towers is super amazing and so much fun to listen too. Keep up the Super Amazing work Jim with the website. Where all part of the same team.
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 just read the August 1977 Time Magazine piece you posted and have a question. The article states that SUPERMAN would be released in December 1978, but at this point in the production wasn’t it still scheduled to come out in the summer? Did Time knowingly or unknowingly get the date right?
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!
Christopher Reeve’s Superman will always be a symbol of hope for not only me, but the entire world, especially during these tough times. As Chris himself said, “It’s a much harder challenge, yet I see no reason to give up.”
As one of the Girl Scout moms in the podcast of Jay Towers Caped Wonder Superman, I would love to get a video DVD to my daughter who was one of the participating Scouts, who was not able to be contacted in time to be a participant in your reunion. We all remember the filming fondly and she has shared your podcast with her teen aged sons, and we her parents. What a fun memory for all of us, especially our daughter, who has saved her memorabilia from the event. A nice thing you have done. She is Denise Carvey Hill of Gilbert, Arizona.
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.
Happy New Year 2020!
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.
Dear Jim,
It was a pleasure to meet you at the Superman Celebration in Metropolis after all the years i’ve been following your amazing website. Being here and watching the Photos, reading the Articles, will always give me Hope that some day the future generation will get to see a movie with a Director who has true Passion for the Character and Honors him and what he represents…. an Actor who will do the part Justice…
No Matter how dark the world may seem…. there is a Superman in each of us… to make it a little brighter…
Your Friend,
Sefy
“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! My mom took myself and my brother (and sister?) to go see the movie when I was 10 years old. We went and saw it in Auckland city. I remember walking through the streets and looking up at what seemed the unusually tall buildings. Having grown up in a small country town, visiting Auckland was almost like being in Metropolis itself. From what I can recall, we also saw the movie at the St James theatre, an historical theatre originally built in 1928 which sort of matched in with the opening scenes of the movie. I can remember the movie with a sense of spectacle that you can probably only experience when you’re ten. Christopher Reeve will always be MY Superman. He seemed to have that mix of heroism and kindness/gentleness that he brought to the character.
ps, please do you have the poster at the top of the page (with Reeve pointing skyward) at any larger size? I used to have it on my wall (the centre spread from Starburst issue #3) and I’d love to get it again but it seems like it’s impossible to find a large format version of it.
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!
I fell in love with Margot Kidder on Sunday, February 7, 1982. Or maybe it was Monday, February 8. On those two nights, ABC presented the network television premiere of 1978’s Superman, and I finally got to see it for the first time. Even though I watched it on my little 13-inch black and white portable TV, I was captivated. Christopher Reeve was of course perfect as both Clark Kent and the Man of Steel, but it was Margot’s performance as feisty Lois Lane that made the movie for me. ABC also aired a documentary on the making of the film (included on the DVD, I believe). In it, 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 only fan letter I ever sent to a celebrity was to Margot. I just had to tell her how much I admired her performance in the film. I never received a reply, but that didn’t lessen my appreciation for her. A few years later, I drew her portrait, which I consider to be one of the best drawings I ever did. I’ve seen many of her theatrical films (Trenchcoat, Sisters, Black Christmas, Willie & Phil, Keeping Track, and Heartaches among them), early TV appearances (Banacek, Baretta, Nichols), and later TV movies (Vanishing Act, Picking Up the Pieces, Pygmalion, Louisiana, and The Glitter Dome to name just a few). She also starred in a terrific short-lived TV series called Shell Game in 1987. I loved them all. I was heartbroken when I heard that she had passed away in May. It seems especially sad that she will miss two milestones this year: her 70th birthday and the 40th anniversary of her most iconic film. She will always be my Lois Lane and one of my favorite actresses. Rest in peace, Margaret Ruth Kidder.
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
Jim, Superman The Movie is coming back to theaters on November 25th through Fathom Events!
My Goodness, this is THE MOST SPECIAL message I believe I have ever received about Christopher Reeve and his impact on the world. Thank you so very much James! I am grateful for you!
The impact of Christopher Reeve’s life, and his portrayal of Superman, is immeasurable. While it is hard to put into succinct description, all of us here feel the reality of that impact every day. He transcended the boundaries of page and screen to become a true and utterly real Superman, embodying and exemplifying the qualities that make us believe in the Man of Steel. There is a reason that we always think of Chris when we imagine Superman. It isn’t that he was the first to portray him; it isn’t just the groundbreaking story-telling and spectacle of ‘Superman the Movie.’ Rather, it is Chris himself. The man who took on the role of the Last Son of Krypton with pride and glee; who viewed his involvement with the character as a noble responsibility, and an opportunity to inspire humanity; the man whose kindness was matched by his initiative and courage. A man like Chris coming into the role of Superman may have seemed serendipitous at the time; but I believe it was fate; fate, that we should have a fictional character and real person merge so flawlessly into the inspiring phenomenon that was, and is, Christopher Reeve.
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 !!!
Pinewood Studios.
Where was the alley transformation filmed? NYC?
Where did you get the amazing background illustration from on your home page?
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.
Count on it.
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.
Is there a chance that there will be a 4K release this year? I think the success of the television cut that was released was a huge success and I hope that will: “Let Warner Brothers See there is money to be made in a 4k release”. I also hope Warner Brothers will release the television cut of “Superman II”. That would be awesome
Thanks a bunch Matt!
Thank you for such a great site. I am happy to have found it today. Thank you so much for your time and effort.
Lastly I cannot express how excited I am for the TV/Extended edt that has come out. I finally received my copy and will be reliving my childhood as this was the version I remember most and loved the most because of it. Great times for a Reeve’s fan!
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.
“and now through patience, invention, and skill”…the extended cut of Superman The Movie “is just about ready!”
I’m really looking forward to this release, and feel really blessed to be alive right now! I thank all the challenging and wonderful circumstances in life, that have made this release of my favorite movie of all time possible! I want to personally thank this site for all the fantastic and informative writings about this film in general.
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)
Thanks for your support Edward!!
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!
Jim,
If you’re ever in the San Diego, CA area, stop by the Hollywood Casino in Jamul, CA ( just south of San Diego ). In it, there is a touted Superman III costume on display in the restaurant. To my eye, it looks genuine and is beautifully displayed among other classic movies.
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.
Wow. Your devotion is admirable. Thank you so much for being such a phenomenal online resource, nay, the principle online resource for the Christopher Reeves Superman media. Your site is unique in this universe. Thank you so much. Please never stop.
Love your site.
On the Daily Planet set, is that Lee Remick standing next to Donner?