The new documentary “Look! Up in the Sky – The Amazing Story of Superman” gives us a meaty look at how the hero has changed over the past 70 years and evolved in all forms of media. Kevin Burns (who produced the “Empire of Dreams” documentary for the “Star Wars Trilogy” DVD set) and Bryan Singer (director of “X-Men”, “X2”, and a recent big-screen adaptation of a certain comic book legend) have produced an insightful and entertaining look at Superman’s origins in the 1930’s and his seven-decade evolution into radio, animation, movie serials, television, and feature films. Narrated by Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey, the documentary takes us back to Superman’s beginnings during the Great Depression, when writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster initially conceived of their character in a short story entitled “The Reign of the Superman”, though his initial appearance more than resembled Superman’s later arch-nemesis Lex Luthor. After revamping their character from villain into hero, Siegel and Shuster shopped their original comic strip to one publisher after another, with no success. Of course, one publisher – Detective Comics – took a chance with their heroic creation, and in June 1938 their hero was born in the first issue of Action Comics. The rest, as they say, is history.

There’s certainly no need to rehash his evolution over the decades, but to hear it from the voices of many who were influenced and inspired by the Man of Steel is thrilling. Many well-known names in the comics and entertainment industry were interviewed for this new documentary, including those whom you never knew were Superman fans. Among those appearing in the documentary are Gary H. Grossman (author, “Superman: Serial to Cereal”); Gene Simmons (who’d have thought the front man for Kiss was a Superman fan?); Stan Lee; Mark Hamill; Noel Neill; Jack Larson; Adam West; Lesley Ann Warren; Margot Kidder; Richard Donner; Ilya Salkind; Barbara Johnson (Christopher Reeve’s mother); Annette O’Toole; Gerard Christopher; Dean Cain; “Smallville” creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar; producer Jon Peters (who discusses the many failed attempts to bring a new film version to the screen in the 90’s); and “Superman Returns” director Bryan Singer and stars Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, and Sam Huntington.

What’s exciting and interesting for Superman fans are the rare clips from many of the different adaptations over the decades, including some vintage color footage from the set of “Superman and the Mole Men”, and rare outtakes from “Superman” and “Superman II”, including screen tests and clips not included on the “Superman” DVD release from 2001. Even more interesting are some of the off-beat spinoffs and adaptations that simply have to be seen to be believed, among them rare color clips from the never-broadcast “Superpup” pilot, screen test footage for the 1961 “Superboy” pilot, and snippets from the campy and rarely seen 1975 “Superman” musical. Most interesting are the newly released outtakes from “Superman II”, never before seen, giving viewers a first tease at some of the footage that can be expected in the upcoming Richard Donner Cut of the film on DVD – not to mention the quite funny Marlon Brando outtake that has to be seen to be believed!

Of course, the documentary also looks at the tragic times in Superman’s history, including George Reeves’ death in 1959, Superman’s death at the hands of Doomsday in 1992, Christopher Reeve’s tragic horse-riding accident in 1995 and his heartbreaking death in 2004, and, of course, 9/11. But through it all Superman persevered, endured, and came back stronger than ever.

But the documentary also delves into the production of the latest epic incarnation, “Superman Returns”, now playing in theaters. To hear Kevin Spacey refer to himself in the third person is a bit offbeat, but the footage and clips from the film is meaty indeed. Of course, as the documentary was nearing completion, no one knew at the time that the film’s release date would be moved up a couple of days, something Spacey, Singer, and Burns were unable to fix for the DVD’s release.

There are some omissions from this documentary, though. For example, very little time is spent discussing Superman’s history in the syndicated comic strips, including his return in 1978 in “The World’s Greatest Superheroes” (one well-timed segment featured Superman’s return to Metropolis, musing, “I wonder what’s been happening since I’ve been away…” and flying past a movie theater promoting the release of “Superman: The Movie”!), and no mention of the Ruby-Spears animated series is ever given beyond a brief snippet of animation at the start of the documentary. Some segments are mentioned only in passing, such as the failure of the “Superman” sequels and “Supergirl” – perhaps they will be extensively covered in the upcoming special edition DVD releases. And other notable voices could have lent their thoughts on the Superman legend, including among others Pierre Spengler, Richard Lester, Tom Welling, John Haymes Newton, and artist Alex Ross, whose beautiful paintings have redefined the look of Superman for the current generation. Furthermore, at 110 minutes the documentary seems rushed in several places to get to coverage on “Superman Returns”. Kevin Burns had more generous time with the 150 minutes he devoted to the “Empire of Dreams” documentary a few years back. Still, we have an interesting and enjoyable look at where Superman has been, where he is going, and how he is viewed by the world at large.

Warner Home Video has done an outstanding job with “Look! Up in the Sky – The Amazing Story of Superman”. Video quality is crisp throughout, especially in the vintage animation segments from the 1940’s, giving viewers a tease of what to expect later this year in the 14-disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition DVD set. Audio quality is sharp, with a strong Dolby Digital 5.1 track punching through everything. Optional French subtitles and English closed captions are also included on the disc.

There are actually two versions of the DVD release on the market. While most stores have just the single-disc documentary, Best Buy stores are carrying a limited edition two-disc release with different packaging, a five-card postcard set of miniature reproductions of the “Superman” movie posters, and a second bonus disc containing 12 of Bryan Singer’s video blogs from the making of “Superman Returns”. Don’t worry; all of the video blogs can still be found online and will be included in the DVD later this year.

So, does the world need a Superman? Definitely so, just as much as Superman needs us. And this home run documentary is proof that without us, there would be no Superman to begin with.

Thanks Bill! That’s a great article! Enjoy the documentary menus that are quite cleverly designed…enjoy!