Techtite DVD Reviews

The Film : How can a sequel be as good as its prior film? Well, before you ask that, consider the honest truth; Superman 2 nearly wasn't. After all, composer John Williams' unforgettable original music score, was replaced with Ken Thorne, who merely made cheap knock-off music that paled in comparison. Making matters worse, director Richard Donner was replaced with Richard Lester, who apparently wanted less epic grandeur, and more comic-strip comedy, for better or worse (in later sequels, the answer would be "worse"). Weird, then, that Superman 2 became such a success; arguably, one of the best sequels ever made, in the whole history of sequels.

So, how did this Superman-film succeed, when all others (with most of the same crew) failed? The saving grace here was that Superman 2 was already in the works, even before the first film started filming. Some screen tests prior to the first film were even based on scenes not to be shown until the sequel. So, at a time when top quality writing was still a factor of some importance, this film's first draft was written. In addition, casting had already taken place for this film, so the comedy-loving new director could not replace a part with a standup comic who had little place in such an action film (you know what I mean; as much as I admire Richard Pryor, he was truly, totally miscast for Superman 3). That, plus some top-notch FX, still led to one of the best sequels of all time.

The story is simple enough. Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve), is starting to settle into his new job as superhero and reporter. However, things heat up in his relationship with Lois Lane, when she discovers he's really Superman! Now that she knows, Clark feels she must know everything, and takes her on a little trip to his Fortress of Solitude, for a nice romantic getaway. Realizing he could never be a true husband when he is so super-strong, he even takes a big step; using an old Krypton machine to become a normal human, so he can live with Lois as Clark Kent...leaving Superman far behind.

This choice couldn't have come at a worse time. Not only has Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) escaped prison, but Superman's recent nuclear snafu in space broke open The Phantom Zone, releasing three super-villains from Krypton. This includes General Zod (Terence Stamp), Non (Jack O'Halloran), and Ursa (Sarah Douglas). Now on Earth, they all have super powers, just as Superman does, and intend to conquer the world! The only one who can stop them is Superman, whose powers are now gone...or are they?

The inevitable climactic battle between Zod, Ursa, Non, and Superman, is nothing short of spectacular. Touted by many comic fans as "The Best Superhero Battle Ever Filmed," this is a pure super-power frenzy. Heat vision, cold breath, flight, super-strength...it's all here. It is also handled in a believable fashion, with no scenes making you think, "Oh, come on, now." However, while some scenes are quite ominous (like when Ursa and Non throw a whole bus at Superman), director Lester was obviously obsessed with the implementation of comedic elements at all opportunities, and added slapstick like men's toupees flying away in the wind, or a man in a phone booth still talking even when the booth smashes to the ground. Regardless, it's still one of the best superhero scenes ever filmed.

No matter what direction the series inevitably took ---Aaauuugh!...man, was Superman 3 ever BAD!-- Superman 2 is still a great film in the history of superhero films. Actually, it's one of the best sequels in the history of sequels as a whole. It may have overdone comedy at times, though only in small amounts, and the remainder of the movie is still far better than what is offered in similar films, 99% percent of the time.

The DVD : Sadly, given all of the cool bonus materials available on Superman: The Movie's DVD, this disc seems outright barren! Only the original theatrical trailer is offered. This means no commentary, no behind-the-scenes features, and no screen tests. Darn.

However, people interested in such bonus materials should truly give the Superman 1 DVD a look. It includes a screen test for the character of Ursa, as well as an intriguing snippets of the screen tests for Lois Lane that were based on an intended Superman 2 scene, that was later cut. In the screen test, we learn the original idea was to have Lois slyly discover Kent was Superman, by acting like she was going to shoot him with a gun actually filled with blanks. When Clark thinks he's still alive because the bullets bounced off him, he reveals his true self, to the amusement of Lois. It's a worthwhile viewing pleasure, though again, it's not on this DVD; it's only on the DVD for the original Superman : The Movie.

Is this DVD worth it, regardless of no bonus materials to speak of? YES. It is still one of the best sequels of all time. If you want the bonuses related to this sequel, buy Superman: The Movie as well. If you even vaguely tolerated Superman 3 or 4, I'd say cough up the slightly higher price, and buy the whole Superman Collection as a snazzy boxed set. Either way, due to the grandeur of the first film, buying Superman 2 almost requires buying Superman 1. However, given how good the sequel is, many feel the reverse is also true.

	Final Rating : Deep Impact. Simply put, one of the best sequels ever made. It also includes one of the best superhero "battles" ever filmed, even to this very day.
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Superman II

A Techtite Review