Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman

This documentary is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about Earth's greatest hero. Whether they want to know more about the mythology behind the hero, the hero's creators, or his history in comics, movies, television or radio, "The Amazing Story of Superman" has it all.

Documentary master Ken Burns does a fantastic job exploring all of the aspects and mythos of Superman, beginning with the 1930s and going until the present day with the film release "Superman Returns." He explores who Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were, Superman in the proud Golden Age and the strange and not-so-proud Silver Age, and the current day. Burns does a superb job detailing the role that Superman has played in public over the years, and the different symbols he has stood for based on the current status of the country. He excels in making the audience realize that Superman in pop culture has had a very relevant place in society no matter if his popularity has wavered over the years.

The documentary is a high-quality work. Thanks to Burns, you will feel like you know everything about the hero once the film is finished.

I've never been a fan of Superman, but this enlightening documentary really allows you to respect what is, in my opinion, an out dated character. This film details the highs and lows of Superman in popular culture, and avoids being just an advertisement for his latest incarnation. There are interesting tidbits, such as many of the distinctive characters/traits coming from the early radio shows. We see Superman's effects on celebrities, writers, producers, a world at war, and much more. At times it places its feet where they're not wanted. Did we really need talk on September 11th? Probably more of a nice introduction to the character, or good for those looking to expand their knowledge. But most fans will be familiar with what's going on.

I found this to be an excellent documentary of the complete story from the beginning in the 1930's to the present. It covers the early comics, early cartoons, Superman, Superboy, Supergirl (although I wish she would have gotten more time...), Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, Gerard Christopher, and the whole gang. It had some great commentary from Noel Neil and Jack Larson. It also touched on the "mysterious" death of George Reeves. It, of course, had a good bit on Christopher Reeve with some of the auditions of other actors. It even had segments on The Return of Superman and an interview with Brandon Routh. I can't imagine any collection not having this DVD to go along with the other materials that are now available. For a novice as well as someone who has "flown" with a towel as well as in their dreams, this disc will be a treasure to view over and over!

Good for the fans. Definitely good for the fans.

But too much of an Americna style of documentary to be taken serious. Looking at the release date, one can not hesitate to consider this documentary as pure 'propaganda' for the 2006 Superman release.

Footage is superb though. Comments and narratives are awfully bad, just puppets on a string.

This one is only made for hardcore fans of the genre. It could have been done better if longer footage would have been shown from every movie, particularly the older ones, as it would remind us of previous generations.

Also the comparisons with American politics (and, subsequently, gains/failures) is of no issue here, but is deliberately used to support the commercialisation of a product. Peope did like Superman because of the comics and the movies, not because of politics!!!

Only for hardcore fans.

And, just like actor Sean Connery (in the 1960s) playing the James Bond character - I personally think that actor George Reeves (in the 1950s) playing the Superman character was the absolute best of all when cast in his specific genre. To me - These 2 men epitomized their characters perfectly.

From comic books, to radio, to cartoons, to TV, and to movies - This entertaining, pop culture documentary covers the entire history of Superman who (back in 1932) suddenly became the world's very first comic-book superhero.

Superman (who was created by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel) is definitely one all-American hero who has certainly had a pretty good track record with his many fans as his popularity has managed to endure, steadily, throughout these many decades.

So - If you are something of a Superman enthusiast - This 110-minute slice of total hero-worship is certainly worth a view.