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Happy Superman Day! Today, the skies of cinema are looking bright. While the exhaustive search for the next Man of Steel concluded some time ago with the casting of David Corenswet in James Gunn’s upcoming Warner Bros. Superman, we can still celebrate the enduring legacy of the hero today. Rachel Brosnahan joins him in the role of the intrepid Lois Lane.

Corenswet has some big tights to fill in the role that has been played by a host of actors on film and TV, and radio.

The first Superman was voiced by veteran actor Bud Collyer on the Adventures of Superman radio show that aired from 1940 to 1951. Collyer was also the voice of Superman in the animated series Superman (1941-1943) and the New Adventures of Superman (1966-1970).

The first on-screen Clark Kent was Kirk Alyn in Superman (1948) and Atom Man vs. Superman (1950). George Reeves followed in Superman & the Mole Men...

Superman Movies At The Worldwide Box Office: From Christopher Reeve To Henry Cavill ( Photo Credit – Facebook )

Superman is one of the most popular superheroes ever, and over the years, several actors have appeared in that role. He is from DC Comics. James Gunn’s Superman will feature David Corenswet as Kal El. Before him, Henry Cavill appeared in the role, and people went crazy for him. Christopher Reeves, too, appeared as Clark Kent in multiple movies, but which of the films did the best commercially? Scroll below to find out.

For the uninitiated, the character was created by Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster and debuted in the comic book Action Comics #1 in 1938. According to media reports, an independent studio, Lippert Pictures, released the first feature film, Superman and the Mole Men, starring George Reeves in 1951. In 1978, Christopher Reeve appeared in the part, and he has done three movies.

Henry...

Crown Publishing has acquired worldwide rights to an upcoming book by Tatiana Siegel, Variety’s executive editor of film and media, that covers the sweeping history of the DC film franchise. The book will offer a complete, behind-the-scenes story of one of the most storied, dramatic and successful superhero franchises in Hollywood history, from George Reeves to David Corenswet.

Crown editor Aubrey Martinson will shepherd the project for the publishing house, which has been behind best-sellers like Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” and Matthew McConaughey’s “Greenlights.”

Siegel is represented by Aevitas Creative Management’s Jon Michael Darga. She has extensively covered both the business of the DC and Marvel franchises, from drama on the set of the “Aquaman” sequel to a “Joker: Folie à Deux” post-mortem to a 2023 cover story on Marvel’s recent spiral.

Before joining Variety in 2023, Siegel worked as a senior writer for Rolling Stone and previously...

Quick Links Adventures of Superman Was a Forward-Thinking Show Superman & Lois Uses Similar Technology That Made George Reeves Fly

When Richard Donner tackled Superman: The Movie the flight effects were a crucial part of making that film work. In the films that followed, special effects techniques continued to evolve, using advanced wirework, computer-generated digital effects and composite shots to create the effect of flight. Similarly, the character continued to appear on television in the 1980s Saturday morning live-action Superboy series, the 1990s Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and both Supergirl and Superman & Lois.

Even though The CW cut Superman & Lois' budget for Season 4, it doesn't show on screen. A recent social media post from one of the actors also shows how making Clark (and his sons) fly is very similar to how it was done in the 1950s series Adventures of Superman starring George Reeve. The...

Less than a year out from Superman's release, I can't stop thinking about James Gunn's title for the Big Blue Boy Scout's hypothetical crossover with Batman. This Labor Day, Gunn posted a photo of Superman, Batman, and Robin on Instagram wishing followers a "World's Finest Labor Day." Naturally, the comments turned toward the DC Studios co-ceo's work. One commenter asked an important question: "Hi Mr Gunn, in the hypothetical case that a movie starring only Superman and Batman (teaming) came out, what would you call it? Superman and Batman or Batman and Superman?"

Rather than "ranking" Superman and Batman, Gunn revealed the perfect answer: "World's Finest." Back in 1941, Batman, Robin, and Superman met for the very first time in comic form. The title of that crossover is, you guessed it, World's Finest. Since Gunn's post, I can't help but eagerly await a Superman and Batman movie that hasn't even been announced yet.

Superman has had tons of movies over the years, each with something of it's own to offer the fans. Whether you grew up watching the Christopher Reeve classics or the recent Dceu movies, there is a Superman movie for everyone. Heck, there is a new Superman in James Gunn's DC Universe now, too.

Of course, the original DC movie was Superman and the Mole Men, starring George Reeves as Clark Kent and his heroic alter ego. George Reeves is known for his role as the Man of Steel in the TV show, Adventures of Superman, which ran for six seasons between 1952 and 1958. Superman and the Mole Men was a trial run for the series, essentially serving as an early backdoor pilot.

Superman and the Mole Men tells a thoughtful story

Much like the first two seasons of Adventures of Superman, Superman and the Mole-Men is in black-and-white. The...

We all know who Superman is.

Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster in 1938, wasn't the first superhero character in modern media, but he tends to be held up as one of the genre's central archetypes. His red wrestler's cape and red strong man's trunks, paired with his super strength and ability to defy gravity, have all become central symbols of what a superhero is, how a superhero should behave, and what a superhero looks like. Hundreds of thousands of superheroes have been invented since 1938, but many of those produced by mainstream comics outlets like Marvel or DC owe Superman a direct debt. In the same way that every on-screen Dracula is a riff on Bela Lugosi's performance in Tod Browning's 1931 movie, Superman is either being enhanced or subverted by every comic book superhero character. But he is the mainstay.

Superman first made his way to the...

Superman's rich cinematic history showcases cutting-edge special effects and a legacy spanning multiple reboots and adaptations over the years. From George Reeves to Henry Cavill, Superman's iconic character has been portrayed by several actors, each leaving their mark on the superhero genre. The Dceu's Superman movies, including Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, have redefined the character for modern audiences, setting a darker tone.

Superman is one of DC's most illustrious properties with a chronology of live-action movies whose release dates span decades, with several reboots begging the question of how to watch them in order. With modern comic book movies being so prolific, Superman boasts a status as one of the most iconic originators, with DC heroes in general being the most prevalent in earlier decades. While the Superhero genre may stoke debate among cinema-goers nowadays, Superman's prevalence in media proves just how influential superheroes have been in...

As David Corenswet Debuts As Superman, Here’s A Look At Every Actor Who Has Played The Superhero So Far

David Corenswet has officially made his debut in the Superman suit as his first look from the upcoming eponymous film has been revealed. James Gunn, the writer-director of the film and the Co-CEO of DC Studios, unveiled the look himself. Now that David Corenswet is playing a new version of the Man of Steel, he has a legacy to live up to, as a number of actors have taken on the costume in the past.

Superman’s screen history goes way back to the 1940s when the first live-action film serial based on the DC superhero arrived in cinemas. Since then, the baton has been passed down from generation to generation, with each actor bringing their own charisma to the character. Let’s have a look at all the actors...

Superman and the Mole Men marks the debut of George Reeves as Clark Kent/Superman, setting the standard for the iconic character. The film serves as a metaphorical morality tale about tolerance and paranoia during the Red Scare era, reflecting societal fears. Despite its low budget and cheesy elements, the film focuses on the core principles of heroism, making a lasting impact on Superman's legacy.

In November 1951, the very first DC Comics movie made its debut in theaters, with far less fanfare than today's movie fans might expect. Superman and the Mole Men was a low-budget, black-and-white feature that has been largely forgotten among today's CGI superhero epics. The film, however, is notable for featuring the first appearance of George Reeves in the role of Clark Kent/Superman, and a story that captures the essence of the Man of Steel better than any film that followed.

The plot involves Clark...

Superman & Lois' cancelation marks the end of DC's 72-year run on network TV, with many actors portraying the Man of Steel across several shows throughout the decades. Despite its popularity, Superman & Lois is ending prematurely due to budget cuts and changes behind the scenes caused by Nexstar's acquisition of The CW. While the end of The CW's DC series signals the death of superhero shows on network TV, there is still potential for original superhero shows to rise in the future outside the Marvel and DC universes.

Superman & Lois' cancelation marks the end of a DC era that spans 72 years and over six different actors who portrayed the Man of Steel on the small screen. Despite its ratings and popularity, Superman & Lois is ending with season 4, Nexstar's acquisition of The CW has brought many logistical side effects, causing dramatic changes in all the channel's shows. Superman & Lois' main cast was on board,...

Phyllis Coates, the first actor to portray Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane on television, died on Oct. 11 in Woodland Hills, Calif., her daughter Laura Press confirmed to the New York Times. She was 96.

Coates starred as Lois Lane in the “Adventures of Superman” when the series first aired in 1952, only to leave after one season. She initially played Lois opposite George Reeves as Clark Kent/the Man of Steel in “Superman and the Mole Men.” The 1951 black-and-white superhero film follows Clark and Lois as they arrive in the small town of Silsby, where a race of small, balding humanoids emerge from their underground home deep in an oil well.

The “Adventures of Superman” series debuted the following year, with Reeves and Coates reprising their respective roles as Clark and Lois from “Mole Men.”

Noel Neill, who had played Lois in two 15-part film serials starring Kirk Alyn — “Superman” (1948) and “Atom Man vs. Superman...

Phyllis Coates, known for her portrayal of Lois Lane in the original Adventures of Superman TV series, has died at the age of 96. Coates played Lois Lane for only one season, alongside George Reeves as Clark Kent. Both actors appeared in the film Superman and the Mole-Men prior to the TV series. Coates described harsh working conditions on set and declined a higher salary to continue playing Lois Lane. She had a successful career spanning five decades and appeared in various films and TV shows.

In sad news for fans of classic iterations of Superman, actress Phyllis Coates has died at the age of 96. According to her daughter, Laura Press, the prolific thespian passed away of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 11 (per The Hollywood Reporter). Coates was best-known for portraying the Daily Planet...

Phyllis Coates, the first actress to play Lois Lane on television, has died. She was 96.

Coates portrayed the “Daily Planet” reporter and Clark Kent’s love interest for just one season on “Adventures of Superman.”

Coates, who also appeared in Republic Pictures serial shows and in films like “I Was a Teenage Frankenstein,” died Wednesday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills.

Her daughter Laura Press confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.

Coates grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas. She first took on the role of Lois Lane alongside George Reeves as Superman in “Superman and the Mole Men” (1951), a dark science fiction film. The success of the Lippert Pictures film — the first full-length theatrical feature starring the Man of Steel — brought about the production of a syndicated television show.

The first season of “Adventures of Superman” contained 26 episodes. “The Mole...

Phyllis Coates, who became television’s first Lois Lane when she was cast in the classic Adventures of Superman series starring George Reeves, died yesterday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills. She was 96.

Her death was announced by daughter Laura Press to our sister publication The Hollywood Reporter.

Born Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell in Wichita Falls, Texas, on January 15, 1927, Coates and her family later moved to Hollywood. Along with some vaudeville-style performances, Coates launched her showbix career as a chorus girl during the 1940s, often touring the the Uso. Later in the decade, she landed small roles in such pictures as Smart Girls Don’t Talk and My Foolish Heart (1949), and appeared in a series of “Joe McDoakes” comedy shorts as Alice MacDoakes.

In 1951, Coates was invited to audition for the role of Lois Lane in the low-budget...

Phyllis Coates, who is best known for being the first Lois Lane on a television show with her work on the Adventures of Superman, has passed away at the age of 96. Coates died on October 11 of natural causes in Woodland Hills, California, according to The Hollywood Reporter (via her daughter Laura Press). Coates played Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane in the classic 1950s TV show Adventures of Superman, which starred George Reeves as Clark Kent/the Man of Steel. She only played the role for one season before deciding to move on in 1953 because of family trouble and a feeling that the show was not going in the direction she felt was right. She had been the second actress to play the role, first taking it on in the 1951 film Superman and the Mole Men. First had been Noel Neill, who appeared in the first two movie serials and who...

Phyllis Coates, the actress who first played the iconic Daily Planet Reporter Lois Lane on the small screen, has died.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the beloved actress died Wednesday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills.

She was 96.

Coates first appeared in the superhero universe opposite George Reeves in the 1951 movie Superman and the Mole Men.

The movie was a roaring success and paved the way for the syndicated TV series The Adventures of Superman.

While the series lasted six seasons and had a devoted following, Coates stepped away following the first.

Noel Neill took over the role for the next five seasons, keeping Lois Lane a part of the franchise.

Neill had previously played the role on two occasions.

Coates' decision to leave was reportedly driven by her desire to work on a pilot for a series that would find...

Phyllis Coates, the first actress to play Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane on television, only to leave the Adventures of Superman after just one season, has died. She was 96.

Coates, who also appeared in Republic Pictures serials and in such films as I Was a Teenage Frankenstein, died Wednesday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, her daughter Laura Press told The Hollywood Reporter.

A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, Coates first portrayed the headstrong Lois opposite George Reeves as the Man of Steel in the dark sci-fi movie Superman and the Mole Men (1951).

The success of that Lippert Pictures film — the first full-length theatrical feature starring the comic-book hero — led to the quick decision to start production on a syndicated show for television.

Coates segued to the series and got into jams as Lois in all 26 episodes of the first season...

Superman II is widely regarded as one of the best superhero movies ever, with unforgettable villains and an exploration of the hero's human side. The original 1978 Superman film set the gold standard for superhero movies, introducing Christopher Reeve as the iconic Man of Steel. Zack Snyder's Justice League, while an improvement on the original release, struggled to overcome core issues and the need to do too much in one film.

Here is every live-action Superman movie ranked from worst to best - from the Dceu and everything that came before it. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the Man of Steel came soaring (or leaping) into comics in 1938, debuting in Action Comics #1. Superman films have certainly had their soaring highs and crushing lows, but filmmakers will likely never give up on finding new ways of adapting the Last Son of Krypton, and moviegoers would miss him if they did.

In the grand pantheon of superheroes, one figure shines with an enduring brilliance – Superman. He’s not just one of the earliest caped crusaders to grace the pages of comic books; he’s the embodiment of truth and justice, a beacon of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness.

As we delve into the cinematic realm of this iconic character, we unlock a treasure trove of storytelling that has captivated audiences for generations. From the Man of Steel’s inaugural flight on the silver screen to his most recent epic adventures, our journey will span decades of cinematic excellence, exploring every twist, turn, and triumphant moment in the history of Superman movies.

Related: The Evolution of Superheroes: 12 Movies That Shaped the Genre

So, fasten your seatbelts and join us on an exhilarating flight through time and space as we present “All the Superman Movies in Order.”

In this comprehensive guide,...

Superman has been adapted into multiple live-action TV shows, each approaching the character from a different angle and focusing on different aspects of his story. Some of the older TV shows, like Superboy and Adventures of Superman, had limitations in terms of special effects and storytelling, but they still hold importance in the history of Superman's live-action adventures. More recent shows, like Krypton and Superman & Lois, have pushed the boundaries by exploring new aspects of Superman's mythology and delivering big-screen worthy action scenes.

Superman has been adapted into many live-action incarnations, including seven television shows. From his debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938, Superman has crossed over into other forms of narrative media. Even before the Man of Steel's return in Superman: Legacy in the new Dcu, Clark Kent's heroic alterego has appeared in video games, along with animated shows and movies, with Superman being the hero of numerous live-action big-screen movies,...

Lois Lane has been a part of Superman's story since Action Comics #1 (Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster) and has been a part of nearly every adaptation to other mediums since. That started with the radio serial The Adventures of Superman in 1940 when Rolly Besterfirst voiced the character. Joan Alexander took over the role and played it for many years, as well as playing Lois in the famous animated shorts from the Fleischer Brothers. And movies continue to prominently feature her with Rachel Brosnahan joining numerous big-screen Lois Lanes in the upcoming Superman: Legacy

But barring the comics themselves, television has always been the best medium for the character. A TV series provides the screen time to let her stand on her own merits, while the movies invariably relegate her to Superman's support. Lois has helped anchor nearly a half-dozen live-action series, spaced across 80 years and changing with the times just...

Margia Dean, who co-starred in the cult sci-fi classic The Quatermass Xperiment and appeared alongside the likes of Clint Eastwood, Vincent Price, Esther Williams and George Reeves in other movies, has died. She was 101.

Dean died June 23 in her apartment in Rancho Cucamonga, California, her niece Denyse Barr told The Hollywood Reporter.

From 1948-56, Dean worked in about 20 features for producer Robert L. Lippert, founder of the B-movie studio Lippert Pictures, thus earning the nickname “The Queen of Lippert.”

She acted for Sam Fuller in two of those films, the first two features he ever directed, in fact — I Shot Jesse James (1949), in which she portrayed a saloon singer, and the Price-starring The Baron of Arizona (1950).

Based on a popular BBC serial, Hammer Films’ The Quatermass Xperiment (1956), directed by Val Guest and starring Brian Donlevy, told the story of an astronaut (Richard Wordsworth) who crash-lands back on Earth and...

With the increasing influx of comic-book-oriented content released each year and the global popularity of the associated characters reaching record highs, fan service has become a huge part of the production. Whether it’s seeing multiple iconic versions of a singular character sharing the screen together or a grand final battle sequence involving a plethora of beloved characters from certain IP, fans want to see a gratifying payoff, and the studios are ever so eager to oblige. The latest Dceu release, The Flash, was long rumored to be DC’s biggest movie in terms of displaying the scope of the DC multiverse through character cameos, and in some aspects, the movie did justice to that claim. The movie was also rumored to be a soft reboot of the existing Dceu and therefore doubles down on the time travel/multiverse aspect of the narrative to showcase an unexpected change in one of the most discussed scenes,...

Warning: This article includes discussion of suicide.

Warning! This article contains spoilers for The Flash.The cameo appearance of George Reeves' Superman in The Flash has proved to be a point of contention due to the actor's tragic real-life story. Barry Allen's multiversal shenanigans in The Flash affect the whole DC multiverse, which includes the Dceu, Tim Burton's Batman universe, and a few other realities that bring both new and famous versions of DC characters into the fold on the big screen. But while a shared appearance by actors from different DC universes may sound like an exciting concept, certain creative choices in The Flash have been branded as insensitive.

The multiversal cameo characters that appear in The Flash while Barry Allen travels back in time include Christopher Reeve's Superman, Helen Slater's Supergirl, Nicolas Cage's Superman, Adam West's Batman, and George Reeves' Superman. Apart...

The search for the DC Universe’s Superman continues, and according to some reports, it all points to James Gunn possibly continuing a major Superman change in Superman: Legacy that began when Zack Snyder cast Henry Cavill. Superman was the hero that kicked off the Dceu, but unfortunately, this universe didn’t give him a consistent story after his debut in Man of Steel. After Man of Steel 2 was announced to be in development, these plans changed with the introduction of the DC Universe, which will have a younger version of Superman, thus leaving Henry Cavill’s version out of this new branch.

The DC Universe’s “Gods and Monsters” chapter will begin in 2025 with Superman: Legacy, which will follow a young version of the man of steel during his days as a reporter. Superman: Legacy will focus on Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human family in Kansas,...

In the pantheon of iconic superheroes, few characters have captured the hearts and imaginations of fans like the Man of Steel himself, Superman. With how larger-than-life the character was, it was inevitable that he would jump off the pages of a comic book and onto the silver screen.

Related: 10 Superman Plots DC Comics Never Resolved

Through the years, many actors have donned red, yellow, and blue, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the role. With all the excitement over who James Gunn will be casting in Superman: Legacy, it’s important to appreciate the long line of live-action Supermen who came before.

Kirk Alyn - 1948-1950

Kirk Alyn was the first actor to don the iconic cape of Superman on-screen. He starred in two movie serials, Superman (1948) and Atom Man vs. Superman (1950). Alyn brought physicality to the role with his background as a dancer and acrobat, and he did...

Look, up in the sky! It's not a bird or a plane, but it's definitely one heck of a treat for fans of the big blue boy scout superhero. Superman may have experienced a bit of a rocky road in recent DC history on the big screen, despite an actor as capable and charismatic as Henry Cavill leading the action and even with James Gunn's promise that the immensely popular hero will be a "huge priority" moving forward. But even the biggest DC fans would have to admit that there's a certain ineffable charm to the original movies that first made audiences believe that a man could truly fly.

Christopher Reeve starred in four separate "Superman" movies, in addition to the special Richard Donner director's cut released for "Superman II," and now all 5 titles will be made available just in time for the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros., the...

Burbank, Calif., March 1, 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 and Digital on 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...

The greatest superhero movie ever made is coming home on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray!

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is releasing Superman the Movie for the first time in 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (Hdr).

Here's the scoop, directly from Warner Brothers:

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and DC Entertainment announced today that 1978’s Superman the Movie, featuring the beloved DC Super Hero, will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on November 6th. An Alexander Salkind presentation and 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, Superman was produced by Pierre Spengler from a story by Mario Puzo and a screenplay by Puzo,...

The greatest superhero movie ever made is coming home on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray!

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is releasing Superman the Movie for the first time in 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (Hdr).

Here's the scoop, directly from Warner Brothers:

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and DC Entertainment announced today that 1978’s Superman the Movie, featuring the beloved DC Super Hero, will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on November 6th. An Alexander Salkind presentation and 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, Superman was produced by Pierre Spengler from a story by Mario Puzo and a screenplay by Puzo,...

The greatest superhero movie ever made is coming home on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray!

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is releasing Superman the Movie for the first time in 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (Hdr).

Here's the scoop, directly from Warner Brothers:

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and DC Entertainment announced today that 1978’s Superman the Movie, featuring the beloved DC Super Hero, will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on November 6th. An Alexander Salkind presentation and 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, Superman was produced by Pierre Spengler from a story by Mario Puzo and a screenplay by Puzo,...

Superheroes: fictional characters doing impossible things in implausible costumes. Why is society so fascinated by them, though?

Well, for one, they inspire us, reassure us, and certainly entertain us. They also provide a platform for storytelling that’s epic in scale – often allowing for sweeping sci-fi or historical drama, alongside intimate tales of relationships and familial bonds. As such, it’s hardly surprising that the world of film adopts – and occasionally spawns – so many of these characters as its own.

The potential for these crusaders to draw in audiences has been explored and expanded further than anyone could have imagined back when Superman And The Mole-Men became the first superhero movie to hit cinemas in 1951. Since then, filmmakers have continually mined the realms of comic books, graphic novels, animation, TV, and even conceived their own original creations, all in search of that most elusive of achievements: A good superhero flick.

Superheroes: fictional characters doing impossible things in implausible costumes. Why is society so fascinated by them? Of course, they inspire us, and reassure us, and certainly entertain us. They also provide a platform for story-telling that is epic in scale – often allowing for sweeping sci-fi or historical drama, alongside intimate tales of relationships and familial bonds. It is hardly surprising that the world of film adopts – and occasionally spawns – so many of these characters as its own.

The potential for these crusaders to draw in audiences has been explored and expanded further than anyone could have imagined back when ‘Superman And The Mole-Men’ became the first superhero movie to hit cinemas in 1951. Since then, filmmakers have continually mined the realms of comic books, graphic novels, animation, TV, and even conceived their own original superheroes, in search of that most elusive of achievements: A good superhero film.

So what is the secret ingredient?...

It was a time of sex, cynicism and Star Wars - and endless lampoons of the old Batman TV shows. Almost inconceivably, given the era that we live in, there had never been a superhero movie that wasn't cheap, laughable, aimed at kids - or all three. So when Superman producers the Salkind brothers decided to follow up their success of the Musketeers movies with another ambitious two-part movie project, they knew they'd need to throw high-level talent at the first ever serious cinematic account of the Man Of Steel.

Enter Richard Donner, riding a high wave of interest from The Omen; enter Marlon Brando, superstar Gene Hackman, Godfather screenwriter Mario Puzo...enter years of hard-working hell inventing entirely new cinematic processes to make us all believe a man can fly. And enter unknown actor Christopher Reeve, ready to take on the dual role of Clark Kent and Kal-El in what remains a definitive interpretation.

The Superman Motion Picture Anthology

Blu-ray, Warner Home Video

Today we live in a world where even relatively "also ran" comic-book characters such as Thor and The Green Lantern get their own megabucks movies, but it wasn't so long ago when superheroes were considered only good for Saturday morning serials, cartoons or campy spoofs like the Adam West Batman TV show.

In 1978 that all changed with Superman: The Movie, a bold, epic origins tale with big names such as Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman attached to show just how serious the superhero business could be. It was a massive gamble that paid off, becoming one of the biggest-grossing hits of the decade along with Star Wars and Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, and remaining hugely influential on any comic-to-film adaptation. Then-unknown actor Christopher Reeve gave us one of the best performances in any superhero flick. Even in the sequels with increased corny comedy content,...

In the run up to the much anticipated 2012 release of the new Superman movie, Warner Home Video is proud to present Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006), released on the 13th June 2011. Rediscover the heritage of the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, Superman, in the first five classic films.

We have already reviewed the set and can confirm it’s an essential purchase but for one lucky Owf reader, here’s your chance to win yourself a copy.

In this exciting eight disc collection, the Superman myth is depicted, from his birth on the doomed planet of Krypton to his life as a reporter in the big city of Metropolis. He discovers that hiding his superpowers as mild-mannered Clark Kent isn’t easy when trying to sustain a job at the ever inquisitive Daily Planet, wooing hard-nosed Lois Lane and constantly battling with super villains across Metropolis.

For the first time ever,...

It’s interesting to watch how time and again, writers, artists, moviemakers, and studio executives struggle to find ways to adapt the very first comic book super-hero. Superman was something readers (and rival publishers) had never seen before, and he served as the template for the heroic fantasy that followed these last seven decades. When you have powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men, you need visionaries to bring the character from the printed page to other media. Robert Maxwell figured out how to do that with the popular radio serial. In fact, Maxwell came up with various characters and concepts that seeped into the comics, a symbiosis that made both stronger.

I was given to considering Superman in his many forms when the eight-disc Superman The Complete Anthology Blu-ray set arrived for review. Warner Home Video has taken all the previous versions and spruced them up a bit,...

He’s one of the most enduringly popular superheroes of our time and to celebrate this fact, an incredible Bluray release has been compiled by Warner Bros. Consisting of all five films from Superman: The Movie (1978) to Superman Returns (2006), each one has been transferred into 1080p high definition and is accompanied by a plethora of additional material. For Superman fans this is an impressive release that is sure to please the majority, however it’s not free from its own kryptonite…

As fans eagerly await the release of Superman: Man of Steel next year, this collection will still suffice to relieve the boredom of the wait. Released on 13th June, follow the jump to read our review.

The collection spans 28 years and develops the character of Superman (Christopher Reeve) over five films. Superman: The Movie (1978) deals with his arrival on Earth and his first encounter with evil mastermind Lex Luthor...

In the run up to the much anticipated 2012 release of the new Superman movie, Warner Home Video is proud to present Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006), released on the 13th June 2011.

For the first time ever, films one to four, Superman: The Movie (Original Theatrical), Superman II (Original Theatrical) Superman III and Superman IV – The Quest For Peace, are available on Blu-ray. The collection also includes the recent blockbuster; Superman Returns, plus Superman: the Movie (Expanded Edition) and Superman II (the Director Richard Donner cut).

The release will also feature 20 hours of bonus material, including the never-before-seen original opening to Superman Returns, along with documentaries, deleted scenes and a ‘making of’ feature.

The Full eight-disc breakdown:

Superman: The Original Theatrical Movie (1978) and Expanded Edition (2001)

A box-office smash, an Academy AwardÒ winner and a fan favourite since it first flew into theatres in December 1978, Superman: The Movie assembles...

We heard in January that Warner Bros. would be releasing all the Superman films in the Blu-ray format (here), and the studio has now officially announced Superman Anthology for release on June 7th. The set will include Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman III, Superman IV: Quest For Peace, and Superman Returns in a an 8-disc set. The set will include the original and Richard Donner cut of Superman II, with the original film presented in both theatrical and extended editions.

Blu-ray has details on the Special Features:

Disc 1: Superman: The Movie, Original Theatrical VersionSuperman: The Movie, Expanded Edition

Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler The Making of Superman: The Movie [1978 TV special] Superman and the Mole-Men [1951 feature] Warner Bros. Cartoons:

· Super-Rabbit [1943]

· Snafuperman [1944]

· Stupor Duck [1956] Trailers

Disc 2:

Commentary by Richard Donner and Tom Mankiewicz Taking Flight: The Development of Superman Making Superman: Filming the Legend The Magic Behind...

A couple weeks ago UK listings for a Blu-ray anthology of all five existing Superman films were found, and we started to get info [1] about what might be in the box set. Now Warner Bros. has confirmed the set for Us release. Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology will be released on June 7, 2011 in an eight-disc set that contains all five films (Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman III, Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, and Superman Returns) as well as alternate versions of the first two movies and a wealth of special features. A trailer for the release and all relevant details follow. Per The Digital Bits [2], these are new HD masters for the theatrical cuts of the four Christopher Reeve movies and a new 1080p master for the expanded cut of Superman: The Movie. Here's the official trailer for the set. Underneath is the full press release offering...

On June 7th, Warner Home Video is releasing a pretty fabulous collection, and I want to give you a preview of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology on Blu-Ray.

This one is filled with extras, and includes alternate versions of the first two films. Check out all the info below, including the rundown of all the special features including in the set.

Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray.

For the first time, fans will be able to own one super-entertaining Blu-ray collection with all four original theatrical Superman films starring Christopher Reeve...

Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006)

Debuts On Blu-ray™ June 7 From Warner Home Video

Video Trailer:

Collection Includes All Five Films in the Theatrical Franchise, Two Alternate Versions and 20 Hours of Bonus Features

Burbank, Calif. March 31, 2011 –Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray. For the first time, fans will be able to own one super-entertaining Blu-ray collection with all four original theatrical Superman films starring Christopher Reeve (available for the first time in high def), Superman Returns, and the two alternate versions of Superman I and Superman II.

Available now in superb hi-def,...

By Sean O’Connell

Hollywoodnews.com: Can you imagine how amazing Superman’s blue-and-red tights are going to look in high-definition?

As Warner Bros. prepares to reboot the Man of Steel – again – the studio is going back to Superman’s cinematic roots. Not the hero’s black-and-white days. Back to the Richard Donner days, when the director (with Christopher Reeve’s help) took the superhero film franchises to new heights. And they are putting

“Stronger. … Faster. … Sharper!” the Blu-ray clip teases for “Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology.” The package will include

The teaser trailer is heavy on Donner’s original “Superman” and Bryan Singer’s most recent “Superman Returns.” We don’t see a lot of footage from “Superman III” or “The Quest for Peace,” but they are reportedly in the set. We’ll also see “Expanded Edition” cuts of Donner’s two films for the first time on Blu-ray.

Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.' Green Lantern, his arrival couldn't be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray. For the first time, fans will be able to own one super-entertaining Blu-ray collection with all four original theatrical Superman films starring CChristopher Reeve (available for the first time in high def), Superman Returns, and the two alternate versions of Superman and Superman II.

The new trailer for Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray can be seen below.

Click to watch Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology Blu-ray Trailer!

Available now in superb hi-def, with new digital/hi-def film masters, the must-own...

Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.' Green Lantern, his arrival couldn't be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray. For the first time, fans will be able to own one super-entertaining Blu-ray collection with all four original theatrical Superman films starring CChristopher Reeve (available for the first time in high def), Superman Returns, and the two alternate versions of Superman and Superman II.

The new trailer for Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray can be seen below.

Click to watch Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology Blu-ray Trailer!

Available now in superb hi-def, with new digital/hi-def film masters, the must-own...

Zack Snyder’s Superman that plans to revitalize, reinvigrate and reimagine the character like never before on film will hit theaters Christmas 2012, but this summer we are treat to the Superman Motion Picture Anthology on Blu-ray just in time for The Green Lantern to hit theaters. Catipulting fans from the original 1978 film to the latest 2005 film Superman Returns, this anthology has it all. Check all the details and trailer for the DVD after the jump.

Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray. For the first time, fans will be able to own...

Warner Home Video has announced the Blu-ray release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology 1978 — 2006 set to hit selves on June 7th. This cool 8 disc set will have 5 original theatrical motion pictures plus 2 alternate cuts. But what caught my eye was on Superman Returns, it will now have the deleted scene where Superman returns to Krypton, there was a glimpsed of it when the first teaser trailer came out. I have seen this scene myself and its pretty interesting.Here is the full press release. Also check out the trailer for the trailer for the Blu-ray release. Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the...

Ok peeps! We showed you a sneak peak at he Superman Anthology release over in the UK a few weeks ago and now we have thr goods for all of our Us friends! Check out the new trailer at the bottom of the page!I am so stoked for this release! From the Official Press release:

Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) Debuts On Blu-ray™ June 7 From Warner Home Video

Collection Includes All Five Films in the Theatrical Franchise, Two Alternate Versions and 20 Hours of Bonus Features

Burbank, Calif. March 31, 2011 –Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superherowith the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray.