Superman 1 is an unbeatable classic

[hursty]

I loved all that 'deep space' stuff they did, wasn't one just a bag of milk or something?

Just space them out mate, you wan't nothing to ruin TDKR when it comes out.

[TylerDurden389]

Mar 15, 2012 10:54:33 GMT -5 Kamdan said:

Yep, it was the Thau edit. I'll take the KCOP and the theatical cut over it, because it doesn't have that messed with sound, but it's better than nothing.

Since that's been brought up now, I can mention something I was gonna mention earlier, but felt there was no need to nitpick.

Thau ruined the scream in the director's cut. The echo effect is gone. I still haven't picked up the blu-rays yet, but I'm hoping the blu-ray theatrical disc has the PROPER audio mix. I don't care if it isn't 5.1/DTS or whatever. I just want the film to sound the way it's supposed to sound.

[hursty]

Do you mean Harrys scream?

That's a wilhelm isn't it?

[crazy_asian_man]

Have any of you had the chance of seeing the film in a theater?

I know it way dates me, but I had the extreme luck of being able to experience both the original Star Wars AND Superman the Movie first on a giant size screen (I live in a city that has a few of the original big movie 'one screen only' theatres).

For STM, I don't know if the theatre owners were suggested to do this or not, but for their showings, they had REAL curtains half-closed to match the opening, then time it to open when the curtains opened on-screen... giving it a REAL '3-d' touch for the credits.... Because of the size of the screen, people really felt like they 'fell' into the credits. Definitely one of the greatest moviegoing experiences of my life with STM for many reasons.

[crazy_asian_man]

Think the third act is getting a raw deal here, think its pretty spectacular myself

It is, but the pacing slows down setting up the 'missile plot'--- and when Superman goes around saving people around California locations, it's epic because of the locations, but - because of the tone of the film with Luthor- there seemed little mystery to me that anyone would really die (if Luthor killed off Otis or someone prior to the earthquake stuff, the threat level would be immense by suggesting that someone COULD die before then) during his rescues.

So, while it was neat to see Supes do the rescues, the energy doesn't really pick up again until it gets to Lois's car getting swallowed up.... and then when she dies, the movie jumps up incredibly in intensity from that point- because it's so unexpected.

But..... if it was as originally intended, and Superman saves everybody--- THEN the cliffhanger (no Supes in the clouds listening to his dad nor the scream).... I'm not sure STM as a standalone film would be nearly as satisfying. The 'high point' of act three for me is definitely Lois' death/listening to his father in the clouds--- if replaced with the villains' release as originally intended, it would have been a VERY different film experience-

More like "Back to the Future 2" (which REALLY feels like a part of a film rather than a whole film) than "Back to the Future 1"- which was meant as a standalone initially.

[Kamdan]

Mar 15, 2012 12:04:31 GMT -5 hursty said:

Do you mean Harrys scream?

That's a wilhelm isn't it?

He's talking about Superman's scream after Lois died and Jor-El's "It is forbidden..." dialogue when Superman is turning back time. Amongst other things, he also screwed up the timing of the Williams' music during the earthquake railroad sequence. I'm just glad the original track is preserved on the Blu-ray. It would have been nice to have seen the footage at beginning in its original sepia tone than black and white.

[Jimbo]

Mar 15, 2012 12:08:21 GMT -5 crazy_asian_man said:

I know it way dates me, but I had the extreme luck of being able to experience both the original Star Wars AND Superman the Movie first on a giant size screen (I live in a city that has a few of the original big movie 'one screen only' theatres).

Mmhmm, I know what you mean. Century Winchester, yeah? That was one of Star Wars's initial 65mm screenings.

[crazy_asian_man]

Mmhmm, I know what you mean. Century Winchester, yeah? That was one of Star Wars's initial 65mm screenings.

Yeah, I was spoiled by that experience..... also, I caught it before it was a GIANT hit where there were lines around the block! Imagine going in with little expectations (read the first comic book only at the time), then seeing it in the front rows on this giant screen with a full (at that time) sound system!

Also remember the times when people would meet other geeks waiting for those Sci-fi movies before cellphones and facebook it was really more of a 'bonding' experience with people who all were in love with the genre enough to be happy chatting about it w/others in line.

*sigh*
Good ol' days...

[Valentine Smith]

I was fortunate enough to see STM on the big screen about six or seven years ago, at one of the finest old movie theaters in NYC. Caught it on a Sunday afternoon with a few buddies. There were about a hundred people there, and it was brilliant. It was so cool seeing the film with a room full of strangers, all of whom laughed at the right jokes and cheered/applauded at the best parts.

[stargazer01]

Love the movie a lot but it has its flaws. Some parts are so cringeworthy, especially when I watch it with other people who aren't really big Supe fans.

[Jimbo]

I bet the "every elected official in the country" line gets an extra laugh today.

[crazy_asian_man]

I bet the "every elected official in the country" line gets an extra laugh today.

It brings up just how innocent IS Superman supposed to be, anyways, in STM?

[verisimilitude]

Had to join the chorus of cheers for STM, and add myself to the list of folks who got to see it at theaters.

In 1978, we saw it at Mann Chinese Theater, and I was in absolute awe. I've never gotten over it..

Then, in 2001, when I heard about the extended version, I went crazy and told my wife that we had to go see it. Turns out the closest theater showing it was in San Antonio, Texas. We lived in LA at the time.

So, we decided to take our first road trip together. We contacted the theater and told them we were driving from California to see STM, and they made an appoint to keep the movie longer than they intended, just for us!

They night we arrived, the theater was empty, and it was just the two of us, watching the movie, together. It was something I'll never forget.

I'm the first to admit that it's nostalgia that plays a huge part in my love for STM, but that notwithstanding, this film has stood the test of time, and remains a beautifully crafted movie. Sometimes, everything just comes together in a magical way and can never be repeated. STM will always be, by a comfortable mile, in a class by itself, and will always remain my favorite film of all time.

I echo the comments about the ending sequence with Reeve in space, giving that smile to the camera, as he flies away. I wouldn't trade that moment for the originally intended cliffhanger. No way. I'm happy to simply continue the story in SII.

[atp]

STM would be an unbeatable classic if Lex and Otis were not in it.

[hursty]

Mar 15, 2012 11:55:35 GMT -5 Jimbo said:

Mar 15, 2012 8:27:45 GMT -5 hursty said:

There's very little to nitpick at, perhaps why Maria Scheck gets a full credit, that's it.

Salkinds were eager to plug the movie as epic and serious. Hence they plastered Brando and Hackman as much as possible to let people know it wouldn't be a silly kid movie.

Same goes with Trevor Howard, Harry Andrews, and Maria Scheck (Glenn Ford too). Big names of their period which added to the film's legitimacy.

It'd be like making a comic book movie today with Meryl Streep and Richard Attenborough as supporting characters. At the very least, some would give the film a closer look because of the casting.

Must have missed this before mate.

I can see what your saying, but Trevor Howard and Glenn Ford had notable speaking parts, especially Ford, his role was key, totally key to Clark learning a valuable lesson about his destiny.

Harry Andrews is reduced to the small cast with Douglas (deservedly) East and McClure (undeservedly but no-one had heard of them I guess)

Scheck says what four lines?

[hursty]

Mar 15, 2012 13:40:30 GMT -5 verisimilitude said:

Had to join the chorus of cheers for STM, and add myself to the list of folks who got to see it at theaters.

In 1978, we saw it at Mann Chinese Theater, and I was in absolute awe. I've never gotten over it..

Then, in 2001, when I heard about the extended version, I went crazy and told my wife that we had to go see it. Turns out the closest theater showing it was in San Antonio, Texas. We lived in LA at the time.

So, we decided to take our first road trip together. We contacted the theater and told them we were driving from California to see STM, and they made an appoint to keep the movie longer than they intended, just for us!

They night we arrived, the theater was empty, and it was just the two of us, watching the movie, together. It was something I'll never forget.

I'm the first to admit that it's nostalgia that plays a huge part in my love for STM, but that notwithstanding, this film has stood the test of time, and remains a beautifully crafted movie. Sometimes, everything just comes together in a magical way and can never be repeated. STM will always be, by a comfortable mile, in a class by itself, and will always remain my favorite film of all time.

I echo the comments about the ending sequence with Reeve in space, giving that smile to the camera, as he flies away. I wouldn't trade that moment for the originally intended cliffhanger. No way. I'm happy to simply continue the story in SII.

Nice words mate, cool you had the cinema to yourself!

I can't rank it top of my list, but its certainly forced its way into my top ten after the latest watch. I think the Krypton and Fortress scenes are on another level, with Brando's performance as it was intended to be - god like

And as for Superman at the end...sends a shiver dude.

[hursty]

Mar 15, 2012 14:40:49 GMT -5 atp said:

STM would be an unbeatable classic if Lex and Otis were not in it.

Why?

[Kamdan]

Mar 15, 2012 11:55:41 GMT -5 hursty said:

I loved all that 'deep space' stuff they did, wasn't one just a bag of milk or something?

Just space them out mate, you wan't nothing to ruin TDKR when it comes out.

Yep, that stuff made it more interesting that just seeing stars over and over again. Never heard about the milk deal, but it would surprise me if it was.

Oh, the combination of Anne Hathaway and Joseph Gordon-Levitt being in it as already set the bar low. I just KNOW Hathaway's performance is going to be more like Julie Newmar and Levitt's character is going to take Batman's mantle at the end and I'll be screaming in agony over it when the credits roll.

[Valentine Smith]

Mar 15, 2012 15:56:06 GMT -5 hursty said:

Mar 15, 2012 14:40:49 GMT -5 atp said:

STM would be an unbeatable classic if Lex and Otis were not in it.

Why?

Hursty...don't take the bait, dude.

[hursty]

Mar 15, 2012 16:00:07 GMT -5 Kamdan said:

Mar 15, 2012 11:55:41 GMT -5 hursty said:

I loved all that 'deep space' stuff they did, wasn't one just a bag of milk or something?

Just space them out mate, you wan't nothing to ruin TDKR when it comes out.

Yep, that stuff made it more interesting that just seeing stars over and over again. Never heard about the milk deal, but it would surprise me if it was.

Oh, the combination of Anne Hathaway and Joseph Gordon-Levitt being in it as already set the bar low. I just KNOW Hathaway's performance is going to be more like Julie Newmar and Levitt's character is going to take Batman's mantle at the end and I'll be screaming in agony over it when the credits roll.

I will admit to being slightly concerned about Hathaway, but I trust Nolan, he's not let me down yet.

[atp]

Mar 15, 2012 15:56:06 GMT -5 hursty said:

Mar 15, 2012 14:40:49 GMT -5 atp said:

STM would be an unbeatable classic if Lex and Otis were not in it.

Why?

Because they drag the tone of the film down to stupidity.

It's even worse than Richard Pryor in S3, because there the whole film was silly. But STM starts off so epic and incredible, and then degenerates in the 3rd act.

Also, if Lex wasn't in it, the whole missile thing wouldn't be there, and that does away with the turning-the-world-back retardation.

[hursty]

Come on fella

They're the nuts - and you know it.

[verisimilitude]

Had to jump in, against my better judgement, to defend Lex and Otis. May I suggest that the comedic/camp element is part of what brings balance and joy to this epic film? The grandeur and gravity that Krypton and Smallville provide is nicely complemented by the comicbook vibe of characters like Perry White, Officer Mooney, and yes Otis and Luthor.

Frankly, being the egomaniac that he is, I find it perfectly reasonable and "character grounding" that Luthor would choose to have an oaf like Otis on his team. It's very self-serving to choose a dope who lives to please you and serves as a constant reminder of how brilliant you are by contrast.

And for my closing remarks:

"Not on your life, Otis...which I would gladly sacrifice, by the way."
"It isn't that I don't trust you, but...I DON'T trust you Otis."
"You were followed again...despite all those cat-like reflexes"
"Otis, would you like to see a very very long arm?"
"Every man has his vulnerable point. Some, like you Otis, have more than one" (From S2, I know)
"Otisburg?"
"It's amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving"

Those lines in the capable hands of Gene Hackman, make for some great fun, while simultaneously preserving the class and dignity of STM, as a cinematic achievement. Comedy is no less a discipline than drama, and STM's deft handling of both, only serves to further secure its place (rightly) at the top of the list, when it comes to great moviemaking.

Just my opinion, but there you go...

[Jor-L5150]

CUT "can you read my mind" and it's almost perfect.

[verisimilitude]

Mar 15, 2012 17:33:04 GMT -5 Jor-L5150 said:

CUT "can you read my mind" and it's almost perfect.

Yeah...that's a pretty valid point, Jor. It is kind of cheesy, isn't it? BTW, nice to "see" ya. Hope all is well!