Superman 2 4K Ultra HD Bluray Review 

I'm 42 now, so I grew up watching these films. Superman 2 was always a favourite. This 4k looks great. I'm definitely going to get it, thanks to your review.

Hi Keith, great review. Thank you for showing us those screenshots. It's looks like a really impressive upgrade from the blu ray. That shot of the three villans on the moon looks incredible.

Hey Keith! Great video again, as usual! Just wanted to share my input on this topic as I think it will help you appreciate the intent and give more context as to what the 'Donner Cut' was trying to accomplish. You have to put yourself in the frame of mind that the 'Donner Cut' as not being an official alternate cut of 'Superman II'. It was made, released and meant to be watched in the spirit of what was originally intended had Donner been able to finish his two part movie. The 'Donner Cut' is more of a 'what could have been' rather than an "official" sequel to 'Superman: The Movie'. As you noted, the 'rewinding' of the Earth at the end of the 'Donner Cut' is redundant. But the reason being, is that THIS was supposed to be the original ending of Donner's two parter. It was not originally supposed to be used in the first movie. That's why this 'Donner Cut' starts off as it does. It's just to give you an idea as to how the original 'Superman' movie was supposed to end, that being with the Kryptonians being freed and Zod yelling, "FREEEEE!!" There was no rewinding of the Earth here, as the ending was intended to be a cliffhanger. This cut is basically meant to be viewed as what Donner had intended for his 'Superman' one-two punch, but due overwhelming circumstances (which has been well documented) it didn't get done. The theatrical cut of 'Superman II' is my preferred version as well. It flows a lot better and is more complete. But had Donner been able to finish what he intended and complete 'Superman II' as it was supposed to be, it would have been mind blowing! Anywhoo, I could go on and on about this with a lot more detail as I've always been fascinated with the production of these movies. Just thought I'd chime in to offer the proper context as to why the 'Donner Cut' exists and hope to give you a better appreciation of what Richard Donner was trying to do. And again, keep up with the great videos and be good to yourself my good man! The fan from Canada....again. lol

Great review Keith, loved this movie also, I've only seen the donner cut once years ago, I can't remember it at all. going to watch these in the coming weeks, tnx again

Sorry to hear about the faulty disc Keith, that must be so annoying for you, having to go through all the rigmarole sending it back. I bought the boxset to the Dirty Harry series many years ago, it was nearly 2 years before I put on Sudden Impact only to find the disc would not play, so I was stuck with it. Its a good job you checked your disc. The quality on this one sound mint. Hope you get your replacement soon.

Hi Keith. Thanks for a great review of this brilliant movie. I Personally prefer the Donner Cut, to see Marlon Brando in the movie was something special as well.I just prefer the feel of it. I do agree the time travel element of Superman taking time back wasn't great to reuse, I wonder what the Original ending would of been, as I'm assuming this was the same footage they used in the first movie, as no Donner ending was filmed for no 2? Sorry to hear you got a corrupted disc, it does happen sometimes unfortunately.

Nice review Keith, the ending of Superman II was originally the turn back time sequence. Donner shot the first 2 movies back to back and the first was to have a different ending but they were running out of time to complete the first film so the ending of Superman II was used for Superman the Movie instead hence why it appears twice as Donner did not complete Superman II. Richard Lester was then bought in to finish the second film and reshot most of it including the ending. The theatrical cut is also my preferred version however. Also I prefer the blue tint for the scenes on the moon as when I saw that in cinemas in 2015 from a 70mm film print that’s how it looks (cold looking) and was originally intended. Regarding your faulty disc why not just buy the regular Superman II disc and switch it then return it, as if you send your complete box set back your next one could arrive damaged. Just a thought. 🤔 Also Warner Bros quality control seems non existent at the moment with this and the Rocky sets problems.

Hi Keith - so I’d never seen the Donner cut and my feelings were exactly the same as yours surprisingly. Both the time reversal scene and the Superman’s secret clips just did not sit right with me. Still happy to have seen that cut tho - there are some things that just need to be done. Thanks for the review.

Great review Keith, I prefer the Donner Cut as it’s tonally in line with the first film but I do like the theatrical version, especially the Eiffel tower sequence.

Alot of the Donna Cut was a mish mash of parts that weren't added or even finished. It's more a fan film that Donna aloud them to use. The Brando stuff in the Cut enhance the story and gives you a idea of what both films should have been. Also the turning back the planet was originally supposed to be in the second film Donna was forced to use it in Superman the Movie. Great vid mate

Hi Keith, as mentioned before I seem to be having a lot of trouble getting youtube comments to "stick". I've now seen at least four comments of mine just vanish for no apparent reason so I'll keep this as short as I can (as youtube is just wasting my time at this point). Firstly I was gutted to hear your woes with the disk playback of that theatrical cut...do you have a second 4K player and if so have you tried the disk in that one ? (I recently found one of my 4Ks stopped working in one player but had no problems in the other...). Secondly, I was very interested to hear your preference for the original theatrical cut...as I'd tried to say before I'm almost always disappointed with "updated extended cuts/director's cuts" even if the masses seem to prefer them...I think when you fall in love with one version of a movie (as you absolutely appeared to have done when you were talking about your excitement to view it again in your previous video) then any altered version has huge boots to fill if it's going to gel with what made you love the film in the first place. Donnie Darko, Aliens, Leon, Wild Card, Watchmen, 1982 Conan the Barbarian...are just a few of the movies where I love the original but am either disappointed or loathe the "Director's cut". I'm very keen to see that original theatrical cut of SM2 in 4K myself now...and I hope you manage to get your copy sorted without too much grief, all the best m8.

Yeah John's Superman video is great 😁👍 bummer on the Theatrical cut 😱 great comparisons to the blu ray 👌 can't wait to pick this up on 4k and I did like the Donner Cut as I was surprised how different it was 😲😲 great review Keith 🤩🤩👍👍

Thanks for another great review Keith. It's my favourite Superman movie of all.The first time I saw it at the Cinema it blew me away.

As always Keith, I love your take on the different cuts of a movie I also enjoyed. I may be wrong but it was my impression that both Superman and Superman 2 were being shot at the same time-hence the ability to make the "Donner Cut"-and that the turning back time sequence was originally shot for Superman 2 but was added to the first movie by the studio (?) I might be wrong about this but it was something I read, once upon a time.

Top video Keith, I watched the original cut on the weekend I was very impressed with the audio and the video with regards to the Donner cut - I've always liked it, especially with the addition of Brando's scenes, but the endings not great but it makes for an interesting alternate version at least - but the Richard Lester's version is from my childhood it's my go-to version I watch the most.

Probably my favourite Suoerhero film. I actually saw it in the cinema when it first came out when I was 4 years old with my Dad!

I had a few issues with part 4, kept freezing!! The only thing the Donner cut has is the scenes in the fortress of solitude with Marlon Brando, that scene would make the TC slightly better but thats it. Superman 2 rules 😊 Great video mate.

Great video I see Superman II in the cinema way back and still like it to day

Hope they are getting that Replacement to you Next Day Delivery Keith. Just saw Superman 2 4k today..for a start it was a big relief. Always felt Warner Rushed out the 4k of the first Movie too Quickly imo. However this second one is a Stunner. @ Keith would you Agree that the Studio's have Finally worked out how to properly do 4k Now? Noticing the Quality of Realises this Past few years from All Studio's has gone from Hit or miss now to outstanding with every Realise.

Great review (as is John's of the first Superman film). Hopefully Superman II will have a rerelease at the cinema in due course like the first film just has had in the UK. Would they also dare release the Donner cut theatrically for the first time? Would be interesting.

I heard from a couple of people that a remastered version of the first movie,so I traded in my copy I had to get ready to buy the remaster. Then found out a few weeks later,there isn’t going to be a remastered version. How do you think I feel ? 😩👎💔

I have to agree with…the theatrical version is my favorite too, but to be fair, it was nice to have that Donner Cut as an option. The first movie had so many different releases as well. Overall those two films definitely belong together as a 2 part cinema event. I’m so exited to get my hands on this disc, but wow what a bummer yours was defective. Hope it’s resolved, but there is a good chance that all those box sets could get recalled. Ugh hope not, I guess we’ll see. Great review as usual Kieth🍻

Great job Keith 👌.... looking forward to picking this up 😁

May sound strange bud did you power down the player and resume the disc when loaded back up after the pixelation. Mine went pixelated too when I was skimming through both superman II and III..

Good superman 👨‍🚀 review Keith!

You can't just get a disc replacement Keith? Instead of sending it all back I'm sure there's a warranty for Warner to send a replacement disc. I will check John Clancys review aswell, I always get so much nostalgia on his channel. Did you see his video showing the reels and machinery of the real imax cinema? That was class. Is there even one of those to go to in Ireland?

I still prefer the first film, but I will pick this up in 4k . I think I prefer that theatrical cut myself, but I need to revisit both cuts. It's great to hear the 4k transfers are great on both versions. I can see the improvement on the screenshots. Wow, it looks fantastic 👌 👍 . I'm sorry to hear you have a faulty disc. It's always a pain when that happens. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Keith 👍

Was wondering which cut to go for, shame the disc was corrupted for yours. Good review mate.

Nice upload Keith Ordered lovers lane today. My friend By arrow do u know about this film sorry to hear about your faulty disc

Thank you Keith.

Hey Keith. Great review mate. Ive only watched the Donner cut so far but totally agree about the 4k upgrade. I was amazed how sharp the image is in parts. Especially facial detail in close ups. So much better than the 1st film. Are you doing the full series Keith? 🤞

Did they cleanup excessive matte lines from bluescreen shots? Is there any indication that they may have recomposited and stabilized bluescreen shots-like Lucas did for the 2004 Blu-ray release of Star Wars?

I have an old-school 1080P Pioneer Kuro plasma which I cannot part with and a set of decent stereo studio monitors and a Panasonic 4K blu-ray player. I only like Superman 1, 2 and 3. Which Blu-ray or UHD version /boxset would look best for my equipment? I am better off getting the new 4K versions with the bundled Blu-ray discs and playing the UHD disc over the Blu-ray disc even though my TV is 1080P SDR and listen in stereo? Alternatively should I just get the Anthology Blu-ray set? One version has the Donner S2 cut and the other does not.

Hey Keith. Great video as always. Shame the theatrical cut was a dodgy disc. Hope you get that rectified soon. Fair play to zavvi, mine actually turned up on Saturday morning , so not as delayed as I feared. Opted for the theatrical cut first too. I hadn't seen it in years but it all came flooding back once the film started up. It just seemed to always be on TV when I was growing up. Thought it looked really good in the main. The shot you've showed on the moon just highlights that fact. Donner cut at some point, but not in a hurry to tick that version off. Stay well friend and look forward to parts 3 and 4 next. I haven't seen part 4. Too ropey even for terrestrial telly 😅

hello Keith, great review my fiend i love both version of this I'm glade to here that they upgraded the sound of these films to Dolby Atmos are you Going to review superman 3 and 4 also. and i watched the exorcist 3 the picture look great to me the last time i watched this film was on vhs so for me the picture and audio were awesome have a great day my friend see you next time.

I enjoy both cuts, but I prefer the Donner cut. Sorry to hear you had issues with the Theatrical cut, I hate returning things.

A good honest review Keith, thanks for that 👍

I had a feeling that you would love the picture quality on S2 (as I did). A shame about the disc being corrupt on theatrical version, hope it's rectified for you asap. I thought the picture on the original Superman was ok, a bit grainy in places. I haven't viewed s3 & s4 yet, but I have high hopes for them both. It's also a shame the original Superman is not the extended cut, like I have on dvd, but you can't have it all in a lovely box set like this. Again, keep up the good work & look forward to your next vid.

Great review. I waited many years for the Donner cut of S2 and watched all the extended TV scenes and when I saw it in 2006 I preferred the theatrical cut that I watched over and over again as a kid.

Great review keith

Sorry to hear that your disc was not too good. I thought the picture quality especially the Theatrical Cut was fantastic and in particular the deep deep black levels. I can't imagine that it will ever look better. Superman The Movie is still my fave superhero film but this release has made me really fall in love with the Theatrical Cut of Supe II over again. I like the Donner Cut as has overall better tone and story but the poor quality of the new vfx in Donner Cut always takes me out the picture.

Hahaha, a man after my own heart, 2 is my favourite and I'm pretty much always a theatrical cut man. Came to see what you made of pic but see you had a disc fiasco. I was gonna buy this and 3 yesterday but already sold out! (Had to settle for running man!)

looks like it got to be a disc replacement scheme for all 4k discs

I really like Superman 2 as well, especially the battle in Metropolis. Shame the disk was faulty, hope they send 6 a replacement set soon. I remember an X-Files set I had once, all the dusks were faulty. Sadly, just one of those things, annoying tho

How do you do those movie comparisons i wanna learn how to do them

I'd try giving the disc a thorough cleaning with a microfibre cloth and water. For me, steelbook 4ks seem to be the worst in terms of coming with residue/offgas on the disc surface from the manufacturing process.

what type of screen did you watch this in❓

I would have been. Devastated to put that disc in and have that happen. It's amazing you guys have that we in the states don't even have a release date yet. And I am anxiously waiting just for that film. The 2nd film the Lester cut is. The definitive Superman Movie. I grew up watching this cut and while the donor cut is interesting it is not.. Definitive for me. I don't know is if I'm. Going to go with the steelbook even though I prefer the artwork on that. What I will do is by the standard edition. Make a postcard of the original poster and slide it in to the four k case over the crummy artwork they provided.

Great review thanks 👍

Just got this steelbook from my postman lol it looks beautiful 😍📀🍿🎥👍 not seen the 4 k film yet for pic quality etc

I'm glad it's your favourite superman. It's by far and away my favourite also. I think the original is overrated. This also applies to batman returns. By far the best batman in my opinion.

i have the same problem with the theatrical version and a freeze and pixalation on superman 3 4k i have contacted warner brothers about it ,it looks like bad media

I have several disc problems with my Panasonic ub 9000 al around the same time as you between 50 minutes and 1 hour it s a mess. I got so tired of this i get rid of the player. I now have the reavon x100 these are not cheap around 899 euro but the play al my disc without freezing and they are region free out of the box for dvd and bluray

The Donner Cut IS incomplete and that's why it's not very good. The theatrical cut with some Brando scenes and a few other tweaks would have been much better.

Nice🎉

Yep i tested de superman movies on the Panasonic and they give indeed macroblocking and on mine reavon they play al fine What can Warner Bros do with that.i know the Panasonic had no firmware update since 2021 it s a shame.i can play the movies on the reavon with no problems so there is nothing wrong with the disc its some players who can handle it

I'm glad to able to buy Superman II in 4K separately, without requiring to buy the entire boxset because, I didn't like Superman III & IV, they were awful.