Superman 5-Film Collection 1978-1987 4K Box Set Review 

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Geoffrey Unsworth’s cinematography for Superman The Movie, in my opinion, is incredible. To me, this is probably the most beautifully photographed comic book movie. The love he and Donner put into still holds up even by today’s standards.

I saw Superman: The Movie back in 78 on the big screen, and i can still remember the overwhelming experience of it. It was like magic to a 7 year old. I showed the movie to my kids recently and despite the effects being aged, they still loved it, and loved Christopher Reeve. Nice review, man. Too bad they skimped on the other discs.

The extended cut of Superman I from the early 2000s deserves a 4K remaster.

I will never understand why these studios can’t use the theatrical poster art for the 4k cases. That’s why I’m going with the steelbook collection

Apparently the bitrate on the OG Superman the movie is slightly higher on the boxset version.

Thanks for the review and heads up. I love the excess of special features on the Superman blu ray so I won’t get rid of it when I upgrade.

I just can't help but feel like these films deserve better. Yes they are flawed, but its Superman! I wanted a no corners cut definitive edition. Part of that is packaging. I can't help but imagine how great this could have been with a boutique label.

Man, I Sooo want this! I already have the original motion picture 4K release, and it's beautiful. I've purchased the Supes films so many times on so many formats. :o

I hate it when they drop special features! Special features was one of the first important things that brought collectors to the DVD purchasing. Francis Ford Coppola and Ridley Scott know how to release a true collectors 4K. They give us all the cuts and keep the special features along with the BD discs.

Hello there Heath, i have the DVD and Blu-ray box sets. Superman the movie 1978 was the first film i saw at cinema when I was 8 years old.

Heath, I appreciate you mentioning right out of the gate about the lack of (a fair amount of) special features not being carried into this new 4K box release.

I am lucky to pick up the Steelbooks incased in a steel holder about 2 weeks ago here in the UK. Great looking set with main poster artwork on each steelbook.

I really hope these will be available individually at some point. The only one that I am interested in is Superman 2. You'd think that Warner would have at. Least provided the television cut of superman On this release rather than. Just recycling the twenty eighteen release

I still have the 14 disc DVD steel book of all the Superman films. The only recent offering I wanted that the old set didn't have was the 3 hour TV version of the first film, which I purchased separately. I wish they would release the TV version of Superman II,( some of which was used for the Donor cut) and especially the TV version of Superman III solely for the opening credits in Space.

Sort of hoped the boxset version might have special packaging which would save space and maybe a bonus disc like BTTF or Indiana Jones.

Cant wait to get this set.

Thanks for the video. Still looks like a cool set, by I can see the frustration of not carrying over special features that are already there and not being able to consolidate your collection to save some shelf space.

I keep meeting to pick up that blu ray box set

Quite frankly I don't understand why The Donner Cut of Superman 2, which is basically just patch work so that we can see what Donner was thinking of doing, and is not really a complete film, got a 4k disc, but the extended cut of the first film didn't. I had the DVD of the extended version, and in the commentary, Donner is clearly heard asking "why did we cut this scene again? " referring to the scene where Superman walks through the weapons gauntlet to get to Lex. The reason given was to keep the runtime down. That scene alone adds epically to the film and there's no reason why the extended version should be left out.

Great review, Heath! I'll probably be picking this up at some point. Funny thing is that I've been seeing it pop up in stores early for some reason, but I suppose that is better than it being hard to find!

Thank you for this review :-) I love the Chris Reeve’s Superman films, and I can’t fathom why they didn’t include a 4K-master of Superman 1’s EXTENDED CUT? The extended is far superior.

Yes it’s also missing the TV cut of Superman. I have that disc as a standalone release.

Great review Heath I myself pre ordered the Steelbooks box set of the Superman 5 Film Collection on 4K UHD Super can't wait to get them in the mail next week from Amazon on May 9th. Man this is gonna be good !!!

One other thing...I hope WB eventually releases single 4Ks of both Superman II & The Donner Cut. That would be nice for those of us who don't wanna spend $100 on a box set.

So, if I’m understanding this, the standard blu-ray that accompanies the 4K of Superman: The Movie is the theatrical cut of 1978; and not the 2001 Special Edition. That’s upsetting. One particular feature of that blu-ray was the commentary track from Director Richard Donner & Creative Consultant Tom Mankewicz. To not have that disc as part of this collection; when it’s available on the UK version is such a crime.

Great insight. I’m sure you know the story behind why he agreed to make Superman 4… he wanted to be considered a serious actor NOT just a superhero. So as part of him agreeing to S4 he pitched the screenplay of STREET SMART A major departure from his well liked character to being a Journalist (that doesn’t fly or have Jimmy the photographer) Instead it’s about a underwhelming journalist that turns seedy when he embellishes his writing with fiction for fame and notoriety. You I’m sure can tell this story better.

I don't care about special features so losing some for me isn't a problem I'm definitely grabbing this

I already had the blu ray of the extended and directors cut of Superman 1 and was able to find the metal case version of the Superman collection so I used that metal case to store my blu ray supergirl, the Steel dvd the dvd case I used to keep two of the bonus disc (already had the third disc sold separately) and keep it right next to the steelbook case version of the 4k

Heath, great stuff. I got this set too(got the Amazon steeblbook set as I am a sucker for having original poster artwork on my physical media). The color corrections from the blu rays is worth the upgrade alone. Sure, I would have appreciated a 4K disc for the Special Edition of the first film and a 4k of Returns, but neither are vital, at least to me. Now, I know all collector's are different, but I too value the 2011 bonus disc and the alt cut of the first film so what I did, and I do this often, is I bought a 3 disc holder snap case and used it for the Special Edition Blu Ray, the TV Cut Blu Ray released from Warner Archives a few years back, and the bonus disc from the 2011 set. I then made custom artwork for Returns and gave it its own snap case outside the box set. And for Returns you HAVE TO have the blu ray from the box set because it's the only physical release of that movie that includes the nixed alt. opening to that movie where Supers sees the remains of Krypton. Shelf space is valuable.....And as a collector, its never infinite as I'm not living in a mansion. That's just me. You ever do anything similar with any releases?

Thank you so much for the info; if I had a 4K set-up, this review would make the decision a LOT more difficult. As it stands, I will probably just stick with what I have (i.e. the other boxed set), with an eye towards maybe getting the 4K set when I am set up for it. As you have noted, because of the extras, especially the docs. I have not been told that this is a Limited Edition thing, so digits crossed. Given the seeming rush to transfer a lot of content onto 4K, I have to think that SUPERMAN RETURNS will find its way there, eventually. (I am going to offer what will probably be the outsider opinion: I liked that one, a lot.)

Great Review Heath! Wish S 2 to 4 were in Dolby Vision though. Still a decent picture though and bad some of the special features Blu Ray set discs weren’t included. Defo do individual movie reviews! Will be a lot of fun!

I just recently saw the first Superman movie on the theaters for its anniversary, it was fantastic watching it on the big screen. My two younger daughters love it. When i saw this release i was afraid it was not going to be new transfers but just up-scaling, I'm glad to hear that is not the case and that they are worth buying. I will keep my BR set for the extras you mention it misses in the 4k but for the movie itself i will be grabbing the 4k as soon as i can :)

I wish they could've added "Supergirl's" movie to this collection!

What aggravates me is I see in the US apparently you get a digital code based on your box. I don’t know why companies stopped doing that for Canada. We never got the digital codes included anymore.

I'm bummed that no slipcovers are included in that 4K set.

Excellent review! I will keep my blu-ray set and get the 4K versions of the first two movies (if SUPERMAN II is released separately). There were things I loved in the first two movies (Reeves, Kidder, the origin, the wonderful score) and things I didn't like (Otis, Superman's ability to alter time and make Lois forget they were married). I liked Annette O'Toole as Lana Lang in the third film, and not much else.

Growing up in the 80s i loved the Christopher reeve ; superman movies. i wasnt too much of a man of steel one and the one that came out in 2006 with brandon routh. i already got all of them on a bluray set. i don't know if I'll buy this set. its kind of pricey. great video 👍. i meant i wasn't too much of a fan lol.

Hello, I'm concerned about something according to in search of physical media RU-vidr he said that the part one of this new set is different from the 2018 transfer he says because they took away the 70 mm 5.1 track they used that space to boost the video quality so this is supposedly a newer video quality for part 1 where the picture is more stable and those scenes if you're aware of the 2018 version there was a few faded scenes that's no longer there . is RU-vidr in search of physical media incorrect let me know at your convenience thanks . Ps .In search of physical media was referring to the US version so which version is yours by the way

Hmm I think I will stick with my Blu- Ray version for now....until the other set is in a sale..

You could still free up some shelf space. There's an individual release of "Superman (Extended Cut and Special Edition 2-Film Collection)" which includes all the special features from the Extended Edition, and also includes the 3-hour long TV cut of the original movie, which isn't included in either the blu-ray or 4K boxsets. You likewise wouldn't have trouble finding an individual release of Superman Returns which most likely also includes those same features. One or two standard jewel cases instead of the boxset, and boom, you have all the same features.

definitely make a video about that superman set with the cartoons so you can better explain if we're getting a better product with that set I canceled my preodered so I can't wait and see what you say

Great review! Interesting that they are going to release the Fleischer cartoons as a separate set.

from clips ive seen they messed up the colors is some instances and botched the audio on 4. the atmos track on superman 1 is missing and the picture is the same from the previous release even though a new one has been done. look foward to another release prob for the 50th ann.

I opted for the steelbook set. I saw the extended TV edition is available for about $20. May pick that up along with the animated one. Could always do a disc swap.

have you had problems with the theatrical versions of all 4k discs as the uk has problems with pixalation and freezing about an hour in all discs of 2,3 and 4 at about just under the hour .for instance superman 2 zod throws the man throught the wall and the disc pixalates ,part 3 tthe ski scenes on the roof starts to freeze as pryor skis down the slope , thought i would just let you know

Does the digital version include the special features?

I just noticed the Anthology collection has the UK packaging. Were there any differences with the US release?

Is there a digital code for the collection

No offence,but Oliver Harpers review covered some serious errors with these transfers.Exampjes are the final shot of Superman in the Lester cut of Superman 2 being in the wrong aspect ratio and the music score track for Superman 2 being completely mangled!

Got that old blu-ray set at Big Lots about 2 months ago for 30 bucks.

I'm not into superheroes but listening to your review it seems to me that the 4K version couldn't beat the Blu-Rays when it comes to extras and an extra movie. But of course it will look better but that's it. Frustrating for superheroes fans. Anyway good review and cool video Heath!👉😃👈

It’s a nice box set. I have motion picture 4k and all I really would want is Superman II from this set. I’ll hold out for a sale

I’m curios - do we need Superman Returns in 4K? Because it would be an upscale, it was shot in lower resolution. I guess we would benefit from the HDR then?

I’m not one for special features, I’m just happy with having the movie itself.

A shame they didn’t also include the 3 hour tv cut of Superman which is only available in a stand alone blu ray which also includes the extended edition, which might explain why it’s not on this set so the 2 disc release of both extended cuts is an add on but nevertheless disappointing that we don’t get the extended cuts on 4k. Also could have been a good opportunity to release the extended tv cuts of the other movies for the first time.

Are the blu rays region free?

yes I think we got Superman returns on 4k one day we got it on 4k

Are all the 17 Max Fleischer movies inclided in this set?

Are these going to be released individually? I already own the first one.

Looking forward to my set. Grabbed the Steelbooks. Also, can you confirm if the standard blu-ray for Superman the movie is actually the special edition? Heard it was

Good object lesson for folks who advocate "curating" their collections, when "newer" versions are released.

What bugs me, I have the other sets but why why why is there no 3hr cut? That deserves to be in here along with the superman 2 three hour cut. I gladly get those.😊

Wish supergirl was in it

I always find this so confusing between RU-vidrs. I literally watched multiple videos that said Superman 4 had the best transfer of the bunch.

That set doesn't include superman returns

The new Superman 4K box set release is too much of a disappointment to justify not purchasing the release.

How do you know that you're automatically going to like the original audio better, without listening to the upgraded Dolby Atmos tracks, and give it a chance? That's being bias! Don't knock the Dolby Atmos tracks it until you've listened to them first.

Unboxing?😢

not worht the money

The color timing is off on Superman 3 on the 4k. Compare it to the Blu-ray 📀

Hmmm I can't help but feel this set is a bit lazy and a bit of a cash grab. Since I have the old UK Blu ray set (which includes Superman Returns and Superman the Movie expanded edition) and the original 4k release of Superman 1 and Man of Steel as well as the 2 Blu ray set with Supermanb1 Extended TV Cut/Superman 1 Special Edition, I think I'll just grab the individual 4k editions of the other Superman films rather than grab this 4k box set. Agree though that in terms of tone and the innocence, fun factor, gee whiz, optimism and pride in the whole "truth, justice and rhe American way" thing....well these films do a great job of capturing that and it's stuff you just won't see in films these days in this cynical "patriotism is a dirry word" world (the brilliant Top Gun Maverick being an obvious exception!). As for the cover art, its ok. Its not the worst I've seen but i can't say it's amazing either. For such an iconic franchise it could certainly be much better. Why not commission someone like Alex Ross to do one of his amazing works for the art on this set or at least the expensive steelbook version!

"They were never really clear." Give me a break! They look like they were shot on film! That's what they're supposed to look like! They look beautiful here, even the worst one.

Even a 4K transfer won't make the last 2 movies better films. The first 2 are great! I have the director's cut of Superman 1. Superman 3 became a comedy, of sorts... SM 4?? 😒🤐

Why tho