First Time Watching *Superman* (1978) After *Man of Steel* [Reaction]

[@blaze3309]

Subscribe to the Patreon for Full Uncut Reactions here: www.patreon.com/ShslBlaze

[@MGrayl-ib5fo]

Now watch Superman II - and the return of Zod & co.!

[@charlesphillips7822]

Answer me honestly if you could would you like to have lex luthor's layout they showing the beginning of the movie. It's a perfect house. Not one damn Jehovah witnesses ever going to bother your ass. Plus it would be a bonus if you got her with it. Is she already told me to kiss her ass out french kissing.

[@pakbowl420]

Fun Fact: The lady in the train that Clark Kent is running along side is Noel Neill, who had previously played Lois Lane in the film serials Superman (1948) and Atom Man vs. Superman (1950), also stepping into the role in the later seasons of Adventures of Superman (1952-1958).

[@backyardastronaut5272]

Hey brother where else can we follow you, love your KZbin channel

[@danyboy0089]

You should react Superman returns it's a secuel what happened in the Superman saga of Christopher reeve abd by the way react to all star Superman it's pretty much similar at this movies

[@juansolis4796]

I´m 43 , and this is the Superman of my generation, I love cavill but we all really love Christopher Reeve´s Superman.

[@elbirrioso]

Reeve.

[@WaitingForTheHook]

@@elbirrioso He said it right. Lmao.

[@DM-kv9kj]

Cavill's shyte, he's a steroid-pumped block of wood with an annoying little schoolboi voice and the whole boring depressionfest and sterile productions now, which all look like exactly the same vapid movie, do my head in.

[@KonEl17]

​@@WaitingForTheHookReeve is correct, George Reeves who played Superman in the 50s.

[@joshlingenfelter2732]

@@KonEl17which is why he said Reeve’s Superman instead of Reeves’s Superman

[@eldarlisov6271]

This is REAL Superman. True symbol of hope🤩🌅

[@joslynanderson4681]

well said .

[@blueg8731]

Well said!

[@Scaash]

From what I hear the new Movie is supposed to go back to this feel good type Superman. I hope it does good.

[@kings-mf8fe]

Unlike man of steel

[@TheKrensada]

This is the best cinematic depiction of Superman. That helecopter rescue? Absolutely iconic.

[@ottocarson]

This is the first movie I saw in a theater. I loved your reaction. Thank you.

[@theradgegadgie6352]

Him: I'm glad Jonathon Kent is still alive, though. Me: 10... 9... 8... 7...

[@RangerErnsy]

"Oh, I hope he's ok though....OH HE'S NOT!"

[@TheKrensada]

I was like "oh no."

[@X_Gon_Give_It_To_Ya]

Christopher Reeve is still my favorite live action actor for Superman. Rip.

[@thefurrybastard1964]

Christopher Reeve *_is_* Superman!

[@KonEl17]

Does Live action only refer to movies cuz Tyler Hoechlin Superman is the best by far of the last 20 yrs

[@radicalreactions1633]

@@KonEl17 Tyler is trash, he's not playing Superman. If it included TV, that would be TOM WELLING, you know the guy Reeve PASSED THE TORCH TO. You're either delulu or have no taste.

[@nathancruz9172]

Me too

[@kingbeauregard]

I enjoy this film, but the part I really love is the part that most people don't pay any attention to: Jonathan Kent talking to Clark about his powers. He did the best anyone could possibly do: he didn't make Clark feel bad for being tempted to use them, he just encouraged him to use them for worthy ends.

[@l.piloto7964]

This movie was billed on all posters "You will believe a man can fly" and I, and millions of other left the theater believing it.

[@thatHARVguy]

The first flight scene was the first take. Due to Reeve's experience with hang-gliding, he improvised the bank. That was the moment the execs realized the movie will work.

[@DHGamerMR]

I'm 51, and Christopher Reeve is the Superman I grew up with. I saw this at 5 years old in the theaters and loved every minute. I will say that I really liked Henry Cavil as Superman, but Reeve's portrayal is just iconic. Was a lot of fun to watch someone taking this in for the first time, seeing it anew through your eyes. And yes, Superman II would be a great follow up.

[@michaeldoyle1222]

The one, the only, the true Superman. Nobody can touch Christopher Reeve.

[@SherlockBrian]

As an old school Superman fan, it was an absolute joy watching you delight in this film. This movie is incredibly special to me.

[@xaxuelx7987]

The woman and her daughter on the train... The woman was Noel Neill who played Lois Lane from the Adventures of Superman tv series 52-58... she also had a cameo in Superman Returns as Gertrude who Lex Luthor swindles out of her fortune and Yacht. The Daughter was young Lois Lane.

[@rodmoore1577]

The man playing Lois's father is Kirk Alyn. He was the first man to portray superman in the movies

[@cwell510]

I was 4 years old when my father took me to see this movie in the theaters Christmas of 1978. I still remember being amazed by the visual effects, cinematography, and soundtrack. A bonafide timeless classic!

[@ThePonderer]

Always a pleasure seeing people discover this film.

[@gerstelb]

Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder were unknowns, but the whole rest of the cast is absolutely stacked with A-list actors. The producers sold the movie concept on the basis that they were signing Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman to the picture (you notice that they got billing before the title, but the protagonist, Reeve, doesn’t?). Ned Beatty (Otis) had just been Oscar-nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “Network,” Glenn Ford (Jonathan Kent) was an old Hollywood veteran, and so was Jackie Cooper (Perry White). If you watch the extended Director’s Cut, you find out that the little girl who saw Clark running from the train was a young Lois Lane, and her parents were played by Noel Neill and Kirk Alyn, who played Superman and Lois in the 1940s serials (Neill also played Lois in the 1950s TV series with George Reeves). All the Kryptonians except for Jor-El were played by high-quality British actors, like Trevor Howard and Harry Andrews. One, William Russell, who only passed away on June 3 at the age of 99, was one of the original “companions” on “Doctor Who” in the 1960s. The one woman was played by Maria Schell, great actress in her own right, but also sister of Maximilian Schell.

[@NoName-o5q1l]

Great info, much appreciated

[@charleskane5983]

Tell me about it

[@shallowgal462]

I loved the cameo from the movie Superman of the 1940s and TV's Lois Lane from the 1950s, who were playing the parents of little Lois Lane on the train young Clark outran. At the time, this was the first _Superman_ film in 30 years.

[@meganlutz7150]

This was such a wonderful reaction. You were so enthusiastic and appreciative of every little detail.

[@tektoniks_architects]

Saw it as a mid-teen when it came out, and I can tell you people left the theater so happy at what they had seen. My dad, who grew up in the 1940's with superman comics, was thrilled to see it. Still one of the best superhero films ever.

[@texasgunslinger8060]

Fun fact. The woman on the train with the little girl (the train Clark was racing at the beginning). The woman, was in fact, the Original Lois Lane from the original 1952-1958 Superman TV series.

[@tehawfulestface1337]

First saw an incredible picture of Christopher Reeve in the Superman suit in a magazine, and my mind was blown! Exactly as I imagined he’d look! Grew up reading DC comics. I saw this on the big screen, and for that time, it WAS magical! I knew Marlon Brando was Jor-el, but had no idea Glenn Ford was Jonathan Kent. He was a childhood hero of mine, in countless Westerns. The redhead Lana Lang, ‘Superboy’s childhood sweetheart. The mother on the train was the original Lois Lane, Phyllis Coates in the original black and white series with Superman George Reeves. I bought John Williams’ soundtrack. Whenever I was alone in the house, I would play it loud with a chopstick in my right hand, and pretend to be John Williams conducting the orchestra!

[@jamesmcallister8655]

Phyllis Coates was the 1st actress to portray Lois Lane in the "Adventures of Superman" TV series. She left after the 1st season. Noel Neill who starred as Lois Lane in the 1948 & 1950 Superman serials, played the character for the rest of the series duration. Noel Neil, along with Kirk Alyn (Superman serials) portrayed Lois's parents on the train when she was a little girl.

[@whatseatontim918]

In the comics, Martha Kent supposedly made his Superman suit out of the same blanket found with him in his space pod.

[@blueg8731]

This movie isn't about 10,000 cuts a minute and bad CGI. It's got heart, and Reeve knew how to fly gracefully.

[@MistaTwigz]

To this day, this is the best live action portrayal of Clark akent and Superman.

[@thatHARVguy]

28:10 It's more than the glasses as to why Superman can hide in plain sight. Clark slouches, parts his hair on the other side, changes the octave of his voice and speech patterns. I love the effort they put into it.

[@johndesalvo3348]

Though I enjoyed Cavil's portrayal and it's different take ...yet still ..it was lacking in something I can't quite pinpoint .. oh well..I still liked IT...just like I enjoyed "B vs S : Dawn of Justice" As it too was not perfect but not many films are...I wascebtertained though...land enjoyed it ....which is why i appreciated noticeable inclusions of William's iconic theme referenced when He is in action.

[@johndesalvo3348]

Williams theme wasnt used in Mano o steel or Dawn of the Justice League b vs s...

[@johndesalvo3348]

Was used like I said.... sparingly in just League mivie

[@highjim7778]

and its not even close

[@createdezign1840]

I watched this with my mum when it came out.... For some people it's Star Wars for me it was Superman the Movie, I was slack jawed though out it blow me away.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

John Williams was at the top of his game in the 70s and 80s and this is no exception. Those opening credits really get your blood pumping. I saw this as an 11 year old and was blown away, as did Star Wars the previous year.

[@mnomic8371]

Love the original Superman movie. Christopher Reeve is the only superman that managed to make Clark’s character so un-hero like that you would never suspect him as being superman. It’s as if he is two totally different people; brilliant and still the best.

[@The_Phantasm]

While Lex Luthor is considered one of if not the greatest villain in comic book history, this film came out before the character was reinvented as a ruthless businessman in the comics and is one aspect that didn't have a lasting impact unlike the rest of the movie which is iconic.

[@RLucas3000]

I would say The Joker is probably the most iconic. No Batfoe will ever topple him. Whereas Lex has a lot of competition: Brainiac, Doomsday, Darkseid, Mxyzptlk, Zod just to name a few.

[@The_Phantasm]

@@RLucas3000 Lex Luthor, the Joker, Doctor Doom and Magneto are the four greatest comic book villains in history. And no, Lex Luthor is the definitive Superman villain and like Joker, no other villain will top him. This isn't a matter of personal opinion, this is cemented in pop culture and thinking otherwise is delusional.

[@kenjisparks]

@@RLucas3000 Lex is the definitive Superman villain. There are people in tribes deep in the jungles of Africa who know who Lex Luthor is. Like the Joker is to Batman, Lex is to Superman. You really can't have one without the other. I'm glad Gunn's Superman is starting with Lex Luthor. I just don't want Zod anytime soon.

[@christinawrightson8140]

I think you all are forgetting about Darth. Vader. He is the most iconic bad guy.

[@The_Phantasm]

@@christinawrightson8140 Did you not read what I said? I said in comic book history.

[@guyjohnson259]

Dude I love how much joy is on your face as you watch this. It's really endearing because it really is that special of a film. You appreciate this epic masterpiece for what it is. Great to see.

[@davidlionheart2438]

The effects are not "cheesy". They are beautifully accomplished. They required actual work, not just punching a few buttons on a computer.

[@catmandude1800]

I saw this film on Christmas evening, 1978 in Greenville, SC. The country was absolutely IN NEED of something like this. Bad headlines, a country that was still recovering from Watergate, etc. When the "Big Reveal" scene happened, and SM saved the chopper, the audience ABSOLUTELY LOST IT; people were actually crying.

[@manueldeabreu1980]

Christopher Reeve transition when he takes off the glasses and does the simple straightens his back you literally see him become Superman. Of course that scene tops it off with the 'That's Clark nice'.

[@supeslegacy]

Glen Ford (Pa Kent) is such an amazing actor - When he was having the heart attack, the Director asked why he was clutching his arm and not his heart - He replied that was what actually happened and the director loved it - probably the first time a heart attack was properly portrayed on screen. (I still use that insult: "Amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving!") Digression aside, this is still the best portrayal of Superman, goofy lovable Clark and humble Superman of hope. Hopefully Mr. Gunn manages to regain what has been lost in the iterations since. Glad you enjoyed it

[@spiderhamilton1]

Superman is not actually rewinding time when he flies around the Earth. He is actually speeding up to go travel back in time himself but bcuz it's the late 1970s and special effects were all practical and camera tricks, this was the best representation of time travel for film without a lot of exposition or dialogue. But the audience daw what was on-screen and took it as literally Superman rewinding time by making the Earth spin backwards instead of it being only him traveling backwards in time.

[@thefurrybastard1964]

Yep, he actually hits lightspeed.

[@jmsmys13ify]

They did better when they hit the next decade and "Back to the Future." Time travel was a bit more difficult to create visually.

[@corvus1970]

This right here. The Silver-Age Superman could fly faster than the speed of light and break the time-barrier. The Earth's rotation is just the visual shorthand to show what he's doing.

[@leighcarey7778]

I think this explanation has been retrofitted as it makes at least some sense. Not sure it was as originally intended.

[@emuman09]

As good of an after explanation this may be it's not what was intended I feel. I'm pretty sure they just wanted him to spin the earth to turn back time. It's silly and it's ok to admit that

[@jlethal1983]

This is the tent pole of Superman. Straight Movie Magic....can never be replicated. They hit it on all notes. John Williams's score of this film will live on as legendary combined with Chris Reeve's portrayal of the character. I really hope James Gunn took notes for him upcoming film.

[@The_Phantasm]

Christopher Reeve as Superman is the greatest live-action casting for a comic book character in movie history. He absolutely understands the core essentials that make Superman who he is and he is just so unbelievably endearing and charming in the role.

[@gerstelb]

He absolutely embraced the concept of Superman as the “real” personality, and that he was only “disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper.” More recent versions have tried to make Clark a more interesting character, but the truth is that classic mild-mannered Clark Kent is just as much a fake person as playboy Bruce Wayne. Or, to use the older examples they’re based on, the foppish Don Diego de la Vega (El Zorro) or Sir Percy Blakeney (The Scarlet Pimpernel).

[@The_Phantasm]

@@gerstelb This is comletely incorrect. He definitely plays up his quirkiness and clumsiness but he genuinely loves who he is as Clark Kent and his human life. He still is himself when he is Clark Kent.

[@citizencain01]

The movie opening with "June 1938" is a nod to the original Action Comics #1, which was the debut of Superman. It's like reading the original comic is leading in to the movie.

[@The_Phantasm]

Fan Fact: Christopher Reeve's son who is a real life news reporter is going to have a cameo in the upcoming 2025 Superman movie directed by James Gunn who is also the director of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. I am absolutely ecstatic for that movie and James Gunn truly understands the character of Superman.

[@greasey8695]

May I ask what it is that Gunn has said/done that tells you he’s in tune with Superman’s character?

[@The_Phantasm]

@@greasey8695 There's a lot of things but primarily it's the general reverence he has shown to have for the spirit of the character and how he has pointed to so many revered Superman stories as inspiration. But really that's just scratching the surface. There's also the fact that James Gunn is just a great director who has made a lot of movies that are widely beloved.

[@theradgegadgie6352]

I did try and put together a lengthy and thoughtful post, but reading that James Gunn understood and was in tune with Superman just made my brains drain out of my arse. 😭

[@ccjtv809]

He literally said like 8 years ago that Superman the movie 1978 is the best superhero film ​@@greasey8695

[@iamjason9693]

I heard him speak in a video and he sounds just like his dad

[@chrisawelch]

"I'm glad Jonathan Kent is still alive though"... wait 10 seconds

[@glamourisbest]

I’m glad you watched this movie and got it. So many people watch older movies and don’t get it. You’re very intelligent. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@danielesteve8359]

His major value is not his inteligence, but his sensibility.

[@benjaminwigley4132]

THIS is the greatest SUPERMAN MOVIE ever made

[@wolfkniteX]

The part where Jor-El is saying his last goodbyes to baby Kal-El is actually Marlon Brando reading his lines off the baby's diaper because while Brando was an amazing actor, he was notorious for not bothering to memorize his lines.

[@kermitgotthesickkicks4265]

That's crazy

[@wolfkniteX]

@@kermitgotthesickkicks4265 Nah, the crazy thing is the fact that Brando only agreed to be in the film if he got to wear the Superman symbol and so the makers of the film basically introduced the idea that the iconic Superman S isn't just an S for Superman but rather his family's coat of arms, the symbol for the house of El, as in Kal-El or Jor-El, and this was soon adopted by the comics going forward.

[@kermitgotthesickkicks4265]

@@wolfkniteX Oh that's actually a pretty cool fun fact.

[@paulholgate4664]

Brando tried to convince Richard Donner that Jor El could look like a bagel and he would only need to do a voice over.

[@LittleGalaxyBoy]

This film paved the way for all future Superhero films, Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios, has everyone who works on an MCU film sit down beforehand and watch Superman (1978), trying to capture the spirit and awe of the film. It's just the best depiction of Superman we've seen in live action, alongside Tyler Hoechlin and Brandon Routh. Hopefully we can add David Corenswet to this list as well, judging off his suit, overall vibe of Metropolis and her people I feel like we're about to get the best depiction of both Superman and Metropolis in live action in 2025. The Zack Snyder Superman for me personally lacked charm, personality, and inspiration. It came across more as the "Nolan Batman" Superman edition; maybe the DCEU Superman would've headed in this direction in future films, adapting how the New 52 treated Superman by making him a hothead to a straight-up jackass at times, removing the boy scout part of his character. But over four years, he would develop closer to the Superman we know and love within a more moody and dark universe, acting as a beacon of hope and justice.

[@thefurrybastard1964]

Man of Steel was a cynical deconstruction of Superman, it took away the inspiration and hope that is a big part of Superman's character.

[@andrewraphael3800]

This still remains as the best Superman movie - Reeve is so good at playing both sides of the character - something that Man of Steel failed at was creating two distinct personalities for both Clark and Kal-El. The producers were so stupid for firing Richard Donner out of spite after the release of this film.

[@deanthemachine8879]

So in this, Pa Kent’s death serves the purpose of teaching Clark that no matter how amazing his powers are, he can’t save everyone. In Man of Steel, it is to don’t save people if it would compromise your secret identity. Two VASTLY different takes on the character. I prefer this movie’s version

[@MKF30]

Yeah Reeve's Superman was based off of the Silver Age Superman who was the most OP, insane version of Superman (not counting amped versions over the years due to plot) just as far as standard versions of the character, he could fly through time in the comics, ate kryptonite in one story, casually carried multiple planets with ease, sneezed away a galaxy he was ridiculous lol before they nerfed him.

[@campagnollo]

@32:30, the guy in the white hat is the then unknown John Ratzenburger, who would later be in Cheers and in many Pixar cameos.

[@darrinkleyla1587]

I don't know if anyone else said it, but the red headed woman on the train, mother of the little girl when Clark ran beside it was Noel Neill, the first actor to play Lois Lane in live action...way back in 1948.

[@kermitgotthesickkicks4265]

Woah that's actually awesome

[@dirus3142]

The little girl is Lois. So she played Lois' mom.

[@rodmoore1577]

The man with Noel Neill on the train is Kirk Alyn the first man to play superman in the movies

[@Spiky-gs3eg]

Blaze in 95 he was paralyzed in a horse riding accident then passed 9 years later

[@rulerwatchman]

I saw this movie in the theater as a young boy. Sometimes I'd race the school bus just as Clark would race the train (I didn't jump in front of it though, lol.) I love sharing this movie experience with younger generations and seeing that elements and themes still hold up today. Thank you for your reaction!

[@jedsithor]

I think Reeve should have gotten an Oscar for this performance. It's outstanding.

[@janphilippecarpio5449]

You're the only reactor that I've seen so far to notice the role reversals that happen with the Clark-Lois, Superman-Lois relationships in this movie. Quite perceptive. Notice also how other scenes in the script mirror each other (Examples: Superman flying to rescue Lois from the horrible helicopter accident and Superman and Lois flying together romantically, Lois acting very distracted with work while meeting Clark for the first time and Lois acting very distracted with Clark after flying with Superman.) Great reaction.

[@VeegovonDOOM]

They cut the best line....when Jor-El says, " he'll look like one of them," and then his mom says, " He won't be one of them."

[@sydhamelin1265]

There was a theory that, if someone traveled faster than the speed of light, they would go back in time. This movie plays off that theory. So Superman isn't rotating the planet, he's going back, then forward in time, symbolized by the planet's rotation. This movie had so much talent behind it, and it has a lot of art to it. The Fortress of Solitude scene is amazing, and I still get chills when Superman reacts to Lois' death, he's just so pissed, and all movie long we've seen him so happy.

[@mercurywoodrose]

The car is a station wagon with wood paneling. They built them specifically to take passengers from their home to the train station and the wood paneling was easy to repair and then they became popular as home cars that’s why some 1970s station wagons have fake wood paneling.

[@rodmoore1577]

The difference between superman the movie and man of steel is the emotional connection between the movie and the audience. I remember watching superman the movie and when he appeared for the first time as superman in the fortress of solitude the theater erupted in applause! The scene where he lifts the truck as a child. So many memorable scenes. Now think of any memorable moments in man of steel. Richard Donner allowed you to fall in love with the characters. Snyder just made a emotionless cgi film with very little depth.

[@FirstnameLastname-my7bz]

I had other way around reaction. Reeve movies, all 4 of them, presented it all like fairy tale. Doesn't really matter. Only Man of Steel (and BvS afterwards, and then Ultimate BvS which just made entire film concept relevant even on itself) made me actually interested in Superman as a character, to view him as a sci-fi and something contemporary AND to go back to the very beginning to Action Comics #1 and even before that to 1934 version and 1933s and to Reign of the Super-Man and Philip Wylie's Gladiator that inspired most of it and to see that it was Always "real" instead of fairy tale with hue over the eyes (in case of The Movie's and some of Donner Cut Geoffrey Unsworth's work who unfortunately died before The Movie came out) which made me understand Why only after 1938 everything else came to be, Not before that where grandest "masked" crime fighters ever came to be were Scalet Pimpernel and Zorro inspired, let alone more deep stuff like re-use of old unused ideas (same way how Clark Kent - Superman gained super senses because of Bill Dunn - Super-Man before him, just like how in Terminator 2 evil Terminator is from Liquid metal because it was unused idea for original film because they didn't have enough money and tech level to pull it off) or metanarrative (pretty much entire Superman #19 and #20, as well as Geezer story in #25), retcons (Action Comics #1 => Superman #1, which really just restoration of element from 1934 ie Kents) and many many other thing by which Entire pop culture exists. 99% of which was predicted by original Superman and other Siegel co-creations. It is also great shame that Christopher Reeve himself had much more grounded and "real" view on Superman that he was never allowed to truly 100% pull off in any of 4 movies. Snyder made one of THE most important Superman starring films to ever exist. For the fact alone that it allowed wider audience to even know the Core of Superman. Restoration of the original modern myth that started all other myths and most honest adaptation staying contemporary instead of faking nostalgia or "fairy tale" feel. It is why His vision is still brought up and will be always brought up.

[@Windupchronic]

Glenn Ford has only two scenes in the film, but is so good in those two scenes that you can feel his presence in Clark throughout the entire film.

[@OverandOutChief1]

Well said.

[@johnadams9314]

Wow, I'm 47, this was my favourite movie as a child, I had it on VHS and it was always my go-to when my parents asked me what I wanted to watch, I've seen it more times than I could possibly know. I never realised until your comment that Glenn Ford was only in two scenes. Wow, astonishing. Thanks for bringing something new to me from this amazing film!

[@SG-js2qn]

Yup, I agree. This is charming and wholesome, and part of the "letting it breathe" is also a form of fan service, I'd say. They knew they had iconic material in their hands, and I feel like they paid respect to it, in so many ways. Sure, there's a lot of campy comedy, but that's also a bit of a nod to the past. Superman was a cartoon, after all, in addition to previous live action in serials and the decades of comics. IMO, don't bother with the rest of this series. It gets progressively more bonkers. But if you're interested in the various portrayals of the Superman character, you could now see the Brandon Routh version of Superman. It will probably make a bit more sense now that you have seen this one.

[@boudusaved4719]

The best Superman film The best action film One of the best films of any genre of all time

[@BondFreek]

27:00 to 28:00 here is a perfect amazing uncut shot that makes Superman and Clark look like two different people and most people never notice it. If you pay attention you will notice that the camera focuses on Louis as Superman flies away. The Camera never moves from her, never jump and never cuts away as she walks into her apartment and Clark starts knocking on her door. Remember this is the time before CGI. Before Superman the movie, to pull off a scene like this, you would have to cut away or do a trick with the camera into going black and then back again. This is one long seamless shot that Richard Donner pulled off brilliantly and he kept this Secret of how he did this shot for nearly 32 years.

[@logandarklighter]

Indeed! I had a post describing this effect. But since you got here first I realized I should delete it and add in the information here for completeness. It's actually such a SIMPLE trick for how they get him from the Superman costume (and flying rig!!) to Clark with the proper hairstyle waiting at the door in such a short amount of time! It's so simple it's GENIUS. It's an old old trick called "Back Projection". And this movie uses a LOT of it. But in some VERY creative ways! This being one of them! When Lois is standing on the balcony waving goodbye to Superman as he flies away - Christopher Reeve is not actually physically there. That's a giant back-lit PROJECTION SCREEN showing him flying away that they filmed earlier! The edges of it are hidden in the bushes and foliage as she passes from the balcony into the apartment set! Clark (Reeve) is actually waiting on his cue during that sequence at the front door! You can only spot it if you already know what you're looking for! And even then it's near perfect!! Now THAT is movie magic! 👍😎

[@DennisHansen-w8g]

If you loved this film you're gonna love Superman 2 also check out Smallville

[@d_no_allyn_86]

So sad that he's gone. Christopher reeves is amazing. You gotta see him in Smallville. Love his episodes.

[@Mono_619]

the portrayal of Superman here is the best representation of what he will always stand for, Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow, most people nowadays think that he should be portrayed as an all powerful god that doesn't hesitate to use his abilities against his enemies, when in reality he's just a friend that will always be there for everyone, some people think that is bland or basic while I personally think that being a good guy in these days is one of the most complicated things, and having somebody like Superman to represent what we should be doing as part of a society, it's just great. amazing reaction to an amazing movie Blaze!!

[@TheHulk2008]

And you think that helped Superman fighting Doomsday. Yes Superman is all those things but you can't deny there are days where if he liked it or not had to use his powers to full extent. But in every movie that has been made they've always kept the fact that Superman is unselfish and is there to protect humanity.

[@Mono_619]

@@TheHulk2008 I get what you mean, but I don't see the point, you agree with what I said but at the same you're doing a counter-point to a point I never did, ofc he has used his abilities to protect his city, his world and the whole universe, and that's because he's still that boy from Kansas who was raised by the greatest people he could've find, so yeah, I also agree with you

[@leohino9211]

​@@Mono_619 Don't you mean, "truth, justice, and the American way"?

[@snorpenbass4196]

@@leohino9211 That got tacked on during the Red Scare, and wasn't part of his original motto. Original Superman fought corrupt businessmen, fascists and abusive people - some today would probably say 1938 Superman was "woke" (and mean it as an insult). Because they're idiots.

[@neilhenderson5581]

@@leohino9211 DC officially changed the motto to "and a better tomorrow" about 2 years ago. I don't know; as a non-American fan of the character, I prefer it (and a LOT of people both inside and outside the US would these days respond to the phrase "the American way" with snarky comments about American foreign policy)

[@jamesharris1101]

Lois Lane's apartment was the penthouse at One Gracie Terrace on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I know this because I was 5 when they filmed it and was invited to watch them film it. I met Margot Kidder that night, my 5 year old not realizing that she was Lous Lane!

[@purefoldnz3070]

still the best Superman by far.

[@danielesteve8359]

As far as Krypton is.

[@blueroninstudios]

"I wondered how long he traveled through space..." Four years from Krypton to Earth. He was a baby when his parents sent him up, up and away (heheh), so by the time he gets to Earth, he's 3 feet tall with a full head of hair. Not begrudging any Man of Steel film fans, but when every generation talks about Superman before Zack Snyder came along, THIS IS USUALLY THE FILM THEY TALK ABOUT. Christopher Reeve basically ruined it for every actor since he was cast, because he is both a goofy, bumbling, hunched over, earnest but forgettable Clark Kent, but that's the beauty of it - it's not his true self, he has to hide his physique through oversized or nondescript clothing, he kinda purposefully "shrinks himself and is hunched over, he seems nervous, maybe a bit on the shy side, he stammers ... as Clark Kent he is what he's supposed to be - someone you wouldnt think twice about. But when something dangerous happens, and that suit and cape goes on - he speaks with confidence and projects his voice, no stuttering, no slouching, he walks with confidence, he's tall, he's built like an Olympic athlete or bodybuilder, he's friendly, he can lift something like an ocean tanker over his head jsut as easily as he saved Air Force One from falling out of the sky by himself. And yet he still cares. He still cares about things as simple as a kitten who cant get out of a tree and back to it's owner on the ground. Superman is best described in two words: A FRIEND. Someone you can believe in. Someone to build a few hopes around. He's not a God, and he even he cant do everything, but whatever he can do, that's enough.

[@vilefly]

Still the best depiction of the destruction of Krypton. "Well, if everyone on Krypton is a tough as Superman....." (SUPERNOVA) "Oh."

[@blueg8731]

29:39 That's J.R. Ewing talking right there!

[@briandouglasahern7067]

This video is an absolute joy. Seeing you watch this movie is like watching myself at 11 years old seeing it for the first time myself on the big screen in my hometown theater.

[@russellkellett9535]

There will never be a better Superman then Christopher Reeve never

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

Greatest Superhero ever. Reeve really was Superman.

[@whatseatontim918]

That's the beauty of Superman. There's a Superman movie for every generation. No matter how good or bad, everybody has their favorite film. Superman is for everyone. 😊

[@Visual_Writer]

I like that movie era. You had to rely on good acting, creative ideas and a really good script. Edit: yea, the cars! 😍😍😍

[@visionaryventures12]

One trait about movies from this era is that, though scenes were flashy, they had a memorability all their own. I can remember the beauty of individual scenes in them. The movies now seem to just zoom through telling a story.

[@robvegart]

It was a beautiful movie. I remember seeing it when it first came out.

[@roberts.1050]

The secret to doing Superman that no one has gotten since is the KEY the KEY is Clark Kent being the disguise for the real person, Kal-El, Superman. Whereas other heros like Spiderman, Spiderman is the disguise for Peter Parker. To do this real justice Clark has to be done well, to be so unrecognizable that you can honestly see why people don't recognize him without the glasses..... Reeves knew how to play Clark..... after the date with Superman you can see Clark come in, Kal-El takes off Clark and puts him back on while she is in the other room.

[@Slappadatface]

Reeve was the GOAT. End of fvckin story.

[@nathaniellee2263]

It's not that man of steel was a bad movie it's just that superman the movie was more family friendly and lighthearted.

[@Erykthebat]

He didn't make the Earth spin backwards he went faster than the speed of light and went back in time .

[@illusionjt4314]

Another thing about Reeve he refused muscle pads and instead he did full body work out and weight lifting for the role so he can become the best Superman look in the comic book.

[@chrismcfetridge620]

The One True Superman 🦸‍♂️ [This Is the one that I grew up with] I Can't wait to See What James Gunn Has Got Planned.. 🌐👓🇬🇧🇺🇲 RIP Christopher Reeve 🙏. Cool Reaction.

[@Marc-zn7ok]

Superman 2 is the direct sequel to Superman if you enjoyed the first you’ll definitely enjoy Superman 2

[@TheRealRodent]

14:30 interesting trivia on the flying scene... They filmed that scene several times and it kept not working... the flying looked really janky over and over again. Christopher Reeve was a pilot in real life, so he looked at the camera framing, and spoke to the wiring technicians and stunt crew, and told them he was going to bank his body so he swung out wide... Hey presto, that was the take they used in the movie... and... the way Superman flies in live-action was born. Every Superman since has copied that choreography.

[@cole6843]

Terence Stamp as General Zod is one of my favorite movie villains!

[@thefurrybastard1964]

I still want to know who Neil is, you know, Neil before Zod.

[@46LCG]

@@cole6843 He became Jor-el in Smallville!

[@ajivins1]

It was amazing seeing this as a kid on the Big Screen when it came out! The Spectacle, the music! Gene Hackman was great as Lex Luthor and the casting for everyone else was perfect too. I miss when Superheroes had alter egos or dual identities, Reeve did such a great job making Clark so different from 'The Big Blue Boy Scout'! The next one is great, too...

[@BondFreek]

18:40 we didn't have cell phones back then. (Even today it's not advised to bring your cell phone into the tub with you). We had landlines and lots of times the phone would ring while you're in the bathtub. It was very common.

[@AltCutTV]

The first mobile phones network was launched the very same year of this film. :) The phones connecting to them would not be an all that a common sight until the nineties though. And it sure wasn't because the early ones were hard to spot. ;D

[@spiderturtle5292]

Funny thing about the phone ringing when in the bathtub comment is that it apparently used to be a lot more common and a pretty big issue with using phones. Suppose it comes with the inability to leave texts or notifications. Even voicemail was only just getting invented around this time, so people had to rely on calling back later for people to even know they'd gotten a call at all. Makes more sense in that context.

[@blockbusterunderground]

FYI - the little girl on the train is Lois

[@nielsjensen4185]

It's important for the Supåerman mythos that Jonathan Kent dies of something Clark could do nothing to prevent as it teaches him that no matter how strong he is there are issues that can never be solved with any amount of force. That's the reason the tornado in MoS is so incredibly stupid because Clark could have prevented the tornado.

[@bobcarn]

Christopher Reeve will always be the definitive Superman.

[@russellkellett9535]

The best Superman with the best suit in the best Superman movie

[@aagnikchowdhury2005]

I just love how this guy just likes everything

[@kermitgotthesickkicks4265]

It's cool to see someone just enjoy something

[@The_Phantasm]

One of the many reasons Superman is so essential in the world of comics and pop culture is because He represents the goodness and hope within all of us. Superman is kind, compassionate, understanding, he is gentle, he is teachable and is not afraid to show emotion and affection. In a universe filled with heroes with emotional baggage, Superman is an emotionally healthy hero who while still wrestles with his own inner demons, he still doesn't let those demons define him and he represents the goodness within all of us. Superman is kind. He carries a heavy heart. The most important trait he embodies is selflessness. Regardless of how he’s viewed, he will always put others before him. The whole world could hate him, but he will never turn his back on the world. Humanity is his first priority. Superman is the prime example of what a true superhero is and what all other heroes aspire to be.

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

Reeve was so charismatic, had such heart. He was really perfect for this role. Cavill is good but you are right - it allows the actors to act.

[@danielceo4694]

This movie was a big one for me as I grew up in the eighties! This movie is the reason why superhero movies are being made, even today. In almost every audio commentary or documentary about comic book movies, directors still say they want to make a movie as good as the first Superman film! Even a few years ago, shortly after my son was born, I showed him this movie and Superman is our favorite!

[@bigboycombo6342]

78 was a good year for movies. I seen this on opening day in Westwood and the lines were seriously long. I think we waited at least 4 hours. Went to see Star Wars in Westwood and thise lines were crazy long.

[@d_no_allyn_86]

Anyone who said man on steal sucked is an idiot. Incredible movie.

[@rwxstudio7173]

If that were to happen for real with the fault line, Palmdale would be split in half.

[@lucas.n.carvalho.artist]

Despite having a much bigger preference for other versions of Superman's origin, in particular Man of Steel, this movie still is a important part of not just the character's legacy, but super-hero movies as a whole. It's unfortunate how instead of respecting and trying to understand these different interpretations, a lot of us fans rather trash eachother and what we enjoy.

[@blaze3309]

Yea all iterations and fans should be able to coexist without all the back and forth. I enjoyed both movies.

[@lucas.n.carvalho.artist]

​@@blaze3309 True that! I'm glad you're such a beacon of positivity, excitement, and understanding! I'm honestly scared when, or if, you watch BvS Ultimate Edition, because of how much toxicity people will throw just because they dislike the movie or misinterpret it's themes and ideas. (That's why I suggested the "Why the Snyderverse is Amazing" playlist I made if you watch the rest of the DCEU. To get a more positive perspective. But no rush, do what you think it's best.)

[@CoolEnginesChristytrekkie]

@@blaze3309 This Although Christopher is my favorite and Tom my second I have truly enjoyed all versions.

[@46LCG]

Glad you enjoyed my favorite cinematic Superman! RIP Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. It was even better when I saw it in the theater--everyone went nuts when he first changed to Superman and you couldn't hear the movie!