Superman Opening Credits (1978 re-creation)

Done entirely in After Effects, this is a re-creation of the intro credits to the fantastic 1978 movie Superman!!
Also utilized Video Copilot's Element 3D for the text, and Trapcode Particular for the stars.
The graphical overlay elements came from:
projectorfilms.blogspot.co.uk...
All music credit goes to John Williams! Thanks for the awesome soundtrack.

[@cjlowe1650]

The actual opening credits alone deserve an award

[@travorptrebor3358]

DONE BY A TEACHER AT SMCC

[@SayAhh]

Superman won a Special Achievement Award at the 1979 Oscars.

[@ruffnerr]

The credits alone cost more than a lot of movies at the time.

[@afriend9428]

*I know left*

[@the_narthex]

Why not. "The Oscar for best opening credits in a feature film goes to...." I mean, they've awards shows for everything else.

[@MePeterNicholls]

What’s stunning to this day is how they did all that back in 1977 with only opticals!

[@user-dc4bl1cu2k]

*1978

[@Luka1180]

​@@user-dc4bl1cu2k No, that was just the release date. It usually takes 2-3 years for a Hollywood movie to get made, so they probably had these credits done in 1977. Though maybe not.

[@ramirezannette0]

That's why older movies are the best!!

[@youngspecial64]

you didnt reply to that guy......how pathetic

[@longhairdon]

All it took was money

[@felipehernandez-pedroza8288]

I always love that when Richard Donner's name appears in the end, it gets that extra high swoosh sound. Very nice.

[@gregclark6445]

Given how chaotic this production was, Donner earned that extra sound effect and then some for making it not just an enjoyable film, but a stone cold classic.

[@trevorbayers2175]

Imagine how great Superman III and IV could have been if they were directed by Donner as well, and had the budgets of the first 2 films?

[@felipehernandez-pedroza8288]

@@trevorbayers2175 we probably would have gotten a Superman V, and maybe, who knows, a crossover with Keaton's Batman.Maybe in an alternate universe it happened.

[@dr.jerryallenmccuien3424]

I recollect vividly taking my wife to see this motion picture, we were astonished and quite inspired. And even today this is still the best Superman film, by far!!!

[@andrewburgemeister6684]

My Dad remembers seeing this and Star Wars in theatres back-to-back in ‘77 and ‘78, what a time to be alive!!

[@the_narthex]

@@andrewburgemeister6684 Indeed! Though I was only 2 years old in 1978. :( I do have memories of Superman II, when I was 4. I recall coming home and pretending to be Superman, running around the house with a sheet tied around my neck. I think my inner child STILL feels that way when watching or reading a good Superman story.

[@andrewburgemeister6684]

@@the_narthex of course, a lot of childhood memories from these classic movies!

[@jon-kl9mk]

The smell of popcorn that filled the movie theater while listening to this intro with those big stereo speakers . Dam i miss those days!

[@andrewfisher203]

These are so brutally long that the audience members finished their popcorn before the opening credits were over.

[@r.jclark4641]

We can't go back to those days, though. We must keep on trekking and appreciate the future.

[@TraceurDoc1]

Man I wish I could’ve been there! I was born in 78, when released. Of course I was able to catch it by the time ABC would show the special a few years later, and I was hooked! I got to see 3 and 4 in the theatres 👎. I could only imagine the awe in everyone’s eyes when this came out. With only the Kirk Allen and Chris Reeves version as a baseline 🤩

[@christopherthrawn7541]

As a kid still great movie. I never get tired of watching this classic.

[@trevorbayers2175]

I was 6 years old when this movie hit the theaters. I remember when the music started, I literally got choked up & teary eyed. And then the first scene an hour later when Superman was finally shown, I cried again. It was actually overwhelming back then because this movie was the biggest spectacle ever made at that time.

[@JonathanCapistrano]

this never gets old. The best. i hope they bring John Willimas

[@LOLMAN9538]

Now THIS is how you do a Superman intro, right here.

[@bibisan1000]

For what it’s worth this is the best of John Williams movie themes. And that is saying a lot. After growing up watch George Reeves play Superman it was amazing to watch Christopher Reeve bring Superman to life. He was and forever shall be the best Superman ever. I get choked up watching/listening to the opening credits of the movie. Thank you to Christopher Reeve (RIP).

[@lordkelvin666]

Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, & Marlon Brando: In Memoriam.

[@carn9507]

@steven smith Reeve wasn't well known at all. That's part of the reason he was cast as Superman. And why his name isn't shown until after the Superman name whilst Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman (who were hugely famous) get their names before it as top billing. After the first movie came out though Reeve was instantly famous. :)

[@JeffSwopeMusic]

Maria Schell, Jackie Cooper, Geoffrey Unsworth, Glenn Ford and many others have gone since as well.

[@danieldalton6544]

Add a t to Margot.

[@danieldalton6544]

@steven smith I remember wondering why Trevor Howard, Maria Schell, and Harry Andrews got billing for just a few lines cuz I'd never heard of them and since have never come across a film with any of them in it.

[@ReedHarrison]

Let's all Just take a moment to listen to this music composed by the greatest film composer of our time JOHN WILLIAMS. Not only did he write this music but he also wrote Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, the Olympics theme, Jurassic Park. And more !!

[@reniejacksmarmolejo1459]

our generation is lucky because we have john williams compose those movie theme which make the movie more alive. You forgot the theme of schindler's list and saving private ryan.

[@mybrainlearningchannel968]

Everytime I hear the Superman theme by John Williams, it makes me feel that I am flying all over world.... My childhood superhero.... Superman....

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

Christopher reeve will be sadly missed by millions of superman fans who are always there to support him

[@ricardoacosta2456]

A film that is a great, genuine American classic from the late, great Richard Donner. A man who brought a true sense of verisimilitude to one of THE American mythologies that defines what the word hero means to American pop culture. God bless to you Richard Donner, Christopher Reeve, and all of the other great cast and crew that helped make this film become one of THE greatest comic book/superhero film adaptations ever put on the silver screen.

[@CJ_7519]

I can't believe I was 3 years old when I went to see this at thee movies. Man, how time flies!

[@Redshirt434]

If you don't get goosebumps watching that S fly by when that Williams score kicks up....you're not human.

[@NicholasWingoldenkiwi2095]

If there were a sequel to Superman Returns I would have to make Superman Forever and use this kind of opening intro with awesome effects like these

[@sash9249]

This is a nice tribute! Well done. The film won a special award for its special effects which were revolutionary at the time, and as a filmmaker myself I take my hat off to the pioneers who used practical techniques to achieve the magic that is still - imho - superior to digital (in most cases). Great job.

[@jessea4438]

The fact that you fixed the transition from the opticals to the texts was enough for me. It was only a minor nitpick (for the original opening), but it was noticeable nevertheless. Still though, it's one of the most epic opening sequences in movie history.

[@Laceykat66]

To make this film work, even in the innocent 1970s, you NEEDED this introduction. Great job on the recreation.

[@louisianajones8392]

You know it's the best superhero movie ever made when 0:19

[@Godzillamovie1]

There’s only one God of all superheroes, His name is Superman.

[@jediknightdiscomike22]

Superman 1978 and Star Wars 1977 - the greatest motion picture intros EVER !!! John Williams - simply the best !!!

[@Justdisco2]

The master Richard Donner the cast the crew, Everything about this production encased for eternity, in bliss. Fucking WOW!

[@mr.darkside65]

It makes me sad knowing superman has failed twice recently no one can do it the way they did it it seems, i hope dc gets a comeback and represent superman with the justice he deserves

[@mistermastermind528]

I'm gonna lobby myself and tell you that I can probably direct a better Superman movie. A movie that has heart and action. I do have ideas. Although, I'm being confident now because the odds of that ever happening is zero to none.

[@nstix2009xitsn]

Mr. Darkside Why should someone remake Superman? Dick Donner is dead, and Gene Hackman retired a long time ago, and is now 91. This is it. Enjoy its excellence. Why are people like you obsessed with remaking great pictures?

[@mr.darkside65]

@@nstix2009xitsn not a remake but something that honours that feeling of heroism, a little fun and his faith in the good in in humanity, without being overly dark

[@Rocket1377]

They just need to find the right director. Zack Snyder simply doesn't understand the character of Superman.

[@mr.darkside65]

@@Rocket1377 The plan with the snyder trilogy was going to be to get him to grow into SUPERMAN

[@IMDRanged]

3:00 Ok, I was waiting for that sparkler to show up. Never disappointed with this. Great work. Wonderfully done.

[@jorgeantonio4615]

I love Superman

[@allanhogg7590]

Christopher reeve is the best and only superman

[@jmag579]

Gotta give big props to Henry Cavill though. He got into comic book Superman shape for real. Christopher Reeve is the OG Superman but Cavill was a great one as well.

[@conniebart1208]

You got that right

[@DarthMalgusYT]

I absolutely agree

[@chulitaricajajaja]

Exactly!

[@vishall8246]

Nah the comics are superman. Reeve just plays him.

[@gutez]

I've been a long time fan of this movie since 1978 and more so of the opening credits. It's probably still one of my most viewed movies to date. It's always been not only a great celebratory theme with stunning title visuals for its time but now it also honors Christopher Reeve. You did a kick ass job at your re-creation!!

[@michaelastorga3187]

You know your big time stars when you come before the directors credits

[@sjcap4233]

Thank You John Williams for this masterpiece the greatest super hero theme of all time X

[@SpeedyEric1]

Amazing what 1978 opening credits animation and a 2016 home computer editing software can do what the makers of Superman IV COULDN'T.

[@PWALPOCO]

Man, I remember watching this as an awe struck kid at the cinema ... I am not sure the "woosh" effect dominated the Williams score as much, but, this sure brings back some memories!

[@bigd7696]

I remember my theater when the whoosh hit the S appearance, it was boosted like a Jet taking off! It was incredible.

[@Vader-mc6lb]

John Williams is a legend!!!

[@BrandonNielsen87]

Wow. This is very good! This has to be the best opening scene created in After Effects. This is even better than the opening in Superman Returns. I can imagine this if Christopher Reeve were still alive and takes the role of Superman in 2016!

[@alucard624]

@Mrs. Phyllis Stephens Let's see you do a better job then you old bag.

[@brightonjeanpierre74]

Es uno de los intros más imponentes en la historia del cine de superhéroes. 🤙

[@trevorbayers2175]

The best Superhero ever made and will EVER be made. Actually, this is one of the BEST movies ever made period. And Superman II is the 2nd best Superhero movie ever made. Pure classics. This is how its done

[@rucksackzen]

Outstanding. What is a vast improvement here is the readibility of the font - something even the great original opening titles struggled with. This even improves on “Superman Returns.” And at 3:06 I love how the letter trails are slowly spinning and forming the creators’ names.

[@armondtodd6969]

Awesome re-creation! Love it!

[@TheDrewRobertsShow]

The original film version of this is my absolute favorite main titles/theme music combination in cinema history. This was a beautiful re-creation. Well done.

[@georgedarkrender388]

--[]====>🔥

[@danieldalton6544]

Me too. All time favorite film, all time favorite opening credit sequence, all time favorite film score.

[@YogiBrull2011]

I'm crying, this is very, very Beautiful!!!

[@vxy357]

Damn allergies.

[@andreking5714]

Beautifully done! It's so great to see this wonderful opening credit scene completely made over. I wish this could be substituted on the next "remastered" video version to come out. You do incredible work sir. Wish I had your talent.

[@damionalbarr7961]

OMG I'm 7 years old again

[@conniebart1208]

1978 what a year l was eleven years old when this movie came out and now 2020 I'm 52 years old and still get the same high every time I hear this song

[@snowdog03]

I was 10, also a 52yo.

[@iamvindell]

Awesome job!! I always loved...even in the original...how when the last one comes up...Richard Donner, it has a slight "bang" to it when it first comes up and comes together. It's a minor detail that adds a bit of class and wonder to it. Great job! There will never be another movie opening like this. Ok...edit...Valerian opening sequence was wonderful. Bringing humanity together with Bowie's song was absolutely wonderful, too. ❤

[@superbowlguy9659]

Christopher Reeve, the GOAT of Superman.

[@reinaldofranco2966]

They should bring back this movie to the theaters on the 50th anniversary. I would be there “day one”

[@andrewburgemeister6684]

45th anniversary is next year in November/December!

[@markbaxter7222]

such a throwback to my childhood..this is friggin AWESOME!! :D

[@eljotace2012]

Fantástico.

[@Jaymindrew1990]

There is now yet another great scale of One-to-OMG from seeing this. :)

[@Krazy80s]

Nice work! It's still amazing how they did it back in '78 in all its pre-digital glory!

[@AfterezMedia]

I was thinking the same thing while I was making this. I'd love to see a behind-the-scenes on how they made the original intro (back then).

[@captainpipsqueak9223]

@@AfterezMedia Apparently it's a more complex variation on the slit-scan they used for the stargate scene in 2001.

[@sharlymendez3237]

Es el. Mejor de todos los tipos 1978 a 2020 CHRISTOPHER REEVE X siempre!!

[@eldiego6718]

esa canción representa una parte bastante buena de mi infancia, recuerdo que mi papá solía colocarme las películas de Superman, la del 78 y las otras que le siguieron...

[@patriciopizarro1705]

The best!!!

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

RIP Christopher reeve 1952-2004

[@sharlymendez3237]

1978 END 2020 CHRISTOPHER REEVE FOREVER!! Very good **SUPERMAN *,

[@KingJeremy77]

I got goosebumps watching this! I love it!

[@javiersantiago9715]

Me too ALWAYS💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@johnpadel]

Wow! Spectacular, guys. Thank you so much!🤗👏👏👏

[@agarcia3063]

Bravo! Just enough and a brilliant polish to the original. Bravo!

[@D2Kprime]

I can't even.............I mean.........WOW..................just....WOW. You *WON!*

[@javiersantiago9715]

AWESOME, WONDERFUL, NOSTALGIC, I got goosebumps in all my body, this is the BEST intro ever it describes Superman cause it sounds magical, powerful, I don't know its hard to define, we all miss Chris Reeves my eyes are watering right now cause the NOSTALGIA, SIMPLE THE BEST OF THE BEST...💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@ront0803]

Outstanding! Feels like the original with the slightest tweak to today. Hats off!

[@alcd6333]

Very nice. The original is also fantastic: I saw the movie while in high school, sitting with my friends in the front row of the theater. We practically jumped out of your seats when the credits came flying at us! Still, one of the best comic book films. Found "Black Panther" also to be very well made.

[@VixGB]

Superb. I love the original sequence and this recreation has been done with a good eye for detail that benefits from care and respect. You hit the whoosh marks beautifully and gave it due gravitas. Thank you for the goosebumps 😊

[@JustinLodes]

This looks beautiful! Well done!

[@seanjohnson4475]

What's up Sylvester Stallone

[@seanjohnson4475]

💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@matematicas4tzintzun]

Excellent work!! Make feel like a child again!!! Thanks for use your skills in this nice memory. You deserve an Oscar special prize (a kind of new category, of course)

[@alwizardus]

Chris Reeve the one and only

[@MCUwii]

Awesome. Just awesome! I LOVE symbiose of music, sound and typographic title art.

[@Gigawattboy]

Awesome! Would love to see Man of Steel done like this!

[@ingra888]

I agree with HTH Studios, this is a brilliant recreation of a master price! I have seen others try to recreate this effect, none have come close to your version or the original. As mentioned it neads only a tiny bit tweaking, only the die hards of the original will notice it. That being how each screen credit twists away into focus. But still it’s far superior to the Superman Returns drivel. If anyone notices the credits become unreadable and you have to catch them quick because the words move towards the screen than away.

[@rapperbest131]

Rip Donner! You did an AMAZING job!

[@johnhyout]

Nice job

[@donaldcordner1936]

Wow. Beautifully done. Beautifully done!!

[@coopsauce112]

This is my favorite Superman opening of all time obviously. What Brian singer did was a good homage, but I didnt like the cgi space junk floating around, I woulda preferred it to be in space plain space like this one

[@waltergaming817]

Great recreation!

[@rival4281]

This is beautiful

[@Pianomn626]

John F*cking Williams. 'Nuff said.

[@400hpGTO]

Still fascinating that Reeve accepted 3rd billing in this film

[@MarcelLWalker]

He wasn't a star at that point, and was practically an unknown (with a recurring role on a soap opera at the time being his most major credit). Getting third billing behind Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman - two heavy-hitting Oscar winners who's star power got this film greenlighted - was a *_BIG_* deal and a huge step in the right direction.

[@andrewburgemeister6684]

@@MarcelLWalker funny that for all of Brando’s antics on this film and Apocalypse Now, where he REFUSED to learn his lines (instead reading them off the infant Superman’s diaper no joke) and was paid $3.7m+11% box office for only 10 minutes of screentime, having him first billed in the credits actually helped elevate this film to a well-rounded classic superhero movie for young and old that could be taken seriously and enjoyed, having that star power helped the film in more ways than one and later influenced Christopher Nolan’s ‘Batman Begins’ to have a stacked A-list cast of huge talent!

[@gochem3013]

So this is what Man of Steel opening credits look like. the light stretching text and the font is made with Gotham. (Not to be confused with Gotham City)

[@DemeterPictures]

Simply amazing! Well done!

[@sharlymendez3237]

FOREVER CRISTOPHER REEVE..!! 2020

[@johnflowerday6234]

R I P..Christopher Reeve..you were the best

[@sunildasour3276]

Beautiful 😊

[@DanK123]

AMAZING WORK! Bravo!

[@PedroCuray]

Este Film Superman es el Mejor de todos que conocemos Nos distracción sana y emocianante❤😅😅

[@sabionerd2232]

Um dos motivos deu ser fã do SuperMan ( Kal-EL & Clark Kent ), é essa música THEME produzida por John Williams!! 👏👏 👌👌 🇧🇷🇧🇷!!

[@jbtube73]

Well done!

[@user-qj2lc5rl6j]

Christopher Reeve, Tom Wellington, Dean Caine ,Brandon Ralph , And henry cabil who all made us believe a man can truly Fly

[@jediknightdiscomike22]

Remaster the Motion Picture of Superman with the newly remastered intro - people will flock to the theatres once again as we did in 1978. One of the greatest movies ever !!!!

[@johnaquino7619]

. Well . . . THIS is an improvement. :-) Makes me want to watch the film again.

[@andrewjones4884]

Excellent work.

[@ultrablack-01]

No.1！

[@brunoantony3218]

Great job!!

[@sabionerd2232]

Essa abertura de Créditos foi FANTÁSTICA | ESPETÁCULAR & CLÁSSICA.!! O essa versão deveria ser lançada em VHS | DVD | Blu-Ray | TV Paga & TV Aberta, porque é muito melhor do que na versão THEME 1978!! 📱📱 💻💻 💽💽 📀📀 📺📺 📼📼 🇺🇸🇺🇸 🇧🇷🇧🇷!!

[@teigannyman196]

I love it!

[@SchneeflockeMonsoon]

“Hey John, can you make us a Superman theme?” John Williams: “How’s about I make *THE* Superman theme?” “K. Have fun.” “I will!”

[@7Earthsky]

I don't know how they did it back in the late 70's but i can only assume they had computers back then to do the special effects. ...Albeit must have been pretty darn slow work.

[@mrkrinkle72]

Thinking about ya tonight Richard, thanks!!

[@thankambucciarelli3834]

Quando senti questa meraviglia ,mi compare Lui il MAGNIFICO Christopher REEVE!!!!