Superman The Movie (1978) Retrospective / Review

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Superman The Movie (1978) Retrospective / Review
Get the Superman Anthology Blu-ray set here goo.gl/Vb5kUm
Get Superman The Music (1978-1988) soundtrack here goo.gl/jAjyVK
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Superman behind the scenes photos provided by Jim Bowers at www.capedwonder...

[@OliverHarper]

Get the Superman Anthology Blu-ray set here goo.gl/Vb5kUm Get Superman The Music (1978-1988) soundtrack here goo.gl/jAjyVK

[@TheMBE2003]

This is one of the best videos in KZbin. So thank you.

[@SciFiFan2012]

Oliver Harper, first time watching, new sub! I have to say I agree w/everything you said. Reeve as Superman WAS Superman to a lot of people then, and still is. I'm not knocking Dean Cain, Tom Welling, Brandon Routh, Henry Cavill or the new Superman in CW's Supergirl series, but in all the publicity photos out there for 1978 Superman, he LOOKS like Superman. I enjoy the theme every time I hear it, and I'm probably the only one that still prefers the original DC look of Kal-El with his red 'underwear' over the blue. Not every hero needs an armored look.

[@jakedrake3660]

i think they were just hiding the fact that Reeve was actually superman so they filmed quote on qoute behind the scenes footage so people would think he was just a normal person

[@jakedrake3660]

also because of him i still live today!! because i suffer from depression and whenever i want to commit suicide i watch Christopher Reeve´s Superman so because of him i am still alive!!! Christopher Reeve is the only Superman

[@PaulSharpequalrights]

I LOVE THIS FILM

[@jayreedart]

That end flyby where Christopher Reeve flies past the screen and smiles at the camera. That is one of the best moments in cinematic history.

[@alilindsay4304]

J Reed I'm nearly 44 and I still wave and blow a kiss at that part x can't help it

[@nekronbeast3981]

J Reed Facts lol I thought that was the coolest thing in the world when I was a kid. 43 now

[@dewinter1411]

Same! I'll be 40 this year. This was MY superhero movie. Reeve is and always will be Superman to me.

[@alfa01spotivo]

@@dewinter1411 I'm 15 and he also will always be Superman to me.

[@aeromagnumtv1581]

Agreed.

[@BobCarter1719]

I was just married in December 1978 and my wife and I went to see the movie. I was fascinated by the movie poster with the streak of rainbow with the silver S emblem. I was soooooo amazed with the movie, I came back 9 more times to see it with friends and others. I was a huge "Adventures of Superman" fan when I was a kid and this was so far advanced it was amazing. It will be in my mind, the movie the every other will be measured to. RIP Christopher Reeve, you were truly a "Superman"

[@JohnnyBeane]

Christopher Reeve is and will always be Superman. RIP

[@annnee6818]

Johnny Beane Chris will always be the first Superman😆 On the big screen anyway😃

[@FrancisXLord]

Ann Nee For many of us the big screen is all we have of Superman. Chris Reeve's Superman was my introduction to the character. When you go from Reeve to Cavill (at least how he's written in the more recent films) it's a bitter pill to swallow. To preserve all that is ethically good about the character I grew up with I must reject the new DCEU films that feature him. People are welcome to choose any Superman as their Superman, but I wouldn't swap out a symbol of hope for an emotionally confused, intense, brooding Superman who doesn't seem to care very much for the humans he supposed to be defending; a man who so rarely smiles. What's likable about him? Anyway, that's my two cents.

[@kellymartin8090]

He was born for that role.

[@notyou8716]

@@FrancisXLord Cavill simultaneously looks like Superman while not quite looking like Superman. Way too scowly.

[@mikegarrens5286]

Yep!!!

[@GUBMENTxCHEESE]

I teach middle school and I recently had a student refer to the 2006 Superman as the "old one". Worse still, he had never even heard about the 70s Supeman. Unfortunately, they have laws about hitting students.

[@stevejoshua1995]

I just love how you expressed the last sentence . . . with no "LOL" and such a deadpan delivery. You made me laugh out loud, which I don't do very often.

[@GriffinDumeer]

You should show it to them on a special day.

[@alfa01spotivo]

@Arch Stanton he's just joking.

[@djmajiktuch82]

Back in the early 80s my third grade teacher had taken our class to our cafeteria/auditorium. When my third grade class got there I noticed that there was a reel to reel projector set up and all of the other class rooms were all sitting in the floor, so the lights went out and the reel to reel projector went on this movie came on. My third grade teacher Mrs. Aurand had us get back up and she walked us back to our class room and did not let us watch this movie.

[@nathanl7018]

@@djmajiktuch82 you're third grade teacher was a colossal bitch

[@wildsmiley]

The granddaddy of superhero movies, with the definitive Superman, Christopher Reeve, who will never be equaled. And the score, good god, the score. John Williams is the greatest film composer ever, and this is my personal favorite score ever. Parts of it, like the music during the death and funeral of Jonathan Kent, bring tears to my eyes. I love The Dark Knight, many of the MCU movies, some of the X-Men films, and the vastly underrated Superman Returns, but Superman the Movie will always be my favorite superhero film.

[@jmwild1]

"Peter Pan flew with children, Lois, in a fairy tale." Chris' delivery of that line always gives me happy chills.

[@treovercoakley2404]

The best line in the whole movie

[@fluorosco]

It makes it real❤

[@kirstys5601]

His delivery of this line helped everyone believe a man could fly.

[@yellowcougar18]

The one thing that irritates me about current comic book movies, in the last 25 years or more, is the introduction of the hero. As Oliver notes, when Superman shows up, everyone is like 'Holy @£$%!!! that dude's flying, holding that woman, and lifting a helicopter'. And when Superman grabs Lois, and says 'Don't worry, I've got you'...and then Lois says 'You've got me?! Who's got you?'. Everyone is just amazed, enthralled...they sell this incredibly illusion and you believe it. They are reacting how everyone would believably react. It's the perfect introduction of the superhero. Perfect, down to a T, and it still makes me well up watching it. Sad I didn't realise how good Reeve was until much later. Compare this to current superhero movies. Superhero shows up, and people are just like 'Oh...yeah...can lift cars...yeah, good for them...whats on TV?. It's so...unspectacular. Like, yeah, whatever.

[@randyrhoades8751]

I agree, they believe silence is the means to create awe and impression. That's not human like....

[@piccolo56000]

+YellowCerberus18 EXACTLY !!!! theres a reason why Superman is known for making the superhero troupe !

[@randyrhoades8751]

Congratulations, for the most useless comment ever Conor, now tell me if it is his opinion, why you care so much? Also you praise him for his opinion then you go on and complain it is wrong, wtf?

[@yellowcougar18]

Randy Rhoades Agreed. I mean, more accurate to the comics...is...kind of where a lot of them fall apart. Nobody wants to take chances. Like, even the Batman 66 series took chances with villains. They made the Riddler pretty darn sinister, so much so that it was incorporated into the comics. Look at it this way. Batman the Animated Series took a TON of chances with characters, and yeah, some failed, but the successes were so spectacular, they outweighed the few flaws. Harley Quinn being introduced as the Joker's Girlfriend-in this domestically abusive relationship is brilliant, everything from her design, to her voice, to her arc. She was never in the comics prior to the BTAS series-and she was very quickly added to the comics. Mr Freeze was a JOKE of a character, even his name. In the comics, he was known as Mr Zero, the 60's show changed it to 'Mr Freeze' (imagine what would happen if they hadn't, we may not have gotten Mr Freeze at all). When BTAS used him, they added this whole backstory, the tragic element of Nora, and the seemingly noble reasons Freeze seeks revenge. Some of that, I believe, was inspired by Clayface version 3, but it fit with Freeze so well. Again, the shows' backstory was adapted into the comics. It's remained to this day. If we stick too close to the source material, it's boring. Changes, clever ones need to be made-and many of these films just tread the same ground.

[@nathanl7018]

I think the lack of awe in the extras of current comic book movies reflects the cynicism and squirrel-like attention span of today's society. I think if Superman really showed up today, people would look up, say "Huh. That dude can fly" and then look back to their phone and say, "Hey, Snapchat has a new dog effect!"

[@pferreira1983]

Some people can have their Marvel cinematic universe and Christopher Nolan Dark Knight films. This movie to me is the best superhero movie ever made.

[@samizaynislife6471]

P Ferreira Ok. That's nice

[@unknownpassenger4025]

P Ferreira Christopher Nolan was actually a huge fan of Richard Donner, and used him as an inspiration, instead of the previous Batman director's. Just a fun fact.

[@pferreira1983]

Geek Teen Yikes well that didn't work did it?

[@thawedcavebear]

+P Ferreira - It did some! Both Nolan and Donner have an explicit concern with a kind of semi-realism that works very well for the first two films in both series :) I believe you can see the influence.

[@pferreira1983]

Oh yeah Nolan got the realism alright unfortunately unlike Donner he forget something important: the comic book!

[@MikeBarbre]

I have great respect for Henry Cavill and especially Brandon Routh, but Christopher Reeve IS Superman. There's no other.

[@LATVERIAN1]

The "ICONIC" costume never needed (*or needs*) to be updated.

[@jasondrake323]

Thats called being close minded.

[@trekjudas]

Cavil looks good but that's about it.

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

Tyler hoechlin.

[@nekronbeast3981]

MRT Didn't you mean Roth in Superman Returns?

[@Perkustin]

I especially enjoyed the part where you mentioned Christopher Reeve's portrayal of flying and how few actors have matched it. It's something i've never really noticed but watching the clips i can totally understand.

[@OliverHarper]

Thanks!. Chris Reeve knew how to fly planes and successful translated that notion of gliding to his flying style on screen.

[@davelightman]

@@OliverHarper Completely agree with this. Despite having seen this film countless times, it's an insight I'd never reached - but now it makes complete sense. Great retrospective.

[@macrick]

Great homage to Superman & Christopher Reeve, may he rest in peace. Almost moved to tears by this homage. GJ!

[@steverogers2404]

Happy 100th Birthday, Jerry Siegel. Thank you for co-creating one of the greatest heroes of all time. And also thanks to Joe Shuster as well.

[@sandrasanders706]

The greatest superhero of all time!!!!

[@johnnymcauliffe1289]

Here’s a cute anecdote to illustrate how impactful this music is: When my nephew was almost 4 years old, he heard the main theme once, and I told him it was Superman’s song -he’s never seen the film, mind you, and only heard the tune that one time. He never forgot it; and to this day, 2 years later, when he puts on a red cape and runs around, he sings the melody. The main theme is superb. It’s so memorable and the second I hear those first three or four notes, Christopher Reeve’s Superman springs immediately to mind

[@jntdhome]

Thank you for a wonderful retrospective. It is, in my humble opinion, the archetype of films about superheroes. Donner treated it with such respect and admiration. Granted, I was fortunate enough to see it TWICE on the big screen as a kid. To this day, those opening credits give me chills. One memory is how the theater actually had curtains (an older theater) and, when the black and white opening narrative (girl reading comic) drifts into space and the credits began, the curtains rolled back on cue to the majestic titles. It actually had a greater effect on me than Star Wars the previous year. To this day...it remains one of my favorite films of all time. The magic has yet to diminish.

[@akinkunmicook2977]

Respect to Christopher Reeve! My hero at the time!

[@BggProductions]

You're so right about the sharp decline of memorable comic book movie themes, it is such a shame.

[@ericlewis217]

+BggProductions ...yep everything has to sound like the dark knight anymore, which I don't care for myself. Williams and Elfman created the two best superhero scores.

[@thawedcavebear]

IMO, The Dark Knight scoring worked well for one movie: 'The Dark Knight'. That's it, though. You're a moron if you think it makes sense to apply the same to Superman or Cap America or some such. Williams did dis theme by studying the triumphal melodies accompanying the old cartoons and the George Reeves TV show, and saw how effective they were (and then did 'em one better. A lot better). ...Someone get Hanz Zimmer's shop and Zach Snyder the hell out of the DC Universe. Like...now. Please?

[@thawedcavebear]

Their orchestrators are worth mentioning, too: Alexander Courage (wrote TV's 'Star Trek' theme) did/does nearly all the work of taking Williams' two pianos and farming it out to all the orchestra pieces, to very good effect. /// Elfman, being a proud weirdo, needed even more help--great theme, but the producers forced him to hand his score over before completion. Legend has it it passed through at least 6 different orchestrators who added all the reverb and percussion, etc., in order to give 'Batman' a score with power and drama that sounded like it came from a much larger orchestra. ...In the 2nd film , Elfman got to orchestrate his own work. Doesn't have nearly the same oomph. Just a shout-out to their collaborators. I use those two main themes to got up in the morning. ;)

[@thawedcavebear]

+BggProductions - It's all about John Williams getting older...

[@noahthomson5884]

And that's just sad.

[@danialhughes830]

I’m 45 and Superman is my favourite film of all time. The humanity, the innocence, the acting, the music. Everything.

[@TaliaIGhul]

This review put a tear in my eye and reminded me why I love this move. :')

[@armandomederosjr.1247]

I feel same way everytime I hear the intro song

[@NickMichalak]

If I wore a hat, it would be off to you, Oliver. Just when I thought you had outdone yourself, you push everything to higher level. Thank you. This nearly brought a tear to my eye. I'll never get tired of saying that Christopher Reeve is my greatest inspiration in life, and every ounce of praise you offered him really touched me. Superman was never just a role to him, he clearly shared that same undying sense of hope and determination that defines Superman. Reeve inspires me because he never gave up hope.

[@elvisleeboy]

For me, Christopher Reeve is Superman, to the point that I find it impossible to enjoy seeing anyone else attempting to play him. The pure warmth he had, his grace and his voice, make him impossible to surpass. I can't stand Elvis impersonators for the same reason. No matter how competent they are, they'll never capture what made the real one so special and I think anyone who doesn't know the difference, lacks the depth required to see that. I think to a generation brought up in the culture of manufactured pop stars and music that is solely designed to make money etc, the integrity and meaning of the original Superman films will be largely lost, and they won't notice the lack of substance in Man Of Steel, which is a highly stylised movie that looks good and nothing else. It doesn't help when a Director is more interested in putting their own stamp on something, rather than retaining the integrity that made it mean so much to people in the first place. The Director of Man Of Steel has been quoted as saying "Everyone clings to the Christopher Reeve Superman". If he doesn't have a fundamental and basic understanding of why that is, then quite why he was let anywhere near Superman, is beyond me.

[@thawedcavebear]

excuse the late response Elvis, but those comments on Reeve are exactly right. Still, at least he got to do his work. Some day, someone young will watch those movies again, and play the part right. I don't know when, if it'll be within my lifetime, but there's so much potential there...it'll happen. Don't worry. It's lie Camelot--a stunning dream that won't be forgotten.

[@kamsavart]

Superman without a doubt is the ultimate superhero movie. It has it all; action, suspense, humor, drama, and most of all, heart. Movies just aren't made that way anymore, for obvious rea$on$$$$.

[@evilsWa]

Yeah it was so cool of them to not take any money for Superman… The fuck are you talking about? They don't make movies like that because it's not the fucking 70s anymore

[@micahrutland9021]

The danger in this film felt real, and it really cemented Lex Luthor as evil incarnate. The devastation he causes in this film felt very dark and the interaction between Lex and Superman are golden.

[@saigokun]

This was a great and very informative retrospective. You really did put a lot of thought, effort and above all your heart into this one.

[@OliverHarper]

+saigokun thank you very much!

[@saigokun]

You are welcome my friend.

[@annnee6818]

+Oliver Harper I agree, your retrospectives are so incredibly detailed, giving so much background information which I find extremely interesting. And extra kudos for being able to say "nuclear" properly! :-)

[@curtisburga943]

+Ann Nee Negative Kudos for saying "Byrne" improperly...

[@kieltaylor2971]

saigokun

[@jackandersen8280]

Off all movies in human history - there is only one movie, that made us believe a man can fly... Superman is the epiphany of movie making ! And a man Christopher Reeve - what a man ! Thank you for this very beautiful retrospective review.

[@MisterTorgo]

Holy cow, Oliver. These retrospectives of yours are easily among the best movie reviews on the 'tube. Thanks for the last few and next many hours of excellent videos!

[@annieofalderaan]

Great review! I love how you mostly talked about behind the scenes things rather than the story we all know. I learned some new things from your video, so that was cool! You mentioned future generations possibly rejecting this movie because it's "old" and to that, I'd like to say it makes me sad to think about that. I'm only 18, but I think the flying effects in this film are fantastic, the scope and story are beyond epic, and Christopher Reeve truly is Superman. He looks the part, and his flying looks so real to me! I thought Man of Steel was so artificial-looking and lacked the lightness and heart of the 1978 film. I hope future generations like this movie as much as I do! It captures the spirit of Superman perfectly!

[@OliverHarper]

+Annie Organa Thank you very much Annie!

[@annieofalderaan]

You're welcome! I'll have to check out your other reviews soon, too. :)

[@josephlowry4320]

It's an great and fun movie to watch, even though I like Henry Cavill and Brandon Routh as the Man of Steel but nothing will never beat Christopher Reeve as Superman, I will and always will love this film ever since I watched it on TV when I was little, Superman The Movie will always and always will be part of my childhood, great review Oliver and thank you for reviewing this spectacular movie.

[@AngelHernandez.2601]

you make me cry amigo...chris reeve the only superman.

[@justafanofnerdculture7602]

This movie was and, still is, absolutely magical! One of my all time favorite movies. I'm 49 years old and I still feel like a little kid when I watch this movie. I'm always relieved of stress whenever I watch it.

[@D2Kprime]

*applause* Great review man. Superb. You honor Chris Reeve's memory. Almost teared-up at the end there.

[@KabukiKid]

When I saw this for the first time in the theater, the crowd burst into huge applause when Superman was revealed for the first time and flew. It was such an electric feeling in that audience that day. :-) I still get goosebumps when I see that scene because of that memory. Another cool memory regarding this movie is that it is the first movie I ever saw on video tape... a neighbor had a Betamax and a big collection of tapes back in '79 and he told me to pick out a movie to watch. I specifically remember Jaws and Superman in the box of tapes, but there were many others. Superman was the one I picked, and he commented that he had just gotten that one. I will also always remember being marveled that you can watch a movie whenever you wanted like that. Funny how something like that was so amazing at the time. :-) Our family didn't get a VCR until 1983, so it was cool to get a taste of home video a bit early. :-)

[@jasonvoorheesthethird]

KabukiKid i was too young to watch Superman in theaters, i saw it for the first time later on TV, and i was blown away! But i wouldve loved to experience Star wars in theaters...i can only imagine the reaction of all the people watching this amazing Movie on the big screen for the very first time! The movie was so groundbreaking in the Fx department, it mustve been amazing to watch it first in the theatre! Sadly i was too young when Star wars came out, i was only 1 years old..but i was lucky enough to have a friend that had a VHS player, so i enjoyed the whole trilogy everytime i wanted during the 80's....amazing times, really amazing :)

[@beeman2075]

KabukiKid, I first watched this movie when I was about 8 or 9 years old in 1983/84, and as a kid, that first helicopter rescue scene and the moment when Clark transforms and takes off as Superman just blew me away. I also still get goosebumps when watching that scene - and the following Air Force One rescue. That movie captured lightning in a bottle.

[@MrUnicorn44]

I still tear up with the big 'Fortress Of Solitude' reveal of Reeve in the suit, flying past camera, and I'm certainly old enough to have seen the movie in theatres, when it was first released (I DID, eight times in its cinema run ... every session had an intermission between the fortress scene, and 'welcome to Metropolis') ... the thing that made it absolutely glorious, was the design of the movie theatre; stepped panels, and glittering rendering laid on each panel, so it kicked each reflective (from the screen) light source onto the audience. Look up (what might be extinct, now), The Capitol Theatre, Melbourne, Australia ... luxuriate, too!

[@kellymartin8090]

One of the best scenes ever filmed.

[@toddblackwood129]

I just googled Capitol Theater, Melbourne; I’ll never forget seeing Superman and Star Wars in theaters when I was 7 years old and it’s hard to imagine not having that experience, but... that Capitol Theater was really something! I’d travel to Australia now just to see Superman in that theater!

[@jumpnam]

Good lord I'm sat here in tears after watching this. It has such a strong connection to my childhood. Beautiful review Olly. Like you, this film means so much to me. I grew up watching Superman; he was my idol, and so was Christopher Reeve. When I was a kid all I wanted was to be someone's hero when I grew up, and a part of me still does. Thank you for doing this.

[@bluethunder7391]

Superman I and II will always be the best super hero movies ever. I am glad my parents took me to the movie theater to see it,and when it came out in VHS I saw it so many times I learned all the dialogs and sounds and still remembers it ... Watched it last week.

[@popeyedoyle2103]

Christopher Reeve flying as Superman is just about the greatest moment in the history of cinema.. for me anyway. No one has been able to replicate this even after all these years.

[@ericlewis217]

Not a fan of Brando at all, but he nails Jorel, I believe in his wisdom and the connection to his son, my dad introduced this to me when I was very young it remains a very special film to me. I respect George Reeves and Kirk Allyn very much but Reeve will always be the Superman for which all are measure.

[@davemort9166]

As far as I am concerned, The Godfather would not have been the film it was without Brando, He was pretty good in Superman and Apocalypse Now

[@jimbyrdiii1503]

Never before has a movie review got me so nostalgic, so emotional. Perhaps because it's from a period from my childhood that I find so precious.

[@daverindone655]

Very touching review. One of the few movies I watched alone in the theaters at 12 and was just awestruck. I have a few movies that I love as much, they become part of your personal history.

[@dagger1580]

John Williams superman theme still gives me chills everytime I hear it

[@ShinSeikiEvan]

Every Superman reboot they attempt will pale in comparison to this movie and every actor playing Superman will live in the shadow of Christopher Reeve. I don't envy the task these filmmakers face. The amazing thing about this movie is that the adults of the time also accepted this as a proper, respectful adaptation.

[@superultraboy]

Best review ever. It was really quite obvious why you were holding out on your review of Superman, this being your favorite movie of all time. Nice job.

[@EkseteraEksetera]

absolutely wonderful video, it makes me want to watch this movie again! Christopher Reeve will always be my favourite Superman

[@AD-kv9kj]

The best Superman film ever and always will be. It feels like a real epic, exploring actual characters, lives and real world locations. The cinematography is breathtaking, the effects were so amazing that they still stand up and the casting was just magic. Modern superhero movies just lather every shot in disgusting dark blue filters for cheap atmosphere instead of set dressing, lighting and filming with artistry. The acting is always just miserable, angry BS for cheap impact and the computer generated effects always just take me out of the story and feel like incredibly expensive computer game cut scenes. Superman The Movie nailed it first time. I went back to it over a decade after having last seen it, since some of the new Superman movies came out, expecting it to be dated and not as great as I remembered it. It was still just as magic and amazing.

[@chaoticiannunez2419]

Actually, there is one other actor that resembled his comic book counterpart, and that was Billy Campbell with Cliff Secord, The Rocketeer. Even Campbell admitted that he was a bit spooked at how much the guy in the pages looked like him.

[@thefractalcurve5462]

😆My Dad, when he was here, always got a kick out of that Lois Lane line: "You got me. Well who's got you?" Haha!!

[@Victory987]

My Dad does to.

[@Kal-ir9ze]

for every one who watched batman v superman in last few weeks.... erase your mind and sit back one night open the pop corn and enjoy this lesson in movie perfection. Chris Reeves got it so right along with John Williams Donner and just about everyone. . . always And will be Superman.......

[@seanjohnson4475]

What's up Superman

[@akinkunmicook2977]

Mr. Reeve was absolutely incredible! I remember seeing Superman the movie with my father. It was an epic experience! Being in the movie theatre with all of these new (at the time) special effects was mind blowing! The music of John Williams had you humming the theme well after the movie had ended. Then the unknown Juilliard trained Christopher Reeve who I saw in person before the tragic accident. He was bigger than life! Both on screen and in person! He was special and will be missed!

[@JohnnyFiction]

You could not be more correct about soundtracks that cannot hope to compare to the depth and gravity and excitement and memorable nature of the work of that time. There is a unique magic that gets you even if you're only listening to it that many composers today either fail to capture or simply lack the artistic ability to create. Thank you for yet another wonderful review.

[@kobyashimaru1353]

Hi Oliver, I stumbled upon your reviews/retrospectives and picked this one to express my thanks. I am of similar age to you, and it seems we grew up on the same films. What I admire most about your reviews is the obvious love of movies, not just for their technical prowess, which u so aptly describe and revere but what they convey emotionally.(eg.Your Spider-Man circa 1970s review with your mates). I noticed your clear affection for this movie-this sums it up for me. Quality is secondary almost-what makes a movie great to me are the memories it stirs up afterwards. This is why cinema is so popular-and always will be. Keep up the good work! James, Glasgow

[@kirk1701]

Excellent review, and excellent music by John Williams used within the review. Indeed, Chris Reeve, for me, will always be Superman.

[@MarkHyde]

Movie storytelling on an operatic scope has been lost on some comic book hero adaptations. Instead of recreating a 'TV show' style they need to build on this model bringing in modern technology where possible only to reinforce story, not have special effects be it's backbone. Superman sets it's own standards in this area and has placed the bar very very high here. Even from 35 years ago.....Christopher Reeve will always be 'my' Superman. Great retrospective on a brilliant film...not just as an adaptation, but as a film well made AS a film.

[@piccolo56000]

this movie always put a nostalgic smile on my face... RIP Christopher Reeve ..

[@christophestevenson1448]

as a teenager, Dean Cain was Superman to me, and after Smallville began, I discovered the original movies. The Donner films are excellent, and Mr. Reeve is and will remain the iconic Superman. Many have followed, but Christopher Reeve cannot be replaced. Your commentary on this movie was wonder... Bravo.

[@SequentiallyCompact]

Great review. The thing I noticed is how this is really not comparable to Man of Steel, which despite being the same material is an altogether very different type of film. This film does a fantastic job of portraying the death of Krypton as the tragic end of an enlightened age, with Superman being the hope for such a thing to rise again, while Man of Steel represents Krypton as still in its death throes, a thing which needs to die so that new light can rise from its ashes. I really like the fact that both films are very different but I can really understand how people who like this version of Superman find Man of Steel distasteful. This one is definitely more uplifting, whereas Man of Steel has a somewhat bleak undertone. I know the vid is not a contrast between the films, but the comparison is always inevitable and showcases what strengths this film really has.

[@christophersteve427]

Well said, man. I grew up with Christopher Reeve and I still love the original Superman films and will until the day I die. However, I did not hate Man of Steel when I first saw it (and I still don’t), as it went in such a different direction that I never thought it was erasing what Reeve brought. It was just introducing a new darker take the character that is very easy to separate from the original. Now, I think Man of Steel is a very flawed movie in terms of handling it’s own style, but I still have a soft spot for it as it was the first Superman film I saw in theaters. Brandon Routh did a decent job emulating Reeve in 2006, and Henry Cavil is perfectly serviceable for the current DC Extended Universe they’re doing, but Christopher Reeve is revered as he is for a reason, and nobody can ever perfectly replicate him.

[@Irishdrivingbloopers]

Such a tragedy that an actor as great as Christopher Reeve who played such a powerful character as Superman ended up like he did. Paralysed after an accident. RIP to you Christopher you were definitely the best to play the part ever. Respect!!!

[@TheUrbanArcade]

That montage at the start almost made me cry, I still find it odd all the new sound effects added later on like on the DVD release, not to mention the deleted scene where he gets shot and frozen, yeah it was great for back then like you said. Man I loved the original 4 Superman movies as a kid to the point I was going to jump off my balcony to see him save me lucky I didn’t eh? And that was it, he was so believable, he made Superman for me and many others. LOL I always thought of Thunderbirds on that scene too! It’s also my Number 1! Dude you poured your heart out in this video and it shows, this is a masterpiece, you did the movie justice buddy and you deserve a pat on the back. You have grown heavily as a reviewer and I enjoyed the whole video. Thank you for putting so much time and effort into your work as it pure perfect entertainment. Liked, Faved. (P.S I watched your Crow video and loved it, just yet to add a book sized comment lol, Take care good sir and Happy Christmas! ~Alan

[@OliverHarper]

Alan! good to hear from you sir. Im so glad I managed to please another hardcore fan and I really appreciate your feedback and support over the last year its always good to hear your thoughts. Will have to catch up sometime in the new year for drink!. Have a good Christmas bud.

[@stewmurray47]

Sorry for the delay Olly, I saw this when you first uploaded it but I've been too busy to comment. What a masterpiece of editing buddy, I completely agree that the 78 movie will always be my favourite Superhero movie. It wasn't my first (Superman III has that honour lol) but almost every single aspect is perfect. The cast, effects, tone, script, direction are all sublime and it really is the perfect storm of ingredients. The highest compliment i can pay is that after watching this I sat down in front of the TV and subjected my wife to the extended cut of the movie lol. Thanks for sharing as always Olly, I highly enjoyed this and it'll be in my favourites to watch several times. Merry Christmas buddy, have a good one

[@markpullen2848]

Go fly with superman again Margot! glad I got the chance to meet you, thank you for all the memories, taken to soon xxx

[@JayDee284]

I think this is your best Retropective yet Oliver I seen a lot your videos btw a few years ago I got 2 see Reeve's Superman costume he was a very tall man

[@MrPornoforpandas]

John Williams theme is undoubtedly one if the most stirring, uplifting and triumphant scores in film history. It's sad that this style of music isn't used in superhero movies today. It would be interesting if you made a video discussing the shift in musical styles.

[@superstring01]

As always, incredible review. I really look forward to these (and the tidbits you provide on movie history). Thanks Oliver Harper !

[@OliverHarper]

Much appreciated Daniel!.

[@Pomoscorzo]

I think "Superman" was great mostly due to its script by Mario Puzo. He knew exactly how to balance the moments - serious ones with funny ones, drama and romance, fantasy and realism. The mixture was about perfect. None of the other Superman movies were so credible, so deep and so entertaining at the same time; and this applies to most other superhero movies you get to see. I guess that's the reason why I love Superman I although I am not usually a superhero fan.

[@thebestofthebest5724]

Hey he did write the godfather

[@redmusichouse]

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you for this lovely, respectful review Oliver. I don't think this version will ever be surpassed.

[@rugby1971]

i remember seeing this at the cinema when i was 8, loved it then , love it still, its my favourite superhero film ever

[@dragonray9450]

I was 11 years old when this Movie came out and it was the 1st movie that my best friend and I went to see without our parents or any other adult as it was an evening screening our mothers were quite worried about us. I will never forget how I felt leaving the theater that night, I truly felt like I could fly and in fact I have had vivid flying dreams all my life since that moment. This movie is the Gold Standard in which superhero movies are judged and Christopher Reeves proved to be Superman all his courageous life. Thank you to all who had a hand in this movie, you really did show a boy he could fly even if only in his dreams.

[@jedistreaming4006]

Today, still the best Superman movie ever. And I agree with the soundtrack, I can hear it and play the movie in my mind. Priceless.

[@johnccf2797]

This was the first movie i'd ever scene at the pictures.. i can't really remember much of watching it back then as i was five.. At the age of 47, this movie still makes my hair prickle.. Like the helicopter scene, Clark leaving his mother and the flight with Lois Lane.. Great stuff

[@shannonm75]

Chris Reeve was and will always be Superman. He nailed it. The perfect example of what one expects of a super hero and he was mature. Not like the baby faced ego maniac heroes of today.

[@markcrew3696]

Great job on this...WOW.. I even got a little chocked up. Christopher Reeve will never be forgotten.

[@NateNakao]

I'm a tad embarrassed to admit that I choked up a bit near the end of this video. I love this movie so much, and it's clear you do as well.

[@camcordernonsense5264]

me too. if that helps.

[@joehart9082]

I'll never forget seeing this for the first time on the big screen in December 1978. What a thrill it was! And what a nice and proper tribute you gave it, Oliver. Thank you!

[@ishpalsingh.7954]

..just love your reviews, they are actually informative about the subject and thus far much interesting than majority of them on internet. Another thing that I love how you consider different aspect of the films also (like music). P.S. always looking for your next reviews :)

[@OliverHarper]

Ishpal Singh. thanks buddy!. Yeah for the last couple of years i've been pushing for a different approach of reviewing movies instead of the usual hate filled videos where people just want to make fun of movies for a cheap gag. Im sick of the VLOG style of reviews. Just cheap and lazy content.

[@mohammadmustafa1393]

HARary superman

[@xLogikBomb]

I remember watching this movie as a child at my grandparents' house. My grandmother had taped it on VHS and I would ask to watch it every night I was there. We all sat down with a bowl of ice cream and watched the film. My grandmother would later go on to tape each of the Superman movies when they became available on cable. We watched all of them time and time again, grainy picture and all; even the jumpy scenes when one would have to pause the recording during commercials, and we LOVED IT. I still come back to watch this movie as an adult, and there is hardly a scene that doesn't leave me smiling. This is an amazing movie, and is probably the most dear to my heart. Your review has done it justice. Thank you.

[@squelchotron8259]

I love the look Superman gives Lois after the bird spooks her. I wish current Superman could be fun like that.

[@jcollins1305]

Superman is an example of a movie that excels on every possible level. Story, writing, acting, casting, music, effects, cinematography, and of course directing. EVERYTHING works flawlessly. A film that makes you laugh, cry, and believe a man can fly.

[@MrFlix1983]

Hello Oliver, it has been quite some time since I last watched your retrospective videos. I remember the first that I watched was for my favorite Disney SciFi film, Flight of The Navigator. Now, over the last two days, I have watched so much more, including your original Superman movie retrospectives. I wanted to watch this one last because something told me that it would be absolutely incredible and heartfelt. You, like me really know what reigns as nostalgic, from piecing and editing clips together with a good set of music segues and transitions, to just really tapping into the heart of what Christopher Reeve was to people like me as kids. He was, is, and always will be Superman. Thank you so much for this, and a beautifully edited ending as well.

[@OliverHarper]

+MrFlix1983 You haven't watched my work for awhile?. How dare you! lol Thanks for your feedback!.

[@Doctor_Kissworthy]

Thank you so much for another beautifully succinct review, Oliver! I feel incredibly privileged to have watched this movie at the cinema when I was 15 years old. After the movie, as I came out, I launched myself off the front steps and was quite disappointed when I didn't stay in the air. It was one of the first movies I bought on VHS, then DVD. My elderly mum (aged 88) loves it, and in a few weeks, we're going to watch it again together.

[@NiceGuyAidey]

Thanks for this Oliver, I love this Film, brings back very good memories of watching it with my late father, Christopher Reeve is always going to be my Superman,...John Williams Score is a Masterpiece, Pure Classic

[@sfkeepay]

I was nine and saw this with my best friend in a theater opening weekend. As long as I live, I’ll never forget that first scene....Superman catching Lois and then the helicopter...the whole theater erupted, kids and adults too. But to be that age, in that time watching that movie...it’s difficult to convey, except to say it was pure magic. A perfect moment.

[@jmarcguy]

Most joyous experience I've ever had going to a theater! I probably wrongly scrutinize ever the recent Superman films too much. They're marvelous to look at but... I just feel empty afterwards. Nothing can match seeing this on the big screen as a child. I remember watching it on its first airings on HBO & staying up to watch it everytime it was on. Pre VCR lol. The first cd I bought in the 90's was the soundtrack. I bought a version done by the Scotish Orchestra, a best of cd re-recording, the 2 cd release & the box set. Love the music! I can't thank everyone involved enough for this film.

[@NectarineofQuality]

Well said! Agreed 100%. What shocks me is how John Williams didn't receive the Oscar. This is his best work in my opinion.

[@nickroche3342]

Oliver Harper great work! nothing will beat superman the movie!

[@yethboth7873]

There was a Superman Restored International Cut that was made available on DVD from a fan website for a limited time about 4 years ago. One of the missing scenes that was restored was the complete uncut scene of the Krypton Stormtrooper pursuing Jor-El and his wife to arrest them whilst the destruction of Krypton is just about to happen. The Krypton Stormtrooper then gets killed by falling debris and shows a close up of his eyes in horror before getting killed. This is an interesting scene that should have been complete in the 2001 director's cut version to make more sense. The director's cut version only showed him teleporting from the council members and didn't show the rest of it as to what happened to him.

[@entennstudio]

I just want to say that much, since I cannot put this comment on all of your retrospective reviews, that I found this channel just a couple of days ago and I absolutely LOVE them! Thanks very much for the work and the effort you put into these! It is great that we are able to share the passion and love for these classics we grew up with! Thanks Oliver! It is a great pleasure indeed!

[@767scarecrow]

That was a brilliant review. Your love of this film really rubbed off on it, and it was infectious. You know, I really haven't seen this film as many times as I ought to/should have. Less so with the "should have" part as the film is well before my time, I grew up with the early 2000s superhero flicks. Although, I saw Burton's Batman a shit load of times. There is no particular why I didn't watch Superman as much. So unfortunately, It is not a massive part of my childhood so I fell like I've been cheated haha. I have not seen it a very long time, so im looking forward to getting reacquainted with it. As always, bloody fantastic job Ollie.

[@OliverHarper]

Thank you very much sir. Superman the movie wasn't part of your childhood?.. you certainly have been cheated! lol Yeah watch the movie again soon and let me know your thoughts. :)

[@767scarecrow]

Will do!

[@767scarecrow]

Oh my god Roger Rabbit liked my comment!

[@SladeQigong]

John Barry actually passed away after this film came out. He died in 1979, while working on The Empire Strikes Back. Rest in peace, John. :(

[@connorbrennan4233]

"His name is Kal-El. He will call himself Clark Kent. But the world will know him...as Superman. This year, Superman brings you the gift of flight."

[@patrickshields5251]

And in 2013, he will give you breakfast at IHOP.

[@sabbathian]

So many feeling with this movie… happiness, sadness, memories… childhood, good times… goosebumps, but always a smile

[@lucasdiego5028]

The best film of superheroes of history, sorry avangers and marvel!

[@venicemackay9244]

+Lucas Diego i agree only ever saw it on tv as a kid but it was still great.

[@SirSmoldham]

Such a wonderful film. I interviewed Richard Donner at our film school right after he was fired from Superman II. We had such a great time he made a return appearance. It's amazing what he went through to remain true to the source material and the current comic book genre has benefited greatly from his effort.

[@Bro4man]

Excellent Review Mr Harper, I can tell you put an lot of time and love in this review. Anytime you going do an review on ghost busters since you said it is your 2nd favorite movie of all time?

[@666deadman1988]

I'm going to see a John Williams concert in a few weeks, and as much as I love Star Wars, the thing I'm most excited to hear played by the live orchestra is Superman. One of the greatest themes for one of the greatest movies ever made.

[@DoctorPretorious616]

Congrats on your latest review video, an informative, masterfully edited and heartfelt tribute to the greatest superhero movie of all time. While the film is not without flaws due to the overly comical third act---and while I love Gene Hackman, his Lex was occasionally a bit too campy---what the film does right it does right, it does beautifully. It remains as magical, funny and inspirational as ever. And Christopher Reeve will always be the greatest screen Superman ever; in his all-short time on this Earth, he gave hope to many and made us believe that man could fly.

[@KonElKent]

Yesterday, November 25, 2018, I went to a 40th Anniversary Screening in Everett, Wa. The advertised running time was in line with Donner's Director's Cut, but it was actually the Theatrical Cut, with a Fleischer Superman Cartoon added. There were two scenes where, inexplicably, the picture and audio dropped to standard broadcast video tape instead of film or digital projection. But it was still an excellent experience. I was grinning like a kid through the entire thing...

[@ryancapper455]

The extended cuts were shown here across two nights on television in the early 80s, and no movie ever got me more excited. When I finally rented it on VHS in 1986 I remember being baffled why certain scenes were missing. I finally recorded my own copy on VHS off the television but the cut the network aired was never consistent. I still remember the Superman 2 ending where Lex, Zod, and cohorts are escorted from the Fortress of Solitude by the police, but watching it again on the official VHS version I was left wondering whether it was all a part of my imagination. In the Superman 1 television airings, the fire, ice, and bullets scene would sometimes be there and sometimes not. Pretty confusing stuff as a kid. Anyhow I agree, Superman is the zenith of superhero movies, and I only wish it could be matched or surpassed -- perhaps in another 30-40 years but unlikely; there seems to be a massive gap in the current crop of movies, and it's right where the heart and soul used to be. It has to be said that Man of Steel was a major disappointment, badly written and acted, and the choice to not use John Williams score was arrogant. Williams score is Superman, in as much as the Bond score is James Bond. Reboot or not, this character should take the score with him. Especially when the alternative is just plain generic and underwhelming. I thought the Danny Elfman score should have been kept for Batman, too. I just find Hans Zimmer's scores flat; Germanic/Nordic minimalism isn't warranted in a superhero score. Williams score did have it all: excitement, sentiment, hope, tragedy, comedy, just multi-dimensional. I liked Lois's poem, too, and thought it added a sweet dimension to the film.

[@hamsandwichson]

I love your split trailer recuts in your retrospectives! I've been binging your stuff for weeks! Great job!

[@sciguyjeff]

The thing I enjoy about Reeve's Superman (regardless of movie) is ; A positive story and the outfit. I absolutely hate these dark uniforms that modern movies are using. Okay, Batman is understandable, though I prefer 1989's outfit but the rest - why so dark?

[@stevejoshua1995]

YES !! Thank you, thank you !! Finally, someone else is saying what I've been saying. And not just that, but the colors are almost pastel ... I mean, what's with that ? Have we become a culture that is afraid of true colors ?

[@tommycarr8111]

Whilst it's not my favourite superhero film, this, even today, is definitely the biggest superhero film.

[@Loverrover]

Still the best super hero movie as far as I'm concerned. It was captured everything that a comic book movie should be and John Williams theme made every kid believe they were superman when they heard it!

[@txmoney]

Your review of Superman: The Movie cemented my respect and admiration of your work. You nailed it. I may not agree with all your reviews because reviews are by in large, subjective. But this film holds a special place in my heart. And I get particularly defensive when I hear people trash this most original and spectacular classic. One of my favorite films.

[@OliverHarper]

haha my Superman review won you over then?. Glad you enjoyed it bud.

[@sfighter0085]

T-T Beautiful Retrospective and review Oliver. Yeah, as much as I love Man of Steel (still way better then "Superman Returns"), I can never ignore this movie. I freaking love this movie. Christopher Reeve was the true Superman bar none. I had no idea directors like Chis Nolan, Jon Faverau, Sam Raimi, and Martin Campbell were influenced. The scene that always has me smiling is when Clark burst open his shirt and reveals the "S". Gold. I think Zack Snyder should get some ideas from this movie and incorporate them into "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice" (should've been called "Superman V Batman").

[@zomgl2pnoobffs]

I remember being astounded by the transformation at 21:02 as a child in the cinema. It's still amazing. Thanks for reminding me.