Superman Returns was a big hit at the theaters this summer, though not as big as the studio had hoped (despite making just over $200 million it came up short of making back its $270 million price tag). Still Superman proved he could be a powerful force at the box office. The film comes out on DVD today and we’ve got a quick look.
Superman Returns
Custom Rating
I enjoyed Superman Returns in the theater, but had some problems with the script, continuity errors, and the lack of originality (all of which you can read more about in my original review). December liked the film a little more than me (as you can read here). So it’s been a couple months, and now it’s out on DVD, so let’s get to it.
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After a five-year absence Kal-El (Brandon Routh) returns from the wreckage of Krypton to his adopted home of Earth. On arriving he discovers life has moved on without him. Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) is engaged and has a young son, and Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) has been busy making some withdrawals from the Fortress of Solitude.
The film works as well, if not slightly better on DVD than in the theater, given it’s length and breadth, though you also have more opportunity to wonder at the lunacy of Lex Luthor’s plan. The effects work just as well on DVD and with a proper stereo system you can sit back and crank John Williams score.
I stick by my qualms with the film. However, I will say that with each viewing I like Brandon Routh and Kate Bosworth more and more in their respected roles. Though Routh is no Christopher Reeve, he does have a little of his openness and charm that grows on you. And Bosworth shines in what is one of the oddest casting decisions of the year.
But I still hate that new suit!
Is it a must have for your collection? Probably not. But the DVD does give you the remastered John Williams score and some nice performances and fun moments. Aside from the look at the Marlon Brando scenes, I’m not sure the Special Edition warrants the added cost, except for huge fans of the film, and I think the single disc will serve most viewers just fine.