Holiday DVD Review Round-Up Part 2

In this DVD review bonanza, we target your craving for hot guys in superhero tights by covering tons of just out Superman DVDs, both the best classics starring Chris Reeve and the new Superman Returns with hot Brandon Routh, Then there is the long-awaited Jack Sparrow action of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and classic Sci-Fi film Forbidden Planet presented in a fully-restored 50th anniversary set! Check it all out for more Holiday gift-giving ideas for friends, family and hey, for your own collection too!

From Warner Home Video

Superman Returns: 2-Disc Special Edition

Synopsis: The Man of Steel has been gone from Earth for five years, leaving Lois Lane confused and upset. In his absence, she has written a Pulitzer Prize-winning news piece called "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman" and has convinced herself that she doesn't either. She's also become a mom to a young son and is about to marry a nephew of Perry White's. Meanwhile, arch criminal Lex Luthor has gotten out of jail and conned a rich old woman out of a fortune. He's found some crystals from Supe's Fortress of Solitude and wants to use their growth factor to re-form Earth for his own benefit. Will Supe return to stop him and reclaim Lois?

Special Features: Only on Disc two. There is no movie-length feature commentary but there is a cool documentary "Requiem for Krypton: The Making of Superman Returns" that covers absolutely everything from pre-production and casting, the look of the movie and then through the shooting with sections labeled "Superman on the Farm", "Superman in the City" and "Superman in Peril". Here is where you get candid comments from director Bryan Singer, cast and crew. Supe himself Brandon Routh keeps it together through the chaos with a lot of grace. There is a brief blooper reel at the end. Very complete and fun.

"The Joy of Lex: Behind the Scenes with Kevin Spacey" is a hoot. The actor gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the film's final wrap and those silly wigs. Spacey drives around in a special "Kill Superman" golfcart, yelling for the death of Supe while dragging a Superman doll behind him! The filmmakers blow up train sets and generally cause chaos. It's great.

In "Resurrecting Jor-El", filmmakers show us step-by-step how Marlon Brando's character was resurrected for this film. It's really cool how they accomplished this blend of old and new.

There are 11 "Deleted & Extended Scenes" include "The Date", "Family Photos", "Crash Landing / X-Ray Vision", "Old Newspapers", "Are You Two Dating?", "Martinis & Wigs", "I'm Always Right", "Jimmy the Lush", "Language Barrier", "Crystal Feet" and "New Krypton". A lot of these are nice character-building moments that just add to the film's enjoyment.

There is also a Trailer Gallery, that offers the teaser and trailer for the film, and some video game previews and a plug for for you to buy the new Christopher Reeve Superman boxed set. We hear there is an Easter Egg hidden here featuring more bloopers by Kevin Spacey.

Wrapping Up: Whether you are a Superman fan or just like a good action movie, Superman Returns fits the bill. It is a worthy successor to the early Christopher Reeve films. This DVD is technically sound in Video and Audio and the thorough and very entertaining extras make it well worth a buy.

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut

Synopsis: Superman (Christopher Reeve) has saved the world and taken arch villain Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) to prison, but a missile he has sent into space to save earth has exploded and freed exiled super villains Non, Ursa and General Zod (Jack O'Halloran, Sarah Douglas, Terence Stamp) from the Phantom Zone. The trio comes to Earth to conquer and are overjoyed to learn that the son of their enemy Jor-El (Marlon Brando) is there too. Can Superman beat three criminals with the same powers he has? Also, big complication: Supe has fallen for Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and wants to lose his super powers in order to become human and be with her.

Backstory: Director Richard Donner made a big hit in 1978's Superman: The Movie, and was shooting Part 2 but wasn't given total control even after his first film was a hit. He was taken off the film and a new director brought on. Most of his already filmed scenes were scrapped. This DVD shows what Part 2 might have looked like if Donner had been able to finish.

Special Features: There is an intro by director Donner explaining what is on this DVD. The DVD is a really good film reconstruction job. The images from old Panavision film blend well with new special effects created to finish up scenes. Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz talk about the history of the film in both commentary and then a featurette called "Restoring the Vision". We get the idea that Donner may have supervised but his film editor Michael Thau was the one who re-cut the film, stripping away some of the other Director Richard Lester's work and replacing it with the old Donner footage. Very interesting to see this process.

You also get some deleted scenes, that aren't that important; one with Lex Luthor being arrested by Mounties was replaced in the movie with him blowing up with the destruction of the Fortress of Solitude.

Wrapping Up: I never did like the Lester ending in which Clark Kent kisses Lois and some magical super power makes her forget that she and Supe ever got it on and were married, etc. Just a sucky development. In this Donner version, Supe uses the trusty turning back time thing but hey, it's better than a stupid magic kiss. Overall, I liked this version better than what was in theaters way back when. A very interesting and entertaining DVD for buy or gifting. Certainly worth a rent.

For purists, you can also buy the theatrical version of Superman II. This one is the Richard Lester cut including 2 discs. Disc 1 has new commentary by Executive Producer and Producer Spengler and Salkind, and a new deleted scene. Disc 2 contains two vintage TV specials "The Making of Superman II", along with the "Superman: 50th Anniversary TV special" which are both interesting and there's a new featurette on the making of the Fleischer animated shorts on Superman and eight re-mastered shorts to enjoy. I still enjoyed the Donner cut more but the extras are interesting on this DVD at least. Worth a rent to compare as well.

Superman: The Movie – Four Disc Special Edition

Under separate cover but out as well in the huge "Ultimate: Collector's Edition"...This one started it all and Christopher Reeve was forever cemented in filmdom as the hottest Supe ever! Synopsis: Unable to convince the ruling council of Krypton that their world will destroy itself soon, scientist Jor-El takes drastic measures to preserve the Kryptonian race by sending his infant son Kal-El to Earth. There, gaining great powers under Earth's yellow sun, he will become a champion of truth and justice. Raised by the Kents, an elderly farm couple, Clark Kent learns that his abilities must be used for good. All grown up, Clark travels to Metropolis, where he becomes a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet and is attracted to hot reporter Lois Lane. He also becomes Superman! Meanwhile, Lex Luthor, the world's greatest criminal mind, is plotting the greatest real estate swindle of all time. Can't even the Man of Steel stop this evil scheme?

Special Features: On Disc One, you get the 1978 theatrical edition of Superman: The Movie (the first time this version has been available on DVD), in a great-looking anamorphic widescreen video quality. Extras here include a new audio commentary by the film's producers, Pierre Spengler and Ilya Salkind, and some original trailers and TV spots for the film.

On Disc Two you get an "Extended" version of the movie that has been out on DVD before along with the previous commentary by Director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz, and the audio-only track featuring John Williams' excellent score to just listen to.

Disc Three is packed with all of the other extras that were on a previous Superman: The Movie DVD and they are pretty great. Docs, "Taking Flight: The Development of Superman", "Making Superman: Filming the Legend" and "The Magic Behind the Cape".. are all really interesting and entertaining behind the scenes looks. Not as candid as the docs for Superman Returns but good none-the-less. There are deleted and extended scenes, some fun screen tests and some audio music cues.

Disc Four then adds the vintage "The Making of Superman: The Movie" TV special and the campy and fun 1951 film Superman and the Mole Men (starring George Reeves). Full-frame quality is good. You also get the first nine original Fleischer Superman cartoon shorts and they look great and colorful. Lots of fun.

Wrapping Up. This is the one to buy if you want the ultimate version of the first movie introducing Chris Reeve as Superman. It looks great and has everything you could want as support features. I'd say buy this one for sure if you like Superman at all or know that special someone on your gift list who does.

However, for the Super-Duper Superman fan, you must spring for the fourteen-disc "Ultimate Collector's Edition" in a cool silver tin case with a big "S" on it. This one has everything already reviewed PLUS Superman: The Movie: 2000 Expanded Edition, Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. There are also 3 bonus discs containing: Two docs "You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman" and "Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman" as well as more detailed and funny Bryan Singer's Video Journals made during the film process of Superman Returns. In the huge set is also George Reeves in the quirky and campy Superman and the Mole-Men as well as a TV Pilot and more archival footage. This is the one to go buy if you, your little brother, your dad, fave guy or gal-pal has Supe in the blood!! Awesome!

Forbidden Planet: 50th Anniversary Two-Disc Special Edition

This movie is a classic; an inspiration for Star Wars among other great sci-fi epics that followed it. It was the first non-campy 1950's sci fi adventure with an intelligent plot. If you've never seen it, ya gotta check it out....

Synopsis: It's the year 2257. United Planets Cruiser C57D is on a years-long mission to Altair IV, to rescue the survivors of a deep-space expedition ship with which Earth has lost contact. When they arrive, Commander Adams (Leslie Nielsen) and his crew discover that only the mysterious Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his hot daughter Alta (Anne Francis) have survived. Somehow, Morbius has built a virtual paradise for himself, with the assistance of his futuristic servant, Robby the Robot, and some kind of advanced, previously unknown technology. When Adams informs the reluctant Morbius that he's ordered to bring the survivors back to earth, an invisible force begins attacking his crew. Adams and his men quickly discover the doctor's shocking secret.

Special Features: Extras on Disc One includes some deleted and extended scenes grabbed from a workprint of the film and there is lost footage with tests of effects shots etc.. There are a campy pair of excerpts from episodes of "MGM Parade" that promoted the film and a complete episode of "The Thin Man" TV series featuring Robby the Robot, as well as trailers for the film and other sci-fi titles.

Disc Two gives us some fun documentaries. The first is "Watch the Skies"!, from the Turner Movie Channel and it features directors talking about the history of science fiction films. Included are "biggies" George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott and James Cameron. The second piece, "Amazing!, looks at the making of Forbidden Planet, and gives us interviews with cast members Leslie Nielsen and Anne Francis, and a lot of knowledgeable film effects wizards, historians and directors, including John Landis, Bob Burns, John Carpenter, John Dykstra, Dennis Muren, Joe Dante and others.

The third documentary "Engineering a Sci-Fi Icon" focuses on design and construction of Robbie the Robot, with interviews and some cool photos and drawings. Finally, on disc two is a whole film! MGM's The Invisible Boy (1957), which starred Robby. These are great features.. only a full audio commentary might have been added.

This DVD is available as a stand-alone 2-disc set (which is what we got to review) as well as a collector's edition gift set in metal tin case that also poster art cards and a plastic Robby.

Wrapping up: This DVD is what fans of the movie have been waiting for. It is a great hi-definition transfer and looks and sounds fabulous. We got to attend a big theatrical screening of the film with many of the original cast in attendance including Anne Francis who, in her 70's now, looks fabulous and beautiful today. Robby was there too and we got to shake his hand... er.. claw?? This classic is a must buy for fans and a definite looksee for everyone else.

From Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Synopsis: Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is in trouble again. Jack owes a blood debt to the legendary Davy Jones. He's got to break the debt or be forever a servant of Jones in a watery grave. Jack enlists the aid of Will(Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), who were about to get married, to find the fabled "Dead Man's Chest" for whoever controls it can control Jones! Other bureaucrats and thieves also want the chest and the race and adventure is on.

Special Features: In a cool mirror-effect slipcase you get a navigation map and info on some of the extras. Beginning on Disc 1 there is a feature-length audio commentary from screenwriters Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. A chatty track and the writers talk a lot about the challenge of following up a huge hit.. it's character and story stuff galore. No director Gore Verbinski or Prod. Jerry Bruckheimer however.

"Bloopers of the Caribbean" is a blast full of line bumbles, slips and falls, giggling and the like. Much fun. On Disc one you also get promo clips and trailers for upcoming DVDs and Blu-Ray stuff.

On Disc two is where the real treasure lies: "Charting the Return" is a long featurette focusing on the first part of filmmaking, the script, scouting locations, getting ready for action scenes and other nightmares for the producers and filmmakers.

"According to Plan: The Harrowing and True Story of Dead Man's Chest" is an hour long and covers the sets, effects and, gee, how to ship a whole movie company to a tiny island (Dominica) anyway? Lots of cast and crew interviews on behind-the-scenes stuff. Fascinating.

"Captain Jack: From Head to Toe" Okay Depp fans, this is for you. Get up close and personal with...Johnny's wardrobe! Tiny features on every piece of Jack Sparrow's outfit including make-up, sword and jewelry. Also a small comment by Johnny on the whole thing.. Yum!!

"Meet Davy Jones: Anatomy of a Legend" is a featurette that gives you the low-down on how creepy-looking Davy Jones was created in CGI effects. Poor Bill Nighy runs around in a funny, tight motion-capture suit. There is also a piece of "Creating the Kraken" which is a "how to make" on the mythical beastie.

If you heard that Johnny is now a part of the "Pirates" ride at Disneyland, here is how it came about.. it's a featurette on the history of the ride and the new stuff inspired by the "Pirates" movies. Fun.

"Fly on the Set: The Bone Cage" is about how that big rolling ball thingie happened, then Jerry Bruckheimer "A Producer's Photo Diary" gives you Jerry chatting about his cast crew and director with a bunch of pretty good snapshots to back it up. "Pirates on Main Street" is the record of the Disneyland premiere of the film with the stars arriving, etc All of these featurettes are really behind the scenes exclusives with good, bad and ugly comments about making such a huge film. Very exciting for fans.

Wrapping Up: "Dead Man's Chest" isn't as good as the first "Pirates" but it's a great popcorn movie none-the-less and thus a great movie to watch on DVD. There are tons of action sequences even if you don't always know what the heck is really going on. This DVD is the ultimate Holiday gift for fans of Depp, Knightley, Bloom or just pirate movies.. buy it!!

***

Lynn Barker is a Hollywood-based entertainment journalist and produced screenwriter.