The Total Accumulation Of All Knowledge

On the heels of their DVD announcement for Superman Returns, Warner Home Video has finalized plans for the re-release of the first 4 films in the series. Not only will you be able to buy them individually--they will also available in 2 collector sets; The Christopher Reeve Superman Collection (8 discs) and a mega-14 disc set called:The Ultimate Superman Collection

The 8 disc set breaks down this way:

Superman-The Movie 4 Disc Special Edition:

Disc One

Theatrical cut

Commentary track by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler

Original sound

Dolby Digital 5.1

Languages: English & Français
Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only

Disc Two

2001 expanded edition movie with commentary by director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz
Music-only audio track
Subtitles: English, Français, Español & Português (feature film only)

Disc Three

Three documentaries: Taking Flight: The Development of Superman, Making Superman: Filming the Legend, The Magic Behind the Cape
Restored scenes
Screen tests
Audio-only bonus: additional music cues

Disc Four

Vintage TV special The Making of Superman: The Movie
1951 Movie Superman and the Mole-Men, starring George Reeves
Nine Fleischer Studios Superman cartoons mastered from superior vault elements: Oscar nominee Superman, The Mechanical Monsters, Billion Dollar Limited, The Arctic Giant, The Bulleteers, The Magnetic Telescope, Electric Earthquake, Volcano, Terror on the Midway

A 2 disc set for the theatrical version of Superman II, directed by Richard Lester includes:

Disc One

Movie with commentary by executive producer Ilya Salkind and producer Pierre Spengler
Soundtrack in Dolby Digital 5.1
Theatrical trailer
Languages: English & Français
Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)

Disc Two

Vintage TV specials The Making of Superman II and Superman 50th Anniversary
New featurette First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series
Eight Famous Studios Superman cartoons mastered from superior vault elements: Japoteurs, Showdown, Eleventh Hour, Destruction, Inc., The Mummy Strikes, Jungle Drums, The Underground World, Secret Agent

The Superman III Deluxe Edition will include:

Commentary by executive producer Ilya Salkind and producer Pierre Spengler
Vintage TV special The Making of Superman III
Additional scenes
Theatrical trailer
Languages: English & Français
Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)

A Deluxe Edition of Superman IV: The Quest for Peace will offer the following specs:

Commentary by screenwriter Mark Rosenthal
Additional scenes
Theatrical trailer
Languages: English & Français
Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)

A couple of quick observations: The cover art for all 4 films is really awful. Yuck!! Why is Richard Pryor not featured on the front cover for the third film? I wish Lester had decided to participate for his version of Supes II...and Supes III His insights on his contributions to the film series and the whole Donner controversy will be sorely missed.

Sold separately is Superman II - The Richard Donner Cut which includes the following specs:

All new introduction by director Richard Donner
Commentary by director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz
New featurette Superman II: Restoring the Vision
Additional scenes
Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)

Check out this extended scene from the Donner Cut!

What is it with Warner Bros. and DVD cover art that sucks?...I would have rather seen them use this look for the Donner Cut

I'm probably going to break down and buy the 14 disc set--which at the moment has a SRP of $99.92 (Online retailers will be selling the mega set for less) It includes all of the discs listed above as well as:

Disc 10- Superman Returns

Theatrical cut Dolby Digital 5.1

Disc 11-Requiem for Krypton: Making Superman Returns. 3hr documentary. Deleted Scenes

Disc 12-You'll believe: Making of a Saga

All-new six-part documentary about the original theatrical franchise.

Forging the Man of Steel - Superman in the media, and the challenges the Salkinds faced

Creating the Vision - creating the right script, choosing the right director and casting the right actors

Believe - the production and launch of a new kind of fantasy film

Crisis - complications and conflicts between the creative forces behind Superman II

Downfall - criticisms and burnout of Superman III and Superman IV

Legacy - filmmakers, writers and artists reflect Bonus New Documentaries (The Mythology of Superman, The Science of Superman, Remembering Christopher Reeve)

Disc 13 Look, Up in the Sky - The Amazing Story of Superman. Kevin Burns documentary-The history of the character.

Disc 14 Bryan Singer's video blogs disc for SR All the web blogs plus two that have never been seen before.

All of these DVDs/sets hit store shelves on November 28th, 2006. I can't wait!

Right now though:

The Chicago Bears go up against the Minnesota Vikings later today...Can my boys make it three in a row?