Superman (Special Edition)

1978 • 151 minutes

4.5

669 reviews

94%

Tomatometer

Rating

Eligible

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About this movie

A box-office smash, an Academy Award winner* and a fan favorite since it first flew into theatres in December 1978, Superman: The Movie assembles a cast and creative contingent as only a big movie can. At its heart (just as in three sequels) is Christopher Reeve's intelligent, affectionate portrayal of a most human Man of Steel. Watching Superman again isn't just like being a kid again. It's better.

The movie's legacy soared even higher when director Richard Donner revisited this beloved adventure 22 years later and integrated eight minutes into the film. Enjoy more footage of the Krypton Council, a glimpse of stars of prior Superman incarnations, more of Jor-El underscoring his son's purpose on Earth andan extended sequence inside Lex Luthor's gauntlet of doom. Reeve, Marlon Brando (Jor-El), Gene Hackman (Luthor) and Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) give indelible performances that fuel the film's aura of legend. Looks like a swell night for flying. Why not come along?

Rating

Ratings and reviews

4.5

669 reviews

Dr Weatherface

May 21, 2017

The world building is well done and the tone is fine. Really works as Donner tries to create a realistic Superman who still stays as close to the source as it can achieving what they aimed for "making you believe a man can fly." The the effects are quite laughable and the only gripe with the movie is the ending as it seems deus ex machina with Superman having the rewards of having people saved despite altering the timeline to not save them to specifically go for Lois instead.

17 people found this review helpful

Tim Iworsley

February 10, 2014

I am a huge Superman fan! And have been for a number of years. I have seen all the movies, more than once. If you are looking for a Superman movie, look no farther. Man of Steel is ok, but this is the original and still the best. Most Supermans in the movies, like Superman Returns as well as the ones on TV are based on Christopher Reeve in this film. It is the ultimate Superman movie, from the soundtrack to the story line. In the end, you will believe a man can fly!!

14 people found this review helpful

Keith Thomas

August 17, 2014

4.5 stars would be my actual rating. The original gets 5. Although this is better than nothing, get the theatrical version. It doesn't contain the awful "swoosh" sound effects when Chris Reeve is slowly flying (this does), and it's the version we saw in theaters as wee tiny tots (this isn't). Although this version has Lex Luthor's gauntlet included, it really doesn't add anything to the movie.

14 people found this review helpful