Superman Experts...

Janet · #1 06-24-2006, 02:28 PM

I know there are basically 2 Superman 2's.

I know that Richard Donner filmed 70% of the movie before Lester took over.

Now, what I want to know...how much of the Donner footage was shown before? If you get the DVD, it feels very cut up and I honestly have memories that aren't there. I remember scenes that I am not seeing.

Am I crazy or was there more movie before the DVD came out??
Janet

Johnny Stew · #2 06-24-2006, 10:14 PM

Great answers, Sharon! And if you don't mind, I'll add a little.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackaghost

As far as I know none of the Donner footage actually made it into the theatrical version and subsequent video release, in fact identical scenes were even re-shot.

Fans estimate that Donner's footage makes up about 25% of the theatrical version, and then the rest was shot/re-shot by Richard Lester.

Any scene featuring Lex Luthor/Gene Hackman was shot by Donner, as Hackman refused to do any additional work on Superman II, in protest of Donner being fired. You might notice towards the end of the movie, when the Phantom Zone trio arrive at the Fortress of Solitude, there is a body-double for a few of the shots of Hackman.

Donner's footage can also be seen in various other segments throughout the movie, which is why Margot Kidder's hair & makeup change back & forth during certain scenes. There are also scenes where Christopher Reeve's hair changes lengths and his costume is slightly different (his build was bigger by the time they re-shot scenes for II).
The diner scene ("your seat's in there, Four Eyes") was also shot by Richard Donner.

Work has been completed on 'Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut' (its official title), and it was recently submitted to the MPAA for rating (it received a PG), and there are rumours that it may receive a limited theatrical release.
Richard Donner didn't, however, work on editing the "Richard Donner Cut" -- Michael Thau was commissioned to complete it (with Donner's blessing). Thau also worked on the 2000 restoration of 'Superman:The Movie.'

Given that Donner only filmed about 75% of the needed footage in the first place, some of the Richard Lester will help fill out the movie. Also, WB is rumoured to have shot some additional footage earlier this year, with a body double. (There is confirmation that WB held a low-key casting call looking for men who resemble Christopher Reeve in build and stature.)

Whether or not the "Richard Donner Cut" makes its way to the bigscreen this year, it will definitely be released as part of a 14-disc 'Ultimate Superman' boxed-set sometime in the 4th quarter.

Janet · #3 06-25-2006, 01:38 AM

I LOVE you guys!

Thank you

I know I have seen these additional scenes...at some point in my childhood many moons ago.

The biggest difference between Donner and Lester is Margot Kidder. She looks completely different in those 2 years.

I hope all these rumours are true!! I have always been a Superman fan but I realize now that I really AM a HUGE fan. It's fun to lose yourself in movies/music.

Thanks again.

irishgrl · #4 06-25-2006, 09:54 AM

Quote:

There is confirmation that WB held a low-key casting call looking for men who resemble Christopher Reeve in build and stature

THAT explains Jason's lengthy absences!!

Janet · #5 06-25-2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishgrl

THAT explains Jason's lengthy absences!!

LOL. I was thinking I need to get me to that casting call and look for a new boyfriend. Hubba, Hubba, Mr Reeve was quite amazing wasn't he??? SIGH.

estranged4life · #6 06-25-2006, 01:22 PM

3-4 months from now, depending on the success of "Superman Returns", will be a deluxe multi-disc DVD boxed set consisting of all the Superman movies (Including "Superman Returns").

Here is a great link to a Superman related website:

http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php

irishgrl · #7 06-25-2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janet

LOL. I was thinking I need to get me to that casting call and look for a new boyfriend. Hubba, Hubba, Mr Reeve was quite amazing wasn't he??? SIGH.

it occurs to me I spelled "absences" wrong

now I look it up and its spelled right but the actual word "absences" is not there WTF? cant you be absent more than once? Maybe my dictionary is too freaking old.....