Superman 2 - Richard Donner recut [Archive]

KeyserSoze

11-04-2002, 18:23

hey Deadkenny, i noticed the petition in your sig.

only 85 sigs !

thats pathetic, get signing everyone.

if RD has shown interest in it, we should give it some support.

http://www.petitiononline.com/S2Don/petition.html

John Hodson

11-04-2002, 18:25

...86;)

---
So many films, so little time...

Cornelius

11-04-2002, 18:32

Originally posted by John Hodson
...86;)

---
So many films, so little time...

89 now. If we could get just half the forum members on this that ould be about 5000 signatures:)

Alegol1983

11-04-2002, 18:53

I think a HUGE amount of people expressed their support for a Donner re-cut on a thread over at HTF's Studio forum while back.

We can always hope...

KAC

11-04-2002, 19:51

Signed. Now 92.

Damonc

11-04-2002, 20:57

Signed. 94.

mr_woo

11-04-2002, 21:04

Online petitions i think are a total waste of time.

In order to get companies to sit up and take notice you need to send them actual LETTERS!

Think about it, how easy is it to sign a online petition when compared to sending an actual letter ?

By sending letters you get a response as the bosses know that people care enough to write in demanding that something be kept the way it is or whatever.

Whilst signing an online petition is easy as **** and doesn't take long at all - sending letters shows that you're making an effort and that people really do care about what they are talking about.

This is what happened with Princess Mononoke in the U.S - to get Disney to put on the original japanese track many people sent actual letters and even Disney said that the online petitions didn't mean squat to them and that it was the bags of letters that they were getting that forced them into reconsidering.

11-04-2002, 23:12

Can someone explain to me what this petition has to do with Superman II?

McD

11-04-2002, 23:17

The film as it exists right now is probably as good as it's going to get. The cast are all on top form and it's well plotted, scripted and edited.

The only downers are the lack of Brando and (original) John Williams. And Donner wont be getting those back so why bother?

DrX

12-04-2002, 00:33

Well actually, internet protests got DVD owners the WIDESCREEN version of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

But that took around 10,000 sigs......

Glanners

12-04-2002, 04:30

I'm 101!:D Come on you guys.:)

robbiejm

12-04-2002, 10:09

Originally posted by McD
The film as it exists right now is probably as good as it's going to get. The cast are all on top form and it's well plotted, scripted and edited.

Exactly, and if Donner did get back on board it might end up as dull and overlong as the 1st film. Why take the risk? :D

Otto

17-06-2004, 12:40

695 signatures!

Keep it up!

:clap:

Mike

17-06-2004, 12:48

Originally posted by robbiejm
Exactly, and if Donner did get back on board it might end up as dull and overlong as the 1st film. Why take the risk? :D

Enthusiastically seconded. "Superman II" is my favourite of the series as it stands.

Otto

17-06-2004, 13:04

I liked it too but after reading that there's an even better version in the vaults I'd like to see that too!

I would love a SE of this film with both versions on it.

:luv:

Mandrill

17-06-2004, 15:42

Info on the differances

http://www.supermancinema.net/superman2/real_s2/

TheoGB

17-06-2004, 15:57

Superman II is comically bad when I watch it now. The 'best' bit is the little kid in the midwest of America who asks General Zod to "please put his Daddy down". The kid may be wearing hick clothes but his accent's pure English public school boy! :lol:

Similarly, Superman I turned out to be an excellent and pacy film compared to my dim remembrance, when I finally got to see it uncut, widescreen and DVD quality.

Richard Lester did a great job of making a slightly farcical version of the Three Musketeers but for this film it's just pathetic.

It would be interesting if Brando could be brought back - he's in the TV versions, after all. Guess that would never happen, though.

JAMESTALKALOT

17-06-2004, 16:00

I'm No 700:thumbs:

fccabs

17-06-2004, 16:27

702

KeyserSoze

17-06-2004, 17:53

i havent seen SMII in a very long time, i really cant rememebr what it is like.

But the first one is fantastic and up there with the best of superhero movies. I really loved the scenes with clark growing up.

Bolch

17-06-2004, 18:07

Originally posted by TheoGB
Superman II is comically bad when I watch it now. The 'best' bit is the little kid in the midwest of America who asks General Zod to "please put his Daddy down".

I'm afraid I have to disagree with you. There are 2 better bits but you have to listen for them

1) When saving the kid from the Grand Canyon listen out to someone in the background say "Of course he's Jewish" :nuts:

2) After Superman gets hit by the bus and everyone thinks he's dead and preps themselves with weapons to take on Zod, one guy shouts "Yeah, I know kung fu. Come on lets go" :doh:

JamieC460

17-06-2004, 18:08

I watched both movies a couple of weeks ago, I loved the first film but didn't like the second one. It's about time we saw Richard Donner's version.

Signed, I'm 704:)

stapp

17-06-2004, 18:13

Originally posted by TheoGB
Superman II is comically bad

No its not. Its comically good. :dork: ;)

thescrounger

17-06-2004, 18:23

I hated the space scenes on the moon in superman II. Very badly done.

McD

17-06-2004, 22:15

Originally posted by thescrounger
I hated the space scenes on the moon in superman II. Very badly done.

Why is Ursa so shocked and stunned that Earthlings 'need machines to fly'. Until ten minutes ago, and if it wasn't for an interstellar lottery win, so did she!

thescrounger

17-06-2004, 22:17

Originally posted by McD
Why is Ursa so shocked and stunned that Earthlings 'need machines to fly'. Until ten minutes ago, and if it wasn't for an interstellar lottery win, so did she!

Plus the major goof that there seems to be strong gravity on the moon.

DeadKenny

18-06-2004, 01:07

Wow, way to dig up an old thread :D, and better still I seemed to have never noticed it first time around :D

By the way, the better petition is this one...

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7361

I gave up with the petitiononline one long ago (though nice to see it's still going). The HomeTheatreForum one has sensible comments and some people who are able to get in contact with the people at Warner.

TheoGB

18-06-2004, 06:47

Yep, and there I am on Page 2, way back in the days when I was a frequent poster over there. :)

Otto

18-06-2004, 08:02

I hope the outtake footage isn't destroyed as Donner mentions..

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

DeadKenny

19-06-2004, 16:13

Get writing those letters. June 19th is the official day to send letters to WB to campaign for Donner's cut of Superman II...

http://www.theforbidden-zone.com/supermanii/index.shtml

:D

Cornelius

19-06-2004, 16:46

Heck! I thought this was news that 'the Donner Cut' was coming. :(

Panavision

20-06-2004, 11:12

It's not going to happen; pray for deleted scenes as an extra.

MrFurious

20-06-2004, 12:30

does anyone know if theres a vhs version taped from tv with the extra bits in??

TheoGB

20-06-2004, 12:38

Originally posted by MrFurious
does anyone know if theres a vhs version taped from tv with the extra bits in??

If anyone owned one it would be against the Forum rules for you to ask for it. I don't think you could possibly find such a version available to buy.

If you have a Tivo you could set it to record Supe II any time it sees it's on and you'll know if you get the 'fuller' version by the appearance of Brando in the opening scenes. :)

DeadKenny

20-06-2004, 13:04

I don't think there's a TV version available with all the bits Donner shot, but there are various (differing) extended versions with more than the DVD and they apparently come closer to Donner's version but still only have 50% of his footage at the most :oh-hum:.

There have also been fan attempts to assemble what Donner footage is available and cut it the way he would have done it, but these are illegal so difficult to find.

MrFurious

20-06-2004, 16:10

what about the old laserdiscs,do, you think it may be different to the dvd,and why is it against rules to ask someone if they had taped something from tv??

TheoGB

20-06-2004, 16:49

Originally posted by MrFurious
what about the old laserdiscs,do, you think it may be different to the dvd,and why is it against rules to ask someone if they had taped something from tv??

Well anything from the TV is copyright material. I may be losing track - you'd have to go to http://www.thedvdforums.com and read the T&C's carefully - but I seem to remember it wasn't a good plan to ask about stuff like that? I'm guessing someone else will know for sure. Sorry if I'm wrong on this count, though. I'm more concerned that you'll end up with a black book warning here, rather than giving two hoots about whether TV stuff is copyright. :)

I don't think you can have any luck with the Laserdiscs either. I think there is a different copyright issue with both radio and TV to other stuff, which is why so often music will have to change for the DVD/VHS release of something, while the TV station can repeat the original version with the 'offending' piece of music ad-infinitum.

The TVs can show the stuff with Brando in but there must be a way they escape the normal copyright rules, probably similar to the fact that they have the power to show movies uncut that are sliced by the BBFC?:confused:

DeadKenny

20-06-2004, 17:28

Originally posted by TheoGB

The TVs can show the stuff with Brando in but there must be a way they escape the normal copyright rules, probably similar to the fact that they have the power to show movies uncut that are sliced by the BBFC?:confused:

Possibly to do with more relaxed copyright rules with broadcasts?. Similar with music which is often not a problem on TV shows, but when it comes to a DVD release the music has to be cut or changed because of rights issues.

MrFurious

20-06-2004, 19:04

okthanks theo,i wasnt trying to be awkward towards you i just wondered about taping tv and the like,thanks for the reply,i checked my old laserdisc and there was nothing different on it,justa different trailer tagged on.

TheoGB

20-06-2004, 23:00

Originally posted by MrFurious
okthanks theo,i wasnt trying to be awkward towards you i just wondered about taping tv and the like,thanks for the reply,i checked my old laserdisc and there was nothing different on it,justa different trailer tagged on.

No worries. I didn't think you were trying to be awkward. :)

John Hodson

02-07-2004, 16:21

Over at the HTF, several members have had this encouraging email from Warners:

"Warner Home Video is supportive of an extended version of Superman II on DVD. However, there are complex legal and creative issues that need to be resolved before the film can be re-released. Warner Home Video is presently addressing these issues.".

Otto

05-07-2004, 08:08

Um, I don't mean to be crass but now that Marlon Brando has died, wouldn't this help with the "complex legal issues" to get this released?

:doh:

DeadKenny

05-07-2004, 10:03

Um, I don't mean to be crass but now that Marlon Brando has died, wouldn't this help with the "complex legal issues" to get this released?

Not really. The legal issues regarding Brando were already resolved.

The issues relate to the two directors (Richard Donner, who shot loads of Superman II and then was fired, and Richard Lester who re-shot much of Donner's footage and did some of his own to fill the gaps when Brando and Hackman refused to be in it after Donner was fired), and whatever issues between Warner, producers, etc.

Panavision

05-07-2004, 20:16

Unfortunately, Brando only resolved for Superman 1 - His gross percentage of the first film's profits. His estate MIGHT be entitled to something if his Superman 2 footage is released.

Soprano

06-07-2004, 14:03

Info on the differances

http://www.supermancinema.net/superman2/real_s2/

That is very interesting :thumbs:

hailesy

06-07-2004, 15:36

741

:thumbs:

DeadKenny

10-07-2004, 11:30

OMG, it looks like this may just happen!! :eek:

http://www.supermancinema.net/news/index.htm

:clap:

Cornelius

10-07-2004, 12:46

OMG, it looks like this may just happen!! :eek:

http://www.supermancinema.net/news/index.htm

:clap:that's terrific news. :clap:

JAMESTALKALOT

10-07-2004, 12:48

OMG, it looks like this may just happen!! :eek:

http://www.supermancinema.net/news/index.htm

:clap:

:clap: All good things come to those who wait :luv:

John Hodson

10-07-2004, 14:09

I'm missing something here; all I see is the same standard response to letters sent by other HTF members as I reported in my post above. Is there something else there?

DeadKenny

10-07-2004, 15:04

I'm missing something here; all I see is the same standard response to letters sent by other HTF members as I reported in my post above. Is there something else there?

Yeah, you're right, just that I never spotted the news item before and the importance of what you quoted didn't quite sink in;).

The HTF thread is now mentioning the news item, part of which you quoted, but the full text of the letter from the president of Warner Home Video is very encouraging. This is more than their previous half hearted commitment, this is saying "yes we're going to do it... just need to sort the legal bits out first".

Which is fantastic news :clap: (for those who missed it ;))

Panavision

10-07-2004, 16:32

It's now a question of WHEN :) Nice to know that the sole Salkind is keen, too.

JAMESTALKALOT

10-07-2004, 22:19

When are we going to get Superman 3 and 4 on DVD in the UK? :shrug:

Lee_eel

11-07-2004, 10:31

dogbert

11-07-2004, 11:00

thescrounger

11-07-2004, 11:07

Superman 4 had it's enjoyable moments, while it pales in comparison to the first two films it's not half as bad as some make out.

JAMESTALKALOT

11-07-2004, 11:11

James, why Superman 4? do you need a coaster? Anyway, good news about Supes, forgive me if it has already been mentioned but the actual footage shot was only 60 percent wasn't it. Does that mean it ends the same way as the current Superman 2?

Superman 4 is rubbish for sure and the fact that they hacked that to bits as well makes things worse as it could be re-done like Superman 2 into a better movie. I should have the choice though if I want to buy it or not on R2 and at the moment I can't.

I would buy it though just to have them all :n0rty: Hell I even ordered Supergirl :cuckoo:

Mandrill

11-07-2004, 11:42

stapp

11-07-2004, 11:49

The whole double date scene in 4 is absolutely brilliant. :bow:

Mandrill

11-07-2004, 11:53

The whole double date scene in 4 is absolutely brilliant. :bow:

Thats easily the best scene

thescrounger

11-07-2004, 11:59

Indeed, that's why the film isn't a total write off IMO.

DeadKenny

11-07-2004, 14:32

The SFX in Superman 4 are very bad.Using Milton Keynes for exterior shots the London Underground for Metropolis Subway and the woman breathing in space. :doh: :doh: :doh: :shrug: :thinking: :oh-hum: :lol:

The story isnt too bad its just very badly exacuted

Yeah, but it's quite a laugh (as is Superman 3). I just love spotting the bits in Milton Keynes :D. The thing that always gets me is buildings in Milton Keynes are flat as a pancake and yet they tried to pass them off as the base of skyscrapers in Metropolis :lol:

Though really the ones I'm most interested in are the first two, at least Donner's versions.

Cornelius

11-07-2004, 20:32

Wasn't Superman 4 made by a different company to the first 3? I remember Golan and Globus'(sp) name attached to it. They were producers of mostly low budget films like Delta Force and also some of the Deathwish films. They started to make more and more expensive films borrowing money on the back of potential box office takings of films in production. One of the more expensive films was Lifeforce so you can guess where they were heading financially. They owned the Cannon chain of cinemas and single handedly destroyed the british cinema distribution chain (or so I was told by a former Odean cinema manager).

Maybe that explains why the fourth film isn't available on DVD but I'm not sure why the third one isn't available because that was produced together with the first two by the Salkinds.

Mandrill

11-07-2004, 21:48

Yeah Canon made it and cut the budget so they could put more money into Masters of the Universe IIRC

Actually it seems it' was'nt as clean cut as that http://www.supermancinema.net/superman4/s4_production/history/index.htm has some very intresting info on the project.

It's quite shocking what Canon actually did.

thescrounger

11-07-2004, 22:15

Great info on supes IV there:

With principal photography underway, the first scenes to be shot were those at a Lady Salisbury owned field in Baldock, Hertfordshire, UK, doubling for the Kent's farm, Smallville, Kansas, USA

:nuts: :lol:

Mandrill

11-07-2004, 22:23

I have Superman 4 on VHS I am going to have to watch it again now just to spot all the ''excotic '' location filming :nuts: :doh: :lol:

Cornelius

11-07-2004, 23:20

Milton Keynes doubles as Metropolis.

MrSynner

12-07-2004, 09:59

Maybe that explains why the fourth film isn't available on DVD but I'm not sure why the third one isn't available because that was produced together with the first two by the Salkinds.

Both Superman III and IV ARE available on DVD - I've got 'em. There's a R1 boxset of all 4 movies - much nicer than the R2 set which only has I & II.

Shame though, that III is awful, and IV almost unwatchable.

DeadKenny

12-07-2004, 10:21

Both Superman III and IV ARE available on DVD - I've got 'em. There's a R1 boxset of all 4 movies - much nicer than the R2 set which only has I & II.

Shame though, that III is awful, and IV almost unwatchable.

and II is the cut I no longer want to watch plus is bare-bones, plain 2.0 Surround.

Other than that, the first film in the set is good ;)

That's why I've held off buying the set. I'll wait until the Donner cut of II is done and then III and IV are just novelty bonuses but I'm not bothered about them.

John Hodson

12-07-2004, 10:40

I could never work up enough enthusiasm to like II (in fact, I don't think I've ever watched it start to finish, though piecemeal, I've seen it all). And this from someone who, in a matinee show full of kids, stood with Mrs H and unblushingly cheered with the rest of 'em when Superman caught Lois Lane and the 'copter in the first movie. I was 20 years old at the time (never done that before, or since).

Ah, you had to be there.

I would however, be fascinated to see Donner's cut.

anephric

12-07-2004, 10:49

I love 2 because I loved it as a kid. Hadn't watched it for years and got the dvd cheap recently. I was a little disappointed that my childhood reverie was not fully endorsed but there are still some great moments (not least the Kneel Before Zod/Crushing Hand to Triumphal Fanfare interface).

thescrounger

12-07-2004, 11:14

I've never been overly keen on II. It has some moments, but (understandably) it doesn't have the class of the first film. I await the Donner cut.

morantic

12-07-2004, 18:29

I watched Supes2 again last night, have loads of fond childhood memories for it, I had a copy taped of the telly and used to watch it over and over. and I still think it is a pretty great film, but I guess because I have seen it so many times I can't be that objective. But oh boy some of the effects at the end are SO bad, when they are blowing a gale down the streets of metropolis and the cars and being blown about - the cars look like the models they are on the DVD which i didn't really pick up on with old pan and scan video, but oh boy, on the pavements, you can really see these very crud cut-out people on sticks being dragged along to look like they are being swept away. it really spoils it as when i watch it now my eye is drawn to it and i cannot believe how crud it looks.
but oh yes, I would love to see a Donner cut, that would be great. It would be really good to have a commentary as well with maybe Donner AND Lester together, after-all, they are friends, aren't they?
Erm, I also quite like Superman 3...

Cornelius

12-07-2004, 22:06

Both Superman III and IV ARE available on DVD - I've got 'em. There's a R1 boxset of all 4 movies - much nicer than the R2 set which only has I & II.But they aren't available in the UK.

Shame though, that III is awful, and IV almost unwatchable.
III isn't all that bad, but IV is bad by leaps and bounds. I'll have to check out the 4 disc set you've mentioned.

MrFurious

13-07-2004, 16:25

the fourth one is a hell of a mess!!!it looks as if it was edited by a yts trainee or something?The part where superman is sick with the scratch from nuclear dude,one minute hes sitting by the fire looking really sick,then hes flying around all better,it doesnt explain or show how he gets better? :shrug:

Mandrill

13-07-2004, 16:30