The Blue Box…

Arguably one of the finest soundtrack collections ever assembled, Superman: The Music is nothing less than a dream come true for everybody from completeists to the casual fan.

As much has been written about the set already I need not go into detail save for the fact this comprehensive set is the standard by which everything else must surely be judged. This was reflected by the unprecedented frenzy of its release on Film Score Monthly‘s website where demand had it crashing down, eventually prompting a second pressing.

Notable for its premiere inclusion of the hitherto unreleased complete soundtrack to Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, the liner notes (an exhaustive volume worthy of its own release) even detail the track listing of the abandoned album. Credit must go to producer Mike Matessino who made the ‘Blue Box’ his baby and UK SuperFan Oliver Harper, whose enthusiasm served as a conduit for the involvement of Superman II composer Ken Thorne. Yet more proof of the power and influence of the passionate Superfan…!

From the top – Original photographs of 1st release Blue Box from my collection – Bottom pic; beautiful unused promotional art by Jim Bowers.

 

Bubba, Vera, And The Psychic Nutritionist…

Excised from the Dovemead vaults and acquired by the Propstore Of London, this one-of-a-kind set of continuity Polaroids and costume design sketch from Superman III were used by the wardrobe dept. to keep track of an actors’ appearance scene to scene.

Pictured above; Robert Vaughn, Annie Ross and Pamela Stephenson model their uniquely tasteless 80’s supervillain garb…

 

Adventure Running In The Family…

Love it or loathe it, The Maid Of Might’s 1984 feature is nothing if not a product of its time.

Originally conceived as as the first Superhero movie team-up, the script was hastily re-written when Christopher Reeve declined last minute to participate and the shortfall is evident.  What remains is a curious and somewhat humourless fairytale resplendent with pantomime villainy. Helen Slater’s sensitive and vulnerable performance earned better material while Peter O’ Toole and Faye Dunaway managed to chew up the scenery regardless.

Though their choice of Director (Jeannot Szwarc) was ill-advised, the Salkind’s were prudent enough to retain their effects team from the Superman series and the wirework (especially the ‘Flying Ballet’ sequence) has yet to be surpassed. Beleaguered by poor reviews and a bemused audience expecting another Superman, Supergirl has nonetheless gained a steady cult following over the years thanks in no small part to Jerry Goldsmith’s stirring score.

Shown above is the definitive release from the movie in the form of the Anchor Bay limited Edition DVD from 2000. Years ahead of its time in terms of content, transfer and presentation, this rare 2-disc set contained the never-before-seen directors cut of the film with all-new commentary and the vintage ‘Making Of’ special.

Given the existence of such excellent material and its genuine place in the Superman cinematic canon, its omission from the upcoming Blu-Ray set is mystifying but like everything else associated with this picture, it deserved better…