Superman 5 Film 4K UHD Collection: Christopher Reeve’s Glory

While a 4K UHD set that included every Superman movie would be nice, at least through Superman Returns like the Blu-rays, it makes sense to single out the Christopher Reeve entries. These all maintain a similar aesthetic and the first movie was already upgraded to 4K.

Though different directors would come in, each of the four films reflects the aesthetic Richard Donner created. It’s bright and blue in the sky and Superman’s costume. Interiors like the Fortress of Solitude are crisp, and the black void of Krypton and outer space is deeper than ever. 

The old school effects reinforce that having a superhero fly in front of a filmed background plate still look better than The Volume. The screen test footage used in the Richard Donner cut of Superman II holds up. Some of the CGI composite shots are rough but that’s to be expected given the limitations of that restoration. 

Surprisingly, the Cannon entry Superman IV maintains the crisp and colorful look except for the wonky visual effects shots. When the blue screen bleeds into the image of Superman and Lois flying, the outline is just bigger in 4K.

Warner Home Entertainment gave these movies good surround mixes. Jor-El’s speech echoes in the rear. The Kyrptonian mayhem, Superman fly bys and other sound effects utilize all the speakers. Man, hearing that John Williams score in full surround is epic.