Are there two versions of Superman 2?
The broad strokes of both versions remain largely the same. After a brief recap of the prologue in Superman: The Movie— in which Kryptonian villains Zod (Terrence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and Non (Jack O’Halloran) are banished to the Phantom Zone — the sequel picks up where the first film left off.
Which is the best version of Superman 2?
The Lester Cut is the slightly better of the two versions that we have to choose from; it’s also a better fit in the overall continuity. The Donner Cut is a welcome window into film history, and absolutely worth watching, along with the Blu-ray’s commentary by Donner and Mankiewicz.
What’s the difference between Superman 2 and Superman 2 The Richard Donner Cut?
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is a 2006 superhero film that is a re-edit of the 1980 film Superman II. More than half of Lester’s footage filmed for Superman II has been removed from the film and replaced with Donner footage shot during the original principal photography from 1977–1978.
Did they film Superman 1 and 2 at the same time?
In 1977, it was decided by the Salkinds that they would film both Superman and its sequel simultaneously, with principal photography beginning in March 1977 and ending in October 1978.
How is the Richard Donner cut different?
The Donner Cut features most of the completed but previously unseen scenes (some scenes have been deleted for narrative or dramatic reasons), which in many cases replace scenes re-filmed or altered by Lester. These include the original opening of the film set in the offices of the Daily Planet.
Why was Richard Donner fired Superman?
Donner was fired while filming “Superman II” (1980), amid conflict with producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind. He complained that he had never received a budget or schedule for the movies, and he was replaced by Richard Lester, who reshot most of the sequel.
What was the original ending of Superman?
In the original ending of Superman, the Hackensack missile went into space and exploded harmlessly and the California missile caused the massive earthquake, which necessitated the reset of time.
What is the difference between “Superman II” and the alternate versions?
At its essence, the alternate version of the Richard Donner Cut of “Superman II” is fundamentally the same as the released version by and large, but it also has its share of differences as well. This analysis will break down the differences between the two versions and attempt to lay bare why those differences occurred.
When did the second Superman come out?
The title was released in Europe and Australia on December 4, 1980 and June 19, 1981 in the United States. This version of Superman II combined Donner footage shot in 1977 with Lester footage shot in 1979. Approximately 30% of Lester’s Superman II is Richard Donner’s footage.
When did Superman II come out on DVD and Blu-ray?
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut was released on DVD and Blu-ray in 2006, coinciding with the release of Superman Returns.
Did Richard Donner finish Superman 2?
Donner stated that had he finished the film in 1980, he would have shot a different ending. Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut was released on DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD on November 28, 2006 to positive reviews and is dedicated to Reeve’s memory.