He played the part with gravitas and subtle humour. He made you believe he WAS Superman. His star is shining brightly in heaven and this music preserves his memory in our hearts forever. Vale Chris Reeve; bravo Maestro Williams!
@@throngalaxyxy2862I bet he had no shortage of women who wanted to date him. From everything I've read about him, it sounds like the man was quite the catch. Brains, personality, multitalented, and unbelievably gorgeous. I can see why Jane Seymour fell madly in love with him during filming of Somewhere in Time.
yep but sadly missing from the man of steel and for me that was just one of the reason 's why i hated the film for not having it. But if it was called star wars they made sure that had the original theme for there new films. For me its a disgrace just thinking the iconic signature theme for superman was replaced for what i would say for a worst one and i have nothing against Hans zimmer him self but it sure wasn't anywhere near good enough but he did do a wonderful theme for wonder women
@@bioshock6935Agreed. Though I lost all respect for Zimmer when he essentially gave John Williams the middle finger. To reject what the maestro does and how much one can learn from him is an absolute crock. Besides: personally, anyway, I for one always hear John Williams in my head whenever I think of Superman.
As you said I for one always hear John Williams in my head whenever I think of Superman And that's the reason Why it should of been in the film it's so iconic for the character not to have it was just a bad idea
Yup. And the Star Wars main theme is in Bb major while this theme is in C major, a step higher, so I think he was definitely trying to outdo himself... and in my opinion, he succeeded. While both are undoubtedly great scores, I think Superman is better. And then he did Empire Strikes Back, and Raiders, followed shortly after by E.T., three more of the greatest scores ever written. Heck, Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, these franchises alone can put him in the pantheon, right next to Apollo.
@@mydogskips2 He also did the soundtracks for Jaws, Jaws 2 and Close Encounters Of The Third Kind. He actually did the music for Star Wars, Close Encounters, Superman and Jaws 2 all just between 1977 and 1978.
Giorgio Moroder was up there in pop culture popularity, Williams was more traditional & it's impressive Superman got nominations, this was really 1st comic book adaptation to have credibility. Besides, once you start awarding John Williams Oscars, when does it end? NEVER!!!
Beaten out by Giorgio Moroder for Midnight Express . The Salkinds certainly held no grudge they had Moroder score parts of Superman 2 and 3. I still consider the 1st 35 minutes of this film....the origin story ....to be the best 35 minutes of film music EVER....Gone With The Wind, and Ben Hur might be close.
To be fair, it’s likely he only lost because he won the previous year for Star Wars. Having said that, I think this is his best score throughout his career.
@@ForceMaximus84 Highly possible. The academy sure doesnt care about actors winning 2 years in a row. Music Oscars ARE a bit weird....Goldsmith only won ONCE. John might have the record for Music Oscars but I think its 20th Century Fox's Alfred Newman.
1:18 my childhood rushes flying back in my head ….. Best score ever for any superhero movie ever … Richard Donner and John Williams did humanity a service by making this work of art when they got Christopher Reeve to play the role he was meant for . Best and Superman ever .
I'll never know how many times I've belted this soundtrack out in my mind when I was a kid after watching Superman in the movie theatre, this includes Superman 2.
It's my personal favourite score of John Williams, him, Goldsmith, Bernstein, Herrmann are the greatest composers of the latter 20th century and believe me I have listened to lots of music.
wow. Still gives me goosebumps at 1:14 when the basses come in. Williams loves the whole range... from strong use of the double basses, to the highest tones- xylophone, chimes, bells. It's his signature sound. I was so lucky to hear this live with the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra- at the Hollywood Bowl! (my hubby got tix from his boss)
Listening to this in 2024. With all the things going on in the world we could all you a little hope for the future. This song always lifts my spirits, I hope others are enjoying it too.
Thank goodness Jerry Goldsmith unavailable to score this film, only John Williams could have composed something like this, Jerry's a great composer but when it comes to writing music like this Williams remains unsurpassed
This is the greatest superhero theme of all time. There is no theme that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the hero and is just an absolute banger at the same time.
In the decade of the 1930s, even the great city of Metropolis was not spared the ravages of the worldwide depression. In the times of fear and confusion, the job of informing the public was the responsibility of the Daily Planet, a great metropolitan newspaper whose reputation for clarity and truth had become a symbol of hope for the city of Metropolis
John Williams definitely did a spectacular job at musically defining Superman, didn't he? And Christopher Reeve is the definitive Superman actor, even in death.
about 16 songs are missing here, I don't know what you're all doing, using half of a soundtrack that gets on your nerves after a while - Remastered 1978 Original Soundtrack
Without John Williams and his iconic music, not only would we *NOT* believe a man could fly, but; the shark in Jaws would still NOT be working, E.T. wouldn’t have made it home, Indiana Jones wouldn’t have been able to defeat the Nazis and Dinosaurs would still be extinct!
@@putinscat1208 the main theme is fine and all but it’s nowhere a patch on this, in my humble opinion. John Williams is a bloody wizard and frankly this music for me goes beyond even Superman, it’s a prefect song for any superheroics.
@@samuelbarber6177 Musically, of course Williams wins. But the 1989 Batman theme is pretty good and Flash Gordon 1980 by Queen. Not exactly a superhero theme, but the Achilles music from Troy really feels like a heroic theme.
1st time seeing this movie, NYC, Loews Astor Plaza Theater, W44th st (now closed) what an experience! At that time they even handed out a souvenir booklet like it was a Broadway show! Thanks for the memories!
*Appears Brandon Routh* Me: I preffer the real Superman. *Appears Henry Cavill* Me: I said the Real Superman. *Appears Christopher Reeves with this theme **1:30* Me: Perfection.
This is the music that I'd like to hear coming from the Heavens when Jesus comes!!!! And yes, it'll be great even if it isn't the theme that plays during the rapture as I'll play it whenever I invite Jesus to my palace in Heaven for a quick bite to eat. God bless
This beginning reminds me of someone going back in time, remembering something, mixed with the types of music that would be played to represent the hussle and bussle NYC in a 1940s movie.
Christopher Reeve will always be the ULTIMATE superman.
He played the part with gravitas and subtle humour. He made you believe he WAS Superman. His star is shining brightly in heaven and this music preserves his memory in our hearts forever. Vale Chris Reeve; bravo Maestro Williams!
Yea he was handsome and humble
No doubt.
You damn right he will.
@@throngalaxyxy2862I bet he had no shortage of women who wanted to date him. From everything I've read about him, it sounds like the man was quite the catch. Brains, personality, multitalented, and unbelievably gorgeous. I can see why Jane Seymour fell madly in love with him during filming of Somewhere in Time.
Christopher Reeve wasn't the best Superman actor. He WAS Superman.
This was my childhood. Christopher Reeve will always be my Superman.
One of the greatest scores of all time, by the greatest film music composer of all time.
yep but sadly missing from the man of steel and for me that was just one of the reason 's why i hated the film for not having it. But if it was called star wars they made sure that had the original theme for there new films. For me its a disgrace just thinking the iconic signature theme for superman was replaced for what i would say for a worst one and i have nothing against Hans zimmer him self but it sure wasn't anywhere near good enough but he did do a wonderful theme for wonder women
@@bioshock6935Agreed. Though I lost all respect for Zimmer when he essentially gave John Williams the middle finger. To reject what the maestro does and how much one can learn from him is an absolute crock. Besides: personally, anyway, I for one always hear John Williams in my head whenever I think of Superman.
As you said I for one always hear John Williams in my head whenever I think of Superman And that's the reason Why it should of been in the film it's so iconic for the character not to have it was just a bad idea
RIP Richard Donner
RIP Christopher Reeve
@@liamneeson1368 Indeed...
@@liamneeson1368 don’t forget Margot Kidder as Lois Lane.
@@nathancruz9172 and Marlon Brando as Jor-El
And RIP Ned Beatty who played Otis in Superman the movie and Lotso in Toy Story 3
John Williams less than a year after Star Wars..."Bow before my greatness!"
Yup. And the Star Wars main theme is in Bb major while this theme is in C major, a step higher, so I think he was definitely trying to outdo himself... and in my opinion, he succeeded. While both are undoubtedly great scores, I think Superman is better.
And then he did Empire Strikes Back, and Raiders, followed shortly after by E.T., three more of the greatest scores ever written.
Heck, Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, these franchises alone can put him in the pantheon, right next to Apollo.
@@mydogskips2 He also did the soundtracks for Jaws, Jaws 2 and Close Encounters Of The Third Kind.
He actually did the music for Star Wars, Close Encounters, Superman and Jaws 2 all just between 1977 and 1978.
Actually the phrase is: "KNEEL BEFORE JOHN!"
@@theunknowncommenter725 1:31 I’ll kneel for him.
He’s done so many iconic scores for films. He’s one of the greats of movies
the best Superman movie, with the best superman soundtrack, thank you, love it
How this soundtrack didn't win the Oscar that year is a crime!
The same with Harry Potter 3. John Williams outdid himself with Azkaban and still got no Oscar... I can't take the Academy Awards seriously.
Giorgio Moroder was up there in pop culture popularity, Williams was more traditional & it's impressive Superman got nominations, this was really 1st comic book adaptation to have credibility. Besides, once you start awarding John Williams Oscars, when does it end? NEVER!!!
Beaten out by Giorgio Moroder for Midnight Express . The Salkinds certainly held no grudge they had Moroder score parts of Superman 2 and 3. I still consider the 1st 35 minutes of this film....the origin story ....to be the best 35 minutes of film music EVER....Gone With The Wind, and Ben Hur might be close.
To be fair, it’s likely he only lost because he won the previous year for Star Wars. Having said that, I think this is his best score throughout his career.
@@ForceMaximus84 Highly possible. The academy sure doesnt care about actors winning 2 years in a row. Music Oscars ARE a bit weird....Goldsmith only won ONCE. John might have the record for Music Oscars but I think its 20th Century Fox's Alfred Newman.
1:18 my childhood rushes flying back in my head ….. Best score ever for any superhero movie ever … Richard Donner and John Williams did humanity a service by making this work of art when they got Christopher Reeve to play the role he was meant for . Best and Superman ever .
Dude me too. This movie and those original Batman episodes WERE my childhood
I'll never know how many times I've belted this soundtrack out in my mind when I was a kid after watching Superman in the movie theatre, this includes Superman 2.
Superman 2 beat the original IMHO
This soundtrack is John William's masterpiece.
His Dracula soundtrack was pretty good. ET is one of his best and part of Raiders-classic
Very much so. No argument there.
you better listen star wars then
This gives me goosebumps the theme tune to superman is the greatest soundtrack ever .
Me to
It's my personal favourite score of John Williams, him, Goldsmith, Bernstein, Herrmann are the greatest composers of the latter 20th century and believe me I have listened to lots of music.
@@iceomistar4302 1:26 me too.
They''re will never EVER be as great a soundtrack composer as John Williams. He NAILED this soundtrack.
Thank you, John Williams! Unforgettable!!
Confirmed the OG theme is back for James Gunn’s Superman 😎
3:03 chills, just brilliant. John Williams knows how to make even the music sound heroic.
This will always be Superman's music. The rest is something else.
Precisely.
In those days, they didnt had CGI, but still they made a great movie. I grew up in the 80s Watching these movies.
I saw this in theaters in 2016 after seeing it thousands of times on TV what a masterpiece 👏 thank you John Williams 👏
Brilliant score , Excellently played by the London Symphony Orchestra
There is only one god of all superheroes, and his name is Superman.✊
wow. Still gives me goosebumps at 1:14 when the basses come in. Williams loves the whole range... from strong use of the double basses, to the highest tones- xylophone, chimes, bells. It's his signature sound. I was so lucky to hear this live with the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra- at the Hollywood Bowl! (my hubby got tix from his boss)
Listening to this in 2024. With all the things going on in the world we could all you a little hope for the future. This song always lifts my spirits, I hope others are enjoying it too.
1:30 "We're in deep shit now Francis" - Jake Fratelli
Thank goodness Jerry Goldsmith unavailable to score this film, only John Williams could have composed something like this, Jerry's a great composer but when it comes to writing music like this Williams remains unsurpassed
John Williams my favourite composer. Brilliant as always.
To the beautiful Christopher Reeves, you always will be THE superman and a brilliant actor.
3:02 I don't remember where, but I read once that the three-notes at the end of this snippet are meant to represent the word "Superman". How fitting.
This is the greatest superhero theme of all time. There is no theme that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the hero and is just an absolute banger at the same time.
I wish Superman could have a new movie similar to this classic.
NEVER can they replace the talent that was assembled for this movie.
He does. It's called Man of Steel.
@@theunknowncommenter725 More like DBZ
@@theunknowncommenter725 Absolutely not. That garbage doesn't have a sliver of this movie's soul.
@@ghidorah15 The film has its own soul and identity.
Is this the greatest, most well written movie theme ever made? I think it might be
RIP Christopher, Margot and Richard. You made us believe a man could fly
Wow! great job remastering! They were able to remove a click that use to ocurred around min 3:34
In the decade of the 1930s, even the great city of Metropolis was not spared the ravages of the worldwide depression. In the times of fear and confusion, the job of informing the public was the responsibility of the Daily Planet, a great metropolitan newspaper whose reputation for clarity and truth had become a symbol of hope for the city of Metropolis
John Williams definitely did a spectacular job at musically defining Superman, didn't he? And Christopher Reeve is the definitive Superman actor, even in death.
about 16 songs are missing here, I don't know what you're all doing, using half of a soundtrack that gets on your nerves after a while - Remastered 1978 Original Soundtrack
LEGO Batman 2: DC Superheroes vibes!
Simply masterful.
Without John Williams and his iconic music, not only would we *NOT* believe a man could fly, but; the shark in Jaws would still NOT be working, E.T. wouldn’t have made it home, Indiana Jones wouldn’t have been able to defeat the Nazis and Dinosaurs would still be extinct!
Still the best music ever composed for a superhero movie… of course, apart from the Batboat theme from Batman: The Movie (1966)
Alan Silvestri did a good job with Avengers, and especially Infinity War.
@@putinscat1208 the main theme is fine and all but it’s nowhere a patch on this, in my humble opinion. John Williams is a bloody wizard and frankly this music for me goes beyond even Superman, it’s a prefect song for any superheroics.
@@samuelbarber6177 Musically, of course Williams wins. But the 1989 Batman theme is pretty good and Flash Gordon 1980 by Queen. Not exactly a superhero theme, but the Achilles music from Troy really feels like a heroic theme.
Danny Elfman Spider-Man theme is up there too.
1:35 getting goosebumps from Superman intro.
They will never top this theme for Superman
1st time seeing this movie, NYC, Loews Astor Plaza Theater, W44th st (now closed) what an experience! At that time they even handed out a souvenir booklet like it was a Broadway show! Thanks for the memories!
Good luck writing the next Superman theme. Talk about impossible.
SUPERMAN LIVES !!!!!!
Nah, that was the unmade Kevin Smith, Tim Burton, Nicolas Cage Superman film that never got made.
*Appears Brandon Routh*
Me: I preffer the real Superman.
*Appears Henry Cavill*
Me: I said the Real Superman.
*Appears Christopher Reeves with this theme **1:30*
Me: Perfection.
This is the music that I'd like to hear coming from the Heavens when Jesus comes!!!!
And yes, it'll be great even if it isn't the theme that plays during the rapture as I'll play it whenever I invite Jesus to my palace in Heaven for a quick bite to eat.
God bless
Omg, he teases Supes like he did the shark! To a bigger, happier, larger & more orchestral & musical outcome, tank gawd.
Who else got goosebumps when this played in the motion poster for the upcoming new Superman film?
0:57 is what gave me goosebumps lol
For my money, also. Especially, when the reel rolls over top of it. Wow.
I can't believe this was nominated for Best Score at the Oscars and LOST.
Me neither.
Christopher Reeves was born this day, September 25th, 1952 a Libra sun. Happy Heavenly 💖💫 Birthday 3:13
This beginning reminds me of someone going back in time, remembering something, mixed with the types of music that would be played to represent the hussle and bussle NYC in a 1940s movie.
1:46 Of all William's scores only Raiders rivals it in it's scope and range in my humble opinion.
the goosebumps @ 1:12
Chills...
Great Christopher Reeve!!
This is actually the original Superman theme from the Fleicher cartoons from the 1940's updated by Williams. It is amazing.
December 2023 will be the film's 45th anniversary!
Can you do John Ottman's Superman Returns?
Still WOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!
1:14
If they want the new movie to work, just use this music 💙❤️💛
When John Williams was at the top of the mountain.
Can you release the complete score for Superman Returns? Please. If you have it.
No words!
3:02
👍👍👍👍
Need that prelude like Walken need the cowbell!!!!
El mejor tema de Superman 🗿👌
No como la porquería de Zack Snyder
I wonder What Wagner think of this piece being played while sitting in a chair.
Esto si es súperman no el del 2025 😂
Se escucha rara y con ruido
Remastered at 128kb ???? Junk
Its like indiana jones score
Pulso superman
Original sounds much better.