I'm not ashamed to say, I wanted to break down and cry when Richard Donner died. He left behind some fantastic films for us, and I will be forever grateful for that.
It’s 2024…Every couple of years or so I come back to the comment sections of videos related to the Superman films. Seeing all the love and respect for Richard Donner, Christopher Reeves, John Williams and so many of the others that made these films possible, even after all of these years… It really tugs at the heart strings. Many of the amazing people who crafted these films are gone but never forgotten. That inspires me beyond measure as an aspiring filmmaker. Cheers to those of you who are still here to celebrate this greatness.
I'd say it was a wash. There is some stuff that was in the Lester cut that wasn't here that I did like. I'm glad they were able to put back in some of the ABC footage that apparently wasn't in there originally, because I liked it. That was the first time I saw the film, so when I saw it on cable and stuff wasn't there, I felt cheated.
Everytime I saw Richard Donner in interveiws he seemed so incredibly nice. His raspy deep gurgly voice and his looks made you feel like listening to an amazing grandfather telling stories.
Some people might not like some of the footage and lackluster effects in the Richard Donner cut, but remember that some was actually test footage that wasn't shot on high-quality film. Not to mention it was pieced together and re-cut from shots done by three different editors. The film was a huge technical achievement given the legal and personal circumstances surrounding it, and we as fans are fortunate that it came to fruition.
It doesn't bother me one bit. I just wish Donner had not been so petty and had allowed a more even film. Stuff was worth keeping over from Lester. We ended up with the "Superman II, the Jabroni Cut".
I like both versions of Superman 2. What I thought about this one ; it had to look and feel of the first movie; splicing together it's one long film. This version makes theatrical version feel like a standalone film..
@@evanstewart2534 Not really. The story was that they had to finish Superman 1 asap even if they've shot 75% of Superman 2 already. After how many money they've used up, they needed something to show to the audience. WB was very supportive of this production also and agreed to help out in finishing the first film. Of course everyone expected Donner to come back to finish the second movie. However, the Salkinds replaced him with Richard Lester because Donner said something about not wanting to work with Pierre Spengler (who wasn't about to be kicked out by the Salkinds).
What?! You mean people would actually have to see the first movie, because we're not having recaps in the credits?! Better fire that Richard Donner guy, bring in someone who doesn't have the same heart for making a Superman movie to recut the whole thing. Oh, and get that Pryor guy on the phone for the next one. We're going total comedy. That would put asses in seats.
A vast improvement over the bastard theatrical cut. More of John Williams' music, more Superman & Lois, NO awful white opening titles, NO British boy in an American town, NO sexual innuendo, and NO slapstick 'comedy.'
It makes me laugh that after Richard Donner was fired, that he had the last laugh. His career went skyrocket to success, when the Salkinds after Lesters film, went downhill with the rest of there productions in film. I must say that Donner was upset that he was fired, but laughed his way to the bank with The Goonies, and the Lethal Weapon films, where the Salkinds film company went downhill with a disappointment in films like Santa Claus The Movie. Speaking about directors, where's Richard the Prick Lester these days, or after his two Superman movies?
I agree that Donner truly got the last laugh, and had he been able to finish his vision of Superman II, it would have surpassed the first. I do, however, feel like Lester gets a bad rap. I've talked to several cast members, especially Margot Kidder, who agree. Was Lester the wrong choice? Yes, completely. He's very cynical in his approach and comedy tends to be a better suit for him. Also, having a Brit direct this "American mythology" film seemed misguided, but the thing is, the Salkinds owed him money. And considering the tensions they had with Donnor, along with the pay disputes, they thought it would cut costs so they could make more profit. Donner was a meticulous craftsman who truly valued his work, and Lester shot it quick and cheap. Simply, he was just paid to do a job, but the story of the behind the scenes will go on forever.
+tom blinzig Had Donner and Tom Mankiewicz been involved with the remainder of S II and S III, the latter would have been a much better film. Mankiewicz would've gotten rid of all that slapstick comedy, such as Pryor falling off a skyscraper with a pink tablecloth & all the crap at the beginning with the blind guy, boy in tree and penguins. Because of Donner & Mankiewicz, Superman I and Superman II were the success they were. Superman III, Supergirl, & Santa Claus The Movie are proof that the Salkinds needed Donner and not the other way around.
Donner knows how to direct action and drama with comedy sprinkled about it. Lester only knows how to direct cheap corny movies. Donner is clearly the better choice.
It was worse than that. Nearly 80% of what became "Superman II" was shot already by the time Donner got fired, and Lester reshot enough of it so that Donner would lose his directing credit. As for Brando, he ended up suing the Salkinds, so they cut him out. The Salkinds were not well-liked in Hollywood. Not only that, but screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz, editor Stuart Baird, composer John Williams and Gene Hackman all quit because of Donner's firing. Any of Hackman's face footage was Donner's.
From what I read, John actually flew out to London to view Lester’s cut with Lester and Ilya Salkind and after the viewing, Ilya left and John fell into an argument with Lester and when Ilya returned, John told him that he couldn’t get along with Lester and departed the project. I don’t believe John was responsible for the argument, I think Lester was responsible because John is too nice of a person to start an argument.
O Superman de Richard Donner foi o responsável por eu gostar de filmes de super-heróis. Eu era só uma criança mas os atores me convenceram nos papéis. Não reconheço outra versão do Superman que na minha opinião seja melhor que essa apesar de os 2 últimos filmes serem ruins. O único Superman que na minha opinião compete com esse é o dos desenhos Superman: A Série Animada, Liga da Justiça e Liga da Justiça Sem Limites que é o mesmo personagem nos 3 desenhos já que os desenhos são continuações um do outro.
At 0:43, you think, 'SUPERMAN IS BACK!!!' The iconic theme from John Williams returns for the true sequel to Superman: The Movie. Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is the definitive version of Superman II. The version directed by Lester back in 1980 was garbage, with its 'comedy' crap, inserting tasteless and pointless humour into what is really a fun superhero adventure. Thorne's music was also a far cry from John Williams' epic score. The hide-and-seek game at the Fortress, the saran wrap S, the honeymoon suite that looked like it came straight out of a Playboy magazine, the white main titles and the sexual comments? WHAT THE (BLEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP)? Just an eyesore.
The one thing where the theatrical version beats this one is the theme music ; it's not identical. It's definitely edited here. But the font and effects here are better.
These credits are superior to Superman II (1980): A Richard Donner Film, Marlon Brando, Music by John Williams, Photographed by Geoffrey Unsworth, Production Designer John Barry, Edited by Stuart Baird, Directed by Richard Donner
I'm confused about the Donner cut opening scene. How did that missile launch into space and destroy the phantom zone if Superman had turned back time to prevent the missiles being launched?
Super late to the reply but here's the answer to that question. "Superman" originally was meant to be a 5-hour long film, splicing in half & released as 2 movies, with the 1st movie ended on a cliffhanger, after the missiles launched & Lois died, meaning no time travel, yet. It'll only occur at the end of Superman II, when Supeman realized that his identity should remain hidden, so as not to harm Metropolis & his loved one, as we can see this Donner cut. The director cut was made with the cliffhanger ending in mind, as what Donner envisioned, so no time travel involved in the beginning at all. The reason for why Superman ended with that infamous Earth rotating backwards: the producers feared the 1st film would bomb at the box office, hence the footage, which was very expensive at the time, would be a complete waste. Plus question arise, if Lois remained dead, who'd Clark be all lovey-dovey with in Superman II, her corpse? Eventually Donner was convinced to move it to the climax of Superman, results in the film we've all known.
Had Donner been involved with Superman III, I think he could've had Ross Webster and his companions team up with Lex Luthor! There'd be no involvement from Richard Pryor.
@@harrisondelap5190 I think that was the original script but overturned in favor of Richard Pryor. One of the most boneheaded decisions in the history of ever.
I agree with you. But the opening title scequence name graphics are way coooler on the Richard Donner's Superman movies and also on Bryan Singer's Superman movie.
I saw this in theaters many times when it originally came out and I must say, I like the theatrical release much better, especially the opening. I like the flashbacks from the first film incorporated into the opening credits. Just my .02. Glad that we can all see both versions though. Thanks!
only thing I didn't like about the donner cut was he did the same ending from the original movie. I would have just kept the lester ending when he makes louis forget
Although I do dislike the reversing time ending, I can understand why it's there as Richard Donner wasn't able to shoot a new ending for the film before he was fired.
@@benjaminlivingston9706 I think he should had humbled himself & done the lester ending. My favorite moment of that series was when he tells the president he will never let him down again so perhaps that's why I feel that way however what's the point of having superman movies if that's what he is gonna do everytime & Donner should have realized this
@@rxtsec1 It’s also what Jor-El would have wanted him to do. He would have wanted Kal-El/Superman to take responsibility for neglecting his duty and repair the damage done by the Krptonian fugitives to the White House and promise him never to abandon his duties. Having him reverse time again is just a spit-in-the-face to his father after he gave up his spirit to give him his powers back.
Can someone clear up what the budget was to put out the Donner Cut? I had heard it was done on a shoestring budget with little in the way of manpower (basically Michael Thau by himself), hence some of the weaker looking effects (XK-101 rocket in this video is sloppily stenciled with XK-10). But someone else told me the budget was like $65 Million, which to me seems insane. If that’s the case, I’m guessing mostt of the $ was consumed in compiling and repairing/remastering the film feels found in storage and any payments to the Brando estate (perhaps to Ilya Salkind id there were any lingering rights issues).
The beginning of Superman 2 was to use the nuke missile that he threw into space, explode, thereby releasing Zod & his cohorts & they're able to fly, then Zod shouts out FREE!
Me-watching the original-wow this is amazing they can’t make another version like the first one had Me watching the Donner cut-oh wow it’s not even good the original is better
Salkinds were not good producers. They were so tight with their wallets they didn’t tell the actors of the “Three Musketeers” that they were filming two movies. Those actors sued them afterwards for loss of earnings of being paid for one movie instead of two. Then they went cheap on Superman.
I known the Salkinds treated Donner like shit, but I actually prefer the original Superman II as opposed to the Richard Donner cut, the editing, arrangement of music and everything. Not that I am saying Richard Lester did a better job, the original really is a Richard Donner/ Richard Lester movie. It's amazing that the Salkinds got away with giving sole credit to Lester.
All the drama behind Donner's first two Superman movies would make an interesting movie in itself. If there was one thing that would've made this movie perfect, it would've been a new John Williams score, instead of recycling the old one. Then again, Williams had already turned down Bryan Singer for the same thing, so I guess it would only be fair to turn down Donner too...
Richard Donner made a lot of Superman II, and Lester only finished his job, and got credit for it. Marlon Brando as Jor-El was cut out of the film, and he had a touching moment with his son, Kal-El. Damn you Salkinds!!!
My friend showed me the Donner cut a while back and honestly it's just okay. There are things the Donner version did way better and things the Lester cut did better. But if I had to choose one to watch over the other it would be the Lester version. Who knows, maybe one day we'll get like a Superman II: The Final Cut similar to Blade Runner where it's the best parts of both versions of the film edited together to make one perfect sequel.
Lester was a real son of a bitch. His final motion picture was the abominable Return Of The Musketeers, which got a theatrical release in the United Kingdom, and went straight to VHS in the United States. Roy Kinnear, who played D'Artagnan's bumbling squire Planchet, was killed in a horse-riding accident while filming, and died a few days later. Lester retired from films after that...and not a damn moment too soon. He fucked up Les Trois Mousqutaires with his horrible films, and royally fucked up the Superman films with what he did in the second and third movies. Thank God that Warner Brothers gave Mr. Donner the chance to re-cut and restore the film to his original vision. All this would not have been possible without the loyal fans who urged Warner non-stop to make Mr. Donner's never-seen version of Superman II a reality.
when you really study what Lester contributed, his work is pretty good aswell... anyway, if all this crap didnt happen way back when. we might not be discussing Superman now on you tube - the interest and passion might not be alive today. It might have just faded away and possibly all this politics way back when may have paved the way for The Man Of Steel and possibly a new series of films....no use hating, just being positive.
The original intro is just better. My favorite part of the og intro is the "With Cliffton James" - "and Terrance Stamp" part. You can assume these are actors of some significance. If I was them I'd prefer my name to appear, when the music is upbeat. In the Donnor cut, the music is upbeat for Clifton James's name, but begins to die on the very next name.
The theatrical opener is better in my opinion. Ken Thorne's arrangement and the montage gives me goosebumps. There's so much energy in Ken Thorne's March coupled with the origin scenes....Better....IN MY OPINION.
I hate what the Salkinds and Lester did to Richard Donner, but I have got to admit I love the Superman II original cut. I saw it at theatres and it was one of my favourite movies, taking this child on a wonderful, wonderful adventure.
They put his name at the end because he was the main villain here, and he was a pretty known actor at the time. It might also have to do with contracts.
I'm not ashamed to say, I wanted to break down and cry when Richard Donner died. He left behind some fantastic films for us, and I will be forever grateful for that.
Me too he brough us many of our fav movies superman The goonies Leathel Weapon etc
@@runnymedecrafts2018don’t forget “the omen”
And now, ladies and Gentleman, the Legend is gone.
R.I.P Richard Donner (April 24, 1930 - July 5, 2021)
This is for you
This was his last directorial credit. Good way to go out on.
He passed away on the day of my birthday 😥
All kinds of movies top. From The Omen to Boonies to Lethal Weapon and Superman! The genre: Actually Good Movies.
Cheers to the legend who made it all possible. Thank you Richard Donner. We're gonna miss you
This was a great film for him to exit on.
every time I read "a Richard Donner film" gives me goosebumps
@goduskychris Chris Godusky precisely, you know that you are going to see something special
It’s 2024…Every couple of years or so I come back to the comment sections of videos related to the Superman films. Seeing all the love and respect for Richard Donner, Christopher Reeves, John Williams and so many of the others that made these films possible, even after all of these years… It really tugs at the heart strings. Many of the amazing people who crafted these films are gone but never forgotten. That inspires me beyond measure as an aspiring filmmaker. Cheers to those of you who are still here to celebrate this greatness.
This theme is so iconic it feels like it’s the true embodiment of Superman
Donner deserved to finish this movie. Better than Lester’s cut.
I'd say it was a wash. There is some stuff that was in the Lester cut that wasn't here that I did like. I'm glad they were able to put back in some of the ABC footage that apparently wasn't in there originally, because I liked it. That was the first time I saw the film, so when I saw it on cable and stuff wasn't there, I felt cheated.
Exactly. 1 good thing about Donner's cut is it cut the comedy (literally) and gave the fans a good story.
@@mysterion3182 Had Donner made number 2 the ending would of been obviously different as he used it in the first one , RIP Richard Donner
Lester's cut is actually extremely disjointed and makes no sense in lots of areas.
Both endings
The memory wipe kiss
And Turing back time
There not really that good.
Everytime I saw Richard Donner in interveiws he seemed so incredibly nice. His raspy deep gurgly voice and his looks made you feel like listening to an amazing grandfather telling stories.
Gurgly? I'm gonna guess you meant "gravelly" 🙃
Some people might not like some of the footage and lackluster effects in the Richard Donner cut, but remember that some was actually test footage that wasn't shot on high-quality film. Not to mention it was pieced together and re-cut from shots done by three different editors. The film was a huge technical achievement given the legal and personal circumstances surrounding it, and we as fans are fortunate that it came to fruition.
Agreed. I highly recommend this version of Superman II over the one we got back in the day.
It doesn't bother me one bit.
I just wish Donner had not been so petty and had allowed a more even film. Stuff was worth keeping over from Lester.
We ended up with the "Superman II, the Jabroni Cut".
Finally someone who got it! This is MY Superman 2!
Donner's Superman intros were more in the line with space epics such as Star Trek, which makes them so cool
2:13 The best credit in this movie next to Donner
I agree 100%
don't forget Tom Mankiewicz
Also Christopher Reeve
I like both versions of Superman 2. What I thought about this one ; it had to look and feel of the first movie; splicing together it's one long film. This version makes theatrical version feel like a standalone film..
Rest In Peace Richard Donner.
RIP man, thanks for all. Man can fly because of you.
why ..why!!! richard donner...this oponning was amazing
Superman 2 the Richard Donner cut is awesome!!!
THIS is the ultimate cut!
A Richard Donner Film!!! Wow!!!
RIP Richard Donner.
My favourite Superman film.
The salkinds should've allowed Richard Donner to finish what he started w/Superman 2.
Jesse Navarrete absolutely
Jesse Navarrete agreed.
Technically Donner left on his own to focus on the first movie
@@evanstewart2534 Not really. The story was that they had to finish Superman 1 asap even if they've shot 75% of Superman 2 already. After how many money they've used up, they needed something to show to the audience. WB was very supportive of this production also and agreed to help out in finishing the first film. Of course everyone expected Donner to come back to finish the second movie. However, the Salkinds replaced him with Richard Lester because Donner said something about not wanting to work with Pierre Spengler (who wasn't about to be kicked out by the Salkinds).
RIP Richard Donner 1930-2021
When you see Richard Donner's name as the director, you feel a vindication for him.
Richland Donner was a Hollywood Legend Director!
@@ChrisRoth1972 He was. He set the standard for Superman films. And I'm sure he'd be proud that one of his Goonies cast members just won an Oscar.
RIP, Richard Donner…
Rest In Peace Richard!
I think when you get to heaven, it's just a bright light and a montage of John Williams' music playing forever.
RIP Richard Donner.
JOHN WILLIAMS IS A MUSIC GOD!!!!!
Everything about the Richard Donner cut of Superman 2 is WAY better than the theatrical cut. And that includes this title sequence.
"Directed by Richard Donner" FUCK YEAH
The other cut is what I grew up with, but dammit that title intro could rival today's hype standards 👏
What would Superman III have been like if it were directed by Donner?
i'm sure it would have been a huge hit. the producers ruined it, R. Lester, etc.
David Chan Every movie Donner makes is a hit.
cometandcupids
Superman returns is my favourite superman movie
+Yoru Foxy Very outperformed replaced than Superman IV-The Quest for Peace.
a damn sight better than the pile of shit that it was.
When I hear this theme song I feel like flying.
Me, too. Don’t anybody dream of flying like you are a Superman?
Awesome : Definitely one to add on my "Favourite" playlist.
Unmissable!.
RIP Mr. Donner
What?! You mean people would actually have to see the first movie, because we're not having recaps in the credits?! Better fire that Richard Donner guy, bring in someone who doesn't have the same heart for making a Superman movie to recut the whole thing. Oh, and get that Pryor guy on the phone for the next one. We're going total comedy. That would put asses in seats.
A vast improvement over the bastard theatrical cut. More of John Williams' music, more Superman & Lois, NO awful white opening titles, NO British boy in an American town, NO sexual innuendo, and NO slapstick 'comedy.'
It makes me laugh that after Richard Donner was fired, that he had the last laugh. His career went skyrocket to success, when the Salkinds after Lesters film, went downhill with the rest of there productions in film. I must say that Donner was upset that he was fired, but laughed his way to the bank with The Goonies, and the Lethal Weapon films, where the Salkinds film company went downhill with a disappointment in films like Santa Claus The Movie. Speaking about directors, where's Richard the Prick Lester these days, or after his two Superman movies?
I agree that Donner truly got the last laugh, and had he been able to finish his vision of Superman II, it would have surpassed the first. I do, however, feel like Lester gets a bad rap. I've talked to several cast members, especially Margot Kidder, who agree. Was Lester the wrong choice? Yes, completely. He's very cynical in his approach and comedy tends to be a better suit for him. Also, having a Brit direct this "American mythology" film seemed misguided, but the thing is, the Salkinds owed him money. And considering the tensions they had with Donnor, along with the pay disputes, they thought it would cut costs so they could make more profit. Donner was a meticulous craftsman who truly valued his work, and Lester shot it quick and cheap. Simply, he was just paid to do a job, but the story of the behind the scenes will go on forever.
+tom blinzig Had Donner and Tom Mankiewicz been involved with the remainder of S II and S III, the latter would have been a much better film. Mankiewicz would've gotten rid of all that slapstick comedy, such as Pryor falling off a skyscraper with a pink tablecloth & all the crap at the beginning with the blind guy, boy in tree and penguins. Because of Donner & Mankiewicz, Superman I and Superman II were the success they were. Superman III, Supergirl, & Santa Claus The Movie are proof that the Salkinds needed Donner and not the other way around.
Totally agree.
Donner knows how to direct action and drama with comedy sprinkled about it. Lester only knows how to direct cheap corny movies. Donner is clearly the better choice.
Yep.
Love love love this movie and the music !
They should've put this in theaters in 2006 to also capitalize on Superman Returns.
That film was incredible watching as a kid.
Rest In Peace.
It was worse than that. Nearly 80% of what became "Superman II" was shot already by the time Donner got fired, and Lester reshot enough of it so that Donner would lose his directing credit. As for Brando, he ended up suing the Salkinds, so they cut him out. The Salkinds were not well-liked in Hollywood.
Not only that, but screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz, editor Stuart Baird, composer John Williams and Gene Hackman all quit because of Donner's firing. Any of Hackman's face footage was Donner's.
From what I read, John actually flew out to London to view Lester’s cut with Lester and Ilya Salkind and after the viewing, Ilya left and John fell into an argument with Lester and when Ilya returned, John told him that he couldn’t get along with Lester and departed the project. I don’t believe John was responsible for the argument, I think Lester was responsible because John is too nice of a person to start an argument.
Lester shot enough so he could have a credit. He did ask Donner if he wanted to share credit and Donner refused.
This cut is so DRAMATIC! 😂😂😂😂🤣🤗🤗🤗👍👍💯😁💯💯
superman. the best theme there is. the very next one is the ultimate warrior's entrance theme.
Luis Ramos lol I was just thinking about him... Jim was a legend...
Favorite part of the theme 2:45
Superman II is the best superman movie ever..
The is version specifically.
R.I.P Richard Donner.
I say this Opening Credits much more EPIC
Soon after "Superman II" at 0:47, we can see a sperm jet in the water
dartdouglas That was the audience splooging with excitement because they knew THIS was the TRUE Superman II!
O Superman de Richard Donner foi o responsável por eu gostar de filmes de super-heróis. Eu era só uma criança mas os atores me convenceram nos papéis. Não reconheço outra versão do Superman que na minha opinião seja melhor que essa apesar de os 2 últimos filmes serem ruins. O único Superman que na minha opinião compete com esse é o dos desenhos Superman: A Série Animada, Liga da Justiça e Liga da Justiça Sem Limites que é o mesmo personagem nos 3 desenhos já que os desenhos são continuações um do outro.
I have the "SUPERMAN 2" on DVD. The PG version takes 127 minutes with lots of unavailable scenes on the film.💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
this must be the secondary cut of the re-cut, part 2 of the theatrical cut, directors cut edition
At 0:43, you think, 'SUPERMAN IS BACK!!!' The iconic theme from John Williams returns for the true sequel to Superman: The Movie. Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is the definitive version of Superman II.
The version directed by Lester back in 1980 was garbage, with its 'comedy' crap, inserting tasteless and pointless humour into what is really a fun superhero adventure. Thorne's music was also a far cry from John Williams' epic score. The hide-and-seek game at the Fortress, the saran wrap S, the honeymoon suite that looked like it came straight out of a Playboy magazine, the white main titles and the sexual comments? WHAT THE (BLEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP)? Just an eyesore.
I'm bigger Fan of the Richard Donner cut then the other
The one thing where the theatrical version beats this one is the theme music ; it's not identical. It's definitely edited here. But the font and effects here are better.
RIP Richard!
Superman!!! 2020 needs you!!!
Honestly the Richard Donner version of “II” was so much better to me….
These credits are superior to Superman II (1980): A Richard Donner Film, Marlon Brando, Music by John Williams, Photographed by Geoffrey Unsworth, Production Designer John Barry, Edited by Stuart Baird, Directed by Richard Donner
I'm confused about the Donner cut opening scene. How did that missile launch into space and destroy the phantom zone if Superman had turned back time to prevent the missiles being launched?
Super late to the reply but here's the answer to that question. "Superman" originally was meant to be a 5-hour long film, splicing in half & released as 2 movies, with the 1st movie ended on a cliffhanger, after the missiles launched & Lois died, meaning no time travel, yet. It'll only occur at the end of Superman II, when Supeman realized that his identity should remain hidden, so as not to harm Metropolis & his loved one, as we can see this Donner cut.
The director cut was made with the cliffhanger ending in mind, as what Donner envisioned, so no time travel involved in the beginning at all.
The reason for why Superman ended with that infamous Earth rotating backwards: the producers feared the 1st film would bomb at the box office, hence the footage, which was very expensive at the time, would be a complete waste. Plus question arise, if Lois remained dead, who'd Clark be all lovey-dovey with in Superman II, her corpse? Eventually Donner was convinced to move it to the climax of Superman, results in the film we've all known.
The best sequel of superman
Had Donner been involved with Superman III, I think he could've had Ross Webster and his companions team up with Lex Luthor! There'd be no involvement from Richard Pryor.
He should do Brainiac, Clark revisiting Smallville, Superman turning evil, and Clark Kent vs Evil Superman.
@@harrisondelap5190 I think that was the original script but overturned in favor of Richard Pryor. One of the most boneheaded decisions in the history of ever.
I agree with you. But the opening title scequence name graphics are way coooler on the Richard Donner's Superman movies and also on Bryan Singer's Superman movie.
They used the theme what was in the extended version of superman the movie
I saw this in theaters many times when it originally came out and I must say, I like the theatrical release much better, especially the opening. I like the flashbacks from the first film incorporated into the opening credits. Just my .02. Glad that we can all see both versions though. Thanks!
only thing I didn't like about the donner cut was he did the same ending from the original movie. I would have just kept the lester ending when he makes louis forget
Tom Manciewicz said that Lois should never kiss Clark, so they went with the other ending.
Although I do dislike the reversing time ending, I can understand why it's there as Richard Donner wasn't able to shoot a new ending for the film before he was fired.
@@benjaminlivingston9706 I think he should had humbled himself & done the lester ending. My favorite moment of that series was when he tells the president he will never let him down again so perhaps that's why I feel that way however what's the point of having superman movies if that's what he is gonna do everytime & Donner should have realized this
@@rxtsec1 Although silly on paper, I love the Clark and Lois kiss scene in the Lester version. The acting from Chris and Margot is really well done.
@@rxtsec1 It’s also what Jor-El would have wanted him to do. He would have wanted Kal-El/Superman to take responsibility for neglecting his duty and repair the damage done by the Krptonian fugitives to the White House and promise him never to abandon his duties. Having him reverse time again is just a spit-in-the-face to his father after he gave up his spirit to give him his powers back.
Can someone clear up what the budget was to put out the Donner Cut? I had heard it was done on a shoestring budget with little in the way of manpower (basically Michael Thau by himself), hence some of the weaker looking effects (XK-101 rocket in this video is sloppily stenciled with XK-10).
But someone else told me the budget was like $65 Million, which to me seems insane. If that’s the case,
I’m guessing mostt of the $ was consumed in compiling and repairing/remastering the film feels found in storage and any payments to the Brando estate (perhaps to Ilya Salkind id there were any lingering rights issues).
The beginning of Superman 2 was to use the nuke missile that he threw into space, explode, thereby releasing Zod & his cohorts & they're able to fly, then Zod shouts out FREE!
Jesse Navarrete that was originally gonna be the ending of the first film
Very cool thanks
Do that, Batman.
i didn't like how they cut the chorus it's unnecessary and it's one of the best chorus in superman theme
When these words zoom in and the letters expand, it makes me think of Jell-O.
01:11 - Awesome!
0:35 amazing!!!!
0:17 - let's start
Me-watching the original-wow this is amazing they can’t make another version like the first one had
Me watching the Donner cut-oh wow it’s not even good the original is better
Seriously? You thing the Donner Cut is „not even good“? I mean, it’s certainly not perfect, but how?
Donner Cut is superior in every way
Isn't this superman 3 footage because it looks similar or is it the extended cut of superman 2
is the Richard Donner's original cut, way better than the original theatrical release
Awsome
Salkinds were not good producers. They were so tight with their wallets they didn’t tell the actors of the “Three Musketeers” that they were filming two movies. Those actors sued them afterwards for loss of earnings of being paid for one movie instead of two. Then they went cheap on Superman.
Now thats a superman theme
goooood
Is my monitor dark or something?
I known the Salkinds treated Donner like shit, but I actually prefer the original Superman II as opposed to the Richard Donner cut, the editing, arrangement of music and everything. Not that I am saying Richard Lester did a better job, the original really is a Richard Donner/ Richard Lester movie. It's amazing that the Salkinds got away with giving sole credit to Lester.
Donner was asked if he wanted to take credit and he refused.
All the drama behind Donner's first two Superman movies would make an interesting movie in itself.
If there was one thing that would've made this movie perfect, it would've been a new John Williams score, instead of recycling the old one. Then again, Williams had already turned down Bryan Singer for the same thing, so I guess it would only be fair to turn down Donner too...
Cool
Richard Donner made a lot of Superman II, and Lester only finished his job, and got credit for it. Marlon Brando as Jor-El was cut out of the film, and he had a touching moment with his son, Kal-El. Damn you Salkinds!!!
They seriously derailed this franchise and has had a hard time recovering from it.
credits are cooler than most of the effects...
My friend showed me the Donner cut a while back and honestly it's just okay. There are things the Donner version did way better and things the Lester cut did better. But if I had to choose one to watch over the other it would be the Lester version.
Who knows, maybe one day we'll get like a Superman II: The Final Cut similar to Blade Runner where it's the best parts of both versions of the film edited together to make one perfect sequel.
🦸♂️Supersaga
is this from the 2001 DVD?
The Richard Donner cut released in 2006
I get it. And it was better than the original.
Because, the original is using a stock footage of Superman '78.
Lester was a real son of a bitch. His final motion picture was the abominable Return Of The Musketeers, which got a theatrical release in the United Kingdom, and went straight to VHS in the United States. Roy Kinnear, who played D'Artagnan's bumbling squire Planchet, was killed in a horse-riding accident while filming, and died a few days later.
Lester retired from films after that...and not a damn moment too soon. He fucked up Les Trois Mousqutaires with his horrible films, and royally fucked up the Superman films with what he did in the second and third movies.
Thank God that Warner Brothers gave Mr. Donner the chance to re-cut and restore the film to his original vision. All this would not have been possible without the loyal fans who urged Warner non-stop to make Mr. Donner's never-seen version of Superman II a reality.
🧑🏫🧒👍
when you really study what Lester contributed, his work is pretty good aswell... anyway, if all this crap didnt happen way back when. we might not be discussing Superman now on you tube - the interest and passion might not be alive today. It might have just faded away and possibly all this politics way back when may have paved the way for The Man Of Steel and possibly a new series of films....no use hating, just being positive.
Stupid Salkinds for making Superman II such a difficult movie for me to watch.
The original intro is just better. My favorite part of the og intro is the "With Cliffton James" - "and Terrance Stamp" part. You can assume these are actors of some significance. If I was them I'd prefer my name to appear, when the music is upbeat. In the Donnor cut, the music is upbeat for Clifton James's name, but begins to die on the very next name.
The theatrical opener is better in my opinion. Ken Thorne's arrangement and the montage gives me goosebumps. There's so much energy in Ken Thorne's March coupled with the origin scenes....Better....IN MY OPINION.
Agree 100% no impact or emotion in this opener compared to the theatrical. Also, I actually prefer Ken's arrangement. Like you said, goosebumps.
I hate what the Salkinds and Lester did to Richard Donner, but I have got to admit I love the Superman II original cut. I saw it at theatres and it was one of my favourite movies, taking this child on a wonderful, wonderful adventure.
Because Terrence Stamp is the major enemy, his name should be 4th or5th, at least.
They put his name at the end because he was the main villain here, and he was a pretty known actor at the time. It might also have to do with contracts.
Superman II, the Jabroni Cut
Can barely read the names.....