Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (1980) User Reviews

If you haven't seen The Donner Cut, you haven't seen Reeve's finest acting as Superman.

[slightlymad22 · 9/10 · 17 January 2007]

Most movie fans know that Richard Donner began shooting Superman I&II simultaneously, and that he was fired after the first was completed to be replaced by Richard Lester. Lester re-shot most of Donner's footage, re-working scenes and dialogue and finishing the second film as well as time, budget, and his own talents allowed.Compared to the first, it was badly paced, choppily edited, and filled with horribly out of place attempts at comedy. Superman's showdown with Zod and his henchmen in downtown Metropolis was still (and in many ways, is still) the greatest superhero battle ever captured on film, but the rest of the film was weak and uneven in comparison. The result was an entertaining enough follow-up, but one was until now left to wonder what might have been had Donner had the opportunity to finish the film properly.

In an unprecedented move, Warner Bros. recently allowed Donner to re-master and edit all of his original Superman II footage. Most of the footage had survived, and some parts had to be filled in with segments from Donner's re-shoots and even a couple of full dress screen tests.

The result is, while a bit rough around a couple of edges, remarkable. The new version is paced much better, and gone are the more cringe-inducing moments from the theatrical cut (like Superman's amnesia kiss, or Clark's bumbling around like a buffoon and falling into a fireplace). More importantly, however, is the dramatic weight that some of the restored scenes add to the film. A wonderful father/son dynamic is revealed as Superman and Jor-el (Marlon Brando, appearing in previously unseen footage) find themselves at odds over the last son of Krypton's proper role on Earth. In the theatrical cut, when a de-powered Clark returns to the fortress of solitude in a quest to regain his powers, he finds the glowing green crystalline equivalent of a "Get Out of Jail Free" card. In The Donner Cut, Superman's powers are not restored without a price.

If you haven't seen The Donner Cut, you haven't seen Reeve's finest acting as the son of Jor El. We also get more Gene Hackman and the delightful Valerie Perrine.

The action scenes are as punchy as as ever, and again, campier comedic elements have been removed. The new ending will definitely divide audiences. I won't spoil it here, but it certainly is different, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet.

Here's hoping that in the future, the Man of Steel's cinematic exploits continue to be steered by class directors such as Richard Donner rather than hacks such as Sidney J. Furie or Richard Lester.

They should've kept Richard Donner

[bak-67163 · 8/10 · 9 February 2020]

The Richard Donnor Cut is definitely the superior version of Superman 2. A lot of the silly moments from the theatrical version have been left out and scenes that were vital to the story have been put back in. The Best thing about this movie is the fact that they put Marlon Brando back in as Jor-El and it was wonderful to see new footage of him. Also if you own the theatrical version of Superman 2, you can still get this cut because so many scenes were reshot that it's almost a completely different movie, the only thing that's the same is the story. The only problems with the movie is the fact that it's unfinished and they had to put scenes from the theatrical version in the place of scenes that were never filmed. unfortunately since these 2 movies are different, putting in scenes from the theatrical cut made some pretty big plot holes. nevertheless the Donner cut is way better than the theatrical version.

In any shape or form, Superman II is a flawed masterpiece

[CalDexter · 7/10 · 30 December 2006]

I've just seen this 'Richard Donner' cut of Superman II after getting the Christopher Reeve box set for Christmas. Its great. Really great. But heres the thing. There is material in the Richard Lester version that has been airing in the UK for years that i love and when you see the Donner cut its either edited out or the music is completely changed! The scenes i'am talking about are really around the Krypton villains. Their arrival on the moon and attack on the astronauts was one of the best sequences in the movie and the villains' theme by Ken Thorne (originally by John Williams) which plays over that sequence and whenever they are on screen was fantastic...the soundtrack is not in that sequence in the Donner cut!

Also, the hand wrestling scene between the farmer and Ursa in the coffee shop is gone! Please don't get me wrong, this version is superb and i guess it is as close to seeing what Richard Donner originally intended for the sequel before he was replaced with Richard Lester. Also the 'new' footage which i have never seen is really great, especially the opening sequence with Lois Lane throwing herself out of the Daily Planet office window in an attempt to get Superman to save her, as is the small new inclusions of the attack on the White House, making it a little longer and more violent was the right direction and you can clearly see where the makers of the X Men got their inspiration from in this sequence.

The final battle at Superman's address in the North Pole is slightly disappointing. More a battle of super minds than super powers.

However, this is really fascinating if you are a Superman fan and thankfully because of the box set i now have both versions. One is not better than the other, they are both flawed brilliance.

Only a hint

[jaywolfenstien · 20 December 2006]

Richard Donner's cut of Superman II is not the definitive answer to "what if Donner had been allowed to finish Superman II?" It is not a stand alone, completed, film so much as it is an abstract representation of where he intended to go. Remember, we are dealing with a reconstruction of an incomplete 25 year-old film. It's a jig-saw puzzle with a few pieces missing, jimmy-rigged with whatever the filmmakers could use to complete it.

But if you can look past inherent flaws that comes with the circumstance – obvious dubbing issues, inconsistent special effects, glaring continuity errors, a recycled resolution, and lack of an original score – look past all of that, look to the underlying vision, and you'll see something special.

First and foremost, the return of Marlon Brando's scenes, a presence sorely missed in the theatrical cut of Superman II which allows the characters and story arcs that started in the first film to come full circle. At last nonsensical dialogue from the first film clicks into place – "the father becomes the son, the son becomes the father" – it gains a meaning in a touching exchange between Jor-El and Kal-El. In the Lester cut, Kal-El consults his mother in the fortress of solitude, and somehow it lacks the emotional punch that the exchange should have. Here, though, in the Donner Cut, Marlon Brando's voice rings with fatherly love, and across time and space the essence of the father reaches out to the son. A love that allows Jor-El to guide Kal-El even from his Kryptonian grave. And after 25 years it finally makes sense how Superman regains his powers after sacrificing them to live with Lois Lane.

Marlon Brando as Jor-El by itself makes the Donner Cut worth the price of the rental. I mean, how do you cut out Marlon Brando? Especially when his character is integral to not only the plot, but to the titular character's arc? Anyway, I particularly liked the restoration of how Lois initially suspects Clark's identity. A passive comment by Jimmy Olson makes her pause and ponder the paradox of Clark disappearing when Superman appears, and she draws a suit, hat, and glasses over a newsprint picture of the Man of Steel. In the Lester version, Lois' eventual revelation feels more chance driven, and even when they have direction it's as though they beat around the bush. It's anti-climactic, and lacks a fulfilling payoff.

In Donner's version, by contrast, the challenge is more direct. A one on one battle of wits with Lois fighting to conclusively prove that Clark is Superman, while he makes clever use of his powers to keep his identity hidden – early on Lois throws herself out a window. And instead of Superman flying to the rescue, Clark uses his super-breath to slow her descent, and his eye beam to unlatch a canopy to break her fall. She lands safely, and lo and behold Clark hasn't moved from the window 50 floors up. "Lois! What have you done?!" Point: Superman and Richard Donner.

The exchanges are just more fun in Donner's version – it's like a cat and mouse game that escalates until the eventual pay off in a scene that Donner, sadly, never shot. Reconstructed from screen tests, gaping with continuity errors, but it's remarkable the power that still underlines the moment when Clark is finally caught red handed, and removes his glasses. Subtly transforming from Kent to Superman right before our eyes – it finally feels like the pivotal moment it should be, and resonates more deeply because the previous scenes support and sustain it. I guess what I'm getting at is, once again, the arc feels more natural, more complete.

Gone are as many as the throw-away Naked-Gunesque sight gags as Michael Thau could afford to cut. And what a difference that makes to the overall tone of the movie. Of particular note: the battle over Metropolis that finally feels like the epic brawl it should be. Other than a few additions, the major difference between Lester and Donner's version lay in the editing. And yet I cheered every time Superman sent one of the villains flying through a building or a sign as though watching this sequence for the first time – I was thrilled when the villains created a powerful wind to stop the mob and the focus stayed on the destruction at hand – cars crashing into buildings and other cars – and not wigs and silly phone booth conversations. The villains are more threatening, more intimidating, and the battle appears more destructive now that their powers weren't used to generate jokes.

While I'm hesitant to say the humor in Donner's film is more sophisticated (the Donner cut does have toilet humor not present in the Lester cut), I will say Donner's jokes are better planned and executed. At least in his version most of them have proper build up and pay off.

Finally, the issue of complaints: were this another film under another set of circumstances, I would have room to complain. It does have flaws, yes. As mentioned above, the Richard Donner Cut of Superman II looks like a jigsaw puzzle that was finished with "whatever." Unlike Superman, Donner could not turn back time and finish shooting with the full resources he needed to do the job right. The disclaimer before the film clearly states it's a representation of the Donner concept. Nothing more.

Like I said, this is only a hint of what could have been. And that's more than we should reasonably have hoped to get.

It is NOT Donner's cut. It is a representation of what it WOULD have looked like.

[MannyCastro · 10/10 · 28 November 2006]

Before you watch this DVD there is something very important that you must understand. Richard Donner never completed Superman II. And, since he never completed the film it was impossible to truly make a "Donner cut" per say. What this DVD (edited and produced by Michael Thau) shows us is what the film "may" have looked like. Once you understand that you will be able to enjoy the experience.

Why do I go through that explanation? Well...because from the complains I've heard and read it seems that people don't seem to understand that. So, that's why I felt it should be addressed.

Now, on to the review...

Donner was hired by the Salkinds in '76 or '77 to direct two Superman films at the same time. When time and money was running out the decision was made to stop production on Superman II and focus on the first one. By that point Donner had already completed about 80% of the film. When Superman became the biggest hit of 1978 the decision by the Salkinds was to fire Donner. He was replaced by Richard Lester (A Hard Day's Night) and Lester re-shot most of the film. Only about 30% of Donner's work remained.

After almost 30 years WB finally released Donner's version since most fans demanded to see it. And, on the DVD, Donner, thanks the fans which I felt was a nice touch.

The plot of the movie is the same as Lester's Superman II. General Zod and his goons escape the Phantom Zone. They arrive at Earth (or Planet Houston as they call it) and quickly take over. And, where's Superman? He made the mistake of giving up his powers to be with Lois Lane. So, will Superman recover his powers on time to save Earth from Zod? You will have to watch the film to find out.

Now, the question on everyone's mind is whether or not this version is truly better than Lester's take. The answer is yes! Why? Because Lester never really understood the material. Which is prove when you watch Superman III. Donner, on the other hand, truly understood the material. He understood that...YES...it's a comic book adaptation but it's still an art form. As silly as Superman may seem he understands that there is a wonderful story to tell. And, he understands that there is wonderful characters to develop and have an audience understand and fall in love with. When you watch this DVD that's what you'll see. A film directed by a man in love with the material. Not a film by a man who did it for the money. If you love Superman: The Movie then you'll love Richard Donner's version of Superman II. The ONLY flaw of this version is that it was never completed.

For the first time in my life, everything is crystal clear...

[ritecorvini · 10/10 · 30 November 2006]

This should have been the original Superman II! When you watch it, you finally understand what the hell Superman and his father have been saying all these years. It all makes sense now. Having grown up on Superman, I feel cheated!!! I had to wait until now to finally understand one of my favorite film series! It's just a crime!

Not only does Donner's film flow better and enlighten the viewer, it even makes those annoying villains have more purpose. Even as a kid, I thought they were ridiculous. They're still ridiculous in this film, but Donner links them more clearly to Superman's past, so you get pulled into the plot line more.

Watch this film and you'll see my point.

Donner's version not as good, but it was the Salkinds fault.

[dunamission · 6/10 · 15 July 2009]

I believe the greatest mistake was made by the Salkinds, by attempting to make two huge movies at the same time. It would have been like making star wars and empire strikes back at the same time. Nevertheless, Donner did a hell of Job to try and pull it off, and superman the Movie is a classic that I grew up with as a kid. However, a lot of Donner's S II footage looks a little tired to me. Lois lane jumping out the window was silly, and some of the action fight scenes in metropolis were dreadful. It looks to me as if the Salkinds actually had no choice but to bring in someone fresh to replace a drained Donner struggling to find creative Ideas to complete the project. If Donner was allowed to concentrate on one movie at a time, I think S II would have been better than lester's version. On the commentary, Donner came across as still being very bitter, and he didn't give Lester any credit at all for what were some great scenes that improved the movie no end compared to Donner's. I think Donner was exhausted and frustrated, and you could tell that his movie was suffering. That being said, it is still a Donner / Lester movie, and much of Donner's work makes S II what it is. Both Directors combined made a great film, and if Brando's scenes were included in the theatrical version, it would be a completed movie where both directors must share the credit. The Salkinds had the money but no movie making sense. We have Lester's Version, and Donner's patched up version, and now we need the ultimate version with the best of both movies, but I'm afraid, apart from the Brando scenes, and a few others, it will mostly be the original theatrical release. Lester deserves more credit for injecting some fresh direction into a movie that we can now see was struggling.

The power of DVD - Supe is back!

[LeeBolton · 10/10 · 24 November 2006]

I, like many others have been waiting for this cut to come along. I got the DVD yesterday and expected a film with missing holes, missing scene title cards and un-easy editing due to the footage used.

What people forget is that Richard Lester's version was pretty hot in 1980 minus a bloke getting blown around while on the phone in the heat of a battle.

Well ... I was shocked, and I clapped at the end. Superman II now feels like a different film. The new scenes are very good (and just show what Chris Reeve could do - what a wonderful actor he really was), Marlon Brando scenes are superb to watch, new music cues - from Superman one, lots of new funny scenes, and new special effects that don't look out of date in what is supposed to be a 1980 film. Gene Hackman's part seems more fleshed out here than before - witness the Fortress of Solitude crystal scenes. lovely and funny.

This shows the power of DVD and show special it is. This cut simply could not have been made. You will find that some of the new edits jump from scene to scene in a flash - that because we already know the film from Richard Lester's version. Watch this like is was new and you would love it more. You, if you are a Superman fan, will fall in love with the new opening scene with a new look at the Phantom zone capture (new camera angles you see) and get this - new credit sequence up to the standard of the original supe adventure.

So it really like a fantastic new look at a old film. You could point out the faults in lines dubbed or the odd bit of tinkering even the ending but this really is a new Chris Reeve film you though could never have been made. Bonus.

Masterful piece of reimaging - Superman is back

Lee

Sadly, the ending makes this greatly superior cut fall short of a masterpiece.

[joshteggert · 8/10 · 20 March 2017]

Back in 1978, 'Superman' was a huge success and stands today as a generation defining film. The disputes between the father and son production team, the Salkinds, and director Richard Donner were no secret; filming the two original films back-to-back proved problematic. Following the triumph of the first film, Donner was sacked and the director's chair was handed over to Richard Lester for 'Superman II', who distorted Donner's original idea significantly, producing a camp and hugely flawed Superman sequel that started the franchise's fall to ridicule. 'Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut' is the film that should have been, superior in every way to Lester's theatrical version… until the last few minutes.

Richard Donner's name explodes emphatically onto the screen at the end of the opening credits, establishing Donner's authoritative mark on this film: the closest thing he can get to *his* original vision. It is an entirely different film to Lester's, which is to be expected. Donner had already recorded roughly 80% of the footage before he was fired, which Lester would have to rewrite and reshoot under the rules of the Director's Guild. Thus, everything ludicrous about 'Superman II' is gone: no more Kryptonians with finger pointing levitation beams or the power to erase memories with a kiss (even those giant Superman emblem "nets" are not present). Instead, the story is much more absorbing, the characters are therefore fleshed out incredibly and it truly is a much more enjoyable and worthwhile Superman film.

The character dynamics are of noteworthy interest. The three Kryptonian villains (Terence Stamp, Sarah Douglas and Jack O'Halloran), for example, are much more integral to the plot and Gene Hackman develops much more in this edition as the evil genius Lex Luthor, supported wonderfully by Miss Teschmacher (Valerie Perrine). But dedicated to Christopher Reeves memory, this definitely is his greatest performance as the titular character. Reeves is ever charming as Clark Kent, yet the contrast between him and Superman is particularly mesmerising here, as Reeves is remarkably more powerful and captivating as the superhero. It really is a shame that general audiences may never see him play the character the way he did here: it is the definitive Superman portrayal.

Yet it is still a flawed film. An excusable downside to the cut is the often choppy editing, making some areas feel rushed, but as the film was never finalised, it is fair to allow this slide as an unfortunate product of circumstance. However, the ending is an utter disappointment. It is difficult to get over the way that the closing moments make the entire film inconsequential. Granted, studio interference played a part here, but Donner could have reached unprecedented heights with Superman in this new cut, should he have chosen to make the logical choice and evict this ending from his cut (disregarding continuity errors that may impose).

'The Richard Donner Cut' is overall undoubtedly the better movie, and yet still could have been even better with a more satisfactory finish.

Filmed together with Superman 1 is the ticket!

[christmi2 · 10/10 · 21 January 2007]

Superman 1 and 2 were intended by the director to be a unit, and were filmed concurrently, as Jackson's Lord of the Rings films were. This approach works. Originally, after most of Sup 2 was in the can, the producers got rid of Donner and the Brando footage to save money and broke up the thematic flow of the two films. They made Sup 2 into a cheap money-maker follow-on to 1 and ruined it in the process.

What the studio has done here is, nothing short of grand. They've essentially remade this film as it was intended to be. It flows seamlessly from Superman The Movie now. Richard Donner's great pride in his work is evident from his enthusiastic intro on the DVD.

The storyline is cohesive, the emotionally soaring (!) tone of the first film is maintained and heightened. Scenes that reflect the fabulous chemistry between Reeve and Kidder have been restored.

The extensive Marlin Brando footage, shot and intended for the Fortress of Solitude scenes, has been restored.

This film is well worth a watch, particular in conjunction with a re-look at Superman I first. Hats off to Warner Brothers for bringing Richard Donner's vision for it back to life!

Superman II Revised And Revisited

[droog-56936 · 8/10 · 2 October 2019]

Richard Donner's cut is a little more grim than the original theatrical release. It definitely works better than the first Superman movie because the villains are much more formidable. Also the story involving Clark Kent and Lois Lane is fleshed out and bittersweet. A great version of a classic movie.

It Improves The Story

[dickinsonjason-34081 · 10/10 · 22 June 2020]

This Release Actually Improves The Story That Much More Making it a whole lot more fun

The original cut of Donner's version is superior to Lester's cut.

[hu675 · 9/10 · 2 March 2007]

Three villains (Terence Stamp, Sarah Douglas and Jack O'Halloran) from the home planet of Krypton are coming to Earth. Which these powerful villains wants to rule the world. Clark Kent/Superman (Christopher Reeve) starts falling for Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). Which she slowly finds out that Superman is Clark Kent. But Lex Luthor (Two Time Oscar-Winner:Gene Hackman) escapes from prison. He tries to find any new weakness of Superman but Lex decides to team up with these villains are just as powerful as Superman. But these villains are three time more overpowering than Superman.

This review is for the Director's Cut, which it was originally directed by Richard Donner (Conspiracy Theory, The Goonies, Superman). Which the director was fired, when he was nearly done with the film by the producers. Which the producers made many changes for the budget of the movie, especially not hiring the late Oscar-Winner:Marlon Brando for certain key scenes (Which Donner already shot for the first picture but deleted it for using those scenes for the sequel). Which Brando was replaced by Susannah York in the Richard Lester (Superman 3, A Hard Day's Night, The Three Musketeers) version. In this new version, Donner removes all the footage shot by Lester in the original theatrical release by adding his as it was originally intended in the screenplay. The scenes with Brando are added back in, the Lois Lane character plots more designs to unmask Clark Kent as Superman and more.

DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has an introduction by the director, an running commentary track by the director and creative consultant:Tom Mankiewicz, a featurette about restoring Donner's cut and deleted scenes. I actually enjoy Donner's cut more than Lester's. Still Lester's version isn't bad, since about 60 percent of Lester's cut was shot by Donner. The conclusion of both cuts are different. Donner's cut is actually more personal, it is very close to the first "Superman" film. Donner had a chance to credit as co-director before the theatrical release of "Superman 2" but he decline. He felt that the producers and Lester made many changes that they were silly , especially in certain key moments. Donner's cut is actually 12 minutes shorter that Lester's version. Actually it is a matter of personal taste, what version you like best. Judge it for yourself. Panavision. (**** 1/2 out of *****).

Sorry but Lester's cut is still better

[cainysunuke · 6/10 · 27 August 2018]

I find hard to believe this "film" has the highest rating on imdb, its even higher than the first movie! Dont get me wrong, its nice to see the never-seen footage but this looks more like a bunch of deleted scenes put back together rather than a MOVIE. There is a lot missing in the transition, the build-up is not there either, sequences are shown out of order, etc. which will make you go crazy if you haven't seen Lester's version. The ending is the worst part because it doesnt make any sense.

Bottom line, is enjoyable but not for a 7.7 by any means...

The True Superman II

[darkpatriot85 · 10/10 · 19 February 2007]

I just recently found out about Superman I & II originally being one long film. Then I found out about Richard Lester reshooting several scenes that were already shot. I like this version better because Richard Donner made it a little more serious and the way he wanted it to be. Richard Lester is a good director, but he made Superman II more of a comedy/romance. I like how they made the footage, which has to be about thirty years old, look so great like it was brand new. The only tragedy about the movie is that Christopher Reeve and Marlon Brando didn't live to see this film. Now when I see the expanded Superman, I always put this one on right after it. Finally, the true Superman II as it was supposed to be.

less jokey and slightly better

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 28 November 2015]

Kryptonians General Zod (Terence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and Non (Jack O'Halloran) are sentenced to the Phantom Zone. Then baby Kal-El is sent to Earth before Krypton explodes. In the first movie, Superman (Christopher Reeve) guides a nuclear missile into space. The missile destroys the Phantom Zone and frees the three criminals. Back at the Daily Planet, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) suspects that Clark Kent is Superman. Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) and Otis (Ned Beatty) are in prison. Eve Teschmacher (Valerie Perrine) helps only Lex escape. They find the Fortress of Solitude where Lex is able to access the data. Perry White (Jackie Cooper) sends Lois and Clark to Niagara Falls where Lois finally forces Clark to reveal himself.

I haven't watched the original Superman II for awhile so I can't completely do a side-to-side comparison. In general, there are a few too many bad silly jokes in the original and there are fewer of those moments in this Donner version. Obviously, this version is piece together with sometimes unfinished work. If Donner had the opportunity to clean this up, I prefer his version slightly more.

I really like this one reconnecting with the first Superman movie. It also makes the Paris bomb unnecessary which is perfectly fine by me. Lex and Eve discovering Fortress of Solitude goes on a little too long. It basically repeats the introduction that the audience already knows. Lois shooting Clark is a ballsy move which is way better than keep throwing herself off the ledge. It's definitely something that Lois would do. With better staging, it would have been a great scene. The action seems to be more violent than I remember. I really love that he didn't kiss the secret identity out of her but he needs to stop spinning the planet around. He's repeating himself and that not a good thing. Overall, I simply like this slightly better.

fixes the most serious problem with the Lester cut, but I still don't like it as much

[cherold · 7/10 · 26 November 2009]

I saw Superman and Superman II when they originally came out, and easily preferred Superman II, which was faster paced and had a lot of amusing gags typical of Richard Lester's films.

Still, when I read they had re-cut Superman II to show the movie it would have been if Donner was never fired, I was curious to see how that would look.

My big complaint the original is that the coming and going of Superman's powers felt like a fantasy magic kind of thing. It was like some Greek myth in which a god's powers were taken away, rather than the more sci-fi approach I expect from Superman. Apparently this was because to save money they excised all of Brando's scenes, and these scenes were crucial to explaining what was going on. In Donner's version, it's still not totally persuasive (I mean, why shouldn't someone be a hero and have a girlfriend?) but it at least has an internal logic.

On the other hand, I liked the humor of Lester's version. If you want a more serious, mythic, classic approach to Superman, well, that's what Donner gives you, but that approach is also why I found the first half of the original Superman rather dull; it was too reverent and serious. Lester offered the same sprightly, wacky humor he displayed in films like The 3 Musketeers and Help, and that is the very thing that has always made me so fond of his films.

If you're a Superman purist, or just want a more intelligent approach to the story, then yes, the Donner version is better. But for me, the Lester version is just more fun.

Superior to the Theatrical version

[mhorg2018 · 8/10 · 14 July 2018]

So here we have at least a glimpse of what is clearly a better vision and superior film to Fleischers. It's a pity that the Salkinds, who deserved to go bankrupt, couldn't have left Donner alone. Instead years later we get this, a taste of a clearly better movie.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

[zofos · 6/10 · 4 August 2008]

I just watched Richard Donner's Cut for the first time today and, while some of it was fascinating, I just felt that overall it was a bit of a patchwork quilt of a movie and a bit low-key somehow. They stitched together unused footage that was originally shot by Richard Donner for "Superman II", as well as scenes from Richard Lester's theatrical cut along with alternative takes from Lester's cut, as well as a scene from screen tests and new special effects.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound mix is incredible, it gives real oomph to the movie. The film didn't even have that sound when I saw it at the cinema back in the early 80s, so I was happy with that. The wind effects and explosions during the attack by Zod on Metropolis sound awesome.

It's also fascinating to watch the scenes of Christopher Reeve interacting with Marlon Brando. Even though the scenes are moving exchanges between father and son characters, these moments have an extra poignancy as both actors passed away recently and they never got to see these scenes cut together while they were alive. It really is hard to believe that both of them are gone. The makers had to go find the old Brando outtakes, clean them up, use CGI effects to match what was done with Jor-El in the first film and then cut it together with the footage of Christoper Reeve as well as fix up the sound. Kudos to them for that.

Obviously time and money were not on the makers side when they were restoring this. When Richard Donner questions the editor/producer about why something wasn't done for the restoration in the documentary, he gets the reply: "Because we have a budget." I found some of the alternative takes that were used were not as good as the theatrical cut, particularly Terence Stamp's line to Gene Hackman in the Daily Planet: "Why do you say this to me when you know I will kill you for it?" His delivery of that line in the theatrical cut was much better.

Some of the action scenes seemed to be cut much faster too, just look at the scene of Ursa and Non throwing the bus at Superman, it's now cut so fast that you hardly get enough time to see them throw it properly.

Some of the special effects have been improved, particularly the flame-thrower scene in the small town. In the theatrical cut, the flame is obviously animated and false-looking. It was good to see it looking and sounding better than it did.

While it was interesting to see Superman being flung into the torch of the Statue of Liberty, the effects were a little ropey here, as were the effects when Non is hurled at the skyscraper.

I felt the theatrical cut was a better movie, I liked the beginning with the terrorists on top of the Eiffel Tower with the Hydrogen bomb. That's a big, new, suspenseful scene in a new city to kick the sequel off with (and a scarily realistic one post-9/11). I also thought the way Lois tried to trick Clark into revealing he was Superman was more subtle and believable in the theatrical cut, it just hangs together better.

However, I'm glad that they took the time to bring us this alternative cut. It was the right decision to go ahead with it. If nothing else, they've resurrected an unseen Marlon Brando performance from the dusty vaults of film studios and for that we should be grateful. Marlon is now an active cast member of "Superman II" just as intended and we don't have to endure that cheap, anonymous bald dude in his place. Thanks to everyone involved in the restoration for their hard work. RIP Chris and Marlon.

The tru-ER version of this film.

[rhaynes1974 · 8/10 · 17 November 2006]

I snatched my Ultimate Superman collection out of the delivery guys hands today and eagerly ripped open the packaging to be confronted by the beautiful and incredibly comprehensive box-set that Warners have put together.

But the real reason I bought this was for the brand new restored cut of Richard Donner's Superman II, so I switched on my projector and watched it on a "BIGGISH" screen - not quite the way it was meant to be seen but close enough.

Anyhow - I digress - some of the "updating" of the visual effects did look a little "cheap" however I loved the inclusion of some brilliantly funny new moments between Chris Reeve and Margot Kidder.

The dramatics were there, the tension was there - but the movie had a real letdown of an ending which I won't reveal here - but suffice to say, it was a dramatic disappointment. I understand that certain elements hadn't been finished and due to budgte restraints only a certain amount could be done - but sheesh guys you could have done a little better than that.

It's a real shame since the movie really is quite different and actually in many respects a much better film than the original theatrical version - just a little marred by this somewhat tacked on ending and "cheap" digital effects thrown in using today's technology - but a truly fascinating watch all the same...

The Richard Donner cut is an unfinished movie that is more like a special feature

[anywaychannel · 7/10 · 8 July 2023]

Superman 2 the Richard Donner cut is an unfinished movie that appears to be more of a special feature then an actual concrete movie despite what some might say.

This movie/cut of Superman 2 came about due to the infamous behind the scenes drama of the original Superman 2 (1980).

Originally Richard Donner (who directed the 1st Superman movie) was going to direct the 2nd one as well and even shot a lot of scenes for 2 while he was still making the 1st one.

However due to rising tensions between Donner and the producers he was let go and replaced by Richard Lester who proceeded to finish the movie using some of Donner's scenes while shooting his own which were re-written to some extent. Despite this Superman 2 (1980) ended up being very good and one of the best superhero sequels ever.

Still fans wanted to see what Richard Donned would have done if he had stayed on the project so as a result in 2006 we got the Richard Donner cut.

Now the plot of the Richard Donner cut is essentially the same as the original Superman 2 released in 1980 except there are some differences here and there.

For example in the original Superman 2 the movie opens with Superman saving Lois in Paris from terrorists who are about to set off a hydrogen bomb. Superman throws the bomb into space where it explodes and accidently releases Zod and his cronies from the phantom zone which they were imprisoned in by Superman's father Jor El.

In the Richard Donner cut however we see it is the missile that Superman launches into Space in the 1st movie that sets Zod and co. Loose.

The movie has several alterations like this in the 1st act and the 3rd act which while varying in quality it is still interesting nonetheless.

By the time we get to the 2nd act though where Clark Kent aka Superman and Lois Lane go to Niagara falls and Zod attacks earth that's when the movie really starts to falter.

This is because Donner only shot about 50% of Superman 2 due him being let go before he could finish it so as a result he uses little snippets of footage Lester had shot for his version as well as even screen tests which weren't made to be seen in any capacity to finish the film. You see why this doesn't work right?

I mean I'd be okay with him using the Lester footage since those were actually completed but like I said he only uses snippets if it. So for example let's say a scene in the original Superman 2 (1980) was 2 minutes long, well Donner only uses 30 seconds of it making it appear really rushed. Especially the romance of Superman and Lois.

In the original Superman 2 (1980) Lester shot the relationship between Lois and Superman in well fleshed out and developed scenes meanwhile in the Donner cut it's very rushed and feels under developed since again he only uses snippets of what Lester had shot as well as screen tests.

Which to me is maddening since he could have just used whatever Lester had shot to mitigate that problem.

Like I said there are even times where he uses screen tests to fill in the holes which again are unfinished and barely expectable.

It also doesn't help that all the stuff in the Lester cut was just better than any of the stuff Donner had shot in my opinion.

For example the Paris scene at the start of the original Superman 2 (1980) was a far better opening for the movie vs the missile recap we got in the Donner cut not helping that because this cut was made in 2006 and had a small budget they used really bad cgi to complete the missile scene which looks awful. In fact they even uses stand ins for Christopher Reeve and Margo Kidder at certain points which of course is very distracting.

Due to the unfinished nature of this movie they even re-use the ending of the original Superman (1978) to complete this movie which is completely stupid and makes no sense.

There are literally only 2 good things in this cut.

1. The Marlon Brando scenes which were cut from the original 2nd movie were put back in this cut and are pretty good. The only reason they didnt use any of the Marlon Brando scenes in the original cut was because the producers didn't want to pay Brando again.

2. The fight in Metropolis in the Donner cut is also better then the original cut as it not only has better action but it also cuts out any of the original slapstick humor Lester put in for some reason.

Besides those 2 things however the original Superman 2 (1980) cut by Richard Lester is much better and more worth your time.

Only watch the Donner cut after watching the original cut.

The better Superman 2

[Jithindurden · 8/10 · 12 August 2018]

Definitely better than the theatrical version by Lester. I can't believe how almost all the similar scenes are slightly changed by Lester but look much better here. The new footage makes a lot more sense and the tone change is also not a problem here. Still being unfinished the footages used to fill in doesn't completely do well all the time.

Fascinatingly different but you may need to buy the original alongside it.

[nicolaspiere-734-730077 · 6/10 · 22 May 2020]

I'm a big fan of the the original 'Superman 2' as I watched it on video when I was a kid in the 80s. So the time had come to purchase it on Blu Ray and I thought I'd invest in the Richard Donner cut as I naturally assumed it would be a better version. I hadn't read any reviews or knew anything about it so I totally didn't know what to expect. Actually, I was naively expecting the same thing with some minor changes. I'm a big fan of Richard Donner as I loved 'The Goonies' and the 'The Lethal Weapon' series and I understand this was supposed to be the closest version of the intended cut. I'll start with what I liked and found fascinating. This movie is alot more serious and dark than the original. In some way it was kind of ahead of it's time as it reminded me of a tone closer to Christopher Nolan's 'Batman'. It was also fascinating to see all of this footage they didn't use. It's almost like a new movie. However, the loss of the light / fun tone and dampened music stopped me from enjoying it as much as the original. The super villains felt less emotional, less driven and flat as some of their scenes & interaction were cut short in places. I'll have to re-visit the original to refresh my memory but I recall General Zod being really erratic and crazy about finding superman and bringing him to his knees in the original. This was also heightened with the musical theme that accompanied them each time they appeared that isn't really there anymore. I'm really not sure what went wrong with the score. Where they too cheap to re-score? If so they should have just included it as a bonus disc with the original 'Superman 2' rather than charging a Blu Ray price to be a bit fairer. Overall, I would urge anyone who likes 'Superman 2' to invest in both versions as it does feel like two different films. The original is a more light and entertaining watch. The Richard Donner Cut is a fascinating alternate version. But ultimately everyone has their own taste and preference.

Nowhere near perfect, but I'm glad it happened

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 21 April 2015]

The Richard Donner Cut of "Superman II" came out during that heady time when all sorts of Director's Cuts were finally seeing the light of day ("Payback", "The Warriors", "Blade Runner", "The Natural"). And no one saw it coming that Warner Bros. would actually let the man restore his version of the movie, so this really something. At best, this is an idea of what could have been. Donner was forced to use some of Lester's footage and even a screen test to get this done, so it's a bit rough. There are plot holes and continuity errors, and it's not his fault the turn-back-time ending was recycled. But these are still glaring, which is kind of a shame. But it is what it is.

Even so, this is more than worth the price of admission for the restored Brando footage alone. And Superman's plea to his father for help is indeed a powerful scene. But it's not cut-and-dried superior to the theatrical version. They both have their pros and cons. Bottom line, I'll take what I can get, and it's kinda sweet that Warner Bros. facilitated this. It brings some closure to the mystery of the lost "real" Superman II.

7/10

Not sure if I prefer the original version

[danfactoruk · 18 March 2009]

Think I prefer the original Lester version. It's more entertaining. I also found some of the Donner scenes poorly acted. Plus the screen test footage of Lois shooting Clark to reveal him as Superman looked silly (cos of the obvious difference between the way Reave's hair looks). But the bits with Brando are good and interesting to see. I think it's a shame that Donner and the Salkinds fell out because if this movie had been made the way it was intended to be made from the start then this would have been a lot better. Having said that it does fit in nicely with Superman Returns. What with Lois sleeping with Superman before he loses his powers, sort of explains why her kid in Superman Returns has powers.