Synopsis:

Sent to Earth from a dying planet to later grow up and become its savior, Superman is given an epic treatment by director Richard Donner. The Up, Up and Away Edition tightens up the pacing of the film while still retaining the overall story that was told when Christopher Reeve proved a man could fly back in 1978. Since most edits of this film combine Superman I and II as Richard Donner was intending on telling one large story, this edition focuses primarily on Superman I. Witness Kal El's journey from boy to man and from man to Superman without the appearance of the three Kryptonian outlaws, constant bickering between Lex Luthor and his henchman Otis, why Clark shouldn't use the word "swell," a complimentary pimp, a voice over of Lois' inner thoughts, and without the need to turn back time. Richard Donner presented us with a classic tale for the ages. This edition tinkers with the film ever so slightly so you can get up, up and away sooner with the man of steel.

Intentions:

I've always loved Superman. That being said, my first foray into the Superman films was with Superman II. After seeing that and then seeing Superman I, I felt a little let down. With a quick touch up of pacing and taking out a few things that bothered me, I feel like I have made the version of the movie that others as well as myself can enjoy.

Change List:

Nothing fancy. Just patience!

Additional Notes:

-CUT Kid with comic book -Moved opening titles -Movie begins as we travel to Krypton -CUT Zod trial -CUT councilman explaining what the Phantom Zone is to Jor-El who supposedly built it (thanks Dwight) -Lots of little snips to speed up time on Krypton -After Krypton explodes, we see a fade out of Kal's ship traveling into space -Main titles begin here -Took out Terence Stamp and company's names from opening credits -INSERTED shots of ship in space to cover names -CUT Clark running alongside train -CUT Martha calling Clark's name. Now she just looks outside to see him standing in the field -CUT Perry's line "and don't call me sugar!" (it also fixes a continuity error as he is standing when he says that line, but before and after he is sitting and then stands up) -REWORKED Perry telling Lois to show Clark around. This now leads right into the mugging scene as opposed to Clark working for a day and then the "swell" conversation with Lois in the lobby -CUT Otis stealing from blind man -CUT Clark's rude co-workers that don't hold the elevator for him or respond to his hello -TRIMMED helicopter sequence a little -CUT complimentary pimp -CUT Lois fainting -CUT cat burglar falling from building. Now he looks up and sees Superman and then it goes right into Superman landing with him and turning him over to the officer -CUT crowbar good vibrations gag -CUT kitty rescue -CUT Air Force One line telling air control that they have the president on board. Of course you do, you're Air Force One! -CUT Jor-El line that there are 28 hours in a day. Just didn't seem like his kind of error -CUT Jor-El sounding disappointed with his "so be it" line about Superman revealing himself to the world -CUT Lex in the pool -TRIMMED Superman and Lois flying scene in half. No more "Can You Read My Mind" -CUT Eve's line "You may hit me in the mouth for this." -CUT Eve repeating "He can't see through lead!" -CUT missile hijacking. Occurs off screen now. -CUT Clark changing in mid-air -TRIMMED Superman tracking down Lex -TRIMMED gauntlet -CUT Superman pushing/bending the door to Lex. Now he just pushes it down immediately -CUT farmers painting the picket fence as the rocket and Superman fly by -CUT everything related to Lois being in danger outside of the gas station explosion. Now she just breaks down -CUT spinning the Earth. Lois doesn't die.

Other Sources:

The CD of John Williams' amazing score.

Special Thanks:

Bionic Bob, Dwight Fry, and OnlyOneKenobi