The best superhero movie of recent years returns with its definitive version. A great science fiction adventure that now presents its coveted steelbook

One of the most anticipated films of the year was the science fiction adventure with which James Gunn had the difficult challenge of relaunching the DC brand. The new ‘Superman’ had many things against it, but, in my opinion, it ended up becoming the best superhero movie of recent years. A real blast of fun that even managed to make me connect with a character for whom I have always had a certain antipathy.

Now is the time for ‘Superman’ to make its debut in physical format, highlighting a steelbook version that many collectors will want to have in their collection. It is true that the price shoots up to 34.95 euros, but its Image and sound quality is much higher than what any streaming platform will offer in which we can see it over time – right now it is exclusive to HBO Max, but we’ll see if that changes in the future –

Next I will go over all the key details of this long-awaited edition in a metal box, starting with its presentation, which is what really distinguishes it, to the additional contents it includes. Let’s go there.

El steelbook

In the world there are several metal box designs from James Gunn’s film, but only the one named Fortress of Solitude has reached our country. Curiously, in France another version has also been put on sale around the same location but joining it to the character’s logo.

Both on the front and on the back we can see the man of steel played by David Corenswet. It is a fairly sober design, highlighting the fact that a small part in relief is included on the front to highlight both its protagonist and its specific location.

Below you can see a larger image of both the front and rear design. Without great fanfare – the song is so simple on this occasion that I have not considered it effective to dedicate an image to it to be able to see it more closely – but very effective, really.

For the interior, a very forceful image from the film itself is used, which in my opinion is very well chosen and reminds us of the introduction of ‘Superman’ itself, where it stands out that the protagonist has just suffered his first defeat.

Finally, the design used for the discs is somewhat inconsequential, with the only real distinction being using red for the UHD and yellow for the blu-ray. It is true that both are characteristic colors of ‘Superman’, but personally I think that blue would have been better for the high definition version.

Additional content

Whether you opt for the blu-ray edition (21.95 euros) or the simple UHD version (26.95 euros), you will have access to the same extras as this steelbook. However, there is one major drawback: Warner has decided to leave out James Gunn’s audio commentary and the deleted scenes that it did include in the digital versionwith the addition that in Spain it is not included in the purchase in physical format. An ugly strategy to force fans of the film to check out twice.

That said, ‘Superman’ includes a wide selection of extrasamong which stands out an extensive How It Was Made, lasting almost an hour, which I review below:

1. ‘The Adventures in the Making of Superman’ (58:58) is an extensive making-of that reviews a multitude of details surrounding the making of the film. From James Gunn’s youthful bond with the character to more specific details such as the type of blue used in Superman’s suit. It has statements from both Gunn and his protagonists, but also from several members of the technical team to offer a much more global vision. All this always maintaining a light and close approach that makes viewing it most entertaining.
2. ‘Breaking news: The Daily Planet returns’ (5:26), ‘Lex Luthor: The Mind of a Supervillain’ (5:22), ‘The Justice Gang’ (10:31), ‘From paws to pixels’ (5:48), ‘The ultimate villain’ (5:08), ‘Icons forever’ (6:07), ‘A new era’ (4:43) y ‘The Music of Superman’ (6:34) are featurettes in the usual vein of recent years about different aspects of the feature. They lack depth, but they are enjoyable and show that this is a film that was made at all times with a plan behind it. If you only want to see one -or you don’t have time for more-, I would stick with ‘The Justice Gang’. And I also make it easy for you, since you have it available on YouTube.
3. Also included is a nice animated short film starring Krypto and titled ‘School Bus Scuffle’ (5:33). Don’t expect her to add anything to the movie, but you’ll probably have a good time watching her take on a pigeon once you’ve accepted this.

In short

‘Superman’ debuts in UHD with a practically reference edition in the audiovisual section – pay attention to the good detail that a Dolby Atmos track is also included for the Spanish version -, an elegant presentation in a metal box and a good selection of extras. It is true that hein the absence of various additional content included in the digital copy it’s unforgivablebut the editing itself is good enough to make it a must-see for fans of James Gunn’s film.

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