Synopsis–
I’m not going to get too plot heavy with this trip down memory lane for those of you who have, or haven’t already seen Man of Steel. However, I am going to dive right into my observations as I watch the Blu-ray version while writing this. First and foremost, this is a well made film. Take that complement for what it’s worth. Do I think it’s on a level of greatness? Heck no. But it delivers where the previous Superman film, Superman Returns, (am I allowed to bring up the previous travesty? Ha) did not.
Zack Snyder’s version of Superman actually had good ole Kal-El performing actions, and feats we weren’t treated to with in the last incarnation of our favorite blue-boy. He even threw a punch or two or three. Additionally, there’s a lot to love from some of the performances in Man of Steel from Micheal Shannon’s sinister aura as General Zod (almost under utilized in my opinion) to Amy Adams as a much more enjoyable Lois Lane than we’ve seen in the past, and last but not least, Russell Crowe playing Jor-El. Hell, even seeing Lawrence Fishburne as Perry White was a nice touch as well. Oh, and before I forget, is it a bad thing I’d love to make a coffee run with Faora-Ul, played so convincingly by Antje Traue? I also must say it was nice seeing Lois Lane being portrayed as a feisty, go-getting reporter, but in a FUN manner, not some miserable, down on life version that we got in that “other” movie.
That being said, there was some aspects of the film I didn’t take to, like the filmmakers re-exploring/re-inventing Krypton. I don’t think another origin back story was needed here. If average fans don’t know by now that Superman originated from the Planet Krypton, then that’s really too bad. I felt having to spend an extra 20 minutes of the film exploring the Kryptonian mythos slowed down the pacing. Does anyone agree there? I also felt seeing a young Clark Kent save his classmates from a bus that was sinking under water was also unneeded. Why? We’ve seen this before, in past films (Superman saving the bus in Superman The Movie), so showing us something a little different would have been the better way to go in my book. And as well choreographed as the Smallville battle sequence was, it made me feel like it was just an updated version of the one we got in Superman II. I may be nitpicking with that, but perhaps setting that sequence elsewhere would have been a more original way to go.
Overall, like I said, this was a well-made film. I enjoyed the fact it had a little more of a Sci-Fi aspect as well, with terraforming, and scientific aspects being front and center. Henry Cavill made an effective Superman/ Clark Kent, and for those who lamented he didn’t have enough lines, I don’t think he needed to with the way the story was laid out. And the final battle in Metropolis felt like it was right out of a comic book. The cool factor was indeed a 12 out of 10 with the way Zack Snyder shot this final sequence to the movie, and I had no problem with it showing such chaos and mass-destruction. I felt the sequel to this would have been a chance to really hit a home-run with the Superman universe, but as it stands now, it’s going to be a tandem of Batman and Superman, so the direct sequel to this will have to wait.
Vide0 Quality– A+
Look, it’s rare I’ve watched a Blu-ray from a recently made film and been disappointed with the outcome. That’s no different here, Man of Steel shines on Blu, and the color tones, and deep blacks look just as they did on the big screen in June. If anything, I appreciate the look of this film on a smaller scale at home because it allows me to pick up on many intimate details I may have missed on the big screen. You should not, and will not be disappointed with the picture quality. Excellent job by those who mastered it for home-video release.
Audio Quality– A+
Just as Superman soars from his arctic lair into the sky for the first time, you hear the bombastic and invigorating score from Hans Zimmer really shine in surround sound. I’m utilizing a Yamaha DTS 7.1 surround sound set-up, and it without sounding like too much of a boy scout, the soundtrack, and dialogue quality rocks!
Extras/Special Features– D+
Now before you think I’m giving a D score because the content that is on the disc is unacceptable, think again. This is where I give a brief opinion piece on the state of Hollywood’s home release methods. For those of you who hadn’t noticed, all the major film releases on Blu-ray are now getting retailer exclusives. Meaning the Man of Steel copy one could buy at a Best Buy, will have different special features to that of the version you’d pick up at a Target or Wally World. That is unacceptable in my estimation, and it would mean in order to nab all the great behind the scenes featurettes one would have to pony up for 3 versions of the same film, at 3 different stores. That’s simply not fair. The version I purchased was at a local Target, and it had a digital booklet, with behind the scenes pictures, and short write ups on the making of the film, so that was nice, but those who purchased it elsewhere may not get the same incentive.
Normally I’d go into cookie cutter detail on the features included, but what’s the point? After all, anyone reading this may have one of three retailer versions of the film. This is something that needs to end. Major studios get enough of the average film fanatic’s money to avoid having to go into exclusive agreements with retailers that end up screwing over the hard working fans out there. So fix it!
As always, feel free to leave your comments below. They’re welcome, and needed. Thanks for reading.
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