All-Star Superman [Blu-ray]

Superman is one of the most recognizable icons in the world today. He has many adoring fans of all his media. He has been seen in comic books television and films and heard through radio serials and word of mouth. In the mid 1990s Bruce Timm, after much success with his animated series of Batman, decided to move his talents to Superman. What he gave us was a true strait off the page Superman that was yet to be seen in visual media. This was a Superman that showed weaknesses just as deep as his strengths. His ability to care as well as his ability to slug it out with super natural threats. Most importantly this was a Superman that the fans have wanted to see brought to life Still, over time this vision remained in the shadow of its film counterpart which lacked his characteristics we still had yet to see that were as authentic as Bruce Timm's vision.Bruce Timm's DCAU film projects have featured Superman doing what he does best, saving humanity and punishing evil. Now we have the newest film `All Star Superman'. This was a film I was eager to see much like all the others, but what I got was something I never would have expected. I was aware of the plot and aware of the films basis, but this was the first time I have ever seen a specific side of the Man of Steel . That was a side of his I always knew was there, but this film brought it right out into the open and that is the Man of Steel's heart of gold. This film is very different from all the other films as a matter of fact, it is a work of art. The film touches on Superman's want to love and care for others. In the moments where he feels the most vulnerable are the moments he wears his heart on his sleeve for all to see. We see his relationship to Lois taken to brand new heights, his caring for his parents and even the urge to save the fallen like his arch nemesis Lex Luthor. Of course we are not without some amazing battles, but even in the bloodshed there is a deep emotion thrown into every punch that Superman throws. The voice cast for this film is amazing. While so many want the regular voices of the DCAU greats, they are not always perfect for the films. Anthony LaPaglia was a perfect Luthor for this film because he was able to show a heartless Lex as well as one who seeks redemption. Christina Hendricks brings a brand new spunk to Lois with her perfect comedic timing as well as her most vulnerable of moments. James Denton could not have been a more perfect Superman for this project. He gave his all to bring out the Superman you see in this film. He gave Superman a heart and made this Superman so real and that is why I think I enjoyed this film.There was a lot of negative feedback about this film so far, but I think it's because in order to love this film, you need to have a true love for Superman. You have to remember all the major factors that made him who he is from his origin story to the legendary quote "Look...up in the sky!" You have to have know, not just the names Clark Kent or Lois Lane, but Christopher Reeve, George Reeves and Teri Hatcher. This is a movie that will lift you possibly make you cry, and make you feel emotions of love, loss and hope. 'All Star Superman', is a film that we Superman fans have secretly been waiting for, because it shows us fans of the DCAU and its creators that there is so much more than can be brought to a superhero besides the powers and flashy costumes. Because under the mask and the symbol, we all share the most important similarity of all, we are all human.Also this was a perfect final project for DCAU writer Dwayne McDuffie who passed away one day after this DVD release. He gave us some of the DCAUs best work and this is couldn't be a better send off.

This is quite a two disc set!Disc one has the main story, All Star Superman. Superman and Luthor clash when Luthor plans to give Superman cancer. This does not stop Supes from making it all go right in saving the planet.Several points of interest: He wants to do a few things before he dies so he gives Lois Lane a super serum so she has powers for 24 hours. He has a hard time revealing his true identity as she says "great that you impersonated Clark." Hilarious.Another point is the Fortress of Solitude -- a doctor friend of his grants it that name. A key that ways many tons and it's under a floor mat!Finally, his run-in with Kryptonian astronauts that want to save the world from the "human apes" but then discover the minerals in their bodies are turning into kryptonite. This is new from Morrison. I never heard of that possibility though it makes sense. These two are never saved either, but are placed into the Phantom Zone. That part of the story ended quietly but no further development.The ending was a bit of a puzzle to me, as Luthor hands over the genetic code of Superman. Were they planning on making a new Superman? Ends on a question rather than give more answers but that can be satisfying to some.And whatever happened to Kandor? Superman stated he found a planet for it to colonize, but they left that plot hole open.I did enjoy Superman's run-in with Samson and Atlas and Superman's handling of the unaswerable question of the Sphinx. Smart guy!Disc two has its positive points too. Two episodes, parts one and two, "Blasts from the Past" about the discovery by a professor of the Phantom Zone and in his experiments finds a woman there who has said her time is up and that she should be released. But when Superman in his kind-hearted way releases her, Marta finds she has powers and that there is no reason why she cannot rule Earth. She releases Jax-Ur, another mad scientist and military genius and off we go! This animated feature reminds me a lot of the original movie Superman II and the release of Kryptonians.Why is it that whenever we meet Kryptonians that they want to take over the planet?Some features that I enjoyed included the interviews with Grant Morrison and Dan Didio as well as the previews for Superman/Batman Apocalypse and Green Lantern Emerald Knights. These are actually "sneak peeks" that don't have the animation in place, but do have the rough sketches and voice actors going through the paces. I always liked original art and this is no exception.The interviews with the producers and writers are really interesting as well. What is their mind-set? This is what I like best about Bruce Timm and his intentions and how that translates into animation.And the Emerald Knights interviews and sketches is great fun. Arisia is the new GL and she's learning about all these stories and new characters in her first visit to Oa, complete with stories about Kilowogg, the martial arts expert Laira and a great Mongo story!The overall package is a five star package, though the All Star Superman main event didn't really end well for me, despite being very entertaining and in line with the original comics series.Recommended.

If anything I feel like this should have been a two-part anthology. In a way that's exactly what the All-Star Superman book was. A story about Superman dealing with his coming what he thought would be his death. He's basically dealing with many different situations in which he's trying to figure out how he is going to prepare the Earth without his presence. There's a lot of story that was missing from this film so it's a bit upsetting that they didn't do the entire story but I am impressed how closely it resembled the art of the comic. Either way it may not be my all-time favorite Superman animated film but it's far from bad.