I saw all the movies in theaters, Routh did an ok job. But the storyline sucked. I would say out of the movies. 1 and 2 ( Donner's cut), were the best. If they had done away with comedy, and Richard Pryor, in 3 it might of been somewhat better. And have the bad Superman and good Clark Kent seperated longer. Until both realize that one cannot survive without the other, and have be be joined again.
Still seems strange to me that Trevor Howard was in this. From Brief Encounter to the beginnings of superhero franchise movies, quite a varied career.
With the Zack Snyder reboot coming up, does this mean we will have to hear another Superman theme song? He wants his movie to have nothing to do with the original movies...that must mean a new theme song as well? NOTHING can replace this song!!
@DarkMeir Snyder wants too have Superman battle General Zod again. I think they should break new ground and have Supes battle Doomsday, and have Superman dead at the end. Leaving it for yet another movie. Just a thought.
@GokuMcDuck It'll have to be four things to make this series better. The first one was Chris Nolan as Executive Producer, The second one is Zack Snyder as Director, The third piece is a well-written story, and the final piece is finding someone to step in as the role of Clark Kent/Superman. Would you want to see Brandon Routh get a second chance, despite how he did in RETURNS; or would you want Tom Welling to make the transition from SMALLVILLE to the big screen? Who would you want to see?
@Retrofan Tom Welling has spent too long in the shoes of Smallville. The show may be a guilty pleasure at times, but the baggage it carries being written for the 14 and under crowd doesn't do the guy any service when it comes to portraying a grownup $100+ million film version of the man. Smallville's continuity, while cute at times, really shouldn't have a future elsewhere. Every element of the show has been played out and stretched thin almost to the point of self parody.
This is, for me, the gold standard of superhero films. Not before or since has anyone achieved this level of greatness (in the case of all of the Marvel films of late, not even close). And John Williams' theme music is the absolute best.
chris nolan totally reinvented the batman series with GREAT SUCCESS...but when it comes to to Superman...i honestly believe there is no way you can top the Chris reeves series..(with the exclusion of QUEST FOR PEACE)...these films still hold up 32 years later
"Your fate is utterly binding. You will lead this generation as Hawkman once led ours. Although Lex Luthor is your ultimate opponent, you will triumph over him. And when you show yourself to the world...It will be a different age than ours, Clark. A silver age of heroism...that will start when they look up into the sky at you...With hope for tomorrow." - Dr. Fate.
The Superhero lies within all of us...many of us are afraid to reveal our truly great qualities, because we are insecure and bashful, but we must reveal them, proudly, if our children can afford to live and prosper in a glorious future...this current generation needs heroes, badly, because our way of life, and civilization is in peril...may you, rise to the occasion, and carry the torch of heroism...
@Supereyes27 : Indeed, he is a music genius. John Williams also composed the music theme of Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, and Star Wars, among others. He is truly a magnificent music composer of our present times.
@MrsMeowMix Um...thanks for the lesson, I'm sort of aware of that, since I am a fan of John Williams, but actually he did not compose the score for "Back To The Future." It was Alan Silverstri. I believe John Williams' music is the kind of music people should listen to more. Not just rap and rock teenagers listen to, it's just some of them take no interest in who it was behind the movie composing the music. I think in 200 years, his music will be considered the greatest music of all time.
How can anyone not like this? That short theme starting at 5:42 has been one of my all-time favorites of which I will never tire... I think John Williams is the best composer in the last 50 years. His music is timeless.
Say what you will about the special effects or the content of these late 70s Superman films, but this has to be one of the best opening sequences in film history. (This and Superman II) Marlon Brando, Trevor Howard, Terence Stamp, and an incredible score by John Williams. I loved it as a kid, and love it today.
This opening theme song, is so powerful, that it literally brings tears to your eyes...because it's so real, you ask yourself, is Superman really real? Can one man, save the world? When Christopher Reeve was picked to play Superman, that was arguably the greatest coup, in the history of cinema...of all the comic book characters, whether heroes of villains, who appeared on film, Christopher Reeve was the most genuine, I mean, he was...Superman...
All i can say is that would Superman make you feel the way it does without John Williams music?
Think of nearly any major film, with a full orchestral soundtrack and if its amazing, its probably John Williams. Superman, Starwars, ET, Saving Private Ryan, Jaws, Indiana Jones, Jurrasic Park, etc, etc, etc...all John Williams and all with a soundtrack that just makes the movie more special...
Outstanding. All the fancy CG effects now can't really capture the magnificent raw look of this opening. Even the blue title streaks look much better than the 2006 movie. Even the Richard Donner Cut opening titles they tried to emulate this. Close, but this still looks unmatched.
I urge everyone who was/is moved by this movie sequence to quickly start studying on your own as 'crash course' movie writing, directing, producing as I am! Yes these things are hard to understand at first but more you read in short periods of time faster & easier it'll be to understand & become inspired to start projects! Ultimately don't worry about finding actors to cast, after writing EPIC script & posting audition & screentests online for your area local actors will line up. Let's do it!
I suggest all burgeoning directors watch this opening title sequence. Watch the way the director uses EVERY trick available to draw the viewer into the movie and tell the story. The physical aspect ratio of the screen, the tiny sound, the quiet simple narration. Watch how each and every one of those is expanded and then shattered. Quite simply this is a stunning opening title sequence.
I suggest all burgeoning directors watch this opening title sequence. Watch the way the director uses EVERY trick available to draw the viewer into the movie and tell the story. The physical aspect ratio of the screen, the tiny sound, the quiet simple narration. Watch how each and every one of those is expanded and then shattered. Quite simply this is a stunning opening title sequence.
I suggest all burgeoning directors watch this opening title sequence. Watch the way the director uses EVERY trick available to draw the viewer into the movie and tell the story. The physical aspect ratio of the screen, the tiny sound, the quiet simple narration. Watch how each and every one of those is expanded and then shattered. Quite simply this is a stunning opening title sequence.
There was one person who could compose this kind of music and it was John Williams. There was one person who could portray Superman and it was Christopher Reeve.
@FishfilmsInc I heard that too, Actually Reeve's wife, Dana, gave Routh a letter. Approving him of playing Superman. I think Routh still has the letter. I also heard that Producers are looking at making another Superman movie. Routh is still a contender for the part, but they might cast an unknown, like when Christopher Reeve first auditioned for the part years ago.
OMG i remember seeing this when i was 15 years of age in our local Screen one Cinema.In these days of 60" plasma,s and home cinema sound kits, its hard for this generation of kids to understand that the poshest tv in our street at the time was a 28 inch colour tv.So you can imagine how i felt when i saw those titles flying in front of me and the amazing sounds on the big screen,i was completely gobsmacked,and was immersed totally to the movie.Incredible memories,amazing film for its time.
At the 5:12 mark, you're just engulfed in a massive wave of sound...as they show the Director, Richard Donner's name...man, I would have killed to have been at the opening in 1978...both Star Wars and Superman, in their respective theme songs, bordered on the Wagnerian...
The movie is awesome, the theme song IS THE ALL TIME BEST INTRO!!! When was the last time you saw a movie and just by the opening you knew the movie was going to be awesome!
I can't imagine a more perfect opening sequence for Superman.
The music truly makes it. As a kid, it was as if this music gave Superman his power because it moved me so greatly!
The best part of the theme is that , to me, it establishes the feeling that the sun honestly rises just for Superman - our greatest hero, our protector. This theme is worthy of the character and remains the single greatest comic hero theme ever written.
Amazing the opening sequence cost more than movies of its day. $6 million to be exact. Superman and Superman II were shot together for around $120 million total.
@Wh3nYour3Strang3 You mistunderstand, the daily planet in the opening is the Daily Planet of 1938 when the story begins as is the year of the destruction of Krypton, the 70's is supposedly when he grows up, hence the 50's era he's a teenager. Remember the movie doesnt start when he's already a grownup, he's an infant.
@reptomicus It would probably make more sense if I had read the first comic, but to me it's still confusing. Does it skip from the daily planet to Krypton being destroyed in Action Comics #1, or does Superman first appear in Metropolis in 1938?
If it's the latter in the comic, than the throwback has sort of flawed logic in the movie.
I don't think the intro was really meant to be part of the actual story, but an introduction to audiences - to get them into the mood. Remember this was the first real superhero movie with a budget. You had grandparents in the audience who read the 1938 comic, parents who read the comic and watched the films/serial from the 50s (where I think that Daily Planet footage is taken from.) And then the main title transports audiences (of all generations) to the modern day.
@spideyfan2002 "Its easy to understand how these credits were created in Superman Returns (CGI), but how could they do this back in 1978?"
They did it using CGI (CGI did exist in the 1970s, though it was primitive and VERY time consuming, especially if done using raster as opposed to vector).
The sequence was produced by R/Greenberg Associates.
@spideyfan2002 the captions were created using traditional frame-by-frame cel animation under a rostrum camera, and then they were composited onto the background starscape using an optical printer. That's the way all that sort of thing was done in the pre-digital days.
now i like the credits however anybody notice how the credits fly and then for a split second the actual name replaces the credits, impressive i must say how they hid it so well.
The greatest opening credit sequence ever, epic, majestic and heavenly. John Williams has given us many of the greatest film scores over several decades but none he has never topped this one. As for the movie, yup, greatest superhero movie ever. How I feel so lucky to have seen this at the cinema when I was 7. Unforgettable. Thanks for posting
I wasn't really into Superman like that when I was a kid!? But when I was bored out of my wit one day in 1978, I went to go see this movie by myself with nothing else to do. The opening sequence gripped the "HELL" out of me. Awesome opening!!
Back in the days when life is simpler,and i haven't anything else on my mind .but to wonder if superman was real,everytime i watch this as a kid, can't help but wishing that i was back in 1978,and crazily again,grab my towel,and put in on my neck as a cape,and whoosh foolishly think im superman.emotional very emotional memories for me.
The 1st Superman came out in the year 1978, the year in which I was born...one day, when I was a teenager, I was looking through old photo albums, and the picture that brought a tear to my eye, was a picture taken on Christmas Day, 1978, my parents dressed me in a Superman costume, and I was all of six months old...R.I.P. mother, I will always love you...and R.I.P. Christopher Reeve, sir, you were my childhood hero, as well as the hero to millions...
@GemCan78 CHEERIO MY FRIEND....i remember one halloween my mom dressed me as the incredible hulk..green dye and all....no costume my friend.....she has also passed on...so i know what you mean...!!
Wish my parents were as understanding as yours. Curiosly, my dad told me the origin of Superman, and now he doesn't want me to touch anything of fiction.
@GemCan78 Whoa, you make me sad! but also giveing me a little poke, you gotta love those around you while you have them! you never know when you will loose them! i hope your mother is a good place now! Im glad i grew up in this generation!
@GemCan78 Hey I'm really sorry about your mom passed away. This must've been a heart-breaking moment. My condolenses to your precious mom. God bless you.
I have the soundtrack to all 4 movies. The soundtrack to this film has to be one of the best in my opinion. II and III soundtrack were great but the intro to theme in II sounded more like a high school band rather than an actual orchestra.
This theme ranks with the entire soundtrack of Star Wars: Episode IV, The Imperial March, the Jaws Theme, and the Indiana Jones Theme as John William's best work.
@Zoetrope77 But would it be awesome if someone who would resemble Christopher Reeve, physically and the way how he portrayed Superman, that would great, would it?
I was 10yrs old when this movie opened. I stayed in the theater all day just to listen to the opening again and again and again. Still get goose bumps. It was so magical back then. It Never gets old. Now I'm intorducing my 4yr old to it. ,,,,, 8 - ).
Too bad the film itself, (aside from a few parts) was...let's face it...rather tedious...similar to the first Star Trek movie.
Still, it should be lauded in it's intent--to make a 'serious,' credible super hero movie...and it treated the story and characters with great respect.
I saw this movie when it first came out in 1978. I was 8 years old at the time. I'm 40 now. To this day, this is still the best opening credits that I have ever sat through. The graphics are bad ass and the music is very powerful. The stuff of legend.
To this day, this stands as an object lesson in how to make a movie title sequence and theme tune. Still has the same emotional impact on me as it did when I was a kid. Magnificent!
Just for the hell of it, they should make an 80's style movie again. I know this came out in the late 70's, but it feels like the 80's. Maybe it's Richard Donner or John Williams. I wonder if a movie that is made like this can still be a great film today. Just a movie with an imaginative story, great characters, and at least decent special effect, although special effects are the least important thing for a great movie. They could make these movies great today, if only someone would be willing.
@Sweetmervs Don't know who to cast. I'd stick with Williams' original score or get Horner, Howard, or Elfman to compose something uplifting and inspirational. Elfman did a good job with 89's Batman, I bet he could do something less dark also. To cast Superman, it has to be somebody that you can tell is strong both in features and character. That's why the audience loved Christopher Reeves so much. His character more than his looks will make the role perfect.
@Sweetmervs Don't worry, Mayans couldn't predict the end of their civilization, so hopefully they were also wrong about the end of the world. All that matters is that Superman will live again!!!!
@Dale747474 Wouldn't you believe that this was the first movie that I saw when i was a kid way back in 1978? It was the first superhero, that had a awesome soundtrack, a great composer by the name of John Williams, a story with a great lead actor who made Superman the character that he is....
@at1212b Without Superman the movie, there won't be no Batman, Captain America, or Spiderman. The succeeding films still owes their gratitude to Superman...
Many people will laugh at this but in my opinion this is (one of?) the best opening(s) to a film ever made. Due entirely to perfect music and atmosphere.
@oppozed1 You are absolutely right, the music says Superman without lyrics obviously, even John Williams said in the interview he gave that the theme conjures up to the word' Superman'.
@1976bazaar May I add it was the brilliant idea of Ilya Salkind, the son of Alexander Salkind to bring Superman onto the big screen. Correct me if i am wrong. What a brilliant idea to cast an unknown as Superman, the guy being Christopher Reeve. I love how he brought superhero films to the big screen....
I think the other best opening to a movie was The Dark Knight. Heath Ledger played the hell out of the Joker.
Cameronsfx 1 year ago
I saw all the movies in theaters, Routh did an ok job. But the storyline sucked. I would say out of the movies. 1 and 2 ( Donner's cut), were the best. If they had done away with comedy, and Richard Pryor, in 3 it might of been somewhat better. And have the bad Superman and good Clark Kent seperated longer. Until both realize that one cannot survive without the other, and have be be joined again.
hulkster46a 1 year ago
this is the longest intro
lizlizlizzybitch 1 year ago
love superman ahahah
lizlizlizzybitch 1 year ago
What an opening!! Can still remember going to cinema as a child, and being blown away at the start.
stevegiles 1 year ago
Still seems strange to me that Trevor Howard was in this. From Brief Encounter to the beginnings of superhero franchise movies, quite a varied career.
OldSchoolRasslin 1 year ago
Better than Star Wars? I think so!
themoviedudesteam 1 year ago
With the Zack Snyder reboot coming up, does this mean we will have to hear another Superman theme song? He wants his movie to have nothing to do with the original movies...that must mean a new theme song as well? NOTHING can replace this song!!
DarkMeir 1 year ago
@DarkMeir I agree with u man!
blkhwk11 1 year ago
@DarkMeir Snyder wants too have Superman battle General Zod again. I think they should break new ground and have Supes battle Doomsday, and have Superman dead at the end. Leaving it for yet another movie. Just a thought.
hulkster46a 1 year ago
They should release this in imax 3d and just blow people away for 5 minutes with that effect
charmander4533 1 year ago
Knowing 1978, the opening credits probably took 10 million dollars on the spot.
Chocosizzles 1 year ago
12 people need to be burned alive by Superman's heat vision...
wyldchyld76 1 year ago
my 2 favorite openings for a movie superman and star wars... thank you John Williams for everthing.
metalkrush77 1 year ago 2
r.i.p christopher reeve we miss you alot and hope you are in peace now
shannon865 1 year ago
@shannon865 Christopher Reeve is way better then the new Super man Reeve by far
fishhand360 1 year ago
Hope Zack Snyder can rescue Superman after what that hack of Synger did.
GokuMcDuck 1 year ago
@GokuMcDuck It'll have to be four things to make this series better. The first one was Chris Nolan as Executive Producer, The second one is Zack Snyder as Director, The third piece is a well-written story, and the final piece is finding someone to step in as the role of Clark Kent/Superman. Would you want to see Brandon Routh get a second chance, despite how he did in RETURNS; or would you want Tom Welling to make the transition from SMALLVILLE to the big screen? Who would you want to see?
Retrofan 1 year ago
@Retrofan theres a fifth thing: the score
FishfilmsInc 1 year ago
@Retrofan Tom Welling has spent too long in the shoes of Smallville. The show may be a guilty pleasure at times, but the baggage it carries being written for the 14 and under crowd doesn't do the guy any service when it comes to portraying a grownup $100+ million film version of the man. Smallville's continuity, while cute at times, really shouldn't have a future elsewhere. Every element of the show has been played out and stretched thin almost to the point of self parody.
hughJ25 1 year ago
nostalgia of the highest order.. :) :) :)
jaybenny100 1 year ago 2
John Williams rules!
booberry72 1 year ago 2
"....had become a symbol of hope, in the city of the chololate". Anyone else think he said that when they were a kid?....no?.....
JeremyJahns 1 year ago
@JeremyJahns no, but I did think General Zod said "and then one day, your ASS" in the second one... I was nine.
Lyra74 1 year ago
@Lyra74 SO DID I!!!!!! I got soap in the mouth for repeating it how I heard it. Man, the 80s weren't messing around.
JeremyJahns 1 year ago
@JeremyJahns you got that right - sorry you got your mouth washed out XD!
Lyra74 1 year ago
This is, for me, the gold standard of superhero films. Not before or since has anyone achieved this level of greatness (in the case of all of the Marvel films of late, not even close). And John Williams' theme music is the absolute best.
ThreePointOneFou 1 year ago
chris nolan totally reinvented the batman series with GREAT SUCCESS...but when it comes to to Superman...i honestly believe there is no way you can top the Chris reeves series..(with the exclusion of QUEST FOR PEACE)...these films still hold up 32 years later
schwoogie78 1 year ago
I soooo miss the Superman movies starred by Christopher Reeve! He's the BEST SUPERMAN actor for me!
personalkoment 1 year ago
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Superman STILL holds the record for the most consecutive weeks(13!) number one at the box office.
realplayer54 1 year ago 2
This is not the original. It is the one that was reworked. The sound is terrible. The guy who redid the sound made a great many errors.
duckboy36 1 year ago
Greatest movie intro theme of all time, even ahead of "Star Wars"
zl1vette427 1 year ago
When this came out, I was about 4 or 5.
Everything had to be Superman. LOL.
I also used to have the 2 LP set of the Superman soundtrack (the Warner version).
CapPicard 1 year ago
THE GREATEST SUPER HERO MOVIE OF ALL TIME, I LIVE AROUND THE CORNER FROM THE DAILY PLANET BUILDING ITS ON 42nd st between 3rd ave and Lexington.
MrTorreslaa 1 year ago
"Your fate is utterly binding. You will lead this generation as Hawkman once led ours. Although Lex Luthor is your ultimate opponent, you will triumph over him. And when you show yourself to the world...It will be a different age than ours, Clark. A silver age of heroism...that will start when they look up into the sky at you...With hope for tomorrow." - Dr. Fate.
TheAncientdragon1 1 year ago 2
The Superhero lies within all of us...many of us are afraid to reveal our truly great qualities, because we are insecure and bashful, but we must reveal them, proudly, if our children can afford to live and prosper in a glorious future...this current generation needs heroes, badly, because our way of life, and civilization is in peril...may you, rise to the occasion, and carry the torch of heroism...
GemCan78 1 year ago
@GemCan78 I shall do this!
TheAncientdragon1 1 year ago
3:08 to 3:14 has the most beautiful strong score, and most dramatic. How does John Williams do this? John Williams is a genius.
Supereyes27 1 year ago
@Supereyes27 : Indeed, he is a music genius. John Williams also composed the music theme of Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, and Star Wars, among others. He is truly a magnificent music composer of our present times.
MrsMeowMix 1 year ago
@MrsMeowMix : ooops! BTTF is Alan Silvestr's work. Sorry!
MrsMeowMix 1 year ago
@MrsMeowMix oh right.
Supereyes27 1 year ago
@MrsMeowMix Um...thanks for the lesson, I'm sort of aware of that, since I am a fan of John Williams, but actually he did not compose the score for "Back To The Future." It was Alan Silverstri. I believe John Williams' music is the kind of music people should listen to more. Not just rap and rock teenagers listen to, it's just some of them take no interest in who it was behind the movie composing the music. I think in 200 years, his music will be considered the greatest music of all time.
Supereyes27 1 year ago
How can anyone not like this? That short theme starting at 5:42 has been one of my all-time favorites of which I will never tire... I think John Williams is the best composer in the last 50 years. His music is timeless.
sadiehershe 1 year ago
increible, una obra adelantada a su tiempo!
wsagittarii 1 year ago
1:25 to 2:03 one word..........EPIC....
HarryDickus 1 year ago
will we fans ever see an 30 th anniversary where everything is thrown in like exorsist
joeystrab 1 year ago
Opening Sequence best eva no1 can beat this
dugii12345 1 year ago
I can't listen to this theme music enough! I love it! I love the movie.
RemoSC49 1 year ago
Say what you will about the special effects or the content of these late 70s Superman films, but this has to be one of the best opening sequences in film history. (This and Superman II) Marlon Brando, Trevor Howard, Terence Stamp, and an incredible score by John Williams. I loved it as a kid, and love it today.
BadgerinSC 1 year ago 2
yep christopher reeves is the one and only superman! He was my hero as a kid!
badguylar 1 year ago
Still gives me the chills after 30 years.
tommysmalss 1 year ago
This opening theme song, is so powerful, that it literally brings tears to your eyes...because it's so real, you ask yourself, is Superman really real? Can one man, save the world? When Christopher Reeve was picked to play Superman, that was arguably the greatest coup, in the history of cinema...of all the comic book characters, whether heroes of villains, who appeared on film, Christopher Reeve was the most genuine, I mean, he was...Superman...
GemCan78 1 year ago
All i can say is that would Superman make you feel the way it does without John Williams music?
Think of nearly any major film, with a full orchestral soundtrack and if its amazing, its probably John Williams. Superman, Starwars, ET, Saving Private Ryan, Jaws, Indiana Jones, Jurrasic Park, etc, etc, etc...all John Williams and all with a soundtrack that just makes the movie more special...
Duncangafney1 1 year ago 4
Outstanding. All the fancy CG effects now can't really capture the magnificent raw look of this opening. Even the blue title streaks look much better than the 2006 movie. Even the Richard Donner Cut opening titles they tried to emulate this. Close, but this still looks unmatched.
IMDRanged 1 year ago 2
I urge everyone who was/is moved by this movie sequence to quickly start studying on your own as 'crash course' movie writing, directing, producing as I am! Yes these things are hard to understand at first but more you read in short periods of time faster & easier it'll be to understand & become inspired to start projects! Ultimately don't worry about finding actors to cast, after writing EPIC script & posting audition & screentests online for your area local actors will line up. Let's do it!
sraptv 1 year ago
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I suggest all burgeoning directors watch this opening title sequence. Watch the way the director uses EVERY trick available to draw the viewer into the movie and tell the story. The physical aspect ratio of the screen, the tiny sound, the quiet simple narration. Watch how each and every one of those is expanded and then shattered. Quite simply this is a stunning opening title sequence.
rmilewsk 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I suggest all burgeoning directors watch this opening title sequence. Watch the way the director uses EVERY trick available to draw the viewer into the movie and tell the story. The physical aspect ratio of the screen, the tiny sound, the quiet simple narration. Watch how each and every one of those is expanded and then shattered. Quite simply this is a stunning opening title sequence.
rmilewsk 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I suggest all burgeoning directors watch this opening title sequence. Watch the way the director uses EVERY trick available to draw the viewer into the movie and tell the story. The physical aspect ratio of the screen, the tiny sound, the quiet simple narration. Watch how each and every one of those is expanded and then shattered. Quite simply this is a stunning opening title sequence.
rmilewsk 1 year ago
makes my hair stand up !! Great
guyrkp 1 year ago
This was the first movie that my parents ever took me to see when I was about 3 years old... this sequence still gives me chills.
budkin 1 year ago
1978 is when the 80's began. :)
tiecuando 1 year ago
Tom Mankowitz RIP (See the circle around his name)
TIPTON340 1 year ago
There was one person who could compose this kind of music and it was John Williams. There was one person who could portray Superman and it was Christopher Reeve.
scifi75 1 year ago
Even having not been alive when these movies were made, Christopher Reeve is Superman, Brandon Routh wasn't even an acceptable substitute!
spinCITYstation 1 year ago 7
@spinCITYstation actually from what i heard Chris Reeve gave Brandon his "seal of approval" so to speak
FishfilmsInc 1 year ago
@FishfilmsInc I heard that too, Actually Reeve's wife, Dana, gave Routh a letter. Approving him of playing Superman. I think Routh still has the letter. I also heard that Producers are looking at making another Superman movie. Routh is still a contender for the part, but they might cast an unknown, like when Christopher Reeve first auditioned for the part years ago.
hulkster46a 1 year ago
@FishfilmsInc Christopher Reeve died in 2004, so no way that happened...if anything he passed the mantle to Tom Welling when he was on Smallville
DarkMeir 1 year ago
best them of all time.
Rudy62111 1 year ago
OMG i remember seeing this when i was 15 years of age in our local Screen one Cinema.In these days of 60" plasma,s and home cinema sound kits, its hard for this generation of kids to understand that the poshest tv in our street at the time was a 28 inch colour tv.So you can imagine how i felt when i saw those titles flying in front of me and the amazing sounds on the big screen,i was completely gobsmacked,and was immersed totally to the movie.Incredible memories,amazing film for its time.
Raytorious 1 year ago
At the 5:12 mark, you're just engulfed in a massive wave of sound...as they show the Director, Richard Donner's name...man, I would have killed to have been at the opening in 1978...both Star Wars and Superman, in their respective theme songs, bordered on the Wagnerian...
GemCan78 1 year ago
This is still the shite.
Everytime I listen to this, I need to hear it at least 3 more times.
RealVerdad 1 year ago
The movie is awesome, the theme song IS THE ALL TIME BEST INTRO!!! When was the last time you saw a movie and just by the opening you knew the movie was going to be awesome!
avid9900 1 year ago
@avid9900 damn straight..why don't they do intro's like this anymore....
DartsRme312 1 year ago
I can't imagine a more perfect opening sequence for Superman.
The music truly makes it. As a kid, it was as if this music gave Superman his power because it moved me so greatly!
The best part of the theme is that , to me, it establishes the feeling that the sun honestly rises just for Superman - our greatest hero, our protector. This theme is worthy of the character and remains the single greatest comic hero theme ever written.
PimpDragon108 1 year ago
Surely one of the best openings ever........pretty hard to beat, even 32 years on. Time shalt not weary.
stegatops 1 year ago 2
This theme, and Danny Elfman's original rendition of the Batman theme for the first two Batman movies.. Best movie themes ever..
KrylanceOrphen 1 year ago
@KrylanceOrphen UR only partly right...Leave danny elfman out...John Williams music to Superman is perfect. NOTHING comes even close.
UFOSPACE1999 1 year ago
Gives me chills today just as much as it did when I was a kid.
TheWholeYearInn 1 year ago 2
Amazing the opening sequence cost more than movies of its day. $6 million to be exact. Superman and Superman II were shot together for around $120 million total.
supergirl2025 1 year ago
Now THAT'S how to open a movie!!
Animanga25 1 year ago 3
Why can't modern movies have great themes like this anymore?
checkthesouth 1 year ago 3
One thing I never really understood: the movie starts out by saying "June 1938", but later Lex Luthor is listening to Supertramp.
Wh3nYour3Strang3 1 year ago
@Wh3nYour3Strang3 June 1938 is when the first Action Comics featuring Superman was released XD
KrylanceOrphen 1 year ago
@KrylanceOrphen I realize this. The implication of the scene is that the story takes place in the comic. So why is it the 1970s within the narrative?
Wh3nYour3Strang3 1 year ago
@Wh3nYour3Strang3 You mistunderstand, the daily planet in the opening is the Daily Planet of 1938 when the story begins as is the year of the destruction of Krypton, the 70's is supposedly when he grows up, hence the 50's era he's a teenager. Remember the movie doesnt start when he's already a grownup, he's an infant.
reptomicus 1 year ago
@reptomicus It would probably make more sense if I had read the first comic, but to me it's still confusing. Does it skip from the daily planet to Krypton being destroyed in Action Comics #1, or does Superman first appear in Metropolis in 1938?
If it's the latter in the comic, than the throwback has sort of flawed logic in the movie.
Wh3nYour3Strang3 1 year ago
@Wh3nYour3Strang3
I don't think the intro was really meant to be part of the actual story, but an introduction to audiences - to get them into the mood. Remember this was the first real superhero movie with a budget. You had grandparents in the audience who read the 1938 comic, parents who read the comic and watched the films/serial from the 50s (where I think that Daily Planet footage is taken from.) And then the main title transports audiences (of all generations) to the modern day.
arscon 1 year ago
Its easy to understand how these credits were created in Superman Returns (CGI), but how could they do this back in 1978?
spideyfan2002 1 year ago
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@spideyfan2002 "Its easy to understand how these credits were created in Superman Returns (CGI), but how could they do this back in 1978?"
They did it using CGI (CGI did exist in the 1970s, though it was primitive and VERY time consuming, especially if done using raster as opposed to vector).
The sequence was produced by R/Greenberg Associates.
Watcher3223 1 year ago
@spideyfan2002 the captions were created using traditional frame-by-frame cel animation under a rostrum camera, and then they were composited onto the background starscape using an optical printer. That's the way all that sort of thing was done in the pre-digital days.
dunebasher1971 1 year ago
now i like the credits however anybody notice how the credits fly and then for a split second the actual name replaces the credits, impressive i must say how they hid it so well.
DarPower1 1 year ago
@DarPower1 not too well you can see that they are not properly aligned
FishfilmsInc 1 year ago
@FishfilmsInc yeah that too, unlike the superman 2 intro
DarPower1 1 year ago
The greatest opening credit sequence ever, epic, majestic and heavenly. John Williams has given us many of the greatest film scores over several decades but none he has never topped this one. As for the movie, yup, greatest superhero movie ever. How I feel so lucky to have seen this at the cinema when I was 7. Unforgettable. Thanks for posting
theycallmemrglass 1 year ago 3
THIS...is no fantasy...no careless product of wild imagination.
Alfredkickedcock 1 year ago 2
i love this movie granted came out before i was born but it was still a classic dc movie hehe
lordofinsects 1 year ago
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sneakas9 1 year ago
@sneakas9 what?
DarPower1 1 year ago
EPIC MOVIE
DoubleDVDStudio 1 year ago 2
epic opening
iammt00 1 year ago 2
Anyone remember the teaser trailer by the same people who created these credits? All you saw were clouds and titles. The audience CHEERED!
SirSmoldham 1 year ago
I wasn't really into Superman like that when I was a kid!? But when I was bored out of my wit one day in 1978, I went to go see this movie by myself with nothing else to do. The opening sequence gripped the "HELL" out of me. Awesome opening!!
qualifiedtowotk 1 year ago 2
Back in the days when life is simpler,and i haven't anything else on my mind .but to wonder if superman was real,everytime i watch this as a kid, can't help but wishing that i was back in 1978,and crazily again,grab my towel,and put in on my neck as a cape,and whoosh foolishly think im superman.emotional very emotional memories for me.
johnvictor123 1 year ago
Best Superhero ever.
I am not massively into Sci-Fi. But you got to love Superman.
This is a fantastic piece by John Williams.
I find it Stirring, yet in some places sombre and sullen.
He Bill Conti, James Horner and Basil Poledouris (RIP) are the masters.
JONNOG88 1 year ago
The 1st Superman came out in the year 1978, the year in which I was born...one day, when I was a teenager, I was looking through old photo albums, and the picture that brought a tear to my eye, was a picture taken on Christmas Day, 1978, my parents dressed me in a Superman costume, and I was all of six months old...R.I.P. mother, I will always love you...and R.I.P. Christopher Reeve, sir, you were my childhood hero, as well as the hero to millions...
GemCan78 1 year ago 53
@GemCan78 CHEERIO MY FRIEND....i remember one halloween my mom dressed me as the incredible hulk..green dye and all....no costume my friend.....she has also passed on...so i know what you mean...!!
DartsRme312 1 year ago
@GemCan78 you really just made me tear up just now. im sorry. god bless
Metaldog67 1 year ago
@GemCan78
Wish my parents were as understanding as yours. Curiosly, my dad told me the origin of Superman, and now he doesn't want me to touch anything of fiction.
GokuMcDuck 1 year ago
@GemCan78 Whoa, you make me sad! but also giveing me a little poke, you gotta love those around you while you have them! you never know when you will loose them! i hope your mother is a good place now! Im glad i grew up in this generation!
Generalsot 1 year ago
@GemCan78 Hey I'm really sorry about your mom passed away. This must've been a heart-breaking moment. My condolenses to your precious mom. God bless you.
greatguy200 1 year ago
i can honestly hear the name superman while listening to this epic theme
LoneRebelX 1 year ago
Most cars are made by machines. A Rolls Royce is hand made like this movie's special effects. Pure art. And so is this movie.
Michael272727 1 year ago 2
r.i.p christopher reeve
shannon865 1 year ago 2
I still get goosebumps when I see the movie & in no small due to John Williams Musical genius!
NY4Life 1 year ago 3
No matter how many times I watch this I will never get bored! Masterpiece, the movie and theme!
heavendevil111 1 year ago 2
Is it just me or is this thing experienced even better when louder? Hooray for John williams!
DarthBias 1 year ago 2
I have the soundtrack to all 4 movies. The soundtrack to this film has to be one of the best in my opinion. II and III soundtrack were great but the intro to theme in II sounded more like a high school band rather than an actual orchestra.
msmithstud 1 year ago
I remember watching this movie in Germany 1978 when I was a kid. it was awesome!
veeseee128 1 year ago
Now THAT"S how you start a movie!!!
Animanga25 1 year ago 2
I believed a man could fly!
herrwest 1 year ago 3
I'm in tears just from seeing the Action comic!
utterlyviolet 1 year ago
The greatest superhero movie ever made. There will never be another film like this again
supermarioworldE 1 year ago 3
always love the intro! especially love the intro to Superman 2.....!
RaceIsOpen 1 year ago
I saw this when I was a kid in the theater & and it was so exciting I thought my head was going to explode!
PuffLippy06 1 year ago
great movie for its time... and still impressing today's generation
ferrucciog 1 year ago
This theme ranks with the entire soundtrack of Star Wars: Episode IV, The Imperial March, the Jaws Theme, and the Indiana Jones Theme as John William's best work.
JustPhilNY 1 year ago
my favorite super hero....
sardiussandoval 1 year ago
@sardiussandoval Iron Man is officially now my favorite. ;)
JustPhilNY 1 year ago
I thought Brando was great as the Godfather and Supermans father. This was a classic movie from 1978!
calimar28 1 year ago
Massive goosebumps all over my fucking body every time I hear this!
smith22ful 1 year ago 19
@smith22ful me too!!!
Metaldog67 1 year ago
This is what's it all about. Right here.
leggsgreggs 1 year ago
I'm not a fan of 3D but I'd love to see this in that format!
Zoetrope77 1 year ago 2
@Zoetrope77 But would it be awesome if someone who would resemble Christopher Reeve, physically and the way how he portrayed Superman, that would great, would it?
Sweetmervs 1 year ago
I did the 3d text in 3d for my college project might post it on my other channel when I can find it
Lordmandis 1 year ago
Anyone other than Richard Donner attempting to make a Superman movie should be immediately super-kicked.
xpander2k 1 year ago
I was 10yrs old when this movie opened. I stayed in the theater all day just to listen to the opening again and again and again. Still get goose bumps. It was so magical back then. It Never gets old. Now I'm intorducing my 4yr old to it. ,,,,, 8 - ).
Thank you, Mr. John Williams
Hixboy67 1 year ago
Such perfect tear-inspiring opening credits. A masterpiece. Such weight and gravitas. The epic feeling of going to the movies.
I can't praise this sequence enough.
asafindy 1 year ago
THE BEST opening for any movie. Ever.
MrMarius32 1 year ago
Great opening.
Too bad the film itself, (aside from a few parts) was...let's face it...rather tedious...similar to the first Star Trek movie.
Still, it should be lauded in it's intent--to make a 'serious,' credible super hero movie...and it treated the story and characters with great respect.
johnnyphoenix74 1 year ago
@johnnyphoenix74 How could you say that? Are you mad at the producers of the Superman movie?
Sweetmervs 1 year ago
@filmfantastic0. this is only to let you know.
Sweetmervs 1 year ago
I saw this movie when it first came out in 1978. I was 8 years old at the time. I'm 40 now. To this day, this is still the best opening credits that I have ever sat through. The graphics are bad ass and the music is very powerful. The stuff of legend.
TheDrewRobertsShow 1 year ago 2
To this day, this stands as an object lesson in how to make a movie title sequence and theme tune. Still has the same emotional impact on me as it did when I was a kid. Magnificent!
JimSting 1 year ago
this set the standard for superhero movies, period
dnasty312 1 year ago
John Williams music gives me goosebumps!
bigpopparamma 1 year ago
Sayyyyyyyyyyyyyy Jimmmmmmmmmmm, that's a bad outfit - woooooooooooo
moh1612 1 year ago
hopefully mgm wont take this one down, used to have 1 in my fav, was removed forcopyright bs
gta41978 1 year ago
Just for the hell of it, they should make an 80's style movie again. I know this came out in the late 70's, but it feels like the 80's. Maybe it's Richard Donner or John Williams. I wonder if a movie that is made like this can still be a great film today. Just a movie with an imaginative story, great characters, and at least decent special effect, although special effects are the least important thing for a great movie. They could make these movies great today, if only someone would be willing.
Dale747474 1 year ago
@Dale747474 If Superman the man of steel get rebooted, who would you pick as Superman? And who would you like to compose the soundtrack of Superman?
Sweetmervs 1 year ago
@Sweetmervs Don't know who to cast. I'd stick with Williams' original score or get Horner, Howard, or Elfman to compose something uplifting and inspirational. Elfman did a good job with 89's Batman, I bet he could do something less dark also. To cast Superman, it has to be somebody that you can tell is strong both in features and character. That's why the audience loved Christopher Reeves so much. His character more than his looks will make the role perfect.
Dale747474 1 year ago
@Dale747474 In 1983, the Salkinds wanted to bring Brainiac to the bring for Superman III but WB did not allow it. Now what do you call that?
Sweetmervs 1 year ago
@Dale747474 I know that Superman will be rebooted on the bring screen with a Dec 2012 release date. Now is that a coincidence???
Sweetmervs 1 year ago
@Sweetmervs Don't worry, Mayans couldn't predict the end of their civilization, so hopefully they were also wrong about the end of the world. All that matters is that Superman will live again!!!!
Dale747474 1 year ago
@Dale747474 I don't believe that world will end on Dec 2012. It's still to difficult to believe...
Sweetmervs 1 year ago
@Dale747474 Wouldn't you believe that this was the first movie that I saw when i was a kid way back in 1978? It was the first superhero, that had a awesome soundtrack, a great composer by the name of John Williams, a story with a great lead actor who made Superman the character that he is....
Sweetmervs 1 year ago
Great!!
ocarrillom 1 year ago
Thanks very much uploading the opening credits. They really knew how to do things BIG back then!
BlakeVII 1 year ago 2
Epic on a Unversal scale. Meaning only the Universe can compare to a score and intro like this.
They really do not make em like they used to.
at1212b 1 year ago
@at1212b Without Superman the movie, there won't be no Batman, Captain America, or Spiderman. The succeeding films still owes their gratitude to Superman...
Sweetmervs 1 year ago
Story by
Mario Puzo ?!!!!!!!! 4:28
alguien888 1 year ago
Story by
Mario Puzo ?!!!!!!!!
alguien888 1 year ago
Many people will laugh at this but in my opinion this is (one of?) the best opening(s) to a film ever made. Due entirely to perfect music and atmosphere.
thesubtleface 1 year ago
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thesubtleface 1 year ago
MAY I SAY... TIMELESS??
1976bazaar 1 year ago
Pure genius. Even though the music has no lyrics you can almost hear it say Superman in places.
oppozed1 1 year ago
@oppozed1 You are absolutely right, the music says Superman without lyrics obviously, even John Williams said in the interview he gave that the theme conjures up to the word' Superman'.
moh1612 1 year ago
@1976bazaar May I add it was the brilliant idea of Ilya Salkind, the son of Alexander Salkind to bring Superman onto the big screen. Correct me if i am wrong. What a brilliant idea to cast an unknown as Superman, the guy being Christopher Reeve. I love how he brought superhero films to the big screen....
Sweetmervs 1 year ago
Timeless.
jayce79 2 years ago 2
Timeless.
xlapj001 2 years ago 2
No , it's timeless.
jayce79 2 years ago 2
No , it's timeless.:)
xlapj001 2 years ago
For the love of Pete! I mean it's timeless.
jayce79 2 years ago 2
btw, who likes superman 4 ? i do. special effects were shitty but so good !
zecle 2 years ago 3
Story was ok, but yeah the special effects where really dragged through the mud.
kaleluk31 2 years ago
If John Williams didn't win an Oscar for this music or even an nomination, he should have.
TheCoastalPirate 2 years ago 11