Superman 4: The Quest for Peace
WARNER HOME VIDEO - 11757



STATS
Widescreen (2.35:1) Anamorphic, Color, CC, Dolby Surround 2.0, Languages: English, French, Subtitles: English, French, Chapters: 29, Running Time: 90 mins., Rated PG, Price: $19.98



VISUAL
Another excellent transfer in the SUPERMAN series. Colors are extremely vivid with no film grain (except for special effects multiple layered sequences). This is probably the cleanest transfer of the 4 SUPERMAN films – probably because it’s the newest.



AUDIO
This is a tame and rather bland 2.0 (MONO) Surround mix with little attention to the Rears. Don’t expect too much going on up Front either. The dialog is Centered and music and a nominal amount of effects are panned across the Front three locations. Bass response is also minimal. I can’t say if this was a 6-track release, but if it originally was, then WB screwed up yet again presenting this as a 2.0 mix.

Below, 3 deleted scenes from the film.


EXTRAS
Theatrical Trailer. (Oh, wow!)


Disc

Behind the scenes shot.


PRESENTATION
The original theatrical artwork is presented on the front of the infamously terrible “snapper” packaging. WB has out done them selves with sloppiness by using a photo on the back of the packaging from a deleted sequence in the film. WAY TO GO GUYS! As with all snapper presentations, Scene Selections are on the front inside cover.

Below, more deleted scenes from the film.


SIGHTS AND INSIGHTS
It is immediately obvious this fourth entry in the SUPERMAN series was helmed by different Producers. The vast sets and grand settings are abandoned reflecting the smaller budget, and accentuating the overall inferior production values. Even with all this going against it THE QUEST FOR PEACE is still entertaining and even harder to judge simply due to the fact it’s been so badly cut to a mere 90 mins. These extra, or deleted scenes, have long become the stuff of legend due their effects leaden content. Some have popped up on local TV stations, in syndication (as here in NY). Others simply haunt the fans in still images and photos (as on the back of the DVD packaging. WB did the same with a different photo on the laser edition years ago.) What SUPERMAN IV lacks in visual and production design it overflows in story with a powerful, if not taboo, theme of political ramifications planted in reality – nuclear disarmament. It was a daring attempt that was both courageous and disastrous. Hopes to pull in an adult audience, and at the same time turning off those expecting lighter more fantasy oriented fair – an interesting mixture to say the least and a perfect “quest” for the man of steel.

REVIEW by Scott Michael Bosco©



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