As early as age five, I began creating my own comic books, one of the first featuring Superman (yes, dating myself…). It involved him flying, encountering three aliens on a boat, landing, and defeating them. The End. My mother transcribed the dialogue I dictated. I didn’t realize the “S” adorned Superman’s chest until much later, after repeatedly drawing those shield squiggles before even understanding what an ‘S’ was…
Truly exceptional live-action Superman movies are a rare breed – in fact, there’s arguably only one: Richard Donner’s Superman – The Movie from 1978. The re-edited Donner-cut sequel had the potential to be superb, but unfortunately, it diverged into a scattered and ultimately subpar film. The third and fourth installments are best left undiscussed (although I admit to a youthful fondness before developing more discerning tastes…). After the fourth movie starring Christopher Reeve (1952-2004), a near 20-year cinematic drought ensued. Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns (2006) emerged as a commendable homage to the initial films, with Brandon Routh delivering a noteworthy performance. Regrettably, the film’s overall quality was lacking, leading to anticipation for Zack Snyder’s take on the Man of Steel. Disappointment followed, mirroring the destruction of Metropolis in Man of Steel’s protracted and underwhelming CGI battle. While Henry Cavill’s portrayal of the hero in blue, yellow, and red wasn’t inherently flawed, the films themselves faltered, culminating in the widely criticized Justice League…
So, why this extended prelude when the subject is an animated Superman movie? Because The Death and Return of Superman achieved something unseen since Superman – The Movie: it evoked genuine empathy for the characters! This film combines two separate movies: The Death of Superman (2018) and Reign of the Supermen (2019). Unfortunately, this amalgamation proves detrimental. The extended runtime (nearly 3 hours) exacerbates the disparity in quality, with Reign of the Supermen paling in comparison to the masterful The Death of Superman. I would have preferred a standalone release of the first part.
This is not suitable viewing for young children, as Superman endures a particularly brutal ordeal. The violence is intense, almost requiring a pause for breath. The final, poignant moments of Superman’s life are genuinely heartbreaking. Superb voice acting and direction converge to create a scene far surpassing Superman’s demise in Batman v Superman. Shedding a tear during an animated movie, yet feeling nothing during live-action, underscores the filmmakers’ missteps in Batman v Superman, while highlighting the potency of animation.
As The Death and Return of Superman progresses, the narrative trajectory becomes predictable. Unfortunately, the second part is considerably less compelling. The emotional depth and nuanced performances dissipate, replaced by a somewhat contrived and protracted storyline. Knowing Superman’s inevitable resurrection diminishes the impact of the second act, rendering it a drawn-out waiting game. This significantly detracts from the overall experience.
The voice acting is exceptional, as previously stated. Following my request for more Rainn Wilson as Lex Luthor in my Batman Hush review, this film delivered precisely that. While I’ve expressed reservations about Jerry O´Connell’s portrayal of Superman, even he proves effective, and the dynamic between him and his wife, Rebecca Romijn, as Lois Lane, is remarkably well-executed.
The Blu-ray edition offers the expected visual clarity associated with digital animation, and the sound design is fully realized. The impact of Doomsday’s strikes against Superman reverberates powerfully, with the bass shaking the room. The included extra material is commendable, featuring a lengthy Superman documentary and two shorter, well-produced documentaries focusing on the movie. Previews for other DC animated films are also included.
In conclusion, this compilation represents both the best and worst of DC animation. Combining the movies proves detrimental, as they would have been more impactful individually. The added scenes are insufficient justification for merging the two films under a title that reveals a major plot point. Therefore, I cannot fully endorse The Death and Return of Superman. However, I strongly recommend the first part, as it ranks among the finest examples of DC animation.
