Superman 2 - Donner version - Claude Abraham

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Superman 2 - Donner version

I just bought the new Superman 2 Donner cut DVD last night and viewed it. In a nutshell, I really liked it. If you are an avid Superman fan as I am, you will want to add this DVD to your library.
The version we've known for the past 25 years is apparently the "Lester version". About 70% is Donner footage, with the balance shot by Lester, from what I understand surfing the web. This new version is all Donner, as he would have done it, had not he been discharged, as I understand it.
I don't want to reveal any of the new material, but I'll assume that you've already seen the original Lester version many times. Also, some of you, as have I, have seen the ABC 1984 extended version on TV which included outtakes. I'll mention those, as they are old news.
Most of it is the same as the original. I was apprehensive about this DVD when I first heard of it, fearing that it would be incomplete and/or disjointed. To my surprise, the story progressed very well and was complete. This version has footage never seen before. The following Lester scenes were NOT in the Donner cut:
The terrorists' H-bomb in the Eiffel tower.
Lois jumping into Niagara Falls figuring that Clark would rescue her as Superman. Instead she tries another scheme before the Falls trip in Metropolis which you'll see for yourself.
Clark tripping over the bear on the floor of the Falls honeymoon suite, his hand immersed in the fire with no injury revealing to Lois his Superman identity. Again, Lois finds out another way.
Superman flying overseas to gather food for dinner at the Fortress with Lois.
Superman's mother's holographic image.
The three super villians in the cafe in Houston, Idaho where Ursa (Sarah Douglas) challenges a local to arm wrestling saying "Let's just hold hands", then slamming his arm into the table.
The struggle between Superman and the villians when they find his fortress including Superman's disappearing stunt.
Superman carrying the U.S. flag, returning it to the White House, and assuring the President that he won't let him down again.
Other scenes were done differently. How Clark Kent got re-powered after earlier being de-powered is covered more extensively.
The DVD includes deleted scenes, but not all of the scenes from the ABC 1984 extended telecast. Apparently some of the ABC 1984 outtakes were Lester's. The outtakes on the new DVD were apparently Donner's only. That's what I suspect. Does anybody know about these scenes? I have a recent DVD of the original Lester version, and it offers no deleted scenes. Maybe an extended Lester version will be forthcoming, and incudes these extra scenes. More money I guess.
Outtakes from ABC 1984 NOT on this DVD, from memory are as follows:
On the moon, the villains look to Earth, when Zod proclaims "finally to rule", and Ursa adds "men to kill!" She really hated men.
In Houston Idaho, a villain throws the red light from the police car at a young boy, apparently killing him.
After the villains are de-powered, the Artic Patrol (Alaskan State Troopers maybe?) takes them into custody.
Overall, a great flick, well worth buying. One thing I caught was one or two brief close-ups of Ursa just as she prepares to kick a man to death. The smile on her face showed the pure joy she gets inflicting cruelty upon men (she's not so fond of women either, telling Lois "What an undemanding male this 'Superman' must be.") A guy can look at Sarah Douglas and overlook the fact that Ursa is *pure evil*.
Is it "better" than Lester's original version? I don't know. After 25 years of seeing the original, a dozen or more times, I was anxious to see a new version. Had Donner's been first, I would welcome Lester's, as they are both very good. Best regards.

Claude

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Topic - Superman 2 - Donner version - Claude Abraham 16:06:20 12/13/06 (2)

The Lester version is Vastly superior... - RGA 04:31:49 12/15/06 (0)

yes it is better - laznos 20:34:16 12/14/06 (0)

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