# Superman

> 1978 film by Richard Donner

**Wikidata**: [Q213053](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q213053)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_(1978_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/superman

## Summary
Superman is a 1978 American superhero film directed by Richard Donner, based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Produced by Warner Bros. and Ilya Salkind, it stars Christopher Reeve as the titular hero and is the first installment in the Superman film series. The film was released in multiple countries between December 1978 and February 1979, grossing over $300 million worldwide.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: December 10, 1978 (New York City), December 14, 1978 (Los Angeles), December 15, 1978 (USA), December 26, 1978 (UK), January 26, 1979 (France), January 30, 1979 (Sweden), February 2, 1979 (Netherlands), February 19, 1979 (Japan).
- **Director**: Richard Donner.
- **Production Companies**: Warner Bros., Salkind Company.
- **Country of Origin**: United States, United Kingdom.
- **Budget**: $55 million.
- **Box Office**: $300,478,449 (worldwide), $134,478,449 (domestic).
- **Runtime**: 143 minutes.
- **Awards**: Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film (1979), Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation (1979), National Board of Review Top Ten Films (1978).
- **Preceded By**: None (first in series).
- **Followed By**: Superman II (1980).
- **Related Films**: Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006).
- **Part of Series**: Superman in film.
- **Preservation**: Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry (2017).
- **Website**: https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/superman-movie/.
- **Genres**: Action film, Science fiction film, Superhero film.
- **Cast**: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando.
- **Music**: John Williams.
- **Cinematography**: Geoffrey Unsworth.
- **Editing**: Stuart Baird, John Shirley.
- **Studio**: Warner Bros. Entertainment.
- **Distributor**: Warner Bros.
- **Language**: English.
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.39:1.
- **Sound Mix**: 70 mm 6-Track, 35 mm 4-Track Stereo, Dolby Stereo.
- **Film Gauge**: 35 mm, 70 mm (some prints).
- **Color**: Color (Technicolor).
- **Negative Format**: 35 mm.
- **Cinematographic Process**: Panavision.
- **Printed Film Format**: 35 mm, 70 mm ( Todd-AO 70 only).
- **IMDb ID**: tt0078346.
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: superman.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: superman.
- **Metacritic ID**: superman.
- **AllMovie ID**: mc-superman.
- **AFI Catalog ID**: 7801.
- **BFI ID**: 5d77682a5af944001f1f7710.
- **British Film Institute ID**: 5d77682a5af944001f1f7710.
- **CineChile ID**: 19900.
- **Cine.gr ID**: 883.
- **CineWeb ID**: 25437.
- **CinemaStory ID**: 1671.
- **Ciné-ressources ID**: 1298.
- **Cinémathèque québécoise ID**: 1150.
- **Czech Film Database ID**: 48731.
- **Danish Film Institute ID**: 10639.
- **Filmweb ID**: 10082.
- **HKCinemagic ID**: 19900.
- **Internet Movie Database ID**: tt0078346.
- **KinoPoisk ID**: 88195.
- **Letterboxd film ID**: superman.
- **MovieWalker ID**: 241.
- **OFDb ID**: 7288.
- **Open Library subject ID**: superman.
- **Portuguese Films ID**: 241.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: m/superman_the_movie.
- **SFBg ID**: 1957.
- **Svensk Filmdatabas ID**: 8585.
- **The Movie Database ID**: 1145424147886791780.
- **TV Guide ID**: 1924.
- **WorldCat LCCN**: 82220290.
- **BNE ID**: XX1-9482071.
- **BNF ID**: 12008849.
- **J9U ID**: 987007548432405171.
- **LCCN**: n82220290.
- **NLP ID**: 294004923.
- **SUDOC ID**: 02774434X.
- **VIAF ID**: 316942071.
- **IMDb title ID**: tt0078346.
- **MusicBrainz release group ID**: 5d77682a5af944001f1f7710.
- **Amazon ASIN**: B003GMMXEA.
- **Google Play Store app ID**: com.warnerbros.SupermanTheMovie.
- **Internet Archive ID**: superman_1978.
- **iTunes genre ID**: 33.
- **OpenCine ID**: 10330.
- **TheTVDB ID**: 0aWd-6YGxts.
- **TV.com ID**: MDYZMXSujuo.
- **YouTube trailer ID**: aM5M_uegfG0.
- **Wolfram Language entity type**: Movie.
- **Wikipedia title**: Superman (1978 film).
- **Wikidata ID**: Q267672.

## FAQs
**What is Superman about?**
Superman is a 1978 film that follows the origin story of the DC Comics superhero, from his birth on the planet Krypton to his upbringing in Smallville, Kansas, and his emergence as a hero in Metropolis.

**Who created the Superman film?**
Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Ilya Salkind, the film stars Christopher Reeve as Superman, with Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, and Marlon Brando as Jor-El.

**How was Superman received critically and commercially?**
The film received widespread acclaim, earning a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 68 Metacritic score. It grossed over $300 million worldwide against a $55 million budget, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1978.

**What awards did Superman win?**
Superman won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film (1979), the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation (1979), and was named one of the National Board of Review's Top Ten Films of 1978.

**Why is Superman culturally significant?**
Superman revitalized the superhero film genre, influenced popular culture, and established Christopher Reeve as an iconic actor. It was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2017, recognizing its historical and cultural importance.

**What films are related to Superman?**
Superman is the first film in the Superman series, followed by Superman II (1980) and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006), among others. It is part of the broader Superman in film franchise.

**Where can Superman be watched or accessed?**
Superman is available on platforms like Amazon (ASIN B003GMMXEA), Google Play, and YouTube, with its trailer accessible via YouTube ID aM5M_uegfG0.

## Why It Matters
Superman is a landmark film that redefined the superhero genre, blending action, science fiction, and drama to create a cinematic experience that resonated globally. Its success paved the way for future superhero films and solidified Superman's status as a cultural icon. The film's technical achievements, including its use of Panavision and Dolby Stereo, set new standards for blockbuster productions. As a preservation-worthy film in the National Film Registry, Superman remains a significant artifact of 1970s cinema, reflecting and shaping societal values of heroism and justice.

## Notable For
- **Revitalizing the Superhero Genre**: Superman's success revitalized interest in comic book adaptations, influencing subsequent superhero films.
- **Cultural Icon Status**: Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Superman became synonymous with the character, earning him lasting recognition.
- **Technical Achievements**: The film's use of Panavision and Dolby Stereo enhanced its epic scale and immersive experience.
- **Preservation Recognition**: Selected for the National Film Registry in 2017, acknowledging its historical and cultural significance.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed over $300 million worldwide, demonstrating the commercial viability of superhero films.
- **Awards and Accolades**: Won multiple awards, including the Saturn Award and Hugo Award, solidifying its critical acclaim.

## Body

### Production and Release
Superman was directed by Richard Donner and produced by Warner Bros. and the Salkind Company. Filming took place in the United States and the United Kingdom, with a budget of $55 million. The film premiered in New York City on December 10, 1978, followed by releases in Los Angeles (December 14), the United States (December 15), the United Kingdom (December 26), France (January 26, 1979), Sweden (January 30), the Netherlands (February 2), and Japan (February 19).

### Cast and Crew
The film stars Christopher Reeve as Superman/Kal-El/Clark Kent, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, and Marlon Brando as Jor-El. John Williams composed the iconic score, while Geoffrey Unsworth handled cinematography. Stuart Baird and John Shirley edited the film, which was distributed by Warner Bros. in 35 mm and 70 mm formats.

### Critical and Commercial Performance
Superman received widespread critical acclaim, with a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 68 Metacritic score. Audiences praised Reeve's performance and the film's balance of action and drama. The film grossed $300,478,449 worldwide, including $134,478,449 domestically, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1978.

### Awards and Legacy
The film won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film (1979) and the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation (1979). It was also recognized as one of the National Board of Review's Top Ten Films of 1978. In 2017, Superman was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, highlighting its cultural and historical significance.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 143 minutes.
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.39:1 (Panavision).
- **Sound Mix**: 70 mm 6-Track, 35 mm 4-Track Stereo, Dolby Stereo.
- **Film Gauge**: 35 mm, 70 mm (some prints).
- **Color**: Color (Technicolor).
- **Negative Format**: 35 mm.
- **Cinematographic Process**: Panavision.
- **Printed Film Format**: 35 mm, 70 mm (Todd-AO 70 only).

### Related Films and Series
Superman is the first installment in the Superman film series, followed by Superman II (1980) and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006). It is part of the broader Superman in film franchise, which includes multiple sequels, reboots, and spin-offs.

### Preservation and Accessibility
Selected for the National Film Registry in 2017, Superman is preserved for its historical and cultural importance. The film is available on platforms like Amazon (ASIN B003GMMXEA), Google Play, and YouTube, with its trailer accessible via YouTube ID aM5M_uegfG0.

### Cultural Impact
Superman revitalized the superhero film genre, influencing subsequent adaptations like Batman (1989) and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Superman became iconic, symbolizing truth, justice, and the American way. The film's themes of heroism and sacrifice resonated with global audiences, cementing its place in popular culture.

### Historical Context
Released in 1978, Superman reflected the optimism and idealism of the late 1970s, contrasting with the cynicism of post-Watergate America. Its success demonstrated the potential of comic book adaptations, paving the way for future blockbusters.

### Technical and Artistic Achievements
The film's use of Panavision and Dolby Stereo enhanced its epic scale and immersive experience. John Williams' score, including the iconic Superman theme, contributed to the film's emotional depth and cultural recognition. Geoffrey Unsworth's cinematography captured the grandeur of Superman's abilities and the futuristic world of Krypton.

### Global Reach and Localization
Superman was released in multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Netherlands, and Japan, with localized marketing and distribution strategies. The film's universal themes of heroism and identity transcended cultural boundaries, appealing to diverse audiences worldwide.

### Related Entities and Organizations
- **Warner Bros. Entertainment**: Producer and distributor of the film.
- **DC Comics**: Publisher of the Superman comic book series.
- **National Film Registry**: Selected Superman for preservation in 2017.
- **Saturn Awards**: Honored the film with the Best Science Fiction Film award in 1979.
- **Hugo Awards**: Recognized Superman with the Best Dramatic Presentation award in 1979.

### Trivia and Miscellaneous
- **Taglines**: "You'll believe a man can fly" and "The movie the world has been waiting for."
- **Filming Locations**: New York City, Los Angeles, and Pinewood Studios in the UK.
- **Cultural References**: The film's opening narration, "Up, up, and away," became a catchphrase, and the Superman theme is widely recognized.
- **Sequel Controversy**: Superman II was initially directed by Richard Donner but completed by Richard Lester due to production disputes.

## References

1. FilmAffinity
2. IMDb
3. [Source](http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/superman-1970-3)
4. AlloCiné
5. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/superman-1978)
6. [Source](http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/superman-1970-3)
7. Metacritic
8. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078346/fullcredits)
9. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
10. The Movie Database
11. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
12. Superman: The Movie. Rotten Tomatoes
13. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078346/releaseinfo)
14. Box Office Mojo
15. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078346/releaseinfo)
16. [Source](http://www.sfi.se/sv/svensk-filmdatabas/Item/?itemid=8585&type=MOVIE&iv=Basic)
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078346/parentalguide)
19. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0078346)
20. Kinopoisk
21. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/superman-1/)
22. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
23. Online-Filmdatenbank
24. Bechdel Test Movie List
25. mymovies.it
26. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/14B0-27DF-51DB-E36A-EB35-G)
27. [Superman: The Movie | Superman Wiki | Fandom](https://superman.fandom.com/wiki/Superman:_The_Movie)
28. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
29. TheTVDB
30. Trakt.tv
31. FilmVandaag.nl