Max Fleischer's Superman (DVD)

I will not spend any time discussing the animated genius of these classic cartoon shorts since anyone visiting this page undoubtedly knows that already. However, since there have been many video releases of the Fleischer Superman shorts over the years, I feel it is necessary to clarify what is being offered with this latest edition. Having been considered part of the public domain for decades, these shorts have been issued numerous times on VHS and DVD with varying degrees of quality. The most notable DVD releases have been The Complete Superman Cartoons- Diamond Anniversary Edition released in 2000 by Bosko Video (now Image Ent.), and the Superman- The Ultimate Max Fleischer Cartoon Collection released in 2006 by VCI Video. Later that same year, Warner Bros. officially released all 17 shorts as bonus material split up between the Superman The Movie and Superman II DVD sets, which were also included as part of the 14-disc Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition and the 8-disc Christopher Reeve Superman Collection. WB's offering was unique in that it was the fist time that the Fleischer Superman cartoons were "remastered from superior, original vault elements." The result was more vibrant colors, top notch audio, and minimal amounts of dust and debris. While still far from perfect, it is the best these cartoons have ever looked.This 2009 DVD set is nearly identical to the 2006 WB release, only this time as a separate stand-alone collection and the opening prologue to the "Mechanical Monsters" short corrected. For those who own the 2006 WB release, the only other new inclusion is "The Man, The Myth, Superman" featurette, which explores the archetype of superhuman heroes on the page and screen. The "First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series" featurette, which examines the history of the series, was also included as part of the 2006 release. It should be noted that WB's version has some minor edits to the beginning and ending title sequences (elaborated further in other reviews) that will be more apparent to purists than most buyers. Hopefully, this information unravels some of the subterfuge surrounding the different versions of these cartoons. Several decades after first appearing on the screen, the Fleischer Superman cartoons continue to be a benchmark for outstanding animation and are easily worth adding to anyone's video library.

These beautiful cartoons from the 1940s have been available for years in terrible 'private domain' DVDs. The prints were just awful..scratchy, grainy, too dark, poor sound..etc. They always deserved a great treatment since these 17 theatrical shorts were made with hard working and dedicated animation artists. These cartoons were meant to rival Disney cartoons at the time. An unprecedented amount of money was used to create these shorts. Unfortunately they were short lived, mostly because the Fleischer studios went bankrupt. But the first story (The Mad Scientist) truly shows how much time was spent on these cartoons, particularly when you see the machine explode near the end. The colors are magnificent and, of course, all of it was hand drawn rather than computer generated. What is great about this particular DVD set is that finally these shorts were cleaned up and beautifully restored to the quality the original audiences were able to watch back in the theaters. These same shorts with this quality are also available in the Superman tin collection with all of the Superman films including 'Superman Returns'. But the cartoons are scattered around in two disks with other unrelated special features. It's a pain to fumble around finding them. This DVD set is very inexpensive for what you get and it makes it so much easier to pop in the DVD player and just watch them. That's why I would recommend them even if you have them already in the tin collection. And if you by chance own them in a public domain format, I seriously urge you to throw it away and purchase this set. You will probably be absolutely amazed at the difference, making the older versions practically unwatchable. These are a great treat and finally are given the treatment they have deserved for years.

Kids of any generation, and even adults will probably love these cartoons. They are action-packed and straight to the point. I wish they made superhero movies this way, with a quick intro, and right into the conflict. Lois Lane gets in trouble all the time, but she is always brave and bold. In one episode she is shooting a machine gun at the bad guys, like a Bonnie Parker. In another episode she passes on as a factory worker to find out about a mysterious murder. When she has a chance she is willing to risk her life for her country, which she does against the Japoteers and Nazis. In any case, however, she is always rescued by Superman. Each story centers around the conflict. There is no need for Lex Luthor here; the villains here fit well the role of the mad scientist (a volcano, a loose gorilla, and a dinosaur are sources of trouble in other episodes).The artwork and the musical score in every episode are consistently outstanding. The score adds dynamism to the action.There is one thing I don't understand. There is a warning statement on the box and DVD case which says that these cartoons are "intended for the Adult Collector and ... Not Suitable For Children." I understand the collector part, but I don't see why children can't see this. I would give this a PG because I know there is suggested violence (a hand sinking in a river and there are some fist fights), but nothing in this content makes it unsuitable for children. This is simply entertaining and suitable for anyone who likes good action flicks.

This show is amazing, the animation is great, and Lois lane is a badass in the series. I don't know why this said for " mature audiences and not for kids " .... was Lois to cool and she made the Boy Scout look not as cool to kids?

The shows are superb but as far as I can count the DVD does not include all 17 of the Fleischer's Superman. Disappointing especially since I can get other media for less.

La edición es excelente. Aunque se trata de unos dibujos animados con bastantes años de antigüedad, se encuentra editada con una muy buena calidad de imagen, a pesar de los pequeños defectos que presenta en algunos momentos la imagen debido al estado de conservación del original.La pena es que el Castellano no se encuentra entre los idiomas disponibles.

I have the Bosco version from years ago and enjoy it, but the quality on this edition is far superior and details pop right out that were a bit obsure before. Well worth having!

I think that max and daves fleischers superman is great action its too bad that they only made 17 cartoons