Superman: Doomsday [Blu-ray] Review
And that very thing happens in Superman: Doomsday, the first in a line of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. With Batman: Under The Red Hood on its way to home video Tuesday, I'm looking back at the previous seven DCU films.
Based on The Death of Superman storyline of the early '90s, this first entry feels a little rushed. The story flows very well but I can't help but feeling that Bruce Timm could've made it longer. There is no written rule that Direct to Video movies must be seventy five minutes or less (evident when they get to Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. I can understand consolidating the Superman impersonators into the clone but the other DC heroes should've made an appearance at the funeral as they did in the comic. Though the way Superman finishes off Doomsday in the movie is far more effective than how it was done in the comic (they just fight til they die). I really think they should've held off of this particular adaptation for awhile, seeing as how they had already done a "Death of Superman" two-part episode in Justice League and had incorporated Doomsday into that show as well (though his threat is not as big compared to this movie) so we're treated to almost the same exact story. Also the updating of the story to present times, what with Clark going to Afghanistan, is superfluous and unnecessary, they could've left the story in the nineties.
The animation is great (it's Bruce Timm, what else do you expect) but my main gripe is the actual character models. They are clearly based on the animated series models but with slight alterations (such as those stupid lines on Superman's face and the fact that Lex's face looks like it might be a mask). Some were radically different than their original counterparts, such as Mercy Graves (but it looks like she hasn't got a nose in many shots except a side shot of her looking at Luthor) and Toyman yet his original animated series counterpart is far more disturbing and psychotic.
The voice casting is alright (Andrea Romano has never failed us yet) but in my opinion, they could've done better. Adam Baldwin is good at Superman/Clark Kent but not as memorable as Tim Daly or George Newbern. Some deliveries feel flat and boring but he does deliver in the end. Anne Heche is good as well but again, not as memorable as Dana Delany. Heche doesn't have the spunk that her predecessor had but when the scene between her and Martha proves that she is worthy in the role. James Marsters gives Clancy Brown a run for his money. His Lex is psychotic and he seems to have a need to have Superman around, for without him, Lex has no purpose to show off his genius. The other cast members I'll give my quick opinion on; Ray Wise is great as Perry White but his scenes are too short to get an impact. Adam Wylie just furthers my dislike of Jimmy Olsen, he comes off as a jerk when he leaves the Daily Planet and even when he joins Lois, its too late for me to really care if he returned or not. John DiMaggio is funny as the new punk Toyman, a shame that his appearances are too brief. Tom Kenny is good as the Robot, having him inflect a subtle humor and proves that Kenny isn't always annoying in the characters he voices. And lastly is Swoosie Kurtz and Cree Summer; Summer puts on her usual voice that makes her recognizable but that's also a bad thing. Her voice is too recognizable from what she uses in her other work that she doesn't make Mercy her own when compared to Superman: TAS. Swoosie Kurtz is featured briefly but she did a good job with Martha, making her feel emotionally vulnerable after the death of her son and her bonding with Lois.
Not a bad start to these line of movies but to add swearing and more violence should not be the reason to make these PG-13. The story must feel more mature and the extra violence and swearing should come naturally from it. This clearly could've been at least PG.
Superman: Doomsday [Blu-ray] Overview
The most shocking showdown in Superman history! When Lexcorp accidentally unearths the intergalactic serial killer Doomsday, Superman battles the creature head on in the fight of his life...literally. The world collectively mourns their fallen hero; humanity realizes it will never feel truly safe again. Superman's enemies rejoice all but Lex Luthor, who grieves the loss in his own demented manner, setting off a chilling chain of events that even he couldn't have foreseen. Inspired by the bestselling graphic novel of all time, DC Comics' The Death of Superman, this feature-length animated adventure boasts exciting action sequences that rivals anything you've ever seen starring the Man of Steel.
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Customer Reviews
Terrible - V. Do - Orange County, CA
I know this is not a comic book, so I won't review it based on a comic book reader's perspective. Based solely as a "movie" even for an animated one, its simply terrible. It seemed like the director/ writers couldn't make up ther collective minds to make a kid's film, or for young-adults, and the end result was a bad attempt at both, while accomplishing to satisfy none.
For example, there were sexual innuendos in the dialogue that just wasn't appropriate for children. However, the overall story is just way too simple to satisfy a more mature audience (the fight scene between Superman and Doomsday took up basically two thirds of the movie). For what is supposed to be "The Death Of Superman," one never quite feels the tension. Worse, how Superman comes back from the "dead" was not very creative at all. The explanation was just way too convenient.
I find it hard to describe this as a "movie." First, it looked nothing different from the regular animated series on tv, except the awkward need to add cheeckbones to the characters' faces. The same lazy animation of boxy faces and figures are still there. Secondly, it just doesn't feel like a movie. It felt more like an extended regular episode.
Overall, Superman: Doomsday is a monumental waste of time. It's simply nothing more than a movie studio's excuse to sell something... anything.
Great punching, but lacks the emotional impact - Isaac J. Mahoney -
This was a decent adaptation of a famous graphic novel series. The film cuts out a lot of the convoluted and unnecessary bits from the comics, but it also misses some of the best parts. For example, the movie leaves out when Doomsday ferociously tears apart the entire Justice League, leaving Superman the only hero standing. Superman is not the only guy around, but the only one with the strength and will to stop Doomsday. Without Doomsday vs the entire League, we're unable to witness the contrast. The comics also featured the entire Justice League mourning the death of Superman. Without these heroes fighting Doomsday or mourning Superman's death, the film simply cannot provide an emotionally resonant funeral. Sorry Jimmy Olsen, but your tears just don't compare to Batman's tears.
I didn't mind that they basically boiled down all 4 of the "Supermen" into one character, but it could have been handled better. Perhaps if the returning Superman was Cyborg, it would have presented a stronger antagonist. The end fight is pretty good though, I really enjoyed that. Ultimately, Superman: Doomsday hits the target but lacks the depth to make it really great.
I Love you Superman. - I Love Yahweh Yeshua Christ! - Brooklyn, New York
I have to say first that I love Superman for he is my childhood SuperHero. I personally like this movie that is why I gave it four stars. Second I think that is could have been better though in that it could have been more similar to the Superman Comics. I would have love to see Supergirl in it in any case I do recommend this video for rent and/or Buy. I love you Superman!
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