Replica Props - The Green Crystal...

Easily the most recognisable and iconic prop from the movie series - Star Wars designer John Barry's conception that Krypton was a world forged from Crystal would also be utilized as the basis of their technology. A staple of the comic mythos today, the crystals (now named Sunstone Crystals) and the use of symbols to denote Kryptonian clans were nonetheless introduced by the movies.
Replicas of Jor-El's gift to his son have been prevalent for some years in the form of resin castings. These, while adequate, are traditionally not based upon actual props but a generic close-enough design and often identifiable by rough and/or bubble-filled casting.
The replica above has been cast in a very limited run in REAL crystal and is a direct copy of the prop used by Christopher Reeve in his scenes from Superman II. From my collection...

Hot Toys - Custom Marlon Brando as Jor-El...

With the breaking news that the licence for the 1978 Superman Movie has been aquired by action-figure titan's Hot Toys - their announcement that Christopher Reeve will be getting the DX (Deluxe) treatment will be the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream by fans all over the world.
In light of the upcoming release this winter - the pictures above showcase Hot Toys earlier release from the Superman Returns licence - Marlon Brando's Jor-El.
Forging a reputation for unbeatable quality and detail in their figures, its no suprise Hot Toys are regarded as market leaders and responsible for elevating the action-figure into an art-form. From articulation to life-like headsculpts and an incredible array of accessories, the ever-expanding portfolio contains a variety of licences from movies to military to popstar.
With the aquisition of rights to Brando's likeness after his death in 2004 - Hot Toys produced both a 50's and Godfather version before suprising fans with a perfect recreation of Superman's father. With the licence restricted to his posthumous appearance in Returns, Jor-El was adorned in his white Kryptonian robes but sporting a Returns style 'S' crest on his tunic. I sought to accurize mine to reflect his appearance in Superman; The Movie by amending this. Now that Hot Toys has dedicated themselves to producing more from the franchise, can a Jor-El re-release in his black trial robes be far away...?
From my collection.

Superman IV Deleted Scenes - The Metro Club...

Shot on location in London's Hippodrome nightclub in 1986, these scenes with Christopher Reeve and Mariel Hemmingway were the prelude to the battle with Nuclearman I. According to the script Clark Kent not only manages to jump a Newlywed couple past the queue but then sweep Lacy Warfield literally off her feet by levitating whilst in a clinch.
Allegedly the only reason for the lack of the footage inclusion in the Superman IV; Deluxe Edition DVD was the lack of music copyright which has since been rectified. UK pop group Re-Flex provided tracks for these scenes which was finally released in its entirety in the Superman; The Music Boxed Set. Hopefully in future a Blu-Ray release will reinstate it and the deleted scenes will be complete...

UK Cinema Campaign Books...

In an age before the digital press pack, these magazines would be distributed to Cinemas in advance of release. Containing the Movie synopsis, cast info, competions and Ad. Slicks of varying size they would also be the source of ordering posters and 10x8 photographs. Increasingly scarce due to their fragility and the fact they were usually disposed of after use - this complete set is in excellent condition. From my collection.

Intimate Portrait - Movieum Of London Exhibit...

A truly incredible and unique display - this intracate life-size creation was on loan from Stephen lane's (of the Propstore of London) personal collection to the Movieum Of London (now renamed the London Film Museum) last year. Not only is the reworked portrait of Christopher Reeve generated from one of Stuart Freeborn's few surviving life-casts but the costume is 100% original and one of the finest examples still in existence today. Worn by Reeve in no less than the alleyway change scene in Superman II, among others, the costume is ideally preserved on a custom mannequin and standing proudly in the great halls of the Movieum, a breathtaking and eerie experience to behold. The detail evident in the images above were so revealing I was able to compile arguably the most definitive article to date about the Superman costume hosted exclusively here on Jim Bowers' incomparable capedwonder.com where you can see more from my shoot on the day...

Tom Mankiewicz, 1942 - 2010....

A rare interview from the Starlog yearbook with the 'Creative Consultant' who only recently recieved full & true recognition for his work. Chances are you've seen most of the pictures he's contributed to without even knowing - especially if you are a Bond fan. Tom has a special place in the hearts and minds of all Superman fans and we salute him...

Variety Trade Ads - Announcing....

You have to hand it to the late Alexander Salkind. Only would an old-school producer of his calibre would use seven pages of Variety to announce Superman III was being prepared. These print ads have been lightly touched in an effort to present them as they were originally intended. From my collection!