Superman: Red Son (Blu-ray)

This film is excellent, and it is actually about what it is about: Superman landing in Russia during the Soviet Union's reign, and it is made with class and distinction. This movie has action, but the action is actually Secondary to the Story, which for an action-superhero film is often rare. The combat compliments the story because it shows the lengths that both sides were willing to go to achieve Their goals, and even though using a lot of pseudoscience and fictional science, especially for the intended time period, it does show many atrocities that both sides are responsible for, even more so today. There are some very disturbing scenes in this film, and it does have a lot of altered history and preferences of characters, with a meme of "what is a man" thrown in, but it is still one of my personal favorites of the DC Movie universe. It also ends idealistically instead of "good guy wins by beating up the bad guys," which is also rare. Superman: Red Son is an introspection on the line between what makes a leader, a leadership and the leadership principles, and an oppressor or oppressive governance.

Awesome movie. If you like DC animated movies of Superman, you'll definitely enjoy watching this movie. You won't be disappointed.

If one were to create a list of the best Superman stories ever written, chances are one would find 2003's Red Son upon it. Written by Mark Millar and published as part of DC Comics' Elseworlds line, it told the tale of a Man of Steel who landed not in Kansas but the Soviet Union of the Cold War era. It's no surprise then that, after the success of the animated adaptation of Gotham By Gaslight, that Red Son would receive such a treatment. Now out on streaming and physical media, how does this Red Son hold up as both an adaptation and as the latest entry in the long-running DC Universe Animated Original Movies series?

From a voice casting perspective, Red Son certainly had things in its favor. Jason Issacs would seem an unlikely choice for Superman at first glance. But as this Superman, the product of being raised in the Soviet system and who goes from propaganda tool to ruler, he is a superb choice. Issacs' performance, as well as the animation, wonderfully captures the trajectory from an idealist to Communist dictator with a growing sense of weariness and, finally, realization. It's an incredible performance and one that anchors the entire movie nicely.

Like with many of the movies in the range before it, Red Son has a wealth of voice talent bringing it to life. Amy Acker nicely plays a different take on Lois Lane than audiences might have expected, as does Diedrich Bader as Lex Luthor, here portrayed with many of his objectionable traits intact even as he becomes the representative of the American way. Vanessa Marshall returns to the role of Wonder Woman and delivers a potent and intriguing version of the character, as does Roger Craig Smith as the Soviet Batman during the middle third of the movie. Elsewhere, the cast is nicely rounded off by the likes of Phil Morris as James Olsen and Winter Ave Zoli as the Lana Lang character. There are even a few real-world Cold War-era leaders who appear, including William Salyers as Stalin, and Jim Meskimen as JFK, which helps in neatly evoking the period. It's a solid cast, to be sure, one which once again highlights one of the strong points of these movies after more than a decade.

Having talked about the cast, what are we to make of the script from J. M. DeMatteis? Unquestionably the task of adapting the critically acclaimed three-issue miniseries into an eighty-minute movie in an unenviable one. Changes would inevitably have to come, ones which would risk losing what made the original Millar comic such an incredible read. And how did DeMatteis equip himself?

In some places, handsomely. Many of the characters are here, from Superman himself to the likes of Lex, Lois, and the Soviet Batman, even if details change a bit along the way. There are echoes, if not always direct lifts, of incidents as well, including the first meeting between Superman and Lois or the knock-down-drag-out fight between the Man of Steel and this insurgent take on the Dark Knight. There are changes, some like those surrounding James Olsen and Wonder Woman, less obvious ones to make, yet ones which add to the piece more often than not.

Where DeMatteis is perhaps less successful is in how he condenses things. Possibly because of the hour and twenty-minute running length, the film also shortens the timeline of the comic. Instead of taking us from the 1950s into the early 21st-century, the animated Red Son sets its events over roughly three decades, sometimes portraying major events in quick snippets of action that loses the connective tissue found in the comic. Whereas things like Justice League: The New Frontier have proven capable of doing this without leaving glaring holes in the narrative, this one isn't quite so successful, especially with the Brainiac subplot that grows with importance in the final act. On the topic of the conclusion, there is a pivotal moment between Superman and Lois that ends up becoming lost and slightly repurposed, robbing a powerful moment of its power. Elsewhere, Millar's final twist (suggested to him by Grant Morrison of All-Star Superman fame) is left out entirely, leaving a gaping hole at the end.

Are those fatal flaws? Not at all. Indeed, one wonders if those unfamiliar with the source material would even notice them. As someone who often says how important it is to judge screen versions as much on their own merits as anything else, it's worth noting all the strong points of it, including Issacs' superb Superman and the voice cast as a whole. But it's one that, while good, should have been great, though it remains immensely watchable all the same.

Sam Liu’s 2020 film “Superman: Red Son” follows as screenplay by comics writer J.M. DeMatteis adapting the 2003 graphic novel of the same name by Mark Millar, Dave Johnson, Andrew Robinson, Walden Wong, and Killian Plunkett. As one of DC’s Elseworlds tales, it changes Superman’s (Jason Isaacs) origin so that his Kryptonian rocket landed in the Soviet Union rather than the United States. In an interesting twist, the story’s alternate history effectively follows the publishing history of Superman, with him likely arriving on Earth in 1938 so that he is a young boy in 1946, when the film begins. The story them moves forward to sometime in the late-1960s or early-1970s. Like his comics counterpart, Superman is at heart an optimist who wants to believe the best in everyone. Where he traditionally filters his beliefs through the lens of U.S. democratic and capitalist views, this film shows him interpreting the world based on Soviet socialist ideals. For example, when he learns of Joseph Stalin’s (William Salyers) gulags, he executes Stalin for betraying the Soviet people, becoming the new Soviet leader.

The story offers alternate versions of characters, with Lex Luthor (Diedrich Bader) being a U.S. industrialist and avid Cold Warrior. Lois Lane (Amy Acker), his wife, is a reporter who also works to reach Superman and show him his failings. Lex gets some of Superman’s DNA in order to make a clone, dubbed “Superior Man” (Travis Willingham), that takes the place of this world’s Bizarro. Wonder Woman of Themyscira (Vanessa Marshall) meets Superman in her capacity as ambassador, initially hoping to help him achieve his utopian goals, though she remains doubtful of men’s ability to move past their aggression. Batman (Roger Craig Smith) opposes Superman, hating him for the people he’s hurt in order to achieve his utopian vision. The story is one of the most interesting examinations of the Man of Steel, showing how he can offer inspiration even in the darkest times.

The story takes on further timeliness given the current issues with Russia, while the film’s writers include references to modern events. For example, Superior Man launches his attach with the phrase, “America first.” Further, in using Wonder Woman to show how every system – capitalist/democratic or socialist – remains patriarchal, the writers evoke modern responses to fourth-wave feminism with Superman’s half-hearted reply to Diana’s criticism with, “Not all men.” My only complaint is that the film condenses the ending, featuring a far more optimistic vision than the complicated, messy transition of the comics. Further, it leaves out the predestination paradox of the comics’ ending that made it particularly poignant.

Bonus features include the “Phantom Stranger” short, with Bruce Timm adapting John Broome, Carmine Infantino, and Sy Barry’s hero in a story set amid the 1960s fears of hippie cults. The documentary short, “Cold Red War,” balances historical discussions of the Cold War with a discussion of how comics generally reflected Cold War concerns in the era and how Mark Millar, Dave Johnson, Andrew Robinson, Walden Wong, and Killian Plunkett adapted those issues in their comic. It also examines how Cold War issues have come back into the public consciousness since the comic appeared in 2003, shaping the course of this film. Other bonus features include a motion comic version of Millar & Johnson’s comic, a sneak peak at the animated “Justice League Dark: Apokolips War,” a preview of “The Death of Superman,” and a preview of “Batman: Gotham By Gaslight,” the latter two of which both came out in 2018. Finally, the bonus features include the two-part 2003 episode “A Better World” from “Justice League,” which features an alternate Earth where Superman kill President Lex Luthor, forming the Justice Lords and ruling over the Earth. The Justice League crosses the dimensional boundary, where the Lords take their place in the main DC animated world. Ironically, the League must get Luthor’s help in defeating the Lords.

All is well

An enjoyable, yet forgettable DC elseworlds video. It's basically a what if story. What if Superman had landed in the Soviet Union instead of the USA. It was OK, but the graphic novel was so much better. One thing that bothers me is that for some reason the Hammer & Sickle is OK to show, but nobody has the guts to show a Swastika. Both represent equally evil ideologies, but for some reason one is OK to show in public.

Sickness seriously need more animated films it'll be fair he still has way more movies in comparison to the likes of Green lantern and Wonder woman especially Wonder woman. Honestly I'm more ashamed over the fact that there aren't as many flash films either. The fact that suicide squad happens to have a movie before the flash is disgrace but that's not really the point of all this. This mad story has been something I've been hearing about for a while and despite my sudden particular thoughts of its writer I've heard a lot but things about it so it was definitely worth getting.

Superman: Red Son was an interesting Elseworlds story and the animated adaptation is great. I will say I enjoyed the ending to the film much more than the one in the story.

Película imprescindible para los seguidores y fans de Superman.

Super Film, geniale Story und mal etwas ganz anderes als das was man kennt.

Revolutionary Heroism Unveiled: "Superman: Red Son MFV" (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Combo Pack)

Get ready to witness an alternate reality where the Man of Steel takes a different path with "Superman: Red Son MFV" in breathtaking 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital. This animated gem is a thought-provoking exploration of Superman's legacy in a world reimagined.

Visual Brilliance in 4K

The visual feast is beyond compare! The colors, the details – everything pops off the screen in stunning 4K, immersing you in a world where everything's turned upside down.

A Tale of Alternate Realities

This isn’t your typical Superman story; it's a mind-bending twist on the familiar narrative. Imagine a world where Superman's moral compass leads him down an unexpected path – it's a bold exploration of what could have been.

Intriguing Characters in an Unfamiliar World

The characters? They’re familiar yet different, adding layers of intrigue to the storyline. Superman's altered choices create a captivating narrative that challenges perceptions and sparks curiosity.

Voice Acting Mastery

The voice cast does justice to this alternate reality, breathing life into characters who have taken different paths. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to this reimagined world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Superman: Red Son MFV" (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Combo Pack) isn’t just another animated film; it's a journey into uncharted territories of heroism. With its visual brilliance, thought-provoking alternate reality, intriguing characters, and stellar voice acting, it's a must-have for fans craving a thrilling exploration of Superman's legacy in a world where the script is rewritten.

"Superman: Red Son MFV" in 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital isn’t just an animated feature; it's an alternate reality that challenges perceptions of the iconic hero. The visual splendor and narrative depth make it an enthralling and thought-provoking experience for fans of Superman's legacy.

Als die hellste Leuchte wird der Mann aus Stahl ja selten dargestellt und das ist auch bei diesem Szenario das Problem und seine wohl größte Hybris. Stärke macht scheinbar und real arrogant und führt dazu einiges zu übersehen.

Das Szenario ist ein Superman der UdSSR, der nicht die Werte der Demokratie und des amerikanischen way of life schützt, sondern die Werte des Kommunismus. Dabei erkennt er erst spät das System das er unterstützt, um es dann durch ein eigenes zu ersetzen, welches nur scheinbar besser ist. Sinnbildlich ist dafür die Aufhebung der Gulags durch Einführung von Gedankenkontrolle und ein Batman, der keine Skrupel kennt.

Das Szenario ist interessant und durchaus gut mit bekannten Charakteren gefüllt und erzählt. Es zeigt die menschlichen Abgründe und wohin totalitäre Ansichten führen. Bild und Ton sind gut, die Sprecher wirken im deutschen motiviert und besser als in manch anderem DC Animationsfilm. Eigentlich ist der Film für sich eher eine 3 - 3,5 .. aber das neue Szenario wertet den Film für mich etwas auf. Definitiv kein Fehlkauf für die DC Sammlung. Aber auch kein Kracher.

Dazu kommt auch eine gute Länge, die sich nicht lang anfühlt.

Nouvel ajout à ma collection de DVD DC Comics, arrivé sans encombre. Hâte de le voir !