DVD Review: Superman, Doomsday

Superman fans have something to look forward to in the form of the latest animated feature film, Superman, Doomsday. Based on the infamous DC Comics graphic novel, where Superman was killed (a storyline that sent shockwaves through the comic book reading community), Doomsday chronicles a realistic portrayal of what would happen to Metropolis (and the world) if Superman no longer existed.

This is a must have DVD for any Superman fan. Your emotions will run the gamut as you experience shock, dismay, happiness, confusion, and a host of other mixed up emotions. This is a character driven story and the framework for it plays out nicely with the intense and graphic animation available on the screen. Superman Doomsday is more then you will expect, especially when comparing it to the latest slew of Superman animation films prior to its release.

The storyline for Superman, Doomsday follows similarly to the plot of the Superman Comic Books. Superman faces the ultimate enemy, Doomsday. Unfortunately, Superman’s demise is eminent from the get go. Doomsday is the ultimate incarnate of evil. The graphic nature of which this is displayed isn’t suited for kids. If they cried when Bambi’s mother died, imagine their shock when Doomsday takes the antlers of a frolicking deer, twists them, and snaps its neck. It’s gruesome, but necessary to understand the monstrosity that Doomsday represents.

Doomsday unmercifully attacks the people, animals, and buildings of Metropolis. As the protector of the city, Superman returns from a private and hidden rendezvous with his lady love, Lois Lane, who is in the process of getting him to admit who he really is, even though they both know he is Clark Kent. Their time and his confession are interrupted by Doomsday. During the battle, Superman seemingly dies, and the world falls apart in his absence.

This story is as much about Superman as it is about his legacy and what would happen if he dies. Crime rates in Metropolis spike and “fill-in” Superman wannabes try to take the Man of Steel’s place, though the effort to replace Superman is more grim and disturbing then you could expect. This is one dark movie, with the image of Superman getting a makeover as the world (and Metropolis) attempt to deal with the death of a Superhero.

Conveniently, Clark Kent was sent to Afghanistan (well he was supposed to be) and was believed to be lost in the trenches. Of course, both Lois and Clark’s mother, Martha Kent, knew the truth. Clark wouldn’t be coming back to the Daily Planet. Clark had died with Superman because he was Superman. The fact that his identity remained in tact and separate (even after his death) added another, interesting layer to the storyline.

Superman, Doomsday features multiple bonus features. There is audio commentary from the film’s creators and there is also a three part documentary bonus feature (plus prologue and epilogue) called “Requiem & Rebirth: Superman Lives”. This documentary features the DC writers who first created the Superman dies concept for the Superman comic books. A group of writers and editors gathered to devise the plan to kill America’s favorite superhero and not only make it believable but keep it emotional enough to truly get the public into the storyline. As the creators of this story, and those that occurred once Superman died, recant the tale of the inception of Superman Doomday, you learn about the behind the scenes process that was involved in developing this storyline and upholding the integrity of the comic in the process.

Other bonus features on the Superman, Doomsday DVD include trailers for upcoming movies, a featurette looking “Behind the Voice” at the cast of Superman Doomsday, an insider’s look at Justice League: The New Frontier, and Superman’s Last Stand Challenge. Subtitles are available in English for these features and the main film. This film is a goldmine of Bonus Features, so if you buy your DVDs for the bonuses, then you’ll love Superman Doomsday.

This animated film features the voice talents of Adam Baldwin (Superman/Clark Kent), Anne Heche (Lois Lane), James Marsters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Fame (Lex Luthor), and Adam Wylie (Jimmy Olsen). While some fans have complained about Heche’s husky voice for the hardworking, no-nonsense reporter, Lois, I found her voice to be fitting for this film, which had a darker theme giving Lois more edge as a result.

Bottom Line: If you like Superman, can take this film for what it is (a year worth of comics condensed into 70 minutes of film), and you enjoy a well written, character driven story, then this film is one you will want to add to your DVD collection. Otherwise, you might want to wait for the next Superman movie to be released.

Superman, Doomsday was released by Warner Bros. Home Video on 9/18/07. You can find out more about this DVD at the Superman, Doomsday DVD Website.

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Technorati Tags: Superman Doomsday, Movie, Animated Film, Superman dies, Lois Lane, DC Comics

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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
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Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.