SUPERMAN DOOMSDAY ORIGINAL ANIMATED FILM ON DVD 9/18/07

[MattBrady]

<i>Press Release</i>

“Movie is The First Ever Animated Superman Project to Be Rated PG-13”

<blockquote>SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 3, 2007 – Warner Home Video, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation are set to release an all-new original movie Superman Doomsday on September 18, 2007.

Utilizing the vast history and tradition of DC Comic’s classic comic book stories along with a more provocative and action-packed story line for avid comic fans as well as kids and their parents, Superman Doomsday features the voices of Adam Baldwin (“Independence Day”) as Superman, Anne Heche (“Men in Trees”) as Lois Lane and James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) as Lex Luthor, and will be available for $19.98. Order due date is August 14, 2007.

Produced by Bruce Timm (Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Animated Series) and written by Duane Capizzi (The Batman, The Batman vs. Dracula), Superman Doomsday is inspired by the best-selling graphic novel of all time, DC Comics’ The Death of Superman. When the intergalactic serial killer Doomsday is unearthed, Superman meets the creature head on in the battle to end all battles. Going punch for punch, Superman finally ends the threat of Doomsday as he throws one last punch and collapses forever – making the ultimate sacrifice to save Metropolis and all those he once loved.

Superman Doomsday will be available exclusively on DVD with collectable packaging as well as over 70 minutes of incredible DVD extras including:

• “The Clash of the Juggernauts” – A retrospective look at the craze which caught the world by storm. What happens when millions of fans are suddenly subjected to

-more-

the death of their favorite character? Total mayhem! Going on record about the “Death of Superman” will be Paul Levitz and other DC staff as well as comic book artists throughout the industry. News clippings, reports and first-hand archival testimony from fans will be pieced together in a retrospective way. The featurette will also include a closer look at the dark Superman appearing in “The Return of Superman” graphic novel. • The Artists Playground…From Art to Sound Design in Superman Doomsday – Producer Bruce Timm and his creative team of writers, animators and designers will take us on an exciting journey of character evolution. This documentary will focus on early character concept drawings, final character art, various stages of modeling, storyboards, animatics, layering of colors, voice talent and ultimately final animation. • Justice League: The New Frontier - Sneak peak of the next DC Universe Original Movie • Defeat Doomsday: Battle Challenge - Battle as Superman to defeat Doomsday in this fast-action, dexterity challenge which lets the users relive the epic battle with unique gameplay inter-cut with footage from the movie. • Widescreen (1.78:1) • 5.1 Dolby Digital

“We are thrilled to be releasing the first of the DC Universe movies that feature extraordinary talent including Adam Baldwin and Anne Heche, as well as the lauded producer/writer team of Bruce Timm and Duane Capizzi,” said Dorinda Marticorena, WHV Vice President, Kids and Sports Marketing. “With an authentic animation look and feel and a more emotional as well as action-packed storyline, Superman Doomsday will certainly appeal to adult comic book fans and older kids.”

Superman Doomsday Marketing Support Superman Doomsday will be supported by a massive media campaign delivering millions of impressions. Marketing support will also include strong promotion support as well as explosive online promotion stunts. Finally, the DVD release of Superman Doomsday will be supported by a network television premiere.

-more-

Superman Franchise Information

The ultimate Superhero is the ultimate global icon:. ? Universal awareness across all age groups ? Combined Superman films have generated over $1 billion in worldwide box office ? Over 35 Superman titles on video and DVD ? Superman comic books in over 40 countries ? 400 licensing partners worldwide

DC UNIVERSE ORIGINAL MOVIES

DC Comics, Warner Home Video (WHV) and Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) began the production and distribution of “DC Universe,” a series of original, animated PG-13 movies in July 2006. This original made for DVD movie is part of the DC Universe series of animated PG-13 films written and directed by acclaimed comic book creators and animators and featuring recognizable talent. WHV will be the exclusive worldwide home entertainment distributor for all DC Universe movies which will include a slate of 2-3 action-packed films per year. Superman Doomsday is the first DC Universe original animated movie. Other DC properties with films in development include Justice League, Teen Titans, Green Lantern, Flash and Wonder Woman.

BASICS Street Date: September 18, 2007 Order Due Date: August 14, 2007 Languages: English, Spanish Subtitles: Spanish

Run Time: 75 minutes approx. Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (1.78:1) Audio: 5.1 Dolby Surround Stereo Color / Closed Captioned Rating: PG-13

Superman Doomsday Original Movie Price: $19.98 SRP / No MAP DVD catalog: #74621

About Warner Home Video: With operations in 90 international territories Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

-more-

About DC Comics: DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC Super Heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics’ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.

Superman Doomsday!, and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.

About Warner Bros. Animation: Warner Bros. Animation has been producing award-winning original animation since 1930, when it released its first cartoon, “Sinking in the Bathtub.” Since then, Warner Bros. Animation’s characters have set the standard for innovative, quality animation. Producing for network and cable television, online, home entertainment and feature films both domestically and internationally, Warner Bros. Animation is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as maintaining the studio’s rich cartoon heritage. Warner Bros. Animation also oversees the creative use of, and production of animated programming based on classic animated characters from the Hanna-Barbera and DC Comics libraries. Warner Bros. Animation is one of the most honored animation studios in history, garnering a grand total of six Academy Awards®, 34 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, a Humanitas Award, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).</blockquote>

[Binker]

Justice League and Teen Titans. Are they referring to the other two DTVs that are beign released next to this? And I guess Wonder Woman, Flash, and Green Lantern beign in development is true.

[SpaceButler]

I have high hopes for these straight to video DC movies. :)

Higher than any Singer Superman sequels certainly. :(

[God-Man]

Adam Baldwin? Of Serenity and Angel fame? And James Marsters too? Holy Crap I can't wait.

[BillReed]

Baldwin and Marsters! ...huh. Intriguing.

[deathshead2]

The voice cast angers me:mad: . But hey not every DC animated project can have the voices from Timm's other projects. But i'll buy this anyway its Timm how could we lose.

[Clem]

Spike vs Jayne??? HOLY SH*T.

Shame it had to be in a movie written by Duane Capizzi. Whenever this guy gets a high profile job, i shudder.

Just gotta keep telling myself - Trust in Timm. Trust in Timm. Trust in Timm....

[StrifeZ]

Memo to Dan Didio:

Bring back Justice Leage. Keep your DTV junk that Bruce Timm undoubtedly bailed out from disgrace.

-Most Comic Fans.

[GohanWinner]

Well, interesting. Adam Baldwin as Superman? Now that is interesting. Don't know that I can quite imagine that, but I do like him, so ok!

Marsters as Luthor is a bit harder to understand though, but, eh.

Looking forward to this, overall!

[Doombug]

Marsters as Lex? :confused: :confused: :confused:

But Braniac....wally....Heh, DC MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!! :p

[sexyjesus]

Christ on a stick!

Man oh man, they are deffinately going all out on this, such a huge push on WB's part. Actors who can act with their voice, Bruce Timm, deluxe DVD treatment and the PG-13 rating all show that they are truly committed to these DTVs. Sure, the writer is quite weak, but all in all, there's some hope. Fingers crossed!

I really want them to do Identity crisis. Since they are going the PG-13 route, it should be a cinch to make. Quite possible the quintessential modern JLA story.

[sexyjesus]

Memo to Dan Didio:

Bring back Justice Leage. Keep your DTV junk that Bruce Timm undoubtedly bailed out from disgrace.

-Most Comic Fans.
Hey, speak for yourself.

You do know Dan Didio has nothing to do with the TV shows or DTVs, right?

[Kolimar]

Yessssssss... :D:D:D:):):)

[POWRSURG]

Produced by Bruce Timm (Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Animated Series) and written by Duane Capizzi (The Batman, The Batman vs. Dracula), Superman Doomsday is inspired by the best-selling graphic novel of all time, DC Comics’ The Death of Superman. When the intergalactic serial killer Doomsday is unearthed, Superman meets the creature head on in the battle to end all battles. Going punch for punch, Superman finally ends the threat of Doomsday as he throws one last punch and collapses forever – making the ultimate sacrifice to save Metropolis and all those he once loved.

Call me crazy, but that can't be right.

[Kolimar]

The Complete List of DC Comics Movies (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61596) :p :D ;)

[Kolimar]

Other DC properties with films in development include Justice League, Teen Titans, Green Lantern, Flash and Wonder Woman.

:) Excellent news. :) :) :)

[Kolimar]

Call me crazy, but that can't be right.

Why not? <ww>

[cyberv]

...If this movie ends with Supes dying, does that mean we could get a couple sequels covering funeral for a friend and reign of the Supermen?

PWEEEEEEZE?

[Kolimar]

Memo to Dan Didio:

Bring back Justice Leage. Keep your DTV junk that Bruce Timm undoubtedly bailed out from disgrace.

-Most Comic Fans.

When did "most comic fans" elect you to be their voice? Do tell. I missed that meeting. It must have been really cool. Please send me a memo next time so I won't miss it again. :p :rolleyes: :p :D

[Kolimar]

...If this movie ends with Supes dying, does that mean we could get a couple sequels covering funeral for a friend and reign of the Supermen?

PWEEEEEEZE?

I think that's the only to do justice to the whole saga. And I'm not alone there, fortunately. :D :)

[POWRSURG]

Why not? <ww>

Because it didn't even make the top 100 sales for last year (meaning no one cares about it anymore), while Watchman is still in the top 10 graphic novel sales 20 years since it was released.

[Kolimar]

Justice League and Teen Titans. Are they referring to the other two DTVs that are beign released next to this?

Yep. The New Frontier and The Judas Contract.


And I guess Wonder Woman, Flash, and Green Lantern beign in development is true.

Undoubtedly.

[Regicidal]

Excellent! Hopefully this new line of DC Animated movies means that the wonderfully designed BATMAN: ASYLUM (http://www.legionsofgotham.org/ASYLUM.html) may go back into production.

http://www.legionsofgotham.org/ASYLUMjokercolor1.jpg

Love that Joker.

[Kolimar]

Because it didn't even make the top 100 sales for last year (meaning no one cares about it anymore), while Watchman is still in the top 10 graphic novel sales 20 years since it was released.

They're probably considering DoS' total sales, not just the trades.

[sexyjesus]

I never knew the Joker had rickets.

[bubba b]

kinda wondering what they're gonna do about Matrix S-girl since they've retconned her out of the DC universe. Will they stay completely faithful to the trade or use the DCU Kara instead?

[ichorskeeter]

kinda wondering what they're gonna do about Matrix S-girl since they've retconned her out of the DC universe. Will they stay completely faithful to the trade or use the DCU Kara instead?

Why must there be a Supergirl at all?

[Spaz_Monkey]

I was at the panel.

i'll go into more detail when i'm not totally f'ing tired, but it's the entire Death, Funereal & Return of Superman, in a 72-minute movie.

Needless to say, they trimmed it a little. Lex is bald, no Matrix/Supergirl, and they're getting rid of all the non-relevant sub-plots that had been developing in the books (clones, Underworld, etc), and STILL are gonna lose a lot to make it fit.

like i said, i'll get into more detail when i can think straight.

[nietoperz]

Memo to Dan Didio:

Bring back Justice Leage. Keep your DTV junk that Bruce Timm undoubtedly bailed out from disgrace.

-Most Comic Fans.

Please don't presume you speak for me on anything.

[nietoperz]

BTW - James Marsters! YAY! :)

[The_Adventurer]

No news about the DC: The New Frontier made for the DVD film they've talked about? :(

[Stazz]

I wonder though what their plans are for releasing it outside the US, because WB's track record for european releases of Batman: TAS Boxsets has been pretty awful. There's only ONE PLACE you buy they from, and they've only got the first two sets out so far. As for the JL/JLU and Superman ones...I don't known anything about what's going on with those.

[wonderfish]

No news about the DC: The New Frontier made for the DVD film they've talked about? :(

There was a little bit, but they were staying pretty quiet on everything but the Superman movie because it's the furthest along. I can't remember a lot of what was said, except for things we already knew, but if you have any particular questions I can try to remember if they were answered.

[Liliaeth]

Well, interesting. Adam Baldwin as Superman? Now that is interesting. Don't know that I can quite imagine that, but I do like him, so ok!

Marsters as Luthor is a bit harder to understand though, but, eh.

Looking forward to this, overall!


Not sure if I could buy Baldwin as Superman, sure he was the best of the Firefly lot, but still, that's not saying much... Marsters as Luthor's enough to get me interested though.

[JimmyO]

I can't wait to see that movie:)

[BornToRun]

If this first batch (Doomsday, Judas Contract, New Frontier) are any good, I hope to see Kingdom Come, Identity Crisis and Knightfall in the near future!

[Sano]

I'm more excited about Judas Contract but this is interesting too.

[Psivage]

Hope the JLA battle is in it.

[Dalarsco]

PG-13? James Marsters!? BOOYA!:D

[God of Roads]

Call me crazy, but that can't be right.


I was thinking the same thing.

Best selling Superman graphic Novel, maybe, but not of all time.

[Uchiha_Prodigy]

Anne Heche as Lois? Eh..I think I'll rent it.

[Clem]

I wonder though what their plans are for releasing it outside the US, because WB's track record for european releases of Batman: TAS Boxsets has been pretty awful. There's only ONE PLACE you buy they from, and they've only got the first two sets out so far. As for the JL/JLU and Superman ones...I don't known anything about what's going on with those.

I got pretty impatient waiting for the sets, so i said f*ck it and imported them from America.

So right now i have all of Batman, Superman, Justice League and the majority of JLU and Batman Beyond. Whereas if i'd waited, i'd probably never have these shows.

Amazon are a life saver.

[Devster]

"...the best-selling graphic novel of all time, DC Comics’ The Death of Superman. " - Really?
Really?

Not Watchmen or something?

[Spider-Man]

Wow.

Even if the movie is subpar, the special features focusing on The Death of Superman will be well worth it.

Though this looks great, seeing as how Bruce Timm is involved.

Can't wait!

Spidey

[POWRSURG]

They're probably considering DoS' total sales, not just the trades.

If they're talking about graphic novels, then no, they aren't talking about total sales but rather just the trades and maybe hardcovers (was there ever one?).

MAYBE it's the fasting selling of a first printing or something?

[Guicho]

No news about the DC: The New Frontier made for the DVD film they've talked about? :(
It says one of the extras on Superman Doomsday DVD will be a sneak-peak at the upcoming New Frontier.
http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b178/GuitchoYojimbo/Green%20Lantern/HalCarolKiss.gif

I heard they showed a trailer for Superman Doomsday at Wonder Con DC DVD panel. Anyone who was there want to share what they saw?
And how is it not on youtube yet?

[sfritz]

I'm more excited about Judas Contract but this is interesting too.

Don't want to throw a monkeywrench in the works here, but I've been led to understand that Judas Contract might go into fourth on the schedule. As to why, because of another project that seems to be moving along a lot more smoothly. Got no idea what that project is, but...

-s

[Gokitalo]

I have mixed feelings about this one. It is Bruce Timm, so the animation will probably be quite nice. Still, it's kind of a shame that they [apparently] aren't going to use any of the voice actors from Timm's previous DC animated shows. Particularly Clancy Brown, who does the perfect Lex Luthor voice. Ah well, maybe some of the voice actors in earlier DCAU shows will be cast into later films.

[The Spirit]

PG-13.:D<Aaaa>

[Andres]

I heard they showed a trailer for Superman Doomsday at Wonder Con DC DVD panel. Anyone who was there want to share what they saw?
And how is it not on youtube yet?
Yah I wanna see this trailer too.

[skl183]

Hopefully this will be better than that Braniac Attacks turd...but my hopes are rapidly dwindling right now.

[CodeGuy]

"...the best-selling graphic novel of all time, DC Comics’ The Death of Superman. " - Really?
Really?

Not Watchmen or something?

It was the first trade paperback I ever bought. I got it in Walmart not too long after the event itself.

So I'm willing to believe this. I'd say it came out when there was still a lot of people who remembered the media buzz on the story. So even if it hasn't continued to sell over the years, it probably got a gigantic sales burst when it first came out.

[majorjoe23]

Anne Heche as Lois? Eh..I think I'll rent it.

You know that Timm has a habit of casting people like the lead from Wings and Bull from Night Court and getting great performances out of them, right?

[Michael P]

Weird that they highlight Baldwin being in Independence Day, considering the smallness of his role. (He was the Secret Service agent who shoots the alien that killed Brent Spiner.) Isn't he far better known for Firefly?

[avery]

Memo to Dan Didio:

Bring back Justice Leage. Keep your DTV junk that Bruce Timm undoubtedly bailed out from disgrace.

-Most Comic Fans.


This is the single most ignorant thing I have ever seen posted on any message board. Do you have any knowledge that Mr. Didio is the head of the dc world of COMICS? He has much to do with the Warner's animation as he does with policy in the Vatican. TO call this junk, when this is one of the major announcements regarding the world of comics for a long time. The fact you call it junk shows you are a trolling piece of garbage that has no knowledge of what you are spouting. So us all a favor smash your key board and get an etcha sketch, you reactionary trolling piece of crap.

A New Frontier cartoon is DTV junk? A Bruce TImm Superman movie without network interference is junk. No sir, your words are junk, and do NOT presume to speak for me regarding comics. Because I am giddy regarding the prospects of these DVD's so go f-ck yourself.

[sfritz]

Weird that they highlight Baldwin being in Independence Day, considering the smallness of his role. (He was the Secret Service agent who shoots the alien that killed Brent Spiner.) Isn't he far better known for Firefly?

He's probably best known for having the last name Baldwin (although he's not related to Alec or the other brothers), but we won't hold his family tree against him as he probably had little choice in that matter.

After that, I guess his next best role would be from Firefly.

And maybe, if we get lucky, Singer will get a hint and hire Adam as the live action Big Blue. He's already pretty tall and cut, clean him up a little bit and who knows? He'd probably blow that Routh guy into the next multiverse. -s

[HourmanLives]

He's probably best known for being a Baldwin, but we won't hold his family tree against him as he probably had little choice in that matter.

After that, I guess his next best role would be from Firefly.

And maybe, if we get lucky, Singer will get a hint and hire Adam as the live action Big Blue. He's already pretty tall and cut, clean him up a little bit and who knows? He'd probably blow that Routh guy into the next multiverse. -s

Gah, Adam Baldwin isn't one of THOSE Baldwins. I made that mistake when I first got into Firefly.

Loved that show :D

[neko85]

Yah I wanna see this trailer too.

Me too! Where is it?!?!?!

[sfritz]

Gah, Adam Baldwin isn't one of THOSE Baldwins. I made that mistake when I first got into Firefly.

Loved that show :D

Yeah...I remembered that as soon as I posted it, and have since corrected.

OTOH...he does have a lot of animation work also under his belt. For instance, he voiced Hal Jordan in JL(U). He's also probably the only non-recurring character to have ever crossed over from JAG to NCIS.

I still say he'd look better in the cape than the current guy though. -s

[Zechs]

I was at the panel.

i'll go into more detail when i'm not totally f'ing tired, but it's the entire Death, Funereal & Return of Superman, in a 72-minute movie.

Needless to say, they trimmed it a little. Lex is bald, no Matrix/Supergirl, and they're getting rid of all the non-relevant sub-plots that had been developing in the books (clones, Underworld, etc), and STILL are gonna lose a lot to make it fit.

like i said, i'll get into more detail when i can think straight.

Ok then if it the entire Death, Funeral, and Return.. then I have only one question.. Cyborg Superman? IS HE IN IT!!?

[nafannataz]

It was the first trade paperback I ever bought. I got it in Walmart not too long after the event itself.

So I'm willing to believe this. I'd say it came out when there was still a lot of people who remembered the media buzz on the story. So even if it hasn't continued to sell over the years, it probably got a gigantic sales burst when it first came out.

Not only was it available at retail stores but It also cost like $5, so I wouldn't be surprised if it sold a ton during that period

[Kolimar]

And maybe, if we get lucky, Singer will get a hint and hire Adam as the live action Big Blue. He's already pretty tall and cut, clean him up a little bit and who knows? He'd probably blow that Routh guy into the next multiverse. -s

Nah, Adam would be a great superhero but not Superman. He's more of the rough, violent, man-of-few-words type. I could see him as somebody like Wildcat or Punisher. :D :) That said, I agree, Routh should be kicked into the next multiverse... :D :D

[artiepants]

kinda weak sauce not to use the classic voice actors, especially Clancy Brown who OWNS the lex luthor role for me...

[Raphe Cheli]

I can see the Death of Superman being the best-selling TP of all time. When that was first released, it sold stupidly well. I was working at a shop at the time, and we had stacks of them, and people were coming in buying multiple copies -- OF A TRADE! This was the era of speculation, mind you. It was cheap, too; $5.95, I think.

Also, this was on QVC -- it was part of that Death/Return of Superman pack that they sold -- and I know that they sold tens of thousands of copies.

Watchmen may eventually catch up, but it never had that amazing initial push.

[vfxdammerung]

I guess I'm the only one who isn't all that thrilled with the prospects of the New Frontier film. Don't get me wrong, the story was ambitious, but the themes behind the story got lost BECAUSE Cooke threw in everything and the kitchen sink. Too many subplots and the big fight at the end seemed anticlimatic at best. It just wasn't as focused as it should've been. I will say that I was surprised to see that the main characters weren't the DC Trinity for once, but instead we got to see a lot of Hal Jordan (though not as GL) and pretty much all of the more sci-fi-y characters in DC, which is nice for a change.

Well, in any event, I hope that DC streamlines the story for the film. Unless they plan to make an entire season out of it.

[sfritz]

Nah, Adam would be a great superhero but not Superman. He's more of the rough, violent, man-of-few-words type. I could see him as somebody like Wildcat or Punisher. :D :) That said, I agree, Routh should be kicked into the next multiverse... :D :D

Go to the IMDB and give some of Baldwin's mug shots. There are some where he's very cleaned up and well dressed. He could make a great live action Big Blue. -s

[kalorama]

Because it didn't even make the top 100 sales for last year (meaning no one cares about it anymore), while Watchman is still in the top 10 graphic novel sales 20 years since it was released.

Doesn't mean anything. The regular sales of graphic novels are generally fairly modest compared to the sales numbers required to land on the overall NY times bestseller list, which the Death of Superman did. Watchmen has enjoyed steady sales over time in a generally low rung sales market. Death of Superman put up huge numbers in one big blast, that would be hard to match.

[kalorama]

Nah, Adam would be a great superhero but not Superman. He's more of the rough, violent, man-of-few-words type.

Go to the IMDB and give some of Baldwin's mug shots. There are some where he's very cleaned up and well dressed. He could make a great live action Big Blue.

Not really. Aside from the fact that he's too old (45), even cleaned up he still carries a certain air of impending violence about him (which I thought played quite well in his role on the final season of Angel).

[silverbolt]

well, as a buffy and angel fan its TOTALLY nothing against Marsters or Baldwin and im totally excited about these projects.

BUT, I'm getting pretty tired of all these animated features with "star name" attraction for its characters.
TV/Movie acting doesnt necessarily = Animated acting.

yes, I know its been proven in the past _some_ people can pull it off, but you know we have NO real cartoon voice actors of this generation? You had the greats of the 60's/70's/80's and then...it kinda stops there. I shudder to think how these voice actors of the 80's and some of the 90's even get good work these days. Noone seemingly wants them unless they're hired to do crappy anime, and even in that they cant give a "performance" its hindered by how much they can say with the 1.5 seconds alotted to the character speaking on screen.

[sfritz]

well, as a buffy and angel fan its TOTALLY nothing against Marsters or Baldwin and im totally excited about these projects.

BUT, I'm getting pretty tired of all these animated features with "star name" attraction for its characters.
TV/Movie acting doesnt necessarily = Animated acting.

yes, I know its been proven in the past _some_ people can pull it off, but you know we have NO real cartoon voice actors of this generation? You had the greats of the 60's/70's/80's and then...it kinda stops there. I shudder to think how these voice actors of the 80's and some of the 90's even get good work these days. Noone seemingly wants them unless they're hired to do crappy anime, and even in that they cant give a "performance" its hindered by how much they can say with the 1.5 seconds alotted to the character speaking on screen.

Hate to throw some stuff on your rant, but using established stars for v.o. work is as old as Bud Collyer, Mel Blanc and Hans Conreid (all established RADIO stars back in the day).

As for Baldwin, he's been doing voice work for over a decade, including appearances in such shows as Project Zeta, Static Shock and such. Sure it would be great to see Maurice LaMarche, Jeff Bennett, Wendy Lee and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn get more work, but those guys keep pretty busy schedules themselves. -s

[silverbolt]

Hate to throw some stuff on your rant, but using established stars for v.o. work is as old as Bud Collyer, Mel Blanc and Hans Conreid (all established RADIO stars back in the day).

As for Baldwin, he's been doing voice work for over a decade, including appearances in such shows as Project Zeta, Static Shock and such. Sure it would be great to see Maurice LaMarche, Jeff Bennett, Wendy Lee and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn get more work, but those guys keep pretty busy schedules themselves. -s

this aint a rant. if you want to see a rant, check out my views on wolverine these days, so my post must have offended you in some way.

I said I LIKED Baldwin. so that whole defense - totally uncessary. I said I know its been proven in the past _some_ people can pull it off, Though he's done Jackie Chan and that's pure dreck, but thats my opinion - hey hes a great actor.

Times have changed though. Theyre selling the star as the marquis instead of the product happen to be having an established star in it. Transformers the movie had great performances by Leonard Nimoy and lionel Stander. However a lot of these CGI movies and Disney movies today get the big crowd by pushing those names rather than what the storyy is actually about. Radio actors acted _with their voice_ in a time where people really didnt know what they liked like. It's only natural they would have been perfect for animation. TV and Movie actors TODAY are not in the same league as radio actors of yesterday, sorry.

[kalorama]

Times have changed though. Theyre selling the star as the marquis instead of the product happen to be having an established star in it. ... However a lot of these CGI movies and Disney movies today get the big crowd by pushing those names rather than what the storyy is actually about. Radio actors acted _with their voice_ in a time where people really didnt know what they liked like. It's only natural they would have been perfect for animation.

The entertainment industry has always used star power as a selling point. The fact that they're still doing it hardly qualifies as a change or anything new.

And just because someone is an established TV or film actor doesn't mean they can't be a very capable (or even exceptional) voice actor. All actors (at least good ones) act with their voices. The Batman, Superman, and Justice League animated shows all used established, well-known TV and film actors in key roles to great effect, most notably Tim Daly and Dana Delaney.

[sfritz]

The entertainment industry has always used star power as a selling point. The fact that they're still doing it hardly qualifies as a change or anything new.

And just because someone is an established TV or film actor doesn't mean they can't be a very capable (or even exceptional) voice actor. All actors (at least good ones) act with their voices. The Batman, Superman, and Justice League animated shows all used established, well-known TV and film actors in key roles to great effect, most notably Tim Daly and Dana Delaney.

I think one of the things I remember pretty well was when a UPA film called Gay Purr-ee made the big screen back in the early 60s. As a kid I was just glad to see a cartoon movie. I didn't know it was directed by Chuck Jones (I didn't realize who Jones was for nearly a decade later). My parents took me because it starred Robert Goulet, Judy Garland and Red Buttons.

And let's be honest, guys like Clancy Brown are established actors in their own right, and I have it on tape where Timm called him the best as Luthor.

Again, would I like to see guys like Billy West get more props than he does? Sure... although I'd be hardpressed to see him as a DC hero (maybe Jimmy Olsen?). When you say Mark Hammill, do you think of Mr. J or Luke Skywalker first?

What's forgotten is while we think of Hans Conreid primarily as a v.o. artist, in his day he was a HUGE radio star. He also had a very established film career. Frank Costello, the original voice of Popeye, was a Broadway star.

As stated elsewhere, it isn't where the actor comes from. It's what they do with the roll. -s

[kalorama]

As stated elsewhere, it isn't where the actor comes from. It's what they do with the roll.

In a nutshell.

[silverbolt]

what if they butter it.

I hate it when they butter their rolls.

[jgphenom]

...If this movie ends with Supes dying, does that mean we could get a couple sequels covering funeral for a friend and reign of the Supermen?

PWEEEEEEZE?
Dear Time-Warner,

As a dedicated DC comics reader and a huge fan of Superman, I hope these words might carry some weight and perhaps steal your attention for a moment or two. I still remember the day I walked into my local comic shop (now closed) for the first time in a few years to purchase my copy of the death of Superman. I say "the first time in years," because I hadn't been collecting comics for a while by then. It was 1992 and I was 15 years old. Way too old for comics.

I remember buying my 2 copies, both sealed with the armband and Daily Planet article inside. I got home opened one up and read it. And read it. And read it. And read it.

It hasn't stopped for me since then. I don't even really count the years before that when I was collecting comics. Sure I was collecting comics back then, but Superman's death was when I started loving comic books.

Now, the reason for this letter is not to tell you about my history with comics. Everyone reading this is reading this because they all feel the same way about comics as I do. I'm writing this to ask you a favor that no one else has asked so far: Please postpone the Superman: Doomsday movie.

Whatever DTV movie DC/Warner produces first will not only have to be a self contained movie within the 72 minutes given, but will probably be an indicator of DC Comics' ability to move their content onto DVD. I ask that you use another movie (perhaps the New Frontier project you're working on) as the first movie and not the death of Superman.

The reason for this is that to be able to do this movie justice to your readership, this movie will have to be done as a trilogy. Now, I'm not a writer, director, producer, or anyone else that knows anything about movies. I'm just a comic book reader with an internet connection reading this forum. But I know what I'd like to watch. I'd like to see a first movie with the death and funeral of Superman, a second movie of the reign of the Supermen, and a third with the return of Superman, Mongul, and the destruction of Coast City. Coast City's destruction might even set up a great Green Lantern movie in the future.

I'm not asking to turn your current project into a trilogy. I know that if your first DVD is a trilogy it might not sell as well as a self contained story. People might not want to make that kind of a commitment if they're not sure if DC DTV will deliver. This is why I ask that this movie be pushed back.

I'm sure that I can't be the only one that shares this sentiment. If anyone reading this letter agrees with me please quote the following line on this board as a show of "signing the petition"

The Superman: Doomsday Trilogy

Thanks for your time and feel free to send me an email if you like.

jorge@2jonline.com

[e_galston]

I have mixed feelings about this one. It is Bruce Timm, so the animation will probably be quite nice. Still, it's kind of a shame that they [apparently] aren't going to use any of the voice actors from Timm's previous DC animated shows. Particularly Clancy Brown, who does the perfect Lex Luthor voice. Ah well, maybe some of the voice actors in earlier DCAU shows will be cast into later films.


um... Baldwin was a JLU voice actor... same with James Marsters i believe...

[Regicidal]

what if they butter it.

I hate it when they butter their rolls.

Heh.

I really like a roll an actor can sink his teeth into, like HAM, a nice hammy roll, good for The Shat.

Dear Time-Warner,

And so on...

down to

Now, I'm not a writer, director, producer, or anyone else that knows anything about movies. I'm just a comic book reader with an internet connection reading this forum. But I know what I'd like to watch. I'd like to see a first movie with the death and funeral of Superman, a second movie of the reign of the Supermen, and a third with the return of Superman, Mongul, and the destruction of Coast City. Coast City's destruction might even set up a great Green Lantern movie in the future.

I'm not asking to turn your current project into a trilogy. I know that if your first DVD is a trilogy it might not sell as well as a self contained story. People might not want to make that kind of a commitment if they're not sure if DC DTV will deliver. This is why I ask that this movie be pushed back.

The Superman: Doomsday Trilogy!


Whuuf... I remember the Death & Return storyline vividly, and it is incredibly overwrought and filled with narrative redundancy.

It could certainly use trimming and streamlining to make sense for consumers of another medium, other than that of weekly (at the time) serialized comic books. Consumers who aren't familiar with all the tightly wound intricacies of continuity such as the Pocket-Universe Supergirl/Matrix for a start. Not to mention most audience members wouldn't know or care about certain elements which, although they may seem significant to the readers of the comics in question, do not serve to move the narrative forward but rather bog it down in unnecessary scenes of exposition.

It would be very easy to fit the basic elements of the story into a 72 min film if one let go of one's love of continuity porn. And the Reign of Supermen would have to come out. Superman's death and return is the real story, and the only reason it took months to tell originally was because they knew they could spin it out over those months and people would lap it up. The story is actually so much simpler than that.

Doomsday arrives on Earth is opposed but unchallenged by all forces except Superman who fights to his last breathe to save his city and the world. He dies as he delivers a knockout blow to Doomsday. So that's about half an hour there. Then we get the world's reaction to his passing, you know the "I thought he was a goofy big blue boy scout but I'm really gonna miss him" etc. Then during an experiment on Doomsday's body he wakes up and escapes from S.T.A.R. Labs and Superman returns from the grave, but in a kind of unrecognizable, soulless grungy 90s take no prisoners mode. He comes back in the Kryptonian battle suit. The two meet up again and fight from midnight to dawn with Doomsday really giving it to the battle suit, really wrecking it up, but as the sun comes up Superman gets the upper hand and just as he is about to deliver the deathblow, he looks at the people around him and remembers that he's not a killer. So he chains Doomsday to a rock and hurls him off into space on an elliptical orbit that he's plotted out which takes the creature out of every inhabited system for millions of years.

OR something like that.

[jgphenom]

No way dude. I have to completely disagree with you. I think that the Reign of the Supermen was one of the most important parts of the entire death saga. If not for the 4 Supermen we wouldn't have Kon-El, Steel, or Cyborg Superman, all of which have played major roles later on in the DCU. That also means that there wouldn't be the destruction of Coast City if there's no Cyborg. That would be a perfect setup for a future Green Lantern/Parallax movie perhaps, and eventually Green Lantern: Rebirth (how awesome would that be!).

If DC is really going to do what they say they are and they're going to focus more on the actual comics readers, they'd be doing a huge disservice to the fans if they leave out what was one of the coolest parts of one of the best stories in comics.

[RocketeerZ]

Does anyone know if the (then) Justice League of Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Maxima, Guy Gardner, Fire, Ice and Bloodwynd appear at the beginning like in the comic?

[Jerkmeister]

I say go for a Superman Trilogy as well. That story rocked, and I liked that idea of a future Green Lantern story where Coast City is abolished. Continuity like that always helps.
As for the "best selling graphic novel of all time debate" i'm kinda skeptical about that as well. I need to see some real figures before I believe the Death of Superman trade was the biggest seller. It won't shock me to bits, that's for sure, but i believe there may be a graphic novel or two that sold more like Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum. Like the Death of Superman, this graphic novel was released at the perfect time, which was right before the first Batman movie. That's why it sold so well, maybe the highest ever. Of course I'm aware that nowadays Spider-man breaks almost all movie records and their comic sales hardly takes a bump. Everyone knows the comics exists and frankly don't give a crap. The merchandising campaign, on the other hand, sells 3 billion products a day.
It's a funny world we live in.
Just remembered another thing. The highest selling comic book of all time was X-men#1, which sold somewhere around 10 million. Superman #75 sold 4 mil, which makes it the second highest selling comic book. That's why I was also skeptical about that remark on Death of Superman graphic novel.