Synopsis:

Superman III is the final entry in a trio of films made by the Salkind family. In it some of the most spectacular segments involving the Man of Steel are presented. If you saw this one a long time ago, allow yourself to revisit this particular entry. It's quite funny and Christopher Reeve puts in another outstanding performance! Anyway, the plot goes like this: August Gorman (Richard Pryor) is a man in search of income. Every position he's had has lasted only a couple of hours and the end result is another visit to the unemployment office. Having run out of options, he seeks employment with a computer firm where he finds his true calling. Gus not only knows computers, he KNOWS computers inside and out. Something like a hidden talent. Sadly, his pay once again reflects less than Gus feels he's entitled to and he finds a way to supplement his income from the coffers of the Corporation he now works for. Needless to say, his new-found wealth attracts the attention of the owner of the business and a dismal and often-comedic alliance is the end result. What is it that every power-mad evildoer wants?…More power! And The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (Robert Vaughn) is no different in his desires for total global economic domination. As usual, Superman presents a problem to these would-be-Global Emperors, and thwarts their every move. Realizing his inability to defeat the Man of Steel using conventional methods, Vaughn has Gorman create the one substance that can destroy Superman…Kryptonite. In a feindishly devilish plot to slay the Man of Steel, Gus while impersonating a Four-Star General, presents the Green crystal to Superman as a gesture of "thanks" from a grateful nation. Once in contact with the crystal, Superman develops aches and pains which result in a Split Personality if you will and Superman becomes a blight on society rather than the cure for its ills. The resultant fight for the "soul" of Superman is nothing short of incredible and worth seeing the film for on its own. Superman III has a charm all its own and is definitely worthy of your attention.

Audio/Video:

The audio for Superman III and indeed for all of the films except the first is a poor representation of what the audio could and should sound like. The first film has a remastered and brand new 5.1 mix that blows away every previous incarnation of the film. The mixes for Superman II, III & IV are DD2.0 channel wastes. Chapters 22 & 38 do have a bit of aural excitement but on the whole the listening space is dull and under used. The Video for the film looks rather great. The colors are well saturated and the print is very well transferred. I did notice a few scratches at the start of the film but other than that the transfer was excellent.

Extras:

The extras on this disc are confined solely to the trailer for the movie and Spartan cast and crew information.

Overall:

Superman III has just as much fun as II did and is made all the better by Richard Pryor's comic presence. The storyline while very predictable was extremely enjoyable. The first three films in the series are undoubtedly the best. Not having seen this film in close to 10 years, I have to say; watching it again in 2001 was a hoot! The absolute key to the success of these films is Christopher Reeve. He really makes it look as though he's flying for real. From take off to landing, he's dead on and after watching him; you'll really believe that a man can fly! Recommended