Superman IV: Islands Edition
2020 REDUX now available!
WATCH ONLINE (LOW RES): https://vimeo.com/177177407
WATCH/DOWNLOAD (HI RES): https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aKQMsdlAeRjEGKHlDwINjT0rVo7g0GnQ
I’m very happy to present a new version of Superman IV: Islands Edition, cleaned up and with additional footage! Now at 75 mins., this version is more polished and includes an upgrade to the Tornado Scene with a better laserdisc transfer. I also added portions of the “Clark’s Morning” and “Superman’s Sickness” deleted scenes, as well as an end credits sequence. Up, Up and Away!
ARTICLE: https://www.supermanhomepage.com/august-1-2016-superman-iv-the-quest-for-peace-fan-edit/
2020 version NOTES:
Restored portion of “Clark’s Morning” deleted scene
Restored some Lenny Luthor moments for pacing
Upgraded the “Battle in Smallville” (Tornado scene) with higher quality footage (many thanks to Diego for his help)
Restored “Superman’s Sickness” deleted scene
Added post-credits scene between Superman IV logo and WB logo
Various minor trims and audio edits throughout for pacing and flow
2016 version NOTES:
Deleted Lex Luthor and Lenny introduction
Deleted Lenny Luthor dialog throughout, where possible
Deleted Clark and Lacy discussing nightlife/Metro Club story
Restored “Superman’s Visit” deleted scene
Deleted Kryptonian elder repeating “Betrayed!”
Deleted mind-wipe kiss
Trimmed Nuclear Man emerging from the sun
Trimmed Nuclear Man/Lex first encounter
Deleted “No Pain, No Gain” scene
Trimmed the "Double Date” scene, removing telekinesis
Inserted portion of “Lex Ponders” deleted scene
Restored “Battle in Smallville” (Tornado) deleted scene
Trimmed fight sequences in space
Trimmed Great Wall of China scene, removing telekinesis
Trimmed “Metropolis Mayhem” scene, removing telekinesis
Deleted “Lunar Battle” and “Lights Out and On” scenes
ORIGINAL POST (2016):
I wanted to make SIV into a movie worthy of the rest of the series. I’ve always felt there was enough there, in the existing film and a couple deleted scenes, to make it shine with some creative editing. Everything about Reeve’s performance and some of the major action sequences, like the missile roundup, Statue of Liberty and Around The World Chase, are fantastic! The filmmakers included some mind-numbing stuff that really derails a compelling, challenging Superman story. Without these, the movie becomes a taut 72-minute adventure packed with action and emotion.
I cut out what I considered to be “embarrassing” or needless elements, i.e. most of the Lenny Luthor dialogue, the endless fingernail shots, the scratch-fight in space, other needless exposition (“I will hurt people!”), and bad special effects (wires, telekinesis stuff). Removing those elements from Nuclear Man in particular makes the character more menacing and explosive. The battle in the Metropolis streets is shorter but more powerful.
There is also a shift in Lois’s story that doesn’t just affect this film but the entire series. Instead of being used for support and then mind-wiped once again by Superman, I removed the mind-wipe and end the flight scene with Superman saying simply “Thank you.” This changes the context for the later sequences with Lois and Clark. Also, in removing the mind-wipe, it later implies a semi-tragic twist: Superman loses the memory of his re-reveal to Lois. The memory loss is a byproduct of the Nuclear Man-induced sickness. I did not intend this at the outset.
Other things I cut were sequences and moments that were just not “Superman” to me. I was amazed at how little they impacted the plot. Those included:
-the entire workout sequence, especially when Clark throws weights at the bully
-any telekinesis or otherwise broken powers (mind-doorbell, rebuilding-vision used on the Great Wall)
-anything after leaving the elevator on the moon. I just don’t believe Superman would be so careless and not seal the elevator.
This also eliminates the “breathing in space” scenes and Superman destroying/killing Nuclear Man, with Superman instead imprisoning him on the “dark side of the moon”. The base line for this logic is still well above the original.
On the other hand, I added comparatively little. Sequences added from deleted scenes include:
-Superman responds in-person to Jeremy. I love this scene, no idea why it was cut. It shows even more how Superman struggled with his decision.
-The Battle in Smallville/Tornado sequence, with full effects, from Japanese laserdisc. I downloaded this from Vimeo, as I could not find a higher quality version online. I have no idea why it was cut and no idea why the full version wasn’t included on the Deluxe Edition DVD that I have.
The only liberty I took with sequencing was adding a small segment of Lex talking about being “Unable to reach the ‘son’,” and mockingly saying “Father!” during the Apartment scene. I looked at this as a reference to events in SII and Lex’s violating the Fortress memory banks. It also gives Superman a chance to change back into Clark, under the cover of Lois’s confidence.
I present here a lighter, leaner version of Superman IV that I hope everyone can enjoy and love as a great Superman story.
WATCH ONLINE (LOW RES): https://vimeo.com/177177407
WATCH/DOWNLOAD (HI RES): https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aKQMsdlAeRjEGKHlDwINjT0rVo7g0GnQ
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