Superman: Doomsday

Superman: Doomsday is a feature-length, animated, straight to DVD release loosely based on the 1993 comic book series The Death of Superman. The original storyline has been adapted and abridged in order to suit the movie, losing much of the emotional depth of the source material in favour of simplicity and action. When Lex Luthor (James Marsters) accidentally unleashes Doomsday, an unstoppable alien berserker, the world is in great peril. Superman (Adam Baldwin), on a romantic weekend getaway at the Fortress of Solitude with Lois Lane (Anne Heche), is called to battle the destructive creature. When the two clash on the streets of Metropolis, Superman's strength and endurance are tested to their limits. When Superman perished in the comic book series it was major international geek news. The public was, at that time, told that the Man of Steel was really and truly dead. Superman: Doomsday does not mirror that tension, the audience is always fully aware that Kal-El is coming back to save the day, negating the shock and worry that there will be a world without Superman. The simple animation style of Superman: Doomsday is similar to the televised DC cartoons, giving the impression that this "movie” will soon be appearing on your local cable outlet. The above average "Requiem and Rebirth” bonus feature is a "behind the scenes” glimpse at the creative process behind the 1993 comic book storyline and is worth a look for fans. There is also a "Superman’s Last Stand Challenge” DVD game that is more frustrating than fun as you bash the buttons on your remote control. Other than the "Requiem and Rebirth” feature, I’m not sure if even hardcore Superman fans will enjoy the Superman: Doomsday DVD. The abridged storyline will surely frustrate connoisseurs of Kal-El’s trials and tribulations. I recommend waiting for this one to show up on TV.