Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) was released this week on Blu-ray, and the collection contains all five of the films including the two alternative versions of Superman and Superman II. Fans of Superman Returns will also be treated to the never-before-seen opening of the film.

Hollywood Outbreak talked to Richard Donner about directing the first Superman (he also helmed the sequel).  “I loved the experience,” said the filmmaker, whose illustrious career began with directing television.  “It was a very tough film to make, because I had adversaries in the process but it didn’t matter because the end result was pretty damn good and I look back at it and I just remembered the fun and the joy and the feeling of accomplishment.”

Click on the media bar and listen to Donner elaborate on how his early days in television influenced his film career:

One of Superman’s many strengths lie in the A-list cast, which included some of Hollywood’s most talented actors (Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty, and Glenn Ford). Before working with Brando, Donner talked to the actor’s former agent Jay Kanter and his Apocalypse Now collaborator Francis Ford Coppola. “By the time I met him, he totally threw me even though I had the insight,” said Donner.  “I was smart enough to realize he was a very bright man.  (He had) a great sense of humor and he could talk his way out of working and still get paid.   So it was my job to keep him on the set.  And he was a delight.  I had the most wonderful time with him, and he became a dear friend.  So it was a good experience.  It was tough.  I was scared stiff of Gene Hackman, but he turned in to be not only one of the most special actors I’ve ever worked with, but one of the most special people. “

Donner, who also directed the Lethal Weapon movies (and the overlooked cop drama 16 Blocks), adds that he is not too thrilled watching Hollywood churn out remake after remake.  It’s a very interesting clip, and if you want to hear what Donner thinks of the remake of his film The Omen, as well as his take on producer Joel Silver, click here: 

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posted by Greg Srisavasdi