Superman-related DVDs have suddenly begun to multiply like Super-rabbits–although that’s one animal you won’t find co-starring with Krypto the Superdog in one of many June releases (mostly from Warner Home Video).
The Fleischer Studios’ Oscar-nominated shorts of the ’40s have been available before; they’re in the public domain, so compilations vary in quality. The newest edition–“Superman: The Ultimate Max Fleischer Cartoon Collection” from VCI Entertainment–ably shows why this astounding animation influenced a new generation of artists such as “Justice League” animator Bruce Timm. (The first time he saw one, at a college film festival, “I thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen in my life,” Timm says.) A small but nice package of extras includes an audio interview with Joan Alexander, who voiced Lois Lane in the Fleischer cartoons. Timm’s work can be found on “Justice League” season 2, 26 episodes that show the creative team really hitting their stride earlier in this decade.
“Adventures of Superman” seasons 3 and 4 combines two short (13-episode) runs, the first years George Reeves actually wore red, blue and yellow. As it transitioned out of black-and-white, the show also left behind its noir feel, embracing a lighter, sometimes campy touch.
The complete, 22-episode third season of “Lois and Clark,” which brought romantic comedy to the Superman mythos, finds the super-couple engaged. “Desperate Housewives” fans should especially enjoy Teri Hatcher as Lois.
Finally, “Krypto: Cosmic Canine” is the best choice for your youngest Superman fans. It’s the story of Superman’s dog, who lives with a human family, and though the disc has just five 12-minute episodes, it’s perfect for the 3- to 5-year-old set.