Bretherton, Howard

Adventures of Superman - The Complete Fifth and Sixth Seasons

The first super hero created for comic books Superman leaped from radio to television when Adventures of Superman debuted in 1952. Produced by Robert J. Maxwell (who also produced the radio version) and Bernard Luber (a veteran of Hollywood serials) each episode screens like a classic crime movie where danger and death lurk in the shadows. Seasons 5 and 6 are the final seasons of this classic TV favorite.Running Time: 677 min.System Requirements:Run Time: 676 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating: NR UPC: 012569825192 Manufacturer No: 82519

Superman's "never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way" on television actually did come to an end in 1957 with the cancellation of the Adventures of Superman series, but not before it completed its sixth season, which is presented in this five-disc set along with its fifth season from 1956. Story-wise, the fifth and sixth seasons trend a fine line between the "serious" tone of the first three seasons (which saw Superman take on gangsters, corrupt scientists, and other villains with roots largely planted in reality) and the more outlandish escapades of the fourth season; examples of the latter include "The Tomb of Zaharan," in which Lois Lane (Noel Neill) is kidnapped by Middle Eastern dignitaries who believe her to be their reincarnated queen; "Mr. Zero," with Billy Curtis (High Plains Drifter) as an alien pressed into illegal service by crooks; and "The Brainy Burro," which features a mind-reading donkey(!) used by nefarious types to commit crimes (the latter is one of three episodes directed by series lead George Reeves). Fortunately, there are plenty of exciting adventures on hand as well, the best of which might be "The Perils of Superman" (also directed by Reeves), which harkens back to Superman's comic book and radio serial origins in its tale of a gang of lead-masked hooligans who subject the Man of Steel and his pals to a series of cliffhanger-style dangers. It's hard to say if modern young viewers will take to these vintage escapades--the special effects remain decidedly primitive, and some of the plotlines will challenge even the most imaginative kid's suspension of disbelief--but for Superman fans and classic TV aficionados, there's still plenty of fun to be found in the Adventures of Superman.

Supplements include a charming chat with co-star Jack Larson in the featurette "Superman's Pal: Jimmy Olson," in which the still spry actor is joined by Neill, special effects expert Bob Burns, and several Superman experts (including actor Jim Beaver of Deadwood fame). A barrage of trailers for previous Superman-related DVDs, including Superman Returns, rounds out the extras. -- Paul Gaita

Adventures of Superman - The Complete First Season

The legendary Man of Steel assumes the secret identity of Clark Kent mild-mannered reporter for the Metropolis Daily Planet. And with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men he battles for truth and justice as Superman. The first ever Superman TV series! Originally aired in the 1950's it features George Reeves as Superman and enjoyed tremendous success during its broadcast. The TV series premise was established a year before its broadcast via the theatrical release of "Superman and The Mole Men" in 1951.Running Time: 667 min.System Requirements:Running Time: 662 Min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating: NR UPC: 012569420021 Manufacturer No: 4200

In 1952 Superman flew right into the hearts and minds of the American TV audience faster than a speeding bullet. Though most people were already familiar with man of steel through his comic books, as well as the popular radio show, it was the new medium's Adventures of Superman that transformed our resident Kryptonian into a timeless icon. For many young baby boomers, Superman was the ultimate symbol of truth, justice and the American way. After watching this nostalgic trip back in time it is easy to see why: George Reeves. Reeves is the quintessential Superman. He is kind, confident, smart, always does the right thing and can literally do anything physically. Even Reeves' Clark Kent is cool, even cocky without any of the trademarked shy, clumsy and hickish traits the character has developed over the years. And then there's Phyllis Coates as the Lois Lane. Coates portrayal of Lois is surprisingly one of the stronger female roles in '50s television. She is one tough cookie able to stand her ground against criminals, fight off bad guys and is not afraid to outwardly express herself. Sadly, Phyllis Coates would be replaced by Noel Neill in subsequent seasons.

Adventures of Superman also stands the test of time well as one of the best shows from the early days of television. A lot of it has to do with how the writers, producers and actors approached the making of the show. This first season, as well as the second, were made as if they were making a serious show suitable for kids and adults. Instead of being a kids' comic book show, the episodes have a strong "mini-serial-crime-movie" feel, are very story driven and include loads of elements from the popular film noir style of the 1950s. This is evident in such classic episodes such as the season opener "Superman on Earth," "The Stolen Costume" where Superman has his costume stolen by a burglar, and the tense horror-noir "The Haunted Lighthouse." Also included on this DVD set is the 1951 theatrical release Superman and The Mole Men which later became the televised two-part episode "The Unknown People." --Rob Bracco

Adventures of Superman - The Complete Third and Fourth Seasons

George Reeves returns as Superman (aka Clark Kent) in 26 episodes comprising Season 3 and Season 4 of the program that ran six seasons total. This time his exploits take him to stuffy European monarchy a remote desert isle and even a cave in the year 50000 BC. And now for the first time the Man of Steel's exciting flights fights and super heroics are presented in color!Running Time: 706 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS UPC: 012569763159 Manufacturer No: 76315

Adventures of Superman - The Complete Second Season

Containing one of the most instantly recognizable intro sequences to a TV show ("Look up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!") THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN was the first attempt to bring the comic book character to television screens. Great cinematic characters such as Lois Lane Jimmy Olsen and of course Clark Kent himself were established on the show with Kent attempting to live an anonymous existence as a reporter for the Daily Planet by day but transforming into Superman the last survivor from the planet Krypton when trouble comes calling. George Reeves plays the Man of Steel in this complete collection of episodes from the second season of the show. System Requirements:Running Time: 683 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating: NR UPC: 012569729742 Manufacturer No: 72974

Adventures of Superman - The Complete Second Season pretty much follows the formula laid out in the first season, building on what made the groundbreaking show so popular. For many fans, season two is the best of the series and it is easy to see why. Each episode has that strong "mini-serial-crime-movie" feel and was again scripted and shot to appeal to adults as well as younger audiences. This would all change once season three, the first color Superman season, rolled around and the producers would strictly tailor the show for children. The biggest difference viewers will notice in this season is the new Lois Lane. Fans had to say goodbye to the wonderfully tough Phyllis Coates, replaced by the perkier Noel Neill who would play the sassy and smart journalist for seasons to come. For many young girls growing up in the 1950s Noel Neill's Lois Lane, the first liberated woman presented to the TV audience in the children's market, was the ultimate role model. Highlights of season two include "Panic in the sky" (the episode many feel is the series best--where Superman saves Metropolis from an asteroid that also erases his memory), "Semi-Private Eye" (where Jimmy Olsen poses as a private eye to stalk the bad guys), and "The Defeat of Superman" (where Superman loses his powers thanks to a dose of Kryptonite). --Rob Bracco

Adventures of Superman - The Complete First Six Seasons (20pc)

"Adventures Of Superman" includes The Completes Seasons 1-6. It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman! The legendary Man Of Steel last survivor of the doomed planet Krypton lives on earth assuming the secret identity of Clark Kent mild-mannered reporter for the Metropolis Daily Planet. But with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men he battles for truth and justice as Superman. This is the first Superman TV series! Originally aired in the 1950's it featured George Reeves as Superman and enjoyed tremendous success during its broadcast. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating: NR UPC: 085391101529 Manufacturer No: 110152

Rough Riders Triple Feature, Vol. 2

Digitally remastered full length Rough Riders episodes: Below the Border, Ghost Town Law, and Riders of the West.

Treasures of Black Cinema, Vol. 1

A quartet of films hosted by "Shaft" himself, Richard Roundtree! From the birth of cinema, Hollywood produced over 500 "race films" exclusively for all-black theaters with all-black casts. Comics, cowboys and gangsters all found an easy home in these segregated cinemas, and new movie stars were born. Now you can take a close look at four unsung gems of black cinema: The Devil's Daughter (a tale of island voodoo), Gang War (warring mobsters battle for Harlem's Jukebox racket), Herb Jeffries in The Bronze Buckaroo(an all-black-cast singing cowboy Western), and finally, Mantan Moreland in a beuatiful copy of Monogram's Up in the Air, a murder comedy staged at a radio station in the 1940s.

Up in the Air

Irish Luck

Dawn on the Great Divide