Master Lawdog

This project aims at fixing Superman Returns into a better film that continues from where the first two films left off, rather than being a love letter to Richard Donner’s work.

Superman Returns has a lot of nice moments, and I thought it was great when I first saw it, but like many others, it got worse on repeat viewings. Overall, the film never really does anything to further the story along, and it’s not the most interesting plot either.

The goal here is to help the film focus on its plot, while re-inserting deleted sequences back in that better help explain the story, along with removing sequences that feel out of place or unnecessary. A lot of trimming is needed to improve upon the film’s slow pacing and the entire film has been color corrected to match the brighter and colorful tones of the original two films, removing the dark and muddy brown photography.

It would be great to get help from someone talented in deepfakes to fix some of the CGI close-ups of Superman.

Color correct the entire film.

Remove the text card delivering unneeded exposition.

Add a reversed shot of Krypton from the original film, as well the scene of Jor-El faring Kal-El goodbye, repeating the same lines used in the original prologue. Idea was used from Tomahawk’s edit.

Added the newspaper headlines of Superman from the documentary making-of after the opening credits with music added over it. Idea was used from Tomahawk’s edit.

Added the deleted scene of Superman returning to Krypton, trimming it for better pacing, along with scoring it.

Remove the sequence of Gertrude Vanderworth’s passing and Lex obtaining her fortunes.

Removed the jump cut when Martha steps out of the truck.

Added the extended deleted scene of Clark viewing his family photos.

Removed the flashback sequence with young Clark Kent.

Added the deleted sequence of Clark finding the newspapers as well as moving the brief moment with him and the ship to afterwards, while also scoring it.

Integrated the deleted scene in the Kent house with the scene already present, transitioning to the Daily Planet afterwards.

Removed Jimmy’s cake (as well as zooming in slightly on three shots to remove the cake) and Clark asking fellow co-workers that if they know a place for him to live.

Transition to Clark viewing Lois’ desk after asking Jimmy where she is, removing the shot of the newspaper.

Moved the sequences of Lex and Kitty on the boat and invasion of the Fortress of Solitude to later.

Added music to the opening shots of the boat.

Added the extended deleted scene between Lex and Kitty on the boat.

Slightly shortened Lex’s Prometheus speech, as well as his last words to Kitty.

Cut off Lex’s line, “Starting with crystals.”

Transition back to the Daily Planet, along with adding a couple shots to Clark meeting Jason, scoring it and removing mentions to Superman and the plane, as well as Lois making Clark out to be like a nobody.

Moved Lex and the others arriving back at the mansion to later, removing some of Kitty’s lines as well as the joke with the dogs.

Cut the joke with Kitty mentioning sea monkeys.

Removed Jimmy saying, “He saw llamas.”

Removed Lois’ question on the plane.

Scored Stanford splitting the crystal, as well as Lex telling his group to wait for the reaction.

Removed the line, “I think I did something wrong,” as well as Lex’s response.

Heavily trimmed the destruction of the train set, as well as the dialogue proceeding it.

Removed Jimmy and the bartender noticing Clark’s disappearance.

Removed Lois feinting.

Removed Perry and Lois discussing the story over the blackout.

Scored Lex viewing the newspaper, cutting straight to the elevator after Lex views the museum article.

Removed the goofy wave between Lois and Clark.

Trimmed some of Lois’ dialogue with Clark outside the Daily Planet, as well as her home address.

Removed Superman eavesdropping on Lois and Richard.

Transition to Superman flying into space.

Removed Lex stealing the gem at the museum and Superman dropping Kitty off at the hospital.

Moved Lex and Kitty’s scene on the boat to after the rescue.

Removed the news reports around the world on Superman.

Cut Lois’ “relationship?” comment.

Remove the suspicion between Richard and Lois surrounding Clark.

Removed Lois asking Clark if he’s found a place to live, along with his response.

Trimmed away Lois’ dialogue about her moving on.

Trimmed away Superman asking who Clark is since this was already done in the original film.

Removed the dinner scene.

Moved the Kryptonite creation scene to after Superman leaves the Fortress.

Shortened Lois on the phone and her picking up Jason.

Trimmed away Jason asking if the mansion is the Pulitzer.

Shifted Richard’s missed call to after Lois and Jason walk inside the boat, as well as their first scene inside.

Removed Lois and Lex saying each others’ names.

Removed Lois’ “Thanks.”

Removed Lex’s explanation of how he got out of jail.

Removed Lex’s line, “How bout that interview?”

Trimmed off the end of Richard and Clark exiting the door together.

Removed the wide shot of Lex walking over to the crystals.

Scored the first half of Lex explaining his plan to Lois, as well as showing off the Kryptonite.

Removed Lois asking Lex what the Kryptonite is.

Transitioned to the boat’s balcony after Kitty views the map one last time.

Slightly re-scored and trimmed launching the Kryptonite and have it play out in full.

Removed Richard and Clark figuring out Lois’ password, as well as the power outage.

Moved Jason playing the piano after the Kryptonite begins to form underwater, as well as scoring it.

The other half of the island forming plays afterwards.

Heavily trimmed Lois sending the coordinates.

Cut Lois asking Jason to help her open the door.

Transitioned to the Daily Planet with Jimmy presenting the coordinates.

Trimmed the reactions in the Daily Planet to the internal vibrations.

Interweaved the Metropolis rescue and crystal smashing boat sequences, based upon Tomahawk’s recutting and trimming.

Slightly trimmed Lois waking up in the plane.

Trimmed away Lois asking Jason if he’s sure Superman is below them.

Trimmed away all the setup of Lex and his men on the island before noticing the island falling apart.

Trimmed away Kitty confessing to Lex again.

Removed the sequence of Superman in the ER being operated on.

Hal 9000 said:

I’m very much interested in a Shaw ghost! Just not sure it’d actually make it into the edit. But it’s probably going to be better for all involved to move it to the general TROS thread.

But I’d very much like to see that idea be realized!

I agree.

By the way, Hal. I know you said you prefer it to be Hayden since you think that’s how they would’ve shot it. However, if they did shoot the actors for the ghosts in The Rise of Skywalker, they would’ve used Ewan McGregor for Obi-Wan (possibly in old makeup) since Alec Guinness is no longer alive.

Jar Jar Bricks said:

Master Lawdog said:

By the way, I just reached back out to Speaking of AI yesterday to see how his Adam Driver AI model is coming along.

Has he responded yet?

Not yet.

Sorry about that, oviniboy. By the way, I just reached back out to Speaking of AI yesterday to see how his Adam Driver AI model is coming along.

It is also possible that we could take some images of a younger Shaw and apply some aging effects from something along the lines of FaceApp.

CaptainFaraday said:

It’s kind of incredible how little footage and how few images there are of Sebastian Shaw out there, considering he was a well established actor of stage and screen and also played arguably one of the most significant characters in modern film.

He may have been one of those actors who was either not well known in the mainstream media, with the exception of playing old Anakin Skywalker, or perhaps someone who preferred the actor’s life instead of the celebrity’s life. Many actors like that try to stay out of the spotlight.

It’s a real shame that he’s being erased overtime with younger generations watching the Special Editions who only see Hayden playing Anakin all the time.

CamSMurph said:

Just curious, where can I find info regarding the Booshman and Selutron projects? 🤨

Here is Selutron’s work:
https://www.capedwonder.com/selutrons-superman-ii/

Here is Booshman’s edit:
https://ifdb.fanedit.org/superman-ii-the-richard-donner-cut-redux/

TylerDurden389 said:

I actually think the Hackman/Luthor voice double used in the theatrical/Lester cut did better line readings than Hackman himself (mostly in the final scenes at the FOS).

I’ll have to go back and listen for comparisons. It’s just that these voice doubles are really noticeable at times. Also, wasn’t Sarah Douglas dubbed the entire film?

DMC said:

Master Lawdog said:

I found a film that Sebastian Shaw was in called “The Weather in the Streets.” I don’t know if there is enough good footage for close-up shots for jonh to use if he’s making a version of the Force ghost sequence with Shaw, but it could be useful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh2mNK2tL_4

Skimming through I only found 1 short scene of a mustachioed Shaw lying in a bed. So probably not the best choice for source footage. I’ve gone digging for good shots of Sebastian Shaw before, and I haven’t found any that fit the bill unfortunately. Another option is to manipulate an image like what jonh did for Obi-wan (iirc), but there aren’t many good still images of Shaw available either.

I’ll see what I can find of old Sebastian Shaw images.

Atom-88 said:

Sounds awesome Master Lawdog, looking forward to seeing your progress with this and Superman II.

Thanks! I’m hoping to start it real soon, although I’m seeking someone talented in VFX to help me out on my projects. I’m also going to be doing an edit of Superman Returns, but I haven’t written the thread up yet.

This project seeks to create the best version of Superman II possible. The best elements and story from the theatrical cut (heavily shot by Richard Lester), and the Richard Donner Cut, along with deleted scenes and the Restored International Cut.

I love Superman II, but I feel that both versions have their pros and cons. I was disappointed with how little money Warner Bros spent on reconstructing the Donner Cut, and felt they could’ve done a better job, as some of the recreated VFX were not very good (Which were also inconsistent compared to the first film, especially with Jor-El’s hologram.), and even the audio mix could’ve been much better. Both cuts also have an issue with actors being dubbed over by sound-alikes.

Many editors have attempted in making their own version of Superman II, with some really impressive work done by Selutron and Booshman. I do wish Selutron did finish his version, as it was very ambitious, and I liked some of his mock-ups.

I wanted to create my own version of Superman II to help the film feel complete, tie-in closer with the first film and (as controversial of a decision as this may be) retain some of the slight adjustments in its plot from the Donner Cut to lead into Superman Returns.

It would be great to have the extended TV cut available in HD, as Warner Bros would be able to remaster the deleted scenes and even some of the original voices are present. Also, I would need help with some VFX for some sequences such as the opening credits, fixing the space backgrounds used in the Donner Cut and the projections of Jor-El.

Below I have marked each change with an anagram to refer to either the theatrical cut or the Donner Cut.
LC = Lester Cut
DC = Donner Cut

Also, it would be excellent if someone could provide me remasters of the deleted scenes or perhaps high quality upscales.

Update the DC Comics logo to the one featured in Superman Returns.

Add in a new memoriam credit for Christopher Reeve based off the one used in the Donner Cut, while in a simular style to Geoffrey Unsworth’s credit prior to starting the first film.

Color correct the theatrical cut to match the color grading featured in the Donner cut.

Start with the grand introduction to Krypton using Ken Thorne’s score and hybridizing the footage from both cuts. (LC/DC)

The first scene is Jor-El holding Zoe’s trial. (DC)

Horizontally flipped the shot of Krypton’s explosion. (DC)

Add music over the fade to black transition to present day. (DC)

Trim the recap of the climax of the first film by removing Superman’s encounter and rescue from Lex, having it focus on Superman stopping the first missile. (DC)

Need VFX to fix the background plates of space when the missile breaks the villains free from the Phantom Zone in the Donner Cut. Could also try lovingly borrowing footage from Booshman’s edit if there is no way around it.

Hybridize the footage of the missile’s explosion and the villains breaking free from the Phantom Zone, ending with Zod looking off into the distance at Earth and the Moon. May lovingly borrow footage from Selutron’s work. (LC/DC)

The next scene is a slightly abridged version of Superman coming to check on Lois from the first film, re-scoring it and ending with Lois questioning Clark and Superman’s identities, transitioning to the green crystal from the theatrical cut’s opening and opening credits, based on Selutron’s opening.

The opening credits from the Donner cut are used, however, I would love if someone could recreate it in the style of the first film’s credits. (DC)

The first scene takes place in the Daily Planet where Lois and Clark are given their assignments in Niagara Falls, ending on a shot of the newspaper from Booshman’s edit. (DC)

The sequence of Lex and Otis doing laundry in prison plays out how it does in the Donner cut, while restoring the guard’s original voice. (DC)

The Donner cut is used to introduce the Moon sequence, however audio from the theatrical cut is used instead. (LC/DC)

Reconstruct audio of the theatrical cut while retaining the extended piece of Zod ripping off the wire from the astronaut. (DC)

Non attacking the shuttle, the feedback from Huston and departure from the Moon is used from the theatrical cut. (LC)

Remove the establishing shot of Metropolis in the theatrical cut. (LC)

The Donner cut is used to reveal the hologram of Lex and Otis due to the sound effects of the projector. (DC)

Lex’s escape from prison is used from the Donner cut due to the extended bit of humor with him and Otis, along with Lex’s conversation with Miss Teschmacher. (DC)

The extended sequence of Lois and Clark arriving at the suite is used. (LC)

The sequence of Lex and Miss Teschmacher arriving at the Fortress of Solitude is placed right afterwards, as well as adding the deleted scene where they see it across the water. (DC)

The sequence of Lex and Miss Teschmacher in the Fortress of Solitude is used from the Donner cut. Would need VFX to fix the projections of Jor-El and the villains. It would be great to have it be based on Selutron’s work, as I would want the villains to be projected within the archive Crystal, using footage of the opening to the theatrical cut with breaking the crystal. Joe-El would need to be de-colored and reformatted as a head projection. (DC)

The Niagara Falls rescue sequence plays out as it did in the theatrical cut, however the music cue used in the Donner cut when Lois sees Clark without his glasses is used. (LC)

The deleted scene of Lex and Miss Teschmacher leaving the Fortress has been added to give more context to Lex’s plan with the villains.

Lois jumping into the Niagara Falls and being rescued from the theatrical cut is used. (LC)

The arrival of the villains and Ursa’s encounter with the snake plays out in full as it did in the theatrical cut. However, Non’s grunts have been removed. (LC)

The identity reveal scene from the theatrical cut is used since it is far more complete. (LC)

The introduction and conclusion to the encounter between the villains and the cops plays out as it did in the theatrical cut, however the center has been trimmed to reflect the Donner cut, along with removing Non’s grunts. (LC/DC)

The villains arriving in town is used from the theatrical cut, though Zod lifting the man up with his laser beam and Non’s grunts have been removed. (LC)

The sequence with Superman showing Lois the crystals and fetching dinner plays out as it did in the theatrical cut. (LC)

The news report and encounter with the Army plays out as it did in the Donner cut. Superman and Lois’ dinner from the theatrical cut is placed after the President watches the broadcast. (LC/DC)

The Donner cut of Lois and Clark sleeping together is placed after Zod asks if there is anybody to challenge him. (DC)

Zod declaring his rulership in the town is used from the Donner cut with the destruction of the Washington monument following. The General’s dubbed voice has been restored to the original. (DC)

The sequence of Superman depowering himself and conversation with Jor-El is used from the Donner cut. (DC)

The sequence of the villains taking out the guards in the White House is from the Donner cut. The President kneeling before Zod is from the theatrical cut due to a better audio mix. (LC/DC)

The car ride to the diner is taken from the theatrical cut. (LC)

The diner scene uses the footage from the Donner cut but uses audio from the theatrical cut. (LC/DC)

The trip and entrance back into the Fortress of Solitude is taken from the theatrical cut, while removing Clark calling his mother’s name. Once he finds the crystal, it transitions to his conversation with Jor-El. VFX May be needed from the dark green lighting to bright white light transition. (LC/DC)

Lex Luthor arriving at the White House uses the Donner cut due to the longer discussion about Jor-El. (DC)

The transition and discussion about Superman between Perry, Jimmy and Lois is taken from the theatrical cut due to the transition to Australia on the globe and Lois thinking about Clark. (LC)

The villains’ break into the Daily Planet is from the theatrical cut due to a stronger audio mix. (LC)

Non destroying Jimmy’s camera and the discussion is taken from the Donner cut, while restoring the actors’ original voices. (DC)

Superman’s introduction is taken from the theatrical cut. The shot of Lois saying his name is taken from the Donner Cut. (LC)

The battle in Metropolis is taken from the Donner cut, while restoring Christopher Reeve’s voice. (DC)

The villains return to the Daily Planet is hybridized between the two versions to extend the tension with Lex while restoring original voices to remove the dubs. The scene ends with Ursa seizing Lois. (LC/DC)

The flight, arrival and confrontation in the Fortress of Solitude is taken from the Donner cut, while restoring original voices. (DC)

Zod’s defeat from Superman is from the theatrical cut due to the superior audio mixing and score. Non’s grunts are removed. (LC)

The aftermath with Superman, Lois and Lex is taken from the Donner cut. The deleted scene with Lex being arrested is added back in, though the villains being arrested has been removed, as they are dead in this edit. (DC)

The scene between Superman and Lois in the North Pole from the Donner cut is left in, while removing the destruction of the Fortress of Solitude and fixing some of the music. The arrival back at her apartment is also used from the Donner cut. Margot Kidder’s voice is restored. (DC)

The scene between Lois and Clark and the memory wiping kiss has been used from the theatrical cut. (LC)

The deleted scene where Clark is reminded of the bully in the diner is added back in.

The scene where Clark returns to the diner uses the Donner cut’s footage but uses the theatrical cut’s audio. (LC/DC)

The film’s final scene is Superman returning the American flag back to the White House. VFX would be needed to fix the still image of the White House fountains. Booshman’s work could be lovingly used as an alternate as well, despite his work removing the flag’s base. Superman flying into space and the end credits are from the theatrical cut. If someone could find the final shot used in the extended TV cut of Superman flying in space remastered, I might use that instead. (LC)

This project takes all three official cuts of the original Superman film, directed by the late great Richard Donner, and hybridizes it into the best version of the film. I love this movie, but I wanted to pick and choose elements from each cut that I liked best, similar to my work on my edits to the Original Star Wars Trilogy.

It is mainly based off of the 4K remaster of the theatrical cut, while taking scenes and elements from the director’s cut and extended TV cut that expand upon sequences to add a little something to the story and characters. Parts of John Williams’ score that was not used has been restored as well.

Below I have marked each change with an anagram referring to one of the three official cuts. Each scene plays out either longer or shorter depending on each version.
TC = Theatrical Cut
DC = Director’s Cut
TV = 3 Hour TV Cut

Update the Warner Bros. logo.

Add in the DC Comics logo to the one featured in Superman Returns.

Discussion about the villains sent to the Phantom Zone (DC)

Introduction to Vond-Ah (DC)

Jor-El Threatened to be Sent to the Phantom Zone. (DC)

Destruction of Krypton (TC)

Kal-El’s Space Trip (TC)

Jonathan and Martha Kent’s Discussion about Discovering Kal-El. (TC)

Introduction to Football (TV)

Conversation with Lana Part 1 (TV)

Possibly may slightly alter the pitch of Jeff East’s voice to match Christopher Reeve’s voice.

Clark & Brad (TV)

Clark Racing the Train (TC)

Car Ride (TC)

Discovering the Crystal (TC)

Clark Wandering the North Pole (TC)

Clark Looking Around the Fortress of Solitude (TC)

Jor-El & Clark’s Discussion (TC)

Cab Ride (TV)

Clark Kent at Daily Planet (TC)

Introduction to Otis (TV)

Following Otis (TC)

High Angle Shot (TV)

Following in Train Station (TC)

Lex, Otis & Ms. Teschmacher (TV)

Chopper Landing (TC)

Superman’s First Flight (TV)

Superman & the Girl’s Conversation (TV)

Pilots in the Plane (TC)

Superman & Jor-El’s Conversation (DC)

Pedestrians in Front of Window (DC)

Lois’ Interview (TC)

Missile Dodges Superman (TV)

Missile’s Destruction (DC)

Jimmy Taking the Picture (TV)

Lois & Jimmy (TC)

Superman Capturing Lex (TV)

I found a film that Sebastian Shaw was in called “The Weather in the Streets.” I don’t know if there is enough good footage for close-up shots for jonh to use if he’s making a version of the Force ghost sequence with Shaw, but it could be useful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh2mNK2tL_4

Blueffalump said:

First of all thank you so much for all the work! I cannot imagine how long it must’ve took you adding all the music and background noise. As a whole I’m really enjoying this. 😃

That said, I’ve got some (hopefully) mild and constructive criticism: Personally I think that the music at times is too loud and/or too dramatic for some scenes (it gets a bit better in later books, though) and that some background sounds can get a bit repetitive and also too dominant (e.g.: That owl whistle sound, Harry’s training sessions with Snape in Order of the Phoenix).

Master Lawdog said:

I have to ask a question to everyone here who has listened to Order of the Phoenix. Someone on Archive notified me that there are times where the recording skips ahead a bit. I did encounter and fix this when working on the flight to the Ministry, but that was it in terms of errors. Does anyone else here know about any other potential errors.

In chapter 19 starting at around 9 up to about 11 minutes I’ve encountered some unpleasant choppy distortion/crackling noise, possibly clipping.

Odd. I’ll have to check and see what the issue is so this won’t be an issue. Thanks for letting me know about it.

rquinlan1001 said:

I thought you would use a whip sound effect for the dissaperation like this. https://youtu.be/qwvUvx9W8mA.

I was sorta expecting this at the part in chapter 1 when Fry says “A lound echoing crack broke the sleepy silence like a gunshot”. But other than that it’s great

I could’ve used a sound like that, but I ended up using the apparation sound from the films.

I have to ask a question to everyone here who has listened to Order of the Phoenix. Someone on Archive notified me that there are times where the recording skips ahead a bit. I did encounter and fix this when working on the flight to the Ministry, but that was it in terms of errors. Does anyone else here know about any other potential errors.

feronstost said:

Master Lawdog said:

The rebellion has begun!

Order of the Phoenix is now complete and up on Internet Archive. I’ll be working on other smaller projects in the meantime, and in a few weeks, I’ll start work on Half-Blood Prince. Right now I need a break, as I’m very tired.

Yaaaay thank you for your hard work!

Not a problem, Feron.

Drew Drakofolis said:

Master Lawdog said:

Drew Drakofolis said:

Having the full Dudley’s redemption full scene would be really cool.
Aside from making it look good, I would hope you’re still able to make it fit in with the cool opening montage.
I’m not sure how well that would work, given that the scene would be longer, but maybe some parts of it (such as walking could be trimmed).

It would be, but it could affect the pacing of the opening montage.

I don’t know, I feel like a few extra quick dialogue scenes and more shots of the handshake could work out.

I’m currently updating my own extended editions. In mine, I had Dudley tell Harry that he didn’t think he was “a waste of space,” the two exchange a melancholy glance and down at their handshake, and Harry says “See you, Big D” as Dudley walks off.

Drew Drakofolis said:

Having the full Dudley’s redemption full scene would be really cool.
Aside from making it look good, I would hope you’re still able to make it fit in with the cool opening montage.
I’m not sure how well that would work, given that the scene would be longer, but maybe some parts of it (such as walking could be trimmed).

It would be, but it could affect the pacing of the opening montage.

Okay. Cool to know it’s still happening.

Planning on going back to the deleted scene from Deathly Hallows: Part 2 with Neville and Seamus on the bridge to fill in the unfinished VFX?

eth28 said:

Where can I download Goblet of Fire?

Internet Archive.

stretch009 said:

For those that loved 'Dangermouse’s “No Sandman Edition” which was in poor quality SD and in PAL 25 fps this Symbiote Edition is definitely for you since it’s very similar but in far superior HD.

Thanks, Stretch.

Unless she’s saying, “I… am a Jedi.”

I’m planning on doing another update to this project. It would be great if someone could help me out with a little VFX work to one shot.