Customer Ratings & Reviews

I've written often about the deterioration in quality of "The Adventures of Superman" after color was introduced, in 1954, and I'll still stand by the statement, for the last seasons of the series...But having just sat through this collection of the third and fourth seasons' color episodes, allow me to "eat crow"...these episodes are VERY entertaining, and certainly are far better than I remembered! The decision to shoot in color was a bold move, by sponsor Kellogg's, producer Whitney Ellsworth, and the series' home studio, Motion Pictures for Television Inc,(MPTV), as the technology to even air color programming would not be widely available to local television stations for nearly a decade. Series like AOS, "The Cisco Kid", and "The Lone Ranger", in choosing to use the far more expensive process, understood that these programs would have a 'lifespan' far beyond the 1950s audience. Certainly, in the case of AOS, the continuing popularity of the show, and the sales of these collections prove their point! Because of the expense of color, the seasons would be slashed from 26 to 13 episodes per season, which was a godsend to the cast, particularly George Reeves. Lighting for color was MUCH brighter and hotter than for black and white, and the costume department realized Reeves' original brown-and-gray, frequently sweat-stained "shoulder-padded longjohns" would be even more of a problem in future. A 'genius' decided to redesign the costume, creating a thicker, full-body red and blue suit of foam rubber, which would not 'show' perspiration (but would, sadly, make the actor appear much stockier). While in theory this was a great idea, in truth, it was a disaster, as the suit didn't 'breathe', with 'locked-in' sweat causing severe rashes and frequent heat exhaustion for Reeves. A half-hour stretch was the maximum he could wear it, safely, making for long 'shooting days'...and the physical torture of the suit would 'age' Reeves, rapidly, over the remainder of the series. Knowing this, my respect for Reeves' professionalism has increased, and this collection offers some of his really terrific performances, as well as some of Noel Neill and Jack Larson's best work, as well. Among my favorites are "Superman Week" and "King For a Day" (which shows Reeves still willing to manhandle baddies...something that would soon be completely eliminated as Kellogg's bowed to parental pressure for less violence); "Jimmy the Kid", offering Larson a meaty dual role, as both 'comic relief' Jimmy Olsen, and a notorious gunman; and, best of all, "The Wedding of Superman", an acting tour-de-force by Neill, in a remarkably sensitive (and prophetic, for "Lois & Clark" fans) episode of Lois and Superman finally acknowledging their love. This episode is acclaimed as one of the finest episodes of the entire series, and shouldn't be missed! So, if you harbor an illusion that the color episodes will be a disappointment, like I did, I strongly urge you to reconsider, and buy this collection...I think you'll be in for a VERY pleasant surprise!

I purchased series 1 and 3 and 4 for my small Grand kids. The picture quality is very good and they love Superman and they love the video. What else can you say. It's a bird---It's a plane----It's superman!! Great original is so much better than the new Superman cartoons and movies. Just built on originality and no super crazy special effects.

I used to watch this growing up and it is just as good now as it was then. It is not the best acted or written show but still holds up in this day and age of special effects and computer generated objects. Anybody who has a feel for nostalgia or just wants a good clean fun show will not be disappointed.

I love classic TV series. And this is one series to have in your collection. Before special effects and computer graphics, this is what superhero TV series were like. Using your imagination as a kid watching Superman was great.

No CGI.Just action and adventure along with a cast that worked well in the series. Great collector's gift. If you have fond memories of shows you watched as a kid then you will enjoy the entire series. Ah to be a kid again..

There will always be one Superman and that's George Reeves. Of course the newer versions have the special effects but this show had the heart. I remember watching this show right after coming home from school as a kid.

I have been a fan of Superman since I was a child and read and collected Superman comics. I am 67 years old now. I loved watched the original television series and wanted to add seasons 3 and 4 to my collection.

Half as many episodes to each season. To offset the price for color. Making this seasons 3 & 4. Same for 5 &6. Like seeing my favorite Superman in color. Just like making something good better.

Been waiting for years to find the Superman edition collection. Wow! Found it at best buy for a very good discounted price. Shop best buy for all my discounted movies.

This DVD set covers the.first 2 seasons of "The Adventures of Superman" in color. The transition from black and white to color is beautifully explaimed by the extras.

This DVD set of Season 3 & 4 of TV's original Superman is fun for fans. It was in a discount bin at my local store and priced at an unbeatable $9.99.

George Reeves is the Superman I grew up with. Finding This InColor only makes it better. I was a super fan as a young man

Haven't watched all yet but much better in the way of kid friendly than the first season. Love that the classic tv shows are coming to DVD.

This has been one of my classic favorites I grew up with truth justice And American way. love the series

I bought this because it was on sale in the store. Kids don't care what the price is. A great treat for a Christmas present.

I bought this in the $9.99 bin and I'm glad I did. It makes a great addition to my DVD collection.

i can remember watching this version with my dad. it use to play on sunday mornings in the 60's. good classic tv.

Brings me back to my childhood days and before Superman was re-created to more recent times.

My husband loves the original Superman movies and I got this at a very discounted rate. He loves it.

Excellent reminds me of the old school entertaining would recommend to many people