I was 10 when it came out. The line into the theater was very long. Everyone in the Theater was like wow when this song was playing this is different and we knew this was something totally different that we were about to watch. It's been 45 yrs since my family and I watched this and the feeling is still the same.
I remember this as a little kid, back to back, I saw Star Wars, Smokey and the Bandit, Superman 1 and 2, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Empire Strikes Back, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. I cannot recall ever a series of blockbusters one after another. I was lucky to have seem all of these in the theater.
... add to that Star Wars, Star Trek, the Black Hole, Tron, Dragonslayer, E. T. - the list goes on and on. It was the absolute best era to be a movie-going kid
Every time I hear that music and see those titles I immediately become a kid again, running through my house with a towel tucked in the collar of my shirt. Brings a tear to my eye every time. I miss those days.
December 15, 1978 ... almost 42 years ago and this movie STILL amazes me! Imagine what it must have been like that night, in the dark movie theater, hearing this music for the first time and seeing that huge "S" on the screen. Goosebumps on top of goosebumps on top of goosebumps!
It was the first movie I ever saw in a theater... I was just three years old at the time. Based on my extremely hazy memory of that day, the whole deal was rather loud, and for some reason I really focused on the Christmas-ornament rocketship that took baby Kal-El to Earth, as well as the hydroelectric dam breaking up. Oh, and that lovely kryptonite necklace Luthor so lovingly gave to our hero. Then I grew up quite a bitand started noticing a lot of other things about the movie...
I saw this in the theater It was so incredible no words can explane it Get the soundtrack place it in your sterio and open the volume and hang on May GOD rest Christopher Reeves soul in JESUS name Amen
@@rclark777That's sad! They should have kept the best title section in the Oscars. Maybe, they thought it was too redundant! I don't know? I love the Star Wars introduction too!
Hi Jeffrey Green! I agree this opening is great. However... As a Star Trek fan, I think this is the greatest opening to any film: Star Trek Generations - Opening Credits ua-cam.com/video/pi8nzGaVS08/v-deo.html If you've never seen this movie, pause at 2:01 to take that in before finishing the scene. Or, do as I did when I went to see this in the movie theater and watch it without pausing 😁 Recommend turning up the volume for this 😁 Here's the continuation of the opening scene ua-cam.com/video/4GbKUVK_Ct0/v-deo.html
@@georgehenderson7783 The music sets it apart. This theme for Superman may well be the most heroic, optimistic, energetic theme ever written, so the screen could have been pitch black and it would have been stunning, but the visuals and sound effects enhance an already heightened experience while fulfilling a necessary purpose, namely displaying the opening credits. I can only imagine what it might have felt like to have seen, or rather, have heard, this theme for the first time in the theater, it must have been truly amazing and awe-inspiring.
I had 9 years old in june 1980, when i saw ona nigth with my mother and my brother, SUPERMAN. The intro was (it´s) amazing. That nigth, in the Consota Theatre, in Pereira (Colombia), were impactant for me. By the first time in my life, that begining launched to me to the space with the power of the music and the sensation to travel between the time and the space. Unforgetable!
If you listen carefully, you can hear the horns say the word "SUPERMAN" at the beginning. John Williams should've won the Oscar for Best Original Score.
Great theme. But you have to see this like I saw it, in a theater. Big screen, almost an IMAX, Dolby surround sound the whole nine yards. When the Superman logo came up, people cheered. Man that was a long time ago. But never gets old.
This is truly wonderful. The most important thing is that you used the original audio. . . the 2.0 mix with the original swooshes. Anything else is sacrilege to those of us who actually grew up with this film.
I like John Williams, but tbh Hans Zimmer's Man of Steel theme is probably better than this imo, mainly because it feels much more darker, and I like the flight theme too, aswell all of Hans Zimmer's work with The Dark Knight movies is pretty amazing, John Williams' Star Wars Themes are Amazing though
@@melaniepitingaro2001 I'm sure he is good. But his version can't hold a candle when comes to the Superman theme song. Otherwise, he's a good conductor
The best opening ever! It's more than 40 years ago and and no other movie has topped it yet! Don't get me wrong, there are other films with a good openings. But not like this one!😊
I saw this in theatres when I was 12. While watching this opening credit sequence I said to myself, "WOW, If the rest of the movie is anything like this it is going to be great." Boy Was I Right! I preceded to see the movie another 6 times. My father had to stop me from going to see it after viewing number 7....Superman for me will always be Christopher Reeve.
Vincent, you were lucky to see it multiple times in the theater. I was lucky to see it once 4 months after it came out in my local theater at the age of 9.
One of the greatest openings of all time, without question. Fun fact: Toy Story 2 BRILLIANTLY pays tribute to this with ITS opening credits! One iconic franchise saluting another!
December 15th Friday night 10:00pm screening at the MANN’S FOX COVINA Cinemas presented In 70MM 6-TRACK DOLBY STEREO I sat with my Mom and two brothers in a sold out full house audience. At age 12 this was the ultimate and most magical cinematic experience in all my years up to this day. Waiting in a line that wrapped itself around the entire theatre complex for over 21/2 hours was definitely worth the wait! To see this on the big screen beyond amazing and the audience was entirely blown away. Everyone knew they were in for a good ride all the way. There will never be a comic film interpretation with such genius visuals and feel the way RICHARD DONNER delivered this masterpiece.
This never fails to give me goosebumps. This title sequence could have made for a hell of an announcement/teaser trailer. Imagine it's 1977 and you're sitting in a theater watching previews and this starts, you have no idea what film its about and you just see that it's maybe some scifi movie with Brando and Hackman starring but then @1:30 Shit gets real and that music and Superman logo hit you all at once.
Superman was the world's first comic book superhero, this film was about the origins of Superman within the context of the story, and the release of the film marked the 40th anniversary of the release of Action Comics No. 1. All of this explains the "comic book" opening.
My favourite John Williams score of his movie career. Even more than Star Wars and Indiana Jones. This is one of the perfect movie scores ever composed IMO. 🎬
This intro is all really exceptional and well-done (especially for 1978), but there's something special about the segment from about 1:14-1:31 that is unique. It quiets down to almost nothing and then plays only some bass notes for a bit. This creates a dynamic and tension that might otherwise not be possible with the intensity of this music. It reminds me of some upbeat songs where everything goes totally quiet for a second or two and then returns to full volume. Very dramatic. The music that comes before this kindof stalls and meanders in a way that tells you something big is coming - not exactly sure why it has that effect, but it's cool. And of course, the big 'S' that comes in at 1:36-1:46 is just epic. It all works together very well. But I'd have to agree with the comment below - this part could use more bass. But that's really nit-picking.
Very true. It's masterful composition by John Williams and perhaps carefully placing the names of the 2 giant superstars (Brando/Hackman) there to give it weight....then the incredible director.....BOOM, S symbol, Superman then Chris Reeve....It's just such a beautiful arrangement of titles and suspense and incredible music.....I swear this changed my life.
This music is seriously the greatest for Superman! I became a huge Superman fan when I first watched Superman the movie as a kid and heard this main title! Superman will forever be my favorite hero!
Christopher Reeve🥰🥰🥰How many 10 year olds girls fell in love with him and was jealous of Lois Lane?!🤷🏾♀️ I was!!🙋🏾♀️ Excellent theme!! 1:14-2:14 is my absolute favorite part. That part made me believe when I was a kid. The best theme ever!!!!
This is the original opening (sound effects). Hate the remastered version. This is what it do!!!!!!❤💙💛 Thank you soooooooo much. I love you for this. No one else has this. You are the best.🙂😍😊
Couldn't agree with you more. Not only are the remastered sound effects terrible, but the 5.1 remix is really brutal. Superman: The Movie was the very first film in 2.0 Dolby. That's how it is meant to be heard.
Faster than a speeding bullet, More powerful than a locomotive, Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, SUPERMAN! He fights a Neverending Battle for Truth, Justice, and The American Way!
This Opening Theme was so Dynamic - Just like the Man of Steel ! It was an awesome title sequence the like of which we had never seen before and gave us a taste of things to come in the movie ! Wonderful Actors, High Production Values, Special Effects and a Story-line that made us fall in love again with Superman :) Christoper Reeve "Owned that role" and it shows ! I remember this when it premiered in Melbourne Australia at The Capitol Theater in 1980. Thanks for posting it :)
I will never forget the day my Dad took me to see this at the ABC cinema in Hanley, Staffordshire. We queued around the block, as was normal back. It was a wonderful, huge cinema with an amazing foyer, who's gigantic curtains have grown in size over the years. Every time I watch this intro, I'm transported back to that cinema. One of the greatest cinema experiences of my childhood (along with Star Wars) but this was just magical to 9 year kid and its still a beautiful film with one of the greatest opening of all time. Always forget what an amazing cast it had, which even includes the, late great Trevor Howard. 70's'80's was cinema heaven for kids. I'll never forget and will be ever thankful to my later father for taking me to see all these great movies. And then came ET!
this is supposed to be the beginning of giant adventures by Richard Donner who wanted to give us a minimal of five movies and maybe more but he was fired before completed the second movie.
The Real Superman Credits. I saw it when it came out, and it inspired me so much that a few years later, from middle school, I was a sprint champion in athletics. Thank you for offering this motivating theme song. 👍🏆
With so many super hero movies around and none can give you the chills only this one can, none of the movies now have a great cinematic introduction like this one.
A theme that literally sounds like what hope stands for when you think about it, when you feel it. Courage, determination, resilience, empathy. How can a musician be things good to write something so apt for a concept. What sort of legendary musical genius must one be to do this... "They can be a great people, Kal-El; they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son."
One of the most memorable opening credit scenes. Very well designed. Opening movie credits have as much of an impact as the movie itself together with an outstanding musical score.
I think the original opening is actually kinda great. It basically transports you from Superman's comic book roots to its moment as a radio and then film serial. And that last shot going over the moon readies the 1978 audience for the "modern" version. The kid's intro is nice too - basically summarizes the mood of the time when Superman was created.
Don't get me wrong, the music is beyond superb, there are not enough superlatives to adequately describe this work by John Williams, and it obviously stands alone as a supreme masterpiece of the very highest order, but I think we should give some credit to the person who thought of and worked out the swooshing sound effects, it does add another dimension that takes the opening sequence to another level. edit: P.S. John Williams will never say it, I mean he's probably ALWAYS trying to write his greatest score, do his best work for a film, at least he was back when he wrote this, but I think he was trying to outdo Star Wars with this Superman theme(and I think he succeeded). I mean, this came out just after Star Wars, what was it, a year later, and it's written in a key a step higher(though both themes have a similar melodic structure and percussive drive in the accompaniment), so it reaches just a bit higher than the mighty Star Wars vaunting, vaunted, theme. Personally, I think this may well be, probably is, the most heroic and energetic movie theme ever written, quite fitting of the great Superman. It's hard not to be optimistic and inspired when listening to this music.
A great comment! It was Richard Greenberg [of R Greenberg & Associates] that designed the entire opening title sequence and came up with the sound for whooshes.
One of the most annoying and unoriginal talking points I've ever seen. Every DC film should be its own identity, instead of being pointless clones and copies of this film. The Marvel cinematic universe used to take notes from this film with each entry, until they decided that THE MESSAGE was more important than storytelling.
Ahhh, MEMORIES! This is classic -- "The BEST, Jerry...the BEST!" The music is genius! I, especially, love the very ending where the horns just go nuts on the fast-paced rhythmic notes beginning at @ -- BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE JOHN WILLIAMS!
Yes, I’m quite aware of that, but why that particular comic? It wasn’t the actual JUNE 1938 issue of Action Comics and why all of that talk about the Great Depression that doesn’t factor into the film? The Daily Planet globe on top of the building doesn’t even appear again. Luthor also says that Krypton exploded in 1948 and took Superman three years to get to Earth. So, was that to justify the long opening credits taking ten years to get from Earth to Krypton, yet it takes only three to get from Krypton to Earth? It’s a very baffling and superfluous opening that serves no real purpose than just an excuse to show a comic book transposed into a feature film. Even the films’ creators don’t have much to stay as to why it was there.
@@kamdan2011 I believe it was a comic book created for the film itself, hearkening back to 1938, the year in which Superman was created. The depression era talk was included, as there were still residual effects of the great depression felt by all. The Daily Planet having the globe on top, again, could have been referencing the early appearances of the Daily Planet in the comic books. As for it disappearing by 1978-- over the course of 40 years, it seems plausible that the owner's felt a giant, spinning globe wasn't cost-effective. As for the opening credits-- I don't believe it has ANYthing to do with Superman's journey through space, nor that it would have any bearing on the time table established in the film. It's.. an opening credits sequence. An overture, with a futuristic spin on the presentation-- traditional, full symphony tune with 3D swooshing credits. :)
@@kamdan2011 because it serves as a dramatic opening to get people into the film, and segue into the opening titles. It's something that you can't think about too much. Besides the opening fanfare and credit sequence more than makes up for any lapses in continuity here.
Sounds as good today as it did back in 1978. I wish I’d experienced it for the first time in the theatres too. What a spectacle the whole film must have been
What a crime they did changing the original audio of the opening credits, no consideration at all for the affective memory!! They did the same with Terminator (1984), just to please those born in the 90s and 2000's, mutilate those great movies should be forbidden!! Different case: Superman 2: the Richard Donner's Cut, far superior than the one released in 1981!!
Superman the movie is a mythological story and the comic opening is acknowledging that modern mythology. And you need more bass when the shield comes in. Other than that it's perfect.
Logan Cracraft, I get that it’s the idea of a comic book come to life. What I don’t get is the content that’s inside the comic book. The movie is not set during the Great Depression at all. Luthor says that Krypton exploded in 1948. The Daily Planet is clearly not the same building we see in the film. I know June 1938 is when Superman first appeared in Action Comics, but that’s not the actual cover of the issue. The sound mix you’re hearing is what was originally done in 1978. I’m not adjusting the bass to your liking.
@@kamdan2011 Hello sir. I've always admired your work. I've got a yahoo on another video that is amazingly trying to claim that the remixed audio and effects are actually the original. Normally I don't like to get into things like this, but I respect you immensely and would like to ask for your support. Will provide the link in the next comment.
@@kamdan2011 The guy's name is ThexBorg . . . here is the link. Just scroll down in the comments and find his post. Here is the link ua-cam.com/video/-GP00L5ruSM/v-deo.html I have always found you to be a fair and objective person who knows his stuff when it comes to this film. As I say, I know this is silly, but I can honestly say I've never come across another person who so emphatically denies reality over the original audio mix from this movie. It's hard to believe.
All these years later....when that "S" blasts out and that music gets going, it's goosebumps. I wish I were old enough to have seen it in theaters.
I was 10 when it came out. The line into the theater was very long. Everyone in the Theater was like wow when this song was playing this is different and we knew this was something totally different that we were about to watch. It's been 45 yrs since my family and I watched this and the feeling is still the same.
I was old enough, I was 5 yrs old. This was the 1st movie I remember seeing as a kid 🤘
At 7 this was my first trip to a cinema
I was 11. It was a blast.
I was 20 when it came out...got goosebumps then...still get 'em now!
It's the swooshes. Whoever came up with opening sequence should have won an award!
I remember this as a little kid, back to back, I saw Star Wars, Smokey and the Bandit, Superman 1 and 2, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Empire Strikes Back, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. I cannot recall ever a series of blockbusters one after another. I was lucky to have seem all of these in the theater.
... add to that Star Wars, Star Trek, the Black Hole, Tron, Dragonslayer, E. T. - the list goes on and on. It was the absolute best era to be a movie-going kid
They just want an opinion on this superman opening not your life story who cares
Every time I hear that music and see those titles I immediately become a kid again, running through my house with a towel tucked in the collar of my shirt. Brings a tear to my eye every time. I miss those days.
Nevermore77 1:27-1:37 me too.
@@nathancruz9172 wow
me too lol...best times
Me too. I was obsessed with Christopher Reeve/Superman as a kid.
Omg you big wet noodle
December 15, 1978 ... almost 42 years ago and this movie STILL amazes me! Imagine what it must have been like that night, in the dark movie theater, hearing this music for the first time and seeing that huge "S" on the screen. Goosebumps on top of goosebumps on top of goosebumps!
It was the first movie I ever saw in a theater... I was just three years old at the time. Based on my extremely hazy memory of that day, the whole deal was rather loud, and for some reason I really focused on the Christmas-ornament rocketship that took baby Kal-El to Earth, as well as the hydroelectric dam breaking up. Oh, and that lovely kryptonite necklace Luthor so lovingly gave to our hero. Then I grew up quite a bitand started noticing a lot of other things about the movie...
I was there as a 13-year-old lifetime Superman fan and I can tell you it was everything you described.
Same here. John Williams made it come alive. My favorite movie soundtrack.
I would love to see this in the big screen!
I saw this in the theater
It was so incredible no words can explane it
Get the soundtrack place it in your sterio and open the volume and hang on
May GOD rest Christopher Reeves soul in JESUS name Amen
If there was such a thing in Oscar awards for 'best opening credits category ' , this would of probably won .
The first Oscar ceremony in 1929 had a "Best Titles" award but it was sadly removed the second ceremony two years later.
@@rclark777That's sad! They should have kept the best title section in the Oscars. Maybe, they thought it was too redundant! I don't know? I love the Star Wars introduction too!
The one and only Superman
The best opening ever on any film out there by far.
Hi Jeffrey Green! I agree this opening is great. However...
As a Star Trek fan, I think this is the greatest opening to any film:
Star Trek Generations - Opening Credits
ua-cam.com/video/pi8nzGaVS08/v-deo.html
If you've never seen this movie, pause at 2:01 to take that in before finishing the scene.
Or, do as I did when I went to see this in the movie theater and watch it without pausing 😁
Recommend turning up the volume for this 😁
Here's the continuation of the opening scene
ua-cam.com/video/4GbKUVK_Ct0/v-deo.html
@@georgehenderson7783 The music sets it apart. This theme for Superman may well be the most heroic, optimistic, energetic theme ever written, so the screen could have been pitch black and it would have been stunning, but the visuals and sound effects enhance an already heightened experience while fulfilling a necessary purpose, namely displaying the opening credits. I can only imagine what it might have felt like to have seen, or rather, have heard, this theme for the first time in the theater, it must have been truly amazing and awe-inspiring.
Damn sure!!
The only one I'd say that rivals it is Star Wars. Remarkable beginning to a remarkable film.
By many touchdowns
Incredible theme. It’s why no one can touch this era of Superman amongst other things.
As soon as that superman S thunders onto the screen, you know shits about to get EPIC!!!
and EPIC it becomes.
John Williams is a legend for giving us the Superman and Star Wars theme he is truly the greatest and best movie intro ever!
He also composed the theme of the TV Series "Lost in Space,"which was remade by Apollo 440 for the movie.
Don't forget Indiana Jones!
And Jaws.
and Jurassic Park
And Harry Potter!!!!
This opening still gives me goosebumps! John Williams slowly building up the music before the logo appears is genius!
I had 9 years old in june 1980, when i saw ona nigth with my mother and my brother, SUPERMAN. The intro was (it´s) amazing. That nigth, in the Consota Theatre, in Pereira (Colombia), were impactant for me. By the first time in my life, that begining launched to me to the space with the power of the music and the sensation to travel between the time and the space. Unforgetable!
If you listen carefully, you can hear the horns say the word "SUPERMAN" at the beginning. John Williams should've won the Oscar for Best Original Score.
Great theme. But you have to see this like I saw it, in a theater. Big screen, almost an IMAX, Dolby surround
sound the whole nine yards. When the Superman logo came up, people cheered. Man that was a long time ago. But never gets old.
The opening theme alone is worth the price of admission.
Tears came to my eyes when I heard it for Superman returns. Too bad that movie was meh.
This is truly wonderful. The most important thing is that you used the original audio. . . the 2.0 mix with the original swooshes. Anything else is sacrilege to those of us who actually grew up with this film.
This intro still gives me goosebumps to this day. Hans Zimmer's got *Nothing* on John Williams' Superman theme, that's for certain lol
I like John Williams, but tbh Hans Zimmer's Man of Steel theme is probably better than this imo, mainly because it feels much more darker, and I like the flight theme too, aswell all of Hans Zimmer's work with The Dark Knight movies is pretty amazing, John Williams' Star Wars Themes are Amazing though
Aswell as Jaws
@@melaniepitingaro2001 I'm sure he is good. But his version can't hold a candle when comes to the Superman theme song. Otherwise, he's a good conductor
@@melaniepitingaro2001 Yeah, that too :-)
@@melaniepitingaro2001 No... You can use Hans Z in another movie and its fits..Try using John willians,,, Wont work
RIP to Ned Beatty for having so much memories filmmaking. You'll see Christopher Reeve in heaven.
And Richard Donner too, greatest superhero movie ever made! Margot Kidder, thee Lois Lane!
So many of this cast is now gone, sadly. But they created a classic.
More than likely he first encountered Bill McKinney, who then tried to make him squeal like a pig again.
I can only hope we all get to see Chris up there! He was a really great Superman but all around nice guy with the fans from what I've heard
Greatest opening theme for a movie.
The best opening ever! It's more than 40 years ago and and no other movie has topped it yet! Don't get me wrong, there are other films with a good openings. But not like this one!😊
Get this: Toy Story 2 BRILLIANTLY pays tribute to this with its opening credits! I think it's great, one iconic franchise saluting another!
This movie is so epic, Superman is third in the credits😊
That portion of the intro is important. Its telling the audience that this character is about to escape the page and into reality.
I saw this in theatres when I was 12. While watching this opening credit sequence I said to myself, "WOW, If the rest of the movie is anything like this it is going to be great." Boy Was I Right! I preceded to see the movie another 6 times. My father had to stop me from going to see it after viewing number 7....Superman for me will always be Christopher Reeve.
Vincent, you were lucky to see it multiple times in the theater. I was lucky to see it once 4 months after it came out in my local theater at the age of 9.
I miss opening credit sequences like this. This is the magic of movies which sadly is a thing of the past for the most part.
Wow. This intro still blows me away. Still great even after 43 years. John Williams hands down the best writer of music.
One of the greatest openings of all time, without question. Fun fact: Toy Story 2 BRILLIANTLY pays tribute to this with ITS opening credits! One iconic franchise saluting another!
Thunderbird 1 1:16-1:36 that was my first time thinking about this intro, when I was 6 years old.
Sort of
The actor of Otis Ned Beatty is in toy story!
@@macncheese9967 Really? What role?
Thunderbird 1 he played Lotso the pink bear in the third movie of the toy story franchise
NOBODY composed a score better than John Williams.
December 15th Friday night 10:00pm screening at the MANN’S FOX COVINA Cinemas presented In 70MM 6-TRACK DOLBY STEREO I sat with my Mom and two brothers in a sold out full house audience. At age 12 this was the ultimate and most magical cinematic experience in all my years up to this day. Waiting in a line that wrapped itself around the entire theatre complex for over 21/2 hours was definitely worth the wait! To see this on the big screen beyond amazing and the audience was entirely blown away. Everyone knew they were in for a good ride all the way. There will never be a comic film interpretation with such genius visuals and feel the way RICHARD DONNER delivered this masterpiece.
That’s awesome
The best out of all the Superman theme songs. Hard to top John Williams.
And now, ladies and Gentleman, Superman´s Director is gone too.
R.I.P Richard Donner (April 24, 1930 - July 5, 2021)
This is for you
The only movie intro that can match the original Star Wars.
The opening tiles of Batman 1989 beg to differ
Both by John Williams coincidentally enough...
This never fails to give me goosebumps. This title sequence could have made for a hell of an announcement/teaser trailer. Imagine it's 1977 and you're sitting in a theater watching previews and this starts, you have no idea what film its about and you just see that it's maybe some scifi movie with Brando and Hackman starring but then @1:30 Shit gets real and that music and Superman logo hit you all at once.
You ever actually see the teaser trailer that inspired them to do this? It's very similar to what you're describing.
Check this out. You'll love it ua-cam.com/video/d9ZtS7Emado/v-deo.html
These titles were absolutely unheard of at the time and caused a sensation. Couple that with the most amazing music and you've got an instant classic.
RIP Richard Donner, Marlon Brando, Christopher Reeve, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper, Margot Kidder, Etc.
Glenn Ford and Phyllis Thaxter as well, Susannah York too
@@nobodysperfect06 Yes.
Gene Hackman would be the only one left, wouldn't he?
@@dhenderson1810 Yes, he's still alive.
@@dhenderson1810 Jack O'Halloran is still alive. And so is Valerie Perrine, Terrence Stamp, Marc McClure and Sarah Douglas.
This is very BEAUTIFUL!!!, i'm crying, EPIC!!!
Superman was the world's first comic book superhero, this film was about the origins of Superman within the context of the story, and the release of the film marked the 40th anniversary of the release of Action Comics No. 1. All of this explains the "comic book" opening.
Hey your rite I'm from the 60s I know about the first superman comics I had purchased a lot of superman wonderwoman comics back when
Only one Superman = Reeve
Has it been that long, I still get goose bumbs hearing the opening I miss my childhood so much and to see it through those young eyes again.
Still the best superhero movie in my opinion.
@GuruTruthSpeak naw man.. howard the duck....
This is literally the Citizen Kane of all superhero films.
My favourite John Williams score of his movie career. Even more than Star Wars and Indiana Jones. This is one of the perfect movie scores ever composed IMO. 🎬
This intro is all really exceptional and well-done (especially for 1978), but there's something special about the segment from about 1:14-1:31 that is unique. It quiets down to almost nothing and then plays only some bass notes for a bit. This creates a dynamic and tension that might otherwise not be possible with the intensity of this music. It reminds me of some upbeat songs where everything goes totally quiet for a second or two and then returns to full volume. Very dramatic. The music that comes before this kindof stalls and meanders in a way that tells you something big is coming - not exactly sure why it has that effect, but it's cool. And of course, the big 'S' that comes in at 1:36-1:46 is just epic. It all works together very well. But I'd have to agree with the comment below - this part could use more bass. But that's really nit-picking.
Very true. It's masterful composition by John Williams and perhaps carefully placing the names of the 2 giant superstars (Brando/Hackman) there to give it weight....then the incredible director.....BOOM, S symbol, Superman then Chris Reeve....It's just such a beautiful arrangement of titles and suspense and incredible music.....I swear this changed my life.
This music is seriously the greatest for Superman! I became a huge Superman fan when I first watched Superman the movie as a kid and heard this main title! Superman will forever be my favorite hero!
Taylor Brumm me too.
Christopher Reeve🥰🥰🥰How many 10 year olds girls fell in love with him and was jealous of Lois Lane?!🤷🏾♀️ I was!!🙋🏾♀️ Excellent theme!! 1:14-2:14 is my absolute favorite part. That part made me believe when I was a kid. The best theme ever!!!!
No other superman has come close to this movie series.... the music the realism the magic... you were convinced a man really could fly....
The comic book broadens the film to those folks who lived during that era.
This is the original opening (sound effects). Hate the remastered version. This is what it do!!!!!!❤💙💛 Thank you soooooooo much. I love you for this. No one else has this. You are the best.🙂😍😊
I've actually got a VHS with this version still
Yea i def agree with about the other version!!🤦🏿♂️
You’re welcome
Couldn't agree with you more. Not only are the remastered sound effects terrible, but the 5.1 remix is really brutal. Superman: The Movie was the very first film in 2.0 Dolby. That's how it is meant to be heard.
My FAVORITE John Williams score!
Those bass on the background means the power of hope is coming to the world😎
True Christ Jesus came to the legendary world peace and blessings to you all unconditionally.
The greatest superhero theme for the GOAT of all costumed adventurers. The alpha and omega of comic book superheroism.
Faster than a speeding bullet,
More powerful than a locomotive,
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound,
SUPERMAN!
He fights a Neverending Battle for Truth, Justice, and The American Way!
It still gives the chills..
This and Star Wars opening credits/theme❤❤❤. John Williams is genius.
This Opening Theme was so Dynamic - Just like the Man of Steel ! It was an awesome title sequence the like of which we had never seen before and gave us a taste of things to come in the movie ! Wonderful Actors, High Production Values, Special Effects and a Story-line that made us fall in love again with Superman :) Christoper Reeve "Owned that role" and it shows ! I remember this when it premiered in Melbourne Australia at The Capitol Theater in 1980. Thanks for posting it :)
John Williams, Thank You Sir
I will never forget the day my Dad took me to see this at the ABC cinema in Hanley, Staffordshire. We queued around the block, as was normal back. It was a wonderful, huge cinema with an amazing foyer, who's gigantic curtains have grown in size over the years. Every time I watch this intro, I'm transported back to that cinema. One of the greatest cinema experiences of my childhood (along with Star Wars) but this was just magical to 9 year kid and its still a beautiful film with one of the greatest opening of all time. Always forget what an amazing cast it had, which even includes the, late great Trevor Howard. 70's'80's was cinema heaven for kids. I'll never forget and will be ever thankful to my later father for taking me to see all these great movies. And then came ET!
I’m really glad to have grown up with all those great films. Best time to grow up.
Farewell, Richard Donner. And thank you! No other director or superhero film has come close!!
Still remember being a kid and have a towel being a cap tight behind my neck running around the house when this music play
Amazing how the title character is named third in the credits.
It's like listening to a missing peice of music from Star Wars in the first minute or so. John Williams the legend
Saw this in the theater when I was 13, the music, the titles flying over and under had my mouth open.
It took me several years (of pain too) to finally come back down to Earth from this opening music, when a tadpole in the theatres.
this is supposed to be the beginning of giant adventures by Richard Donner who wanted to give us a minimal of five movies and maybe more but he was fired before completed the second movie.
The BEST super hero movie. then the mcu. Fight me!
I wont. One is a super hero; the others argue too much.
The Real Superman Credits. I saw it when it came out, and it inspired me so much that a few years later, from middle school, I was a sprint champion in athletics. Thank you for offering this motivating theme song. 👍🏆
Why can be so true, for the years so past, RIP Cristopher, Forever be Superman for the humanity....
Best superman theme of all time
Man of steel's intro is nowhere near as big and epic like this.
And even to this day, the theme and intro *STILL* gives me goosebumps 😎
Agreed!
With so many super hero movies around and none can give you the chills only this one can, none of the movies now have a great cinematic introduction like this one.
A theme that literally sounds like what hope stands for when you think about it, when you feel it. Courage, determination, resilience, empathy.
How can a musician be things good to write something so apt for a concept. What sort of legendary musical genius must one be to do this...
"They can be a great people, Kal-El; they wish to be.
They only lack the light to show the way.
For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son."
Best movie titles/credits ever.
I would love to see this in a theatre one more time. Best title sequence ever.
One of the most memorable opening credit scenes. Very well designed. Opening movie credits have as much of an impact as the movie itself together with an outstanding musical score.
YES!! THIS IS HOW I REMEMBER THIS MOVIE!!
This was THE greatest thing when I was a child watching this.
YES THANK YOU FOR USING THE ORIGINAL WHOOSHES AND NOT THE REMIXED VERSION!!!!!
I think the original opening is actually kinda great. It basically transports you from Superman's comic book roots to its moment as a radio and then film serial. And that last shot going over the moon readies the 1978 audience for the "modern" version. The kid's intro is nice too - basically summarizes the mood of the time when Superman was created.
The comic book opening is good, but this is good too.
I was seven and we went to see this on New Year’s Eve. I was spellbound.
It brings back memories and the wonder of the movie❤❤
Don't get me wrong, the music is beyond superb, there are not enough superlatives to adequately describe this work by John Williams, and it obviously stands alone as a supreme masterpiece of the very highest order, but I think we should give some credit to the person who thought of and worked out the swooshing sound effects, it does add another dimension that takes the opening sequence to another level.
edit: P.S. John Williams will never say it, I mean he's probably ALWAYS trying to write his greatest score, do his best work for a film, at least he was back when he wrote this, but I think he was trying to outdo Star Wars with this Superman theme(and I think he succeeded). I mean, this came out just after Star Wars, what was it, a year later, and it's written in a key a step higher(though both themes have a similar melodic structure and percussive drive in the accompaniment), so it reaches just a bit higher than the mighty Star Wars vaunting, vaunted, theme. Personally, I think this may well be, probably is, the most heroic and energetic movie theme ever written, quite fitting of the great Superman. It's hard not to be optimistic and inspired when listening to this music.
A great comment! It was Richard Greenberg [of R Greenberg & Associates] that designed the entire opening title sequence and came up with the sound for whooshes.
This is the way you make a superhero movie! Modern DC movie makers take lots of notes!
One of the most annoying and unoriginal talking points I've ever seen.
Every DC film should be its own identity, instead of being pointless clones and copies of this film.
The Marvel cinematic universe used to take notes from this film with each entry, until they decided that THE MESSAGE was more important than storytelling.
Ahhh, MEMORIES! This is classic -- "The BEST, Jerry...the BEST!" The music is genius! I, especially, love the very ending where the horns just go nuts on the fast-paced rhythmic notes beginning at @ -- BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE JOHN WILLIAMS!
Beginning at 4:53
This theme instills a feeling of hopefulness and triumph!
Un Gran Tema Que Trae Esperanza Y Triunfo👊👊🦸♂️🌏👍😌
cool...... best film and soundtrack ever..... thank you so much 🥰
Those swooshing sounds are from 1978. 🙂
And, then in 2000, when they released the film in the DVD, the swooshing sounds we're restored. 😊
I actually prefer the original mono audio, but that's cause I saw it as child in the theater when it was released.
The original and the best. They tinker with the music. Leave it alone. U can't improve on perfection
@@captchaossega It was never in mono. It was Dolby 2.0.
Cada vez que escucho este tema se me eriza la piel, excelente obra de arte.
The first two films always the best!!
Superman was originally a comic book.
Yes, I’m quite aware of that, but why that particular comic? It wasn’t the actual JUNE 1938 issue of Action Comics and why all of that talk about the Great Depression that doesn’t factor into the film? The Daily Planet globe on top of the building doesn’t even appear again. Luthor also says that Krypton exploded in 1948 and took Superman three years to get to Earth. So, was that to justify the long opening credits taking ten years to get from Earth to Krypton, yet it takes only three to get from Krypton to Earth? It’s a very baffling and superfluous opening that serves no real purpose than just an excuse to show a comic book transposed into a feature film. Even the films’ creators don’t have much to stay as to why it was there.
@@kamdan2011 I believe it was a comic book created for the film itself, hearkening back to 1938, the year in which Superman was created. The depression era talk was included, as there were still residual effects of the great depression felt by all. The Daily Planet having the globe on top, again, could have been referencing the early appearances of the Daily Planet in the comic books. As for it disappearing by 1978-- over the course of 40 years, it seems plausible that the owner's felt a giant, spinning globe wasn't cost-effective. As for the opening credits-- I don't believe it has ANYthing to do with Superman's journey through space, nor that it would have any bearing on the time table established in the film. It's.. an opening credits sequence. An overture, with a futuristic spin on the presentation-- traditional, full symphony tune with 3D swooshing credits. :)
@@kamdan2011 because it serves as a dramatic opening to get people into the film, and segue into the opening titles. It's something that you can't think about too much. Besides the opening fanfare and credit sequence more than makes up for any lapses in continuity here.
Water is wet.
@@kamdan2011 OMG, are you kidding me??? You know it's just a movie right?
Otisburg.
Sounds as good today as it did back in 1978. I wish I’d experienced it for the first time in the theatres too. What a spectacle the whole film must have been
I remember watching this movie on TV once when I was a child. But I only saw partials of it.
This Is A Job For SUPERMAN!
My friend and i saw this last yr and ppl applauded when christopher n margots names popped up👊🏽
What a crime they did changing the original audio of the opening credits, no consideration at all for the affective memory!! They did the same with Terminator (1984), just to please those born in the 90s and 2000's, mutilate those great movies should be forbidden!! Different case: Superman 2: the Richard Donner's Cut, far superior than the one released in 1981!!
When seeing it again on YT is even MORE powerful than it was in the theater when it was first released ...
Oh, AND HEARING it! The Swooshes were EVERYTHING!
@@somedude5414 YES!
The original and best version
Nothing else comes remotely close.
Greatest opening credits, ever. John Williams was a genius.
best superhero theme ever.... hands down
Superman the movie is a mythological story and the comic opening is acknowledging that modern mythology. And you need more bass when the shield comes in. Other than that it's perfect.
Logan Cracraft, I get that it’s the idea of a comic book come to life. What I don’t get is the content that’s inside the comic book. The movie is not set during the Great Depression at all. Luthor says that Krypton exploded in 1948. The Daily Planet is clearly not the same building we see in the film. I know June 1938 is when Superman first appeared in Action Comics, but that’s not the actual cover of the issue. The sound mix you’re hearing is what was originally done in 1978. I’m not adjusting the bass to your liking.
@@kamdan2011 It's simply there to acknowledge the history of the character. It's not meant to be taken literally.
@@kamdan2011 Hello sir. I've always admired your work. I've got a yahoo on another video that is amazingly trying to claim that the remixed audio and effects are actually the original. Normally I don't like to get into things like this, but I respect you immensely and would like to ask for your support. Will provide the link in the next comment.
@@kamdan2011 The guy's name is ThexBorg . . . here is the link. Just scroll down in the comments and find his post. Here is the link ua-cam.com/video/-GP00L5ruSM/v-deo.html I have always found you to be a fair and objective person who knows his stuff when it comes to this film. As I say, I know this is silly, but I can honestly say I've never come across another person who so emphatically denies reality over the original audio mix from this movie. It's hard to believe.
@@kamdan2011 Yes! This is the _exact_ mix from 1978. Don't change a thing.