By Armando

WB

The movie that presaged the onslaught of comic-book films is back in a 3-hour plus version, an extended cut of Richard Donner’s 1978 classic with 40 minutes of extra footage, Warner Archive Collection‘s Facebook page announced.

This version will be paired with Donner’s Special Edition Director’s Cut which was previously released back in 2000.

ABC first aired a similar version back in 1982, which was a special 3-hour plus cut dubbed “Salkind International Extended Cut”, an extended version of what was released theatrically. Superman: The Movie originally ran for 137 minutes.

That extended version broadcast of a major blockbuster was unheard of at the time and happened over the course of two nights. Many of the added footage have since showed up as deleted extras on previous releases, but never as a complete official release on dvd nor on blu-ray.

Also included on the announcement:
Special Features (on Superman The Special Edition Disc): Commentary by Director Richard Donner and Creative Consultant Tom Mankiewicz; 3 Documentaries Taking Flight: The Development of Superman, Making Superman: Filming the Legend and The Magic Behind the Cape; Screen Tests; Restored Scenes; Additional Scenes; Additional Music Cues; Music-Only Track

No official release date is announced but hopefully in the next few months, making for an excellent Christmas present for Superman fans.