Actors: Matt Bomer, Stana Katic, Molly C. Quinn, Alexander Gould
Directors: James Tucker
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Running Time: 75 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars
“Superman: Unbound” is the latest in the line of DCU Animated Original Movies. This film is based on Geoff Johns/Gary Frank’s kick ass graphic novel “Superman: Brainiac” from 2008. This film includes the fantastic voice talents of Matt Bomer (“White Collar”) as Superman and John Noble (“Fringe”) as the villainous Brainiac. I am also a HUGE fan of ABC’s hit series “Castle” and we get a nice little reunion here with Stana Katic as Lois Lane and Molly Quinn as Supergirl. The action is epic and the story is well done thanks to a stellar script form Bob Goodman (“Batman: The Dark Knight Returns). Brainiac is one hell of a kick ass villain and he really gets his day to shine here. My only complaint is that I wished it was longer than 75 minutes. Be sure to stay through the first half of the credits 😉 But still another fine fine installment from Warner’s DCU Animated division for sure. Next up for them is “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox”, which drops on July 30th. If you are a Superman fan and counting down the days (like myself) till “Man of Steel” next month, this is a great way to get your fix. Can’t wait!
Official Premise: Based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 2008 release “Superman: Brainiac,” Superman: Unbound” finds the Man of Steel aptly handling day-to-day crime while helping acclimate Supergirl to Earth’s customs and managing Lois Lane’s expectations for their relationship. Personal issues take a back seat when the horrific force responsible for the destruction of Krypton – Brainiac – begins his descent upon Earth. Brainiac has crossed the universe, collecting cities from interesting planets – including Supergirl’s home city of Kandor – and now the all-knowing, ever-improving android has his sights fixed on Metropolis. Superman must summon all of his physical and intellectual resources to protect his city, the love of his life and his newly-arrived cousin.
Warner delivered a very impressive Blu-ray/DVD/UltraViolet Combo Pack. They covered all the options like they usually do. I already see a repeat viewing of this film in the coming weeks, most likely with the UltraViolet digital streaming copy. The 1080p transfer is flawless and the animation really shines alongside it. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also delivers the action very well and compliments this fine voice cast. The special features are ace and include over four and half hours of content. There are two great featurettes included. The first, “Kandor: History of the Bottle City”, which gives nice background on the shrunken city. Next is “Brainiac: Technology and Terror”, which looks into the villain and his story. There is an audio commentary with Mike Carlin, Bob Goodman and James Tucker, which is worth a listen for hardcore DC fans. There is a short digital comic excerpt from the original graphic novel “Superman: Brainiac” by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. I would have loved to this complete. Lastly and my favorite is four bonus episodes from “Superman: The Animated Series” including “The Last Son of Krypton, Part 1”; “New Kids in Town”; and “Little Girl Lost, Parts 1 & 2”, which were all picked by producer Alan Burnett.
