DVD Review: The New Adventures Of Superman: Seasons 2 & 3

DVD Reviews, Reviews

I watched a lot cartoons as a kid and the superhero cartoons were always my favorite, whether it was Superman or Batman or the Super Friends, they were always a joy. So I was super excited to revisit these two seasons of Superman when the opportunity presented itsself.

The box proclaims “32 thrill-packed episodes!” but what they really mean by episodes is cartoons. Season 2 of this show was actually part of The Superman/Aquaman Hour Of Adventure wherein 6 ½ minute episodes of both Superman and Aquaman were presented along side short adventures of other various DC superheroes. These aired from 1967-68. Season 3 was part of The Batman/Superman Hour where in the Superman stories were longer and each story was comprised of two 6 ½ minute shorts. So while it says there are 16 episodes, there are really only 8 stories. These aired from 1968-69.

Regardless of the semantics of it, you get some really fun stories here, from Lex Luthor to Brainiac to strange lesser known villains or completely made up ones just for the series, Superman is always ready to fight evil doers and stand up straight for truth, justice and the American way!

As these were produced in the 60s, there is a fair amount of not so subtle sexism and racism. In just about every episode, while Clark Kent is referred to as a “mild-manner reporter” as we are accustom, Lois Lane is referred to as a “girl reporter” not even a woman or a lady reporter, but a “girl reporter.” The first time I heard it I almost did a spit-take. I couldn’t believe my ears, but there it is, in glorious Mono.

Then there is the very last two episodes of Season 3, parts 1 and 2 of “The Japanese Sandman” where Clark, Lois and Jimmy go to Japan. Now, this isn’t ’40s Superman “The Japateurs” bad, but it’s bad enough so that when you watch you kind of want to hide your head and feel a little embarrassed for watching it.

Still, all-in-all these are fun bunch of episodes and if you’re a Superman fan, then they are certainly a must own.

This show is presented in fullscreen and Mono sound. These old episodes look really good here. The colors are really crisp and clean.

Sadly, there are no special features.

Mild sexism and racism aside, these are mostly some pretty fun episodes, and if nothing else are a classic moment in Superman history. Season 1 was released way back in 2007 and Seasons 2 & 3 are finally here for fans to enjoy.

Warner Bros. presents The New Adventures of Superman (Seasons 2 & 3). Created by: Filmation. Directed by: Hal Sutherland. Starring: Bud Collyer, Joan Alexander, Jackson Beck and Jack Grimes. Running time: 32 episodes on 2 discs. Not Rated. Released: June 13, 2014.

Mike Noyes received his Masters Degree in Film from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. A few of his short films can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/user/mikebnoyes. He recently published his first novel which you can buy here: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Days-Years-Mike-Noyes-ebook/dp/B07D48NT6B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528774538&sr=8-1&keywords=seven+days+seven+years