Blu-Ray Review – Superman: Red Son

Superman: Red Son [rating=3]

If there’s one thing DC does well pretty consistently on film, it’s adapt it’s catalogue into animated films. Their latest offering however, is a little more interesting than the rest.

Based on the 2003 comic book mini-series written by Mark Millar (Kingsman, Kick-Ass), DC’s ’Superman: Red Son’ takes place in an alternate reality. In this reality the spaceship bearing the last survivor of Krypton, Superman (Jason Isaacs), crashes in Stalanist Russia, rather than rural Kansas.

In this reality, The Man of Steel is used as a super-weapon during the Cold War, while Lex Luther prepares to defend the United States against Soviet aggression.

Whether you’re a fan of the comics or a newcomer to the story (like me!), ‘Superman: Red Son’  is a worthwhile watch. It takes a few liberties, but manages to stay faithful to the source material. While the animation in the film is a bit of a let down by the DCAU again, the fantastic voice acting and twists on beloved characters from the DC roster makes this one a worthwhile watch. Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, Star Trek) is great in his first role as Superman, as are the supporting cast in their alternate portrayals of the characters. I really love this idea of different, darker spins on beloved characters. It’s something I’d really like to see more of personally. At only 72 minutes long it’s a nice quick but entertaining watch. It may not be the best entry in their film catalogue, but the DC Animated Universe has provided yet another satisfying adaptation.

If you’re picking up the Blu-Ray or DVD copy of the film there are a few great extras you can watch at your leisure. These include:

• DC Showcase: Phantom Stranger (Animated Short) –Animation legendBruce Timm helms Phantom Strangeras both executive producer & director from a script written by Ernie Altbacker (Teen Titans: The Judas Contract). Set in the 1970s, the short follows young adult Jess as she joins her friends at a party in adilapidated mansion hosted by the mysterious Seth … when odd things begin to happen to Jess and her friends, can Phantom Stranger intervene? Peter Serafinowicz (The Tick) gives voice to Phantom Stranger, and Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville, Impastor) provides the voice of Seth. Phantom Strangeralso features the voices of Natalie Lander, Grey Griffin and Roger Craig Smith.
• Cold Red War (New Featurette) – An exploration of the Cold War through the lens of the Elseworlds classic Superman: Red Son, as Superman rises to power and tension escalates between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• Two episodes from Superman: Red Son – The Motion Comics.
• A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War – An advanced look at the next animated film in the popular DC UniverseMovies collection.

Superman: Red Son Special Features
DVD

• A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War – An advanced look at the next animated film in the popular DC UniverseMovies collection.