When James Gunn was first announced as the director of DC’s new Superman reboot, skepticism was high. Could he bring something fresh to a character so tied to history and expectation? The answer, judging from the film’s strong box office showing and critical praise, is yes. Now the movie arrives on digital, streaming, and physical formats, giving audiences another chance to take flight with the Man of Steel.
At its core, Gunn’s film succeeds because it remembers what Superman is meant to be. Balancing action, humor, romance, and heart, he restores the character as a beacon of hope. The influence of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman is unmistakable, but Gunn layers in nods to other classic storylines, rewarding long-time comic fans without alienating new viewers.
The casting helps seal the effect. David Corenswet is a convincing Superman, capturing both the warmth of Clark Kent and the confidence of the hero. Rachel Brosnahan offers a sharp, modern Lois Lane, her determination underscoring the chemistry between the two leads. Nicholas Hoult makes Lex Luthor calculating and chilling without tipping into caricature, a villain whose self-righteousness feels eerily believable.
On home release, the film holds up impressively. The 4K transfer highlights the color Gunn fought to bring back into superhero cinema, while the sound mix balances explosive set pieces with quieter, more intimate moments. Watching at home also makes it easier to notice details—a subtle expression from Hoult, the texture of Corenswet’s suit, the Easter eggs tucked into the Daily Planet newsroom.
The bonus features range from the expected to the surprising. A brief gag reel provides a handful of laughs, while three deleted scenes offer curiosities without changing the story. A making-of featurette stands out, charting Gunn’s process, the pride of the cast and crew, and Corenswet’s first moments in costume. Other segments dive into set design, Hoult’s interpretation of Luthor, and the team dynamic behind supporting heroes like Guy Gardner and Hawkgirl. Even Krypto the Superdog gets attention, with a fascinating look at how a human actor and CGI replaced a live animal for most of his scenes.
The film’s legacy is explored in a segment featuring cast reflections and interviews with Jerry Siegel’s grandsons, though the absence of comic creators leaves a gap. A piece on the score highlights both the new themes and the enduring power of John Williams’ 1978 march, while a lighthearted animated short with Krypto adds a playful coda. The only disappointment is the lack of a director’s commentary, which would have offered invaluable insight into Gunn’s choices.
In the end, the home release of Superman is more than a repackaging of a theatrical success. It is a reminder of why the character still matters, combining a film that celebrates Superman’s optimism with extras that enrich the experience. For fans of the hero, and for anyone eager to see where DC’s new era is headed, this is an edition worth owning.
Dan Kleiner 
Newsdesk