A good franchise is hard to kill. Bad ones, like the seven-film torture device Police Academy, can be even harder to exterminate. But sometimes doomed series are finally put out of their misery. Up on the shelf they go, doomed to a future of languishing on lists like this one.
The murder weapon is usually money. More specifically, the lack thereof. A big enough failure means a franchise won’t get another chance to pull their act together, and the most spectacular bombs get to live on as warnings to future film students. Even more interesting are the ones that aren’t total flops, the movies that maybe made a profit, but one so small or negligible that their studios decided to put that old franchise to bed, anyway. Here are 15 movies that killed their respective franchises for good.
Song of the Thin Man (1947)
Nick and Nora Charles are murder mystery elites,...
The murder weapon is usually money. More specifically, the lack thereof. A big enough failure means a franchise won’t get another chance to pull their act together, and the most spectacular bombs get to live on as warnings to future film students. Even more interesting are the ones that aren’t total flops, the movies that maybe made a profit, but one so small or negligible that their studios decided to put that old franchise to bed, anyway. Here are 15 movies that killed their respective franchises for good.
Song of the Thin Man (1947)
Nick and Nora Charles are murder mystery elites,...
- 6/19/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace was the final Man of Steel outing for Christopher Reeve, who also hatched the story idea for this 1987 sequel. Tapping into the Cold War paranoia of the time, the story found Superman attempting to rid the world of nuclear weapons. Things don't quite run to plan, however, as his arch nemesis Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) creates Nuclear Man (Mark Pillow) from a strand of Superman's hair. Margot Kidder, Marc McClure and Jackie Cooper reprise their roles from earlier films, while a young Jon Cryer followed up (more)...
- 6/11/2011
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
In the run up to the much anticipated 2012 release of the new Superman movie, Warner Home Video is proud to present Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006), released on the 13th June 2011. Rediscover the heritage of the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, Superman, in the first five classic films.
We have already reviewed the set and can confirm it’s an essential purchase but for one lucky Owf reader, here’s your chance to win yourself a copy.
In this exciting eight disc collection, the Superman myth is depicted, from his birth on the doomed planet of Krypton to his life as a reporter in the big city of Metropolis. He discovers that hiding his superpowers as mild-mannered Clark Kent isn’t easy when trying to sustain a job at the ever inquisitive Daily Planet, wooing hard-nosed Lois Lane and constantly battling with super villains across Metropolis.
For the first time ever,...
We have already reviewed the set and can confirm it’s an essential purchase but for one lucky Owf reader, here’s your chance to win yourself a copy.
In this exciting eight disc collection, the Superman myth is depicted, from his birth on the doomed planet of Krypton to his life as a reporter in the big city of Metropolis. He discovers that hiding his superpowers as mild-mannered Clark Kent isn’t easy when trying to sustain a job at the ever inquisitive Daily Planet, wooing hard-nosed Lois Lane and constantly battling with super villains across Metropolis.
For the first time ever,...
- 6/7/2011
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
It’s interesting to watch how time and again, writers, artists, moviemakers, and studio executives struggle to find ways to adapt the very first comic book super-hero. Superman was something readers (and rival publishers) had never seen before, and he served as the template for the heroic fantasy that followed these last seven decades. When you have powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men, you need visionaries to bring the character from the printed page to other media. Robert Maxwell figured out how to do that with the popular radio serial. In fact, Maxwell came up with various characters and concepts that seeped into the comics, a symbiosis that made both stronger.
I was given to considering Superman in his many forms when the eight-disc Superman The Complete Anthology Blu-ray set arrived for review. Warner Home Video has taken all the previous versions and spruced them up a bit,...
I was given to considering Superman in his many forms when the eight-disc Superman The Complete Anthology Blu-ray set arrived for review. Warner Home Video has taken all the previous versions and spruced them up a bit,...
- 6/6/2011
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
In the run up to the much anticipated 2012 release of the new Superman movie, Warner Home Video is proud to present Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006), released on the 13th June 2011.
For the first time ever, films one to four, Superman: The Movie (Original Theatrical), Superman II (Original Theatrical) Superman III and Superman IV – The Quest For Peace, are available on Blu-ray. The collection also includes the recent blockbuster; Superman Returns, plus Superman: the Movie (Expanded Edition) and Superman II (the Director Richard Donner cut).
The release will also feature 20 hours of bonus material, including the never-before-seen original opening to Superman Returns, along with documentaries, deleted scenes and a ‘making of’ feature.
The Full eight-disc breakdown:
Superman: The Original Theatrical Movie (1978) and Expanded Edition (2001)
A box-office smash, an Academy AwardÒ winner and a fan favourite since it first flew into theatres in December 1978, Superman: The Movie assembles...
For the first time ever, films one to four, Superman: The Movie (Original Theatrical), Superman II (Original Theatrical) Superman III and Superman IV – The Quest For Peace, are available on Blu-ray. The collection also includes the recent blockbuster; Superman Returns, plus Superman: the Movie (Expanded Edition) and Superman II (the Director Richard Donner cut).
The release will also feature 20 hours of bonus material, including the never-before-seen original opening to Superman Returns, along with documentaries, deleted scenes and a ‘making of’ feature.
The Full eight-disc breakdown:
Superman: The Original Theatrical Movie (1978) and Expanded Edition (2001)
A box-office smash, an Academy AwardÒ winner and a fan favourite since it first flew into theatres in December 1978, Superman: The Movie assembles...
- 5/18/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Continuing in the honor of the upcoming Texas Frightmare Weekend, Tmp takes a look at some of the most notorious "curses" that have seemingly plagued Hollywood over the years. Chronicling odd circumstances and strange occurrences, some of these instances are just plain creepy.
Curses and misfortune have persisted in the realm of artistic creation since the premiere of Shakespeare's Macbeth, quite possibly before that. But the stories behind the curses that terrorize some productions would seek to prove that the supernatural can affect more than just the imagination. The following stories are just a few of the more intriguing ones we've discovered haunting the hallowed history of Hollywood.
Calories Or Curses?
A Confederacy of Dunces
Widely regarded as one of the most cursed projects in Hollywood, A Confederacy of Dunces, based on the absolutely hilarious and bestselling book by John Kennedy Toole, has yet to even get off the ground.
Curses and misfortune have persisted in the realm of artistic creation since the premiere of Shakespeare's Macbeth, quite possibly before that. But the stories behind the curses that terrorize some productions would seek to prove that the supernatural can affect more than just the imagination. The following stories are just a few of the more intriguing ones we've discovered haunting the hallowed history of Hollywood.
Calories Or Curses?
A Confederacy of Dunces
Widely regarded as one of the most cursed projects in Hollywood, A Confederacy of Dunces, based on the absolutely hilarious and bestselling book by John Kennedy Toole, has yet to even get off the ground.
- 4/14/2011
- Cinelinx
A couple weeks ago UK listings for a Blu-ray anthology of all five existing Superman films were found, and we started to get info [1] about what might be in the box set. Now Warner Bros. has confirmed the set for Us release. Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology will be released on June 7, 2011 in an eight-disc set that contains all five films (Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman III, Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, and Superman Returns) as well as alternate versions of the first two movies and a wealth of special features. A trailer for the release and all relevant details follow. Per The Digital Bits [2], these are new HD masters for the theatrical cuts of the four Christopher Reeve movies and a new 1080p master for the expanded cut of Superman: The Movie. Here's the official trailer for the set. Underneath is the full press release offering...
- 4/1/2011
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
On June 7th, Warner Home Video is releasing a pretty fabulous collection, and I want to give you a preview of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology on Blu-Ray.
This one is filled with extras, and includes alternate versions of the first two films. Check out all the info below, including the rundown of all the special features including in the set.
Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray.
For the first time, fans will be able to own one super-entertaining Blu-ray collection with all four original theatrical Superman films starring Christopher Reeve...
This one is filled with extras, and includes alternate versions of the first two films. Check out all the info below, including the rundown of all the special features including in the set.
Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray.
For the first time, fans will be able to own one super-entertaining Blu-ray collection with all four original theatrical Superman films starring Christopher Reeve...
- 4/1/2011
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006)
Debuts On Blu-ray™ June 7 From Warner Home Video
Video Trailer:
Collection Includes All Five Films in the Theatrical Franchise, Two Alternate Versions and 20 Hours of Bonus Features
Burbank, Calif. March 31, 2011 –Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray. For the first time, fans will be able to own one super-entertaining Blu-ray collection with all four original theatrical Superman films starring Christopher Reeve (available for the first time in high def), Superman Returns, and the two alternate versions of Superman I and Superman II.
Available now in superb hi-def,...
Debuts On Blu-ray™ June 7 From Warner Home Video
Video Trailer:
Collection Includes All Five Films in the Theatrical Franchise, Two Alternate Versions and 20 Hours of Bonus Features
Burbank, Calif. March 31, 2011 –Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray. For the first time, fans will be able to own one super-entertaining Blu-ray collection with all four original theatrical Superman films starring Christopher Reeve (available for the first time in high def), Superman Returns, and the two alternate versions of Superman I and Superman II.
Available now in superb hi-def,...
- 4/1/2011
- by THE LEGION fan network
- Legions of Gotham
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: Can you imagine how amazing Superman’s blue-and-red tights are going to look in high-definition?
As Warner Bros. prepares to reboot the Man of Steel – again – the studio is going back to Superman’s cinematic roots. Not the hero’s black-and-white days. Back to the Richard Donner days, when the director (with Christopher Reeve’s help) took the superhero film franchises to new heights. And they are putting
“Stronger. … Faster. … Sharper!” the Blu-ray clip teases for “Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology.” The package will include
The teaser trailer is heavy on Donner’s original “Superman” and Bryan Singer’s most recent “Superman Returns.” We don’t see a lot of footage from “Superman III” or “The Quest for Peace,” but they are reportedly in the set. We’ll also see “Expanded Edition” cuts of Donner’s two films for the first time on Blu-ray.
Hollywoodnews.com: Can you imagine how amazing Superman’s blue-and-red tights are going to look in high-definition?
As Warner Bros. prepares to reboot the Man of Steel – again – the studio is going back to Superman’s cinematic roots. Not the hero’s black-and-white days. Back to the Richard Donner days, when the director (with Christopher Reeve’s help) took the superhero film franchises to new heights. And they are putting
“Stronger. … Faster. … Sharper!” the Blu-ray clip teases for “Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology.” The package will include
The teaser trailer is heavy on Donner’s original “Superman” and Bryan Singer’s most recent “Superman Returns.” We don’t see a lot of footage from “Superman III” or “The Quest for Peace,” but they are reportedly in the set. We’ll also see “Expanded Edition” cuts of Donner’s two films for the first time on Blu-ray.
- 4/1/2011
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
Zack Snyder’s Superman that plans to revitalize, reinvigrate and reimagine the character like never before on film will hit theaters Christmas 2012, but this summer we are treat to the Superman Motion Picture Anthology on Blu-ray just in time for The Green Lantern to hit theaters. Catipulting fans from the original 1978 film to the latest 2005 film Superman Returns, this anthology has it all. Check all the details and trailer for the DVD after the jump.
Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray. For the first time, fans will be able to own...
Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray. For the first time, fans will be able to own...
- 4/1/2011
- by Kevin Coll
- FusedFilm
Warner Home Video has announced the Blu-ray release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology 1978 — 2006 set to hit selves on June 7th. This cool 8 disc set will have 5 original theatrical motion pictures plus 2 alternate cuts. But what caught my eye was on Superman Returns, it will now have the deleted scene where Superman returns to Krypton, there was a glimpsed of it when the first teaser trailer came out. I have seen this scene myself and its pretty interesting.Here is the full press release. Also check out the trailer for the trailer for the Blu-ray release. Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the...
- 4/1/2011
- LRMonline.com
Ok peeps! We showed you a sneak peak at he Superman Anthology release over in the UK a few weeks ago and now we have thr goods for all of our Us friends! Check out the new trailer at the bottom of the page!I am so stoked for this release! From the Official Press release:
Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) Debuts On Blu-ray™ June 7 From Warner Home Video
Collection Includes All Five Films in the Theatrical Franchise, Two Alternate Versions and 20 Hours of Bonus Features
Burbank, Calif. March 31, 2011 –Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superherowith the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray.
Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) Debuts On Blu-ray™ June 7 From Warner Home Video
Collection Includes All Five Films in the Theatrical Franchise, Two Alternate Versions and 20 Hours of Bonus Features
Burbank, Calif. March 31, 2011 –Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (Whv) is celebrating the year of the superherowith the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray.
- 4/1/2011
- by brians
- GeekTyrant
The Superman series appeared to reach its nadir with the low-budget Quest For Peace. Is there any joy to be found in this fourth outing?
Nuclear Man. Those words send shivers down the spine of any movie fan. Not since the appearance of Mr T in Rocky III has a muscled villain been so misjudged. Voiced by Gene Hackman and played by the square-jawed Mark Pillow from none other than my hometown of Leeds, Nuclear Man is quite possibly the worst villain ever dreamt up by Hollywood.
Everything about Nuclear Man looks cheap. The blonde locks are pure 80s, the outfit like something out of The Running Man, and the very idea of Supes being handed such pathetic opposition, considering the wealth of villainous talent to choose from in the DC back catalogue, is nothing short of a travesty. Unfortunately, so poor is Nuclear Man that his inclusion in the...
Nuclear Man. Those words send shivers down the spine of any movie fan. Not since the appearance of Mr T in Rocky III has a muscled villain been so misjudged. Voiced by Gene Hackman and played by the square-jawed Mark Pillow from none other than my hometown of Leeds, Nuclear Man is quite possibly the worst villain ever dreamt up by Hollywood.
Everything about Nuclear Man looks cheap. The blonde locks are pure 80s, the outfit like something out of The Running Man, and the very idea of Supes being handed such pathetic opposition, considering the wealth of villainous talent to choose from in the DC back catalogue, is nothing short of a travesty. Unfortunately, so poor is Nuclear Man that his inclusion in the...
- 3/9/2011
- Den of Geek
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