The complete soundtracks to the first four Superman movies plus the music from the 1988 animated series have been brought together in one gi-normous eight CD box set by Screen Archives. The official title is Superman: The Music (1978-1988) by John Williams, Ken Thorne & Ron Jones. The issue is a limited edition.  

Much of the music in this set hasn’t been available on CD for a very long time, if at all. The film score to each film has been remastered and remixed. The set is now available at Screen Archives. 

Opening the set is two CDs containing the complete score by John Williams for the first Superman film. That movie, released in 1978, reestablished Superman in the eyes of many people. The complete soundtrack is augmented by previously unheard takes that add to the beauty of Williams’ score. The second and third films in the series were scored by Ken Thorne. Using Williams original score as the basis for each sequel, Thorne broadened and developed themes found throughout Williams original work while adding his own distinctive voice to the music. 

The box set includes two discs of Williams work on Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. This part of the set includes songs and score music by Paul Fishman. Disc seven in the set covers the music Ron Jones composed for the Superman animated series. Rounding out the box set is an eighth disc covering additional source music, alternates, and songs from the combined series.  

Adding to the immense enjoyment provided by the music is the detailed booklet accompanying the set. It includes new interviews with the composers, actors and directors, detailed essays, and cue-to-cue notes on each piece. They have also included photographs and artwork on each film.  

Screen Archives is known for their meticulous attention to detail. From the packaging to the sound, the work they have done on these soundtracks sets a new standard for film score releases. Always a leader in their field, they have outdone themselves with this release.