Superman (4K Ultra HD + Digital)
(David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, Anthony Carrigan, et al / 4K Ultra HD + Digital / PG-13 / 2025 / Studio Distribution Services)
Overview: When Superman is drawn into conflicts both abroad and at home, his actions to protect humankind are questioned, and his vulnerability allows tech billionaire and master deceiver Lex Luthor to leverage the opportunity to get Superman out of the way for good.
Will the Daily Planet’s intrepid reporter Lois Lane, together with the aid of Metropolis’s other metahumans and Superman’s own four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help Superman before Luthor can completely destroy him?
In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original Super Hero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.
On September 23rd, 2025 Superman will be available to own on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD from online and physical retailers. Superman will also continue to be available in high definition and standard definition from participating digital retailers.
4K UHD Blu-ray Verdict: Warner Bros. Entertainment is expanding their 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray catalog offerings this month with the release of the highly-anticipated Superman (4K Ultra HD + Digital) in the expansive 4K Ultra HD video format this September 23rd, 2025.
For my money, this Superman (4K Ultra HD + Digital) sharpness takes a fairly large step forward from others in their 4K Ultra HD catalog and even comes with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the complete 4K Ultra HD experience, of course.
So, what we have is Superman presented to us as a one-disc with a sheet for a Digital HD Copy. Other stand out points you should know are: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: Native 4K (2160p), HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, Aspect ratio: 1.90:1 and Original aspect ratio: 1.90:1.
Featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10 for brighter, deeper, and way more lifelike colors, as with most all 4K UHDs, everything that we watch features these qualities - but somehow, this film gloriously shines within them all.
Noticeably crisp with the overall clarity receiving an obvious boost here on this release, what is more is that it is enjoyably noticeable. For as well as some new nuances to the somewhat drab palette courtesy of Dolby Vision, we also get to witness sudden bright pops of color, which makes the eyes draw in, for sure.
One of those moments - and not to give too much away here - but, and unironically, I loved the squirrel. At the end of the day, it isn’t strength or power that defines Superman. It’s compassion, even for those incapable of appreciating it. That moment, in my opinion, shows just how much Gunn gets Superman.
Another, for me, is the heartbreaking kinda/sorta break up scene between our star-crossed lovers. I love how Gunn treats them like how couples are in real life. A strong relationship where even after having a fight you are there for each other.
You know that this is the point where it isn’t a fling or situationship anymore, it’s getting to serious relationship phase. She was having doubts but somehow can’t get herself to end it. And him telling her he loves her gave her the confirmation that what they have is worth staying for.
Her knowing that he would turn himself in because a dog was scared, plus her getting to see his Smallville room and know how genuine he is - gave her a confirmation that he’s the real deal.
She seems to have this fear of being left behind. I hope this is explored in future movies. My nitpick is that Lois needs to be fleshed out a little more. Just like Supes’ supporting characters needs to be fleshed out more, in my humble opinion.
As for the audio, well we get the choice of: English: Dolby Atmos, English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), English: Dolby Digital 5.1, French: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 and Audio descriptive.
Overall, this is a very strong 4K HDR Blu-ray presentation, and, for the most part, the audio track remains fairly similar to its DTS-HD counterpart; with much of the action occupying the surrounds with outstanding directionality and placement where effects flawlessly pan between the sides and rears.
As for the film itself, well, James Gunn’s Superman reminded me why this character has stood the test of time. For the first time in years, I saw a version of Superman that wasn’t just a god among men, but a man trying to do good in a complicated world. This film gave him struggles, heart, and a sense of emotional weight that had been missing in recent portrayals.
You see his pain, his doubt, his compassion; and yet, he never lets it stop him from doing what’s right. Even in the darkest moments, he still reaches out with hope. There’s something beautiful in the idea that no one is too small to save, not even a squirrel. That hit me hard.
Superman is a minefield for any director. How do you give depth to an invincible ideological figure? Where does his vulnerability lie? Gunn attempts to portray a Superman who, despite his physical omnipotence, wrestles with his humanity, a being of flesh and blood, uncertain, doubtful, searching for meaning in the pursuit of an unattainable ideal. It is a noble premise, and one Gunn captures perfectly, in my humble opinion.
Oh, and the Justice Gang adds little beyond noise. For me they do not enrich the narrative or challenge its themes. They exist mostly as comic relief and convenient plot armor whenever Superman needs saving.
I cried watching this. There, I said it. It wasn’t just about action or spectacle (though it had those too). It was about what Superman is supposed to stand for: empathy, courage, and unwavering hope. A massive step forward from the colder, more detached version we got from Zack Snyder. This one feels like Superman.
Thank you, James Gunn.
“Superman” Digital, 4K UHD, and Blu-ray contain the following special features: :
Krypto Saves the Day! School Bus Scuffle – (5:32)
Adventures in Making Superman Featurette (60:00)
Icons Forever: Superman’s Enduring Legacy – Featurette (6:05)
Lex Luthor: The Mind of a Master Villain – Featurette (5:18)
Kryptunes: The Music of Superman – Featurette (6:31)
Paws to Pixels: Krypto is Born – Featurette (5:54)
Breaking News: The Daily Planet Returns – Featurette (5:23)
The Ultimate Villain – Featurette (5:30)
The Justice Gang – Featurette (10:37)
A New Era: DC Takes Off – Featurette (4:53)
The following special features will be coming soon to Digital:
Director’s Commentary with James Gunn
Gag Reel
Deleted Scenes
Superman | 4K Official Trailer | Warner Bros. Entertainment