🦸‍♂️ My Journey with Superman – Part 1: Man of Steel (2013)

“You have to decide what kind of man you want to be, Clark, because that man—good or bad—is going to change the world.” — Jonathan Kent

Today the movie Superman directed by James Gunn is being released, and I can think of no better occasion to advocate for what, for me, still remains the best adaptation of the character on the big screen: Man of Steel [2013].

✍️ Personal introduction

When I first saw Man of Steel in theaters, I came away feeling like I'd been traded for my classic red and blue suit for a cape heavy with weight, doubt, and humanity. For some, it was too much. For me, it was just what Superman needed to feel real.

Zack Snyder didn't just reinvent the Man of Steel: he brought him down from his pedestal, confronted him with the modern world, and asked us if we're really ready for a savior.

🎬 A new Kryptonian mythology

Snyder opens with a brutally beautiful prologue on Krypton. Nothing like Donner's Ice. Here we have a dying world collapsing under its own pride. The artwork, with biomechanical flying creatures, organic architecture, and ritualistic armor, instantly captivated me. Everything exudes alienation.

From minute one, Man of Steel draws a line: this is serious science fiction , not a light comic book movie.

The decision to tell Clark Kent's childhood in a fragmented way, through emotional flashbacks, was what struck me the most. Instead of the typical linear construction, we're confronted with raw moments: bullying, fear, secrets. He's a boy who doesn't fit in, and that resonated strongly with me.

🌍 Topics: closer to Prometheus than to Boy Scout

Here, Superman isn't the "perfect son" of Kansas. He's an outsider with existential doubts .

• Should he help humanity or stay away from it?

• Is it a blessing or a threat?

• What does it mean to have power in a world that fears the unknown?

Everything comes together in the confrontation with General Zod. Their duel isn't just physical: it's a war of philosophies . Zod represents biological destiny, the purity of Krypton. Clark defends freedom, even if it involves pain.

🎶 Music: Superman's new scream

Hans Zimmer had the impossible task of replacing John Williams. And, honestly, he didn't. He redesigned him .

“Flight” isn’t a triumphant anthem, but an emotional crescendo. It’s not music for a hero who’s already a savior, but for one who’s learning to be one .

The brutal percussion, the synthesizers, the solemn touches... everything adds to a more introspective atmosphere. It's the sound of a god in the making.

💥 Visual style: the weight of reality

Snyder's camera moves like a witness: tight shots, quick zooms, natural blurs. Nothing looks like a traditional "superhero movie." When Superman fights, the ground shakes. When Zod throws a punch, you feel it.

Is it excessive? Perhaps. But when have we ever truly seen what a battle between gods would entail? Snyder doesn't shy away from the destruction: he shows it because power has consequences .

💿 Physical editions (BD and UHD 4K)

As a collector, the physical edition of Man of Steel has been a gem I keep revisiting. Here are the key details:

📀 Blu-ray (2013)

• Excellent presentation at the time, although with somewhat cloudy blacks and somewhat aggressive compression in action scenes.

• Notable extras: “Journey of Discovery” (interactive documentary), extensive behind-the-scenes features and exploration of the Kryptonian universe.

📀 UHD 4K (2021 remaster)

• Transforms the visual experience.

  • More natural colors (less aggressive blue filters).

  • HDR that stands out in both Krypton and Smallville.

  • The Battle of Metropolis takes on a whole new dimension.

• Spectacular Dolby Atmos : You can feel the Kryptonian engines, the supersonic impacts, and Zimmer's epicness enveloping the room.

🎁 Personal recommendation:

If you can get the Snyderverse 4K box set, it includes the definitive versions of all three films. Man of Steel in 4K is honestly the best way to see this film.

🧠 Final reflection

Man of Steel has aged surprisingly well since its 2013 release, standing out more than ever in a landscape saturated with light action comedies and overly repetitive formulas. Zack Snyder's serious, sober, and almost mythological vision for the character of Superman gives him an emotional depth that's rare in modern superhero cinema. Faced with an avalanche of interchangeable films, this film still feels unique: it doesn't seek easy laughs, but rather internal conflict, moral dilemma, visual epic, and the weight of being an icon. In an era where difference seems penalized, Man of Steel asserts itself as a brave work, perhaps imperfect, but undeniably distinct.

Not everyone loved Man of Steel , and I get that. It's not the Superman we remembered… but it's the Superman many of us needed . It's a reflection of our modern uncertainty: a symbol that doesn't yet know how to be a symbol.

For me, this was the first step in a journey that redefined a hero. The myth began here… and the fall (and resurrection) would follow.

See you in Batman v Superman