“You’ll believe a man can fly.” This was the tag line for “Superman the Movie” and I believe that film lived up to the tag line. And this was in a world before CGI. Amazing!

“Superman the Movie” (1978) and “Superman II” (1980) were originally to be filmed back to back by Richard Donner. And that’s what he did for the most part. But because he had a release date to hit for “Superman the Movie” they had to halt production on “Superman II” until that first film was completed. But by the time “Superman II” was to kick back into production, Richard Donner was let go from the pic and Director Richard Lester was brought in to complete the film. Years later, an alternate version of “Superman II” was released called “Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut.” It’s a pretty interesting comparison. But even more so, it was great to see some new scenes of Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman.

And whereas “Superman the Movie” set the tone for all superheroes films to follow, “Supergirl” (1984) pretty much set the standard on how not to make a superhero movie. The film existed in the same universe as the Christopher Reeve films. As a matter of fact, Christopher Reeve was approached to do a cameo in the film but turned it down. I would have loved to see that, but in retrospect it was probably not a bad idea on his part. Though he did go on to do “Superman IV” which was far worse than this film. To be fair, “Supergirl” is not an awful movie. It’s just not a very good movie. But I think the best thing it has going for it is the fact that it is still the only version of Supergirl put to film thus far. I do hear they are going to try and make a new TV series based on the Supergirl character. Let’s just hope it doesn’t go the “Wonder Woman” route. I’d still rather see this character portrayed on film again, though.

So what do I have here? On display are the Souvenir Movie Books for both “Superman the Movie,” Superman II,” and “Supergirl.” These books were usually on sale in the movie theater lobby when the films were released.  I’m not really sure if you were able to purchase them in stores as well. When they used to sell these things in the lobby (or various other movie related items), I always felt that it brought something extra special to the whole movie-going experience. You weren’t just there to see a movie. You were there for a Theatrical Experience. And you were able to bring a little of that home with you.

The “Supergirl” Movie Book is a foreign import, though. It’s either in Chinese or Japanese. You think I would know the difference, right? The public school system has failed me again.

And on that note… Click the covers below to open your Movie Book Experience. Trailers for each film follow.