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| caption = Blu-ray cover
| caption = Blu-ray cover
| director = Michael Chang
| director = Michael Chang
⚫
| based_on = [[Superman]] by [[Jerry Siegel]] and [[Joe Shuster]]<br>[[What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?]] by Joe Kelly
| producers = [[Sam Register]]<br>[[Bruce Timm]]<br>[[Alan Burnett]]
⚫
| based_on = [[Superman]] by [[Jerry Siegel]] and [[Joe Shuster]]
| writer = [[Joe Kelly (comics writer)|Joe Kelly]]
| writer = [[Joe Kelly (comics writer)|Joe Kelly]]
| starring = [[George Newbern]]<br>[[Pauley Perrette]]<br>[[Robin Atkin Downes]]<br>Catero Colbert<br>[[Melissa Disney]]<br>[[Andrew Kishino]]
| starring = [[George Newbern]]<br>[[Pauley Perrette]]<br>[[Robin Atkin Downes]]<br>Catero Colbert<br>[[Melissa Disney]]<br>[[Andrew Kishino]]
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* [[DC Entertainment]]
* [[DC Entertainment]]
* [[Warner Bros. Animation]]
* [[Warner Bros. Animation]]
* [[TMS Entertainment|Telecom Animation Film]] {{small|(Animation services)}}
}}
}}
| distributor = [[Warner Home Video]]
| distributor = [[Warner Home Video]]
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| gross =
| gross =
}}
}}
'''''Superman vs. The Elite''''' is an animated superhero film based on the comic book story "[[What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?]]" in ''[[Action Comics]]'' #775 (March 2001). Adapted by [[Joe Kelly (comics writer)|Joe Kelly]] who also wrote the comic book story and directed by Michael Chang. The film featured the return of [[George Newbern]] as [[Superman]] and [[David Kaufman (actor)|David Kaufman]] as [[Jimmy Olsen]] reprising their roles from the [[DC animated universe]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Harvey|first=Jim|title=George Newbern Talks Playing Superman, New Media From "Superman Versus The Elite"|url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2012/05/george-newbern-talks-playing-superman-new-media-from-superman-versus-the-elite/|work=World's Finest|access-date=11 August 2013|date=29 May 2012}}</ref> Released on June 12, 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2012/04/23/dc-entertainment-rebrands-warner-home-videos-dc-universe-animated-original-movie-line/ |title=DC Entertainment Rebrands Warner Home Video's DC Universe Animated Original Movie Line |author=JIM HARVEY |date=2012-04-23 |publisher=The World's Finest |access-date=2012-06-28}}</ref> it is the 14th film in the [[DC Universe Animated Original Movies]].
'''''Superman vs. The Elite''''' is a 2012 American [[Animation|animated]] [[superhero film]] based on the comic book story "[[What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?]]" in ''[[Action Comics]]'' #775 (March 2001). It was adapted to film by [[Joe Kelly (comics writer)|Joe Kelly]], who also wrote the comic book story and it was directed by Michael Chang. The film featured the return of [[George Newbern]] as [[Superman]] and [[David Kaufman (actor)|David Kaufman]] as [[Jimmy Olsen]] reprising their roles from the [[DC animated universe]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Harvey|first=Jim|title=George Newbern Talks Playing Superman, New Media From "Superman Versus The Elite"|url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2012/05/george-newbern-talks-playing-superman-new-media-from-superman-versus-the-elite/|work=World's Finest|access-date=11 August 2013|date=29 May 2012}}</ref> Released on June 12, 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2012/04/23/dc-entertainment-rebrands-warner-home-videos-dc-universe-animated-original-movie-line/ |title=DC Entertainment Rebrands Warner Home Video's DC Universe Animated Original Movie Line |author=JIM HARVEY |date=2012-04-23 |publisher=The World's Finest |access-date=2012-06-28}}</ref> it is the 14th film of the [[DC Universe Animated Original Movies]].


==Plot==
==Plot==
Clark Kent and Lois Lane witness the deaths of numerous citizens in the streets at the hands of the [[Atomic Skull]] who, through his actions, hoped to lure Superman into a confrontation. After a brief but violent struggle, however, Superman defeats Atomic Skull by throwing him into a lake, "extinguishing" him. Superman subsequently delivers a speech at the [[United Nations]] which emphasizes both the folly of lawless violence, and the greater good that is found within everyone. Superman's speech is interrupted, however, by the leaders of Bialya and Pokolistan, who, blaming each other for the violation of a peace treaty, declare war on each other, forcing Superman to intervene. Arriving in Bialya, Superman witnesses the deployment of a Pokolistani bio-weapon which attacks and destroys most of the Bialyan military forces. As Superman attempts to remove the Bialyan soldiers from danger, [[The Elite (DC Comics)|the Elite]] arrive and aid Superman in destroying the bio-weapon.
The supervillain [[Atomic Skull]] attacks [[Metropolis(comics)|Metropolis]], killing several people before Superman arrives and defeats him. When questioned about the property damage and lives lost in the fight and why he doesn't try to "fix the world" with his power, Superman delivers a speech which emphasizes both the folly of lawless violence and the greater good that is found within everyone. His speech is interrupted by the leaders of Bialya and Pokolistan, who, blaming each other for the violation of a peace treaty, declare war on each other. Arriving in Bialya, Superman witnesses the deployment of a Pokolistani bio-weapon which attacks and destroys most of the Bialyan military forces. As Superman tries to remove the Bialyan soldiers from danger, [[The Elite (DC Comics)|the Elite]] arrive and aid him in destroying the bio-weapon.


The Elite consist of [[Manchester Black]], a British telepath and telekinetic of incredible power; [[Coldcast]], who can emit tremendous amounts of electrical energy; [[Menagerie (DC Comics)|Menagerie]], a woman who is symbiotically bonded with a number of demonic-looking beasts; and [[Hat (comics)|Hat]], a magician whose abilities are centered upon his fedora.
The Elite consist of;


⚫
Superman returns to Metropolis to report the news and further investigate the Elite. The Elite and Superman rescue civilians on a subway train trapped underwater due to a terrorist attack. The terrorists are nearly killed by Manchester's attempt at interrogation, and Superman begins to be concerned about the motives of his newfound friends.
*[[Manchester Black]] - A British telepath and telekinetic of incredible power who acts as the Elite's leader.
*[[Coldcast]] - An African-American man who can emit tremendous amounts of electrical energy
*[[Menagerie (comics)|Menagerie]] - A woman who is symbiotically bonded with a number of demonic-looking beasts covering her body called symbeasts.
*[[Hat (comics)|Hat]] - A magician whose magical abilities are centered upon his fedora.


⚫
Manchester, the group's leader, broadcasts a message to the planet, announcing that the Elite intends to deal with villains lethally. After the broadcast, Superman travels to Bialya, where he is inadvertently hit by a Coldcast-generated neutrino pulse that greatly weakens him. Superman is saved by the timely intervention of the Elite, and teleported to their base of operations - a sentient macro-organism named Bunny. Superman's attempt to convince the Elite that killing is unnecessary falls upon deaf ears, and he is unceremoniously teleported back to Earth.
⚫
Superman returns to [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]] to report the news and further investigate the Elite. Superman and Lois fly to England to find out if they, and the world, can trust the Elite. It is revealed through Manchester Black that he gained his powers near puberty and used it for the first time to save his sister [[Vera Black|Vera]] from being hit by a train. The Elite and Superman arrive on the scene to save the civilians on a subway train which was trapped underwater due to a terrorist attack. After Superman and Manchester save the passengers, the terrorists that bombed the train are nearly killed by Manchester's attempt at interrogation. Superman begins to be concerned about the motives of his new-found friends.


⚫
Atomic Skull breaks out of prison and is challenged by The Elite with little success. Superman arrives and begins to coordinate an attack with the Elite that allows them to emerge victorious, but Atomic Skull is executed by Manchester. The Elite inform Superman that, in the interests of peace, they have also killed both the Pokolistani and Bialyan leaders, and regard Superman's adverse reaction as a declaration of war.
⚫
Back in Metropolis, Lois informs Clark that there is no birth record or death certificate of Manchester's sister Vera. This makes Clark further question the Elite's origin and their motives. Manchester subsequently broadcasts a message to the planet, informing the world that the Elite intend to deal with villains lethally. After the broadcast, Superman travels to Bialya, where he is inadvertently hit by a Coldcast-generated neutrino pulse - an "EMP for organics" - that greatly weakens him and leaves him vulnerable to closing Pokolistani forces. On the verge of unconsciousness, Superman is saved by the timely intervention of the Elite, who ruthlessly attack the Pokololistanis and teleport Superman to their base of operations - a sentient macro-organism named Bunny. However, Superman's attempt to convince the Elite that killing is unnecessary falls upon deaf ears, and he is unceremoniously teleported back to Earth.


⚫
Superman informs the Elite that he is willing to fight them, but away from the civilian populace. Bunny teleports both parties to the Moon, and broadcasts the fight worldwide. While Superman is able to withstand and counter the attacks of Coldcast, Menagerie and Hat, he is brought to his knees by Manchester's telekinetic attack. Coldcast unleashes a massive blast of electromagnetic energy, seemingly obliterating Superman. Moments later, the disconcerted voice of Superman begins to taunt the Elite, stating that he has finally been convinced that he needs to start killing villains - beginning with the Elite.
⚫
An overcharged Atomic Skull breaks out of prison, seeking revenge on Superman. Although he is challenged by The Elite, they have little success. Superman arrives, and begins to coordinate an attack with the Elite, hoping to drain the excess power away from Atomic Skull. However, after Atomic Skull's power is successfully drained by Coldcast, he is executed by Manchester at the behest of a young boy whose father was one of Atomic Skull's victims. Already aghast, Superman's outrage manifests physically when the Elite inform Superman that, in the interests of peace, they have also killed both the Pokolistani and Bialyan leaders: Superman punches Manchester in the face. The Elite, interpreting Superman's reaction as a declaration of war against the world's "favourite heroes", warn Superman that he will be their next target.


Reappearing in a blur of movement, Superman begins to take out the Elite one by one; first, he injects Menagerie with a poison before suffocating The Hat with a super-speed generated whirlwind. Against Coldcast's wishes, Manchester teleports them to Metropolis, hoping to use the innocent civilians as cover before Superman seemingly throws Coldcast into orbit.
⚫
The next day, Superman waits in the middle of Metropolis and informs the Elite that he is willing to fight them, but away from the civilian populace. Bunny teleports both parties to the Moon, and begins to broadcast the fight to the watching world. While Superman is able to withstand and counter the attacks of Coldcast, Menagerie and Hat, he is brought to his knees by Manchester's telekinetic attack, which induces a seizure in Superman. Coldcast then unleashes a massive blast of electromagnetic energy on Superman, and to those watching the battle on Earth, it appears that Superman has been obliterated virtually without a trace. Moments later, the disconcerted voice of Superman begins to taunt the Elite, stating that he has finally been convinced that he needs to start killing villains - beginning with the Elite. Reappearing in a blur of movement, Superman begins to take out the Elite one by one; first he injects Menagerie with a poison that causes her sym-beasts to abandon her and leaves her apparently dead; The Hat, attempting to exploit Superman's known weakness to magic, is suffocated by a super-speed generated whirlwind and sucked into the funnel.


Reappearing before an increasingly desperate Manchester, Superman is once again attacked, but the assault fails to harm him. He uses his heat vision to lobotomise Manchester, stripping him of his powers.
Against Coldcast's wishes, Manchester teleports them to Metropolis, hoping to use the innocent civilians as cover. Manchester gives the order to combine their powers to destroy Metropolis when Superman appears, though a speeding Superman knocks Coldcast into orbit. Reappearing before an increasingly desperate Manchester, Superman is once again attacked, but Manchester's assault fails to harm the Man of Steel, and he is subsequently [[Lobotomy|lobotomized]] by a combination of Superman's heat and x-ray vision and stripped of his powers once he locates the source. Believing his death to be seconds away, Manchester tells Superman that the world knows he is no better than they are and thus unable to be trusted. However, Superman reveals that Coldcast, Hat, and Menagerie had been transported to the Fortress of Solitude to be stripped of their power and transported to a supermax prison. Furthermore, in order to create the illusion that he had killed indiscriminately, his Super-Robots had been deployed to protect the civilians present.


In the end, the people of Earth realise that violence and killing were incompatible with the tenets of justice, and ultimately accept that Superman's methods are indeed in the best interests for all of mankind.
Believing his death to be seconds away, Manchester tells Superman that the world knows he is no better than they are and thus unable to be trusted. However, Superman reveals that The Elite were not killed but transported to the Fortress of Solitude and stripped of their power. The people of Earth realize that violence and killing were incompatible with the tenets of justice, and ultimately accept that Superman's methods are in the best interests of all of mankind.


==Voice cast==
==Voice cast==
{{Div col}}
{{Div col}}
* [[George Newbern]] – [[Superman|Clark Kent / Kal-El / Superman]]
* [[George Newbern]] as [[Superman|Clark Kent / Kal-El / Superman]]
* [[Pauley Perrette]] – [[Lois Lane]]
* [[Pauley Perrette]] as [[Lois Lane]]
* [[Robin Atkin Downes]] – [[Manchester Black]]
* [[Robin Atkin Downes]] as [[Manchester Black]]
* Catero Colbert – Nathan Jones / Coldcast<ref name="FullCast" />
** [[Grey DeLisle]] as Young Manchester Black<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Melissa Disney]] – [[Menagerie (DC Comics)|Menagerie]]<ref name="FullCast" />
* Catero Colbert as [[Coldcast|Nathan Jones / Coldcast]]<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Andrew Kishino]] – The Hat<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Melissa Disney]] as [[Menagerie (DC Comics)|Pamela / Menagerie]]<ref name="FullCast" />
⚫
* [[Andrew Kishino]] as [[Hat (comics)|The Hat]]<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Dee Bradley Baker]] – [[Atomic Skull|Joseph Martin / Atomic Skull]]<ref name=FullCast>{{cite web|last=Harvey|first=Jim|title=Complete Cast And Crew Details For Upcoming Animated "Superman Versus The Elite"|url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2012/06/complete-cast-and-crew-details-for-upcoming-animated-superman-versus-the-elite/|work=World's Finest|access-date=11 August 2013|date=5 June 2012}}</ref>
* [[Dee Bradley Baker]] as [[Atomic Skull|Joseph Martin / Atomic Skull]]<ref name=FullCast>{{cite web|last=Harvey|first=Jim|title=Complete Cast And Crew Details For Upcoming Animated "Superman Versus The Elite"|url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2012/06/complete-cast-and-crew-details-for-upcoming-animated-superman-versus-the-elite/|work=World's Finest|access-date=11 August 2013|date=5 June 2012}}</ref>
⚫
* [[Ogie Banks]] – Terrence Baxter<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Grey DeLisle]] – Young Manchester Black<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Ogie Banks]] as Terrence Baxter<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Paul Eiding]] – [[Jonathan and Martha Kent|Pa Kent]]<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Paul Eiding]] as [[Jonathan and Martha Kent|Pa Kent]]<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Troy Evans (actor)|Troy Evans]] – Pundit<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Troy Evans (actor)|Troy Evans]] as Pundit<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Jennifer Hale]] – Kid Playing Superman<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Jennifer Hale]] as Kid Playing Superman<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[David Kaufman (actor)|David Kaufman]] – [[Jimmy Olsen]]<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[David Kaufman (actor)|David Kaufman]] as [[Jimmy Olsen]]<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Pamela Kosh]] – Abigail<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Pamela Kosh]] as Abigail<ref name="FullCast" />
* Jeff LaPensee – Falling Man<ref name="FullCast" />
* Jeff LaPensee as Falling Man<ref name="FullCast" />
* Marcella Lentz-Pope – Vera Black<ref name="FullCast" />
* Marcella Lentz-Pope as Vera Black<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Dave B. Mitchell]] – Shocktrooper<ref name="FullCast" />
** [[Tara Strong]] as Young Vera Black<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Sumalee Montano]] – Newscaster<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Dave B. Mitchell]] as Shocktrooper<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Laraine Newman]] – Newscaster #3<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Sumalee Montano]] as Newscaster<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Nolan North]] – Pokolistani Ambassador<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Laraine Newman]] as Newscaster #3<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Henry Simmons]] – Efrain Baxter<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Nolan North]] as Pokolistani Ambassador<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Stephen Stanton]] – Bialyian Ambassador, Cartoon Superman, Manchester Black's Father<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Henry Simmons]] as Efrain Baxter<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Stephen Stanton]] as Bialyian Ambassador, Cartoon Superman, Manchester Black's Father<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Tara Strong]] – Young Vera Black<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Fred Tatasciore]] as [[Perry White]]<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Fred Tatasciore]] – [[Perry White]]<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Bruce Timm]] as MI-5 Agent<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Bruce Timm]] – MI-5 Agent<ref name="FullCast" />
* Julie Wittner as Cowering Woman<ref name="FullCast" />
* Julie Wittner – Cowering Woman<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Rick Zieff]] as Desiccated Man<ref name="FullCast" />
* [[Rick Zieff]] – Desiccated Man<ref name="FullCast" />
{{Div col end}}
{{Div col end}}


==Production==
==Production==
The film was first announced at [[San Diego Comic-Con International|Comic Con 2011]], during the screening of ''[[Batman: Year One (film)|Batman: Year One]]'', as one of the films from the [[DC Universe Animated Original Movies]] line for 2012, by producer [[Bruce Timm]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Harvey|first=Jim|title=Cast And Crew, "Superman Versus The Elite" WonderCon World Premiere Updates|url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2012/02/cast-and-crew-superman-versus-the-elite-wondercon-world-premiere-updates/|work=World's Finest|access-date=11 August 2013|date=28 February 2012}}</ref> [[Joe Kelly (comics writer)|Joe Kelly]], writer of ''[[Action Comics]]'' #775, "[[What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?]]," adapted his own work into the film. He was quoted as saying, "The story tackles themes that go way beyond a typical superhero story...politics, the price of power and America's place as a force in the world are all viewed through the lens of the DC Universe. Even if fans aren't paying close attention to these issues, they're all over the media. You can't escape them. So with the state of affairs being what it is, I can't think of a better time to see Superman confront these themes...I'm a big fan of taking real world issues and working them out through our "superhero" stories—but this one goes beyond strict allegory. Like the original comic story, the film is thought provoking without being preachy and really delivers a punch.''" He also said that, in terms of expanding the comic book issue into an animated film, and the differences between the two; that he "''had Alan Burnett. Alan helped me cut to the heart of the story and personalize it for an audience who might not have known the original comic...the original story was about anti-heroes and comic fans and trends in the industry that were disturbing to me when it was written. For the story to work as a film, we needed to get beyond that while keeping the core of the story: that Superman serves a purpose and his moral code is relevant even in the modern world. This is where the expansion into "world politics" really helped."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/joe-kelly-dc-superman-vs-evil-warner-home-video-299656 | work=The Hollywood Reporter | first=Lesley | last=Goldberg | title=Joe Kelly Previews DC/Warner Home Video's 'Superman vs. The Elite' | date=March 14, 2012}}</ref>
The film was first announced at [[San Diego Comic-Con|San Diego Comic-Con 2011]], during the screening of ''[[Batman: Year One (film)|Batman: Year One]]'', as one of the films from the [[DC Universe Animated Original Movies]] line for 2012, by producer [[Bruce Timm]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Harvey|first=Jim|title=Cast And Crew, "Superman Versus The Elite" WonderCon World Premiere Updates|url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2012/02/cast-and-crew-superman-versus-the-elite-wondercon-world-premiere-updates/|work=World's Finest|access-date=11 August 2013|date=28 February 2012}}</ref> [[Joe Kelly (comics writer)|Joe Kelly]], writer of ''[[Action Comics]]'' #775, "[[What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?]]," adapted his own work into the film. He was quoted as saying, "The story tackles themes that go way beyond a typical superhero story...politics, the price of power and America's place as a force in the world are all viewed through the lens of the DC Universe. Even if fans aren't paying close attention to these issues, they're all over the media. You can't escape them. So with the state of affairs being what it is, I can't think of a better time to see Superman confront these themes...I'm a big fan of taking real world issues and working them out through our "superhero" stories—but this one goes beyond strict allegory. Like the original comic story, the film is thought provoking without being preachy and really delivers a punch." He also said that, in terms of expanding the comic book issue into an animated film, and the differences between the two, that he "Alan [Burnett] helped me cut to the heart of the story and personalize it for an audience who might not have known the original comic...the original story was about anti-heroes and comic fans and trends in the industry that were disturbing to me when it was written. For the story to work as a film, we needed to get beyond that while keeping the core of the story: that Superman serves a purpose and his moral code is relevant even in the modern world. This is where the expansion into "world politics" really helped."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/joe-kelly-dc-superman-vs-evil-warner-home-video-299656 | work=The Hollywood Reporter | first=Lesley | last=Goldberg | title=Joe Kelly Previews DC/Warner Home Video's 'Superman vs. The Elite' | date=March 14, 2012}}</ref>


==Theme music==
==Theme music==
Line 90: Line 85:


==Reception==
==Reception==
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film has an 80% score based on five reviews, with an average rating of 7.2/10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/superman_vs_the_elite/ |title=Superman vs. The Elite |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=2015-03-05}}</ref>
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film has {{a or an|{{RT data|score}}}} score based on {{RT data|count|spell=y}} reviews, with an average rating of {{RT data|average}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/superman_vs_the_elite|title=Superman vs. the Elite|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|publisher=[[Fandango Media|Fandango]]|access-date={{RT data|access date|df=iso}}}}{{RT data|edit}}</ref>


''Superman vs. the Elite'' earned $1,815,269 from domestic DVD sales and $1,394,884 from domestic Blu-ray sales, bringing its total domestic earnings to $3,210,153.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Superman-vs-The-Elite#tab=summary |title=Superman vs. The Elite - DVD Sales |publisher=The Numbers |access-date=October 4, 2019}}</ref>
''Superman vs. the Elite'' earned $1,815,269 from domestic DVD sales and $1,394,884 from domestic Blu-ray sales, bringing its total domestic earnings to $3,210,153.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Superman-vs-The-Elite#tab=summary |title=Superman vs. The Elite - DVD Sales |publisher=The Numbers |access-date=October 4, 2019}}</ref>
Line 122: Line 117:
[[Category:2012 direct-to-video films]]
[[Category:2012 direct-to-video films]]
[[Category:2010s animated superhero films]]
[[Category:2010s animated superhero films]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:Animated films about extraterrestrial life]]
[[Category:Animated superhero films]]
[[Category:Animated superhero films]]
[[Category:Animated Superman films]]
[[Category:Animated Superman films]]
[[Category:DC Universe Animated Original Movies]]
[[Category:DC Universe Animated Original Movies]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2010s English-language films]]
[[Category:American vigilante films]]
[[Category:American vigilante films]]
[[Category:Films about extraterrestrial life]]
[[Category:Animated science fiction films]]
[[Category:Animated science fiction films]]
[[Category:2010s science fiction films]]
[[Category:2010s science fiction films]]

Latest revision as of 22:09, 1 January 2024

Superman vs. The Elite
Blu-ray cover
Directed byMichael Chang
Written byJoe Kelly
Based onSuperman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way? by Joe Kelly
StarringGeorge Newbern
Pauley Perrette
Robin Atkin Downes
Catero Colbert
Melissa Disney
Andrew Kishino
Edited byChristopher D. Lozinski
Music byRobert J. Kral
Production
companies
Distributed byWarner Home Video
Release date
  • June 12, 2012 (2012-06-12)
Running time
76 Minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Superman vs. The Elite is a 2012 American animated superhero film based on the comic book story "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?" in Action Comics #775 (March 2001). It was adapted to film by Joe Kelly, who also wrote the comic book story and it was directed by Michael Chang. The film featured the return of George Newbern as Superman and David Kaufman as Jimmy Olsen reprising their roles from the DC animated universe.[1] Released on June 12, 2012,[2] it is the 14th film of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies.

Plot[edit]

The supervillain Atomic Skull attacks Metropolis, killing several people before Superman arrives and defeats him. When questioned about the property damage and lives lost in the fight and why he doesn't try to "fix the world" with his power, Superman delivers a speech which emphasizes both the folly of lawless violence and the greater good that is found within everyone. His speech is interrupted by the leaders of Bialya and Pokolistan, who, blaming each other for the violation of a peace treaty, declare war on each other. Arriving in Bialya, Superman witnesses the deployment of a Pokolistani bio-weapon which attacks and destroys most of the Bialyan military forces. As Superman tries to remove the Bialyan soldiers from danger, the Elite arrive and aid him in destroying the bio-weapon.

The Elite consist of Manchester Black, a British telepath and telekinetic of incredible power; Coldcast, who can emit tremendous amounts of electrical energy; Menagerie, a woman who is symbiotically bonded with a number of demonic-looking beasts; and Hat, a magician whose abilities are centered upon his fedora.

Superman returns to Metropolis to report the news and further investigate the Elite. The Elite and Superman rescue civilians on a subway train trapped underwater due to a terrorist attack. The terrorists are nearly killed by Manchester's attempt at interrogation, and Superman begins to be concerned about the motives of his newfound friends.

Manchester, the group's leader, broadcasts a message to the planet, announcing that the Elite intends to deal with villains lethally. After the broadcast, Superman travels to Bialya, where he is inadvertently hit by a Coldcast-generated neutrino pulse that greatly weakens him. Superman is saved by the timely intervention of the Elite, and teleported to their base of operations - a sentient macro-organism named Bunny. Superman's attempt to convince the Elite that killing is unnecessary falls upon deaf ears, and he is unceremoniously teleported back to Earth.

Atomic Skull breaks out of prison and is challenged by The Elite with little success. Superman arrives and begins to coordinate an attack with the Elite that allows them to emerge victorious, but Atomic Skull is executed by Manchester. The Elite inform Superman that, in the interests of peace, they have also killed both the Pokolistani and Bialyan leaders, and regard Superman's adverse reaction as a declaration of war.

Superman informs the Elite that he is willing to fight them, but away from the civilian populace. Bunny teleports both parties to the Moon, and broadcasts the fight worldwide. While Superman is able to withstand and counter the attacks of Coldcast, Menagerie and Hat, he is brought to his knees by Manchester's telekinetic attack. Coldcast unleashes a massive blast of electromagnetic energy, seemingly obliterating Superman. Moments later, the disconcerted voice of Superman begins to taunt the Elite, stating that he has finally been convinced that he needs to start killing villains - beginning with the Elite.

Reappearing in a blur of movement, Superman begins to take out the Elite one by one; first, he injects Menagerie with a poison before suffocating The Hat with a super-speed generated whirlwind. Against Coldcast's wishes, Manchester teleports them to Metropolis, hoping to use the innocent civilians as cover before Superman seemingly throws Coldcast into orbit.

Reappearing before an increasingly desperate Manchester, Superman is once again attacked, but the assault fails to harm him. He uses his heat vision to lobotomise Manchester, stripping him of his powers.

Believing his death to be seconds away, Manchester tells Superman that the world knows he is no better than they are and thus unable to be trusted. However, Superman reveals that The Elite were not killed but transported to the Fortress of Solitude and stripped of their power. The people of Earth realize that violence and killing were incompatible with the tenets of justice, and ultimately accept that Superman's methods are in the best interests of all of mankind.

Voice cast[edit]

Production[edit]

The film was first announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2011, during the screening of Batman: Year One, as one of the films from the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line for 2012, by producer Bruce Timm.[4] Joe Kelly, writer of Action Comics #775, "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?," adapted his own work into the film. He was quoted as saying, "The story tackles themes that go way beyond a typical superhero story...politics, the price of power and America's place as a force in the world are all viewed through the lens of the DC Universe. Even if fans aren't paying close attention to these issues, they're all over the media. You can't escape them. So with the state of affairs being what it is, I can't think of a better time to see Superman confront these themes...I'm a big fan of taking real world issues and working them out through our "superhero" stories—but this one goes beyond strict allegory. Like the original comic story, the film is thought provoking without being preachy and really delivers a punch." He also said that, in terms of expanding the comic book issue into an animated film, and the differences between the two, that he "Alan [Burnett] helped me cut to the heart of the story and personalize it for an audience who might not have known the original comic...the original story was about anti-heroes and comic fans and trends in the industry that were disturbing to me when it was written. For the story to work as a film, we needed to get beyond that while keeping the core of the story: that Superman serves a purpose and his moral code is relevant even in the modern world. This is where the expansion into "world politics" really helped."[5]

Theme music[edit]

Superman vs. the Elite utilizes the same musical main theme that was composed by Robert Kral for the previously released animated film Superman: Doomsday.

Reception[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an 80% score based on five reviews, with an average rating of 7.2/10.[6]

Superman vs. the Elite earned $1,815,269 from domestic DVD sales and $1,394,884 from domestic Blu-ray sales, bringing its total domestic earnings to $3,210,153.[7]

Home media[edit]

Superman vs. The Elite was released on DVD and Blu-ray with a combo pack. Features include: a sneak peek at Part 1 of the animated film version of The Dark Knight Returns, two featurettes "The Elite Unbound: No Rules, No Mercy" and "Superman and the Moral Debate", audio commentary, two episodes of Superman: The Animated Series, and Action Comics #775 as a digital comic.[8] The combo pack was released on June 12, 2012.[9]

It is the final film by Warner Premiere, as Warner Home Video shut the company down two months later. Though, titles still continued to be released under the Warner Premiere label until 2013.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Harvey, Jim (29 May 2012). "George Newbern Talks Playing Superman, New Media From "Superman Versus The Elite"". World's Finest. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  2. ^ JIM HARVEY (2012-04-23). "DC Entertainment Rebrands Warner Home Video's DC Universe Animated Original Movie Line". The World's Finest. Retrieved 2012-06-28.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Harvey, Jim (5 June 2012). "Complete Cast And Crew Details For Upcoming Animated "Superman Versus The Elite"". World's Finest. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  4. ^ Harvey, Jim (28 February 2012). "Cast And Crew, "Superman Versus The Elite" WonderCon World Premiere Updates". World's Finest. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  5. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (March 14, 2012). "Joe Kelly Previews DC/Warner Home Video's 'Superman vs. The Elite'". The Hollywood Reporter.
  6. ^ "Superman vs. the Elite". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved 2021-10-08. Edit this at Wikidata
  7. ^ "Superman vs. The Elite - DVD Sales". The Numbers. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  8. ^ Harvey, Jim (28 June 2012). ""Superman Versus The Elite" Animated Feature Makes Fine Debut On Home Video Market". World's Finest. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  9. ^ Burger, Dennis. "Superman vs. the Elite Flies onto Blu-ray June 12". Technologytell. www.technologytell.com. Retrieved 2012-03-19.

External links[edit]

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