This month, we will be exploring the wonderful world of Superheroes! How the comics were portrayed on the silver screen and how these masterpieces have evolved over the years. It’s not surprising that with the evolution of technology a whole world of possibilities has opened for filmmakers to push the boundaries. These days you can experience a sensory explosion in a 4D Cinema, from characters jumping out at you (in 3D) to actual water spraying on you during a rainy final battle scene. We have selected a couple of retro films that have had remakes in recent years and we’re comparing them to see how much they have evolved.
And where better to start than …
Captain America [1990] vs. [2016]
During World War II, a brave, patriotic American Soldier undergoes experiments to become a new supersoldier, “Captain America.” Racing to Germany to sabotage the rockets of Nazi baddie “Red Skull”, Captain America winds up frozen until the 1990s. He reawakens to find that the Red Skull has changed identities and is now planning to kidnap the President of the United States.
Synopsis from the 1990 Movie version
Click on the images to view the trailers
His costume might have changed but the good old captain stayed the same!!
Spiderman [1977] vs. [2016]
Peter Parker has a laboratory accident that changes his life. He finds himself with greatly increased strength, the ability to stick to walls so to climb them without needing hand and footholds and a “spider-sense” (presented in this series as clairvoyance) that allows him to sense danger. Designing a costume and a web shooter that allows him to fire a strong artificial web, he fights crimes as Spiderman.
Synopsis from the 1977 TV Series version
Click on the images to view the trailers
Not only did this legendary superhero have a change of costume, he also thanks to the wonders of CGI and special effects, could showcase his superhero powers and not just shoot fishing net out of his wrist and parkour over a little wall here and there!!
Hulk and Thor [1978] vs. [2012]
Now for a combo. These two Marvel characters have been side by side in battle for generations and in the most recent Avengers movie and its sequel these two were seen back together owning it on the silver screen with special effects galore.
Nick Fury is the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., an international peace-keeping agency. The agency is a who’s who of Marvel Super Heroes, with Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When global security is threatened by Loki and his cohorts, Nick Fury and his team needed all their powers to save the world from disaster.
Synopsis from the 2012 Movie version
Click on the images to view the trailers
No Superhero blog will be complete without giving the women some airtime …
Catwoman [1966] vs. [2012]
Though Batman escapes the Sandman’s trap, Robin is left to wander in a deadly maze. A clue leads Batman to Catwoman’s lair, where he informs her of Sandman’s plans to elope with J. Pauline Spaghetti and keep her fortunes to himself. Enraged by the Sandman’s trickery, Catwoman sets out after him. Batman, with the now-rescued Robin, also follow, and the group meet up at Spaghetti’s old deserted pasta factory.
Synopsis from the 1966 Series version
Click on the images to view the trailers
Catwoman has traditionally been portrayed as a supervillain and adversary of Batman, forming part of the DC Universe Franchise. I don’t know about you, but the universe has been kind to her and like a true lady she has just gotten better with age.
We hope this tantalised your taste buds to see for yourself how these movies have changed, and maybe even spur you on to get those old comic books you used to read as a child out from under your mattress.
Stay tuned for more amazing blasts from the past in this month Superhero themed blogs. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and Like and Share our Facebook and Twitter posts.
Content Sources:
http://www.boredpanda.com/superheroes-then-and-now/
Retro Afrika Bioscope 