Our superhero ‘Returns’

Nearly two decades after the disastrous “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace,” the Man of Steel made a high-flying comeback this past summer in “Superman Returns” (Warner, $20 for the single disc; $35 for two-disc set).

Directed by Bryan Singer (“The Usual Suspects,” “X-Men”), this technologically spectacular adventure stars Brandon Routh as Superman/Clark Kent. Kevin Spacey plays Lex Luthor, Kate Bosworth is Lois Lane and Eva Marie Saint is Martha Kent.

Though the two-disc set doesn’t include any audio commentary from Singer, well-made extras include a comprehensive three-hour documentary, a fascinating look at the digital resurrection of the late Marlon Brando as Jor-El and numerous deleted scenes -- several involve Mrs. Kent and her new boyfriend (Richard Karlin).

“Superman Returns” is also part of Warner’s “Superman Ultimate Collector’s Edition” ($100). The 16-disc set includes a four-disc edition of the 1978 “Superman: The Movie” that includes commentary from producer Pierre Spengler and executive producer Ilya Salkind; wry observation from director Richard Donner and creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz on the expanded version of the film; the deliciously camp 1951 movie “Superman and the Mole-Men,” starring George Reeves; nine of the eye-popping Technicolor Fleischer Studios “Superman” cartoons that began in 1941; the theatrical version of “Superman II” with commentary from Salkind and Spengler; Donner’s original cut, unreleased until now, with commentary by the director and Mankiewicz; the disappointing 1983 “Superman III”; and the 1987 flop “Superman IV” with candid remarks by co-writer Mark Rosenthal.

Rounding out the exhaustive set are Bryan Singer’s video journals -- check out his visit to Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” set -- and the documentaries “Look, Up in the Sky!: The Amazing Story of Superman” and “You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman.”

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Also new

“Clerks II” (Weinstein, $30): Even David Mamet would likely blush over the graphically sexual language in Kevin Smith’s sequel to his 1994 indie hit.

The hapless Dante (Brian O’Halloran) and Randall (Jeff Anderson) find work at a fast-food restaurant after their quick-stop shop is burned down. Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) are also back with the low-brow shenanigans.

The two-disc set features a compelling feature-length “making of” documentary in which Smith and Mewes candidly talk about the latter’s heroin problem, extensive deleted scenes, bloopers, video production diaries, podcast commentary with Smith, producer Scott Mosier and Anderson and additional participation by cast members Anderson, O’Halloran, Jennifer Schwalbach (Smith’s wife), Mewes and Trevor Fehrman.

The filmmaker is also front and center on the two-disc “An Evening With Kevin Smith 2 -- Evening Harder” (Sony, $29). Smith appears before appreciative, raucous audiences in Toronto and London in his one-man show, which is part irreverent stream-of-conscious chatter and lewdly funny Q&A; sessions. Mewes also joins Smith for some sex talk. Extras include Mewes trying to pick up women on the street in London.

“The Ant Bully” (Warner, $29): Disappointing computer-animated family film based on the children’s book about a young boy shrunken to the size of an insect after he floods an ant colony with his water gun. Extras are aimed more toward the younger set with a bug’s-eye view of the production, additional scenes and seven promos that are funnier than the film.

“Pandora’s Box” (Criterion, $40): Superlative two-disc set of G.W. Pabst’s seminal 1929 German silent starring the iconic Louise Brooks as the tragic heroine, Lulu. Brooks never looked lovelier in the high-definition digital transfer. Extras include four different musical scores that run the gamut, including cabaret and orchestral, and enthralling commentary from film historians Thomas Elsaesser and Mary Ann Doane, both of whom have studied “Box” for years; a well-crafted 1998 TV documentary, “Louise Brooks: Looking for Lulu”; a fabulous 1984 documentary “Lulu in Berlin,” with a rare filmed interview with Brooks; and an interview with the director’s son, Michael Pabst.

“A Star Is Born” (Warner, $20): The third and weakest adaptation of the story of the ill-fated romance between a rising star and one on the descent. This version stars Barbra Streisand as a singer who falls in love with Kris Kristofferson’s boozy rock star. Streisand and songwriter Paul Williams won an Oscar for their tune, “Evergreen.” Streisand offers a savvy commentary track.

“St. Elsewhere -- Season 1” (Fox, $40): Though the NBC medical series, which premiered in 1982, was never a ratings’ blockbuster, the literate, well-acted show received numerous Emmys and developed a loyal following. Series stars included Denzel Washington, Howie Mandel and David Morse. Extras include an interview with Tim Robbins, who got his first professional acting job on the series; a discussion with Morse about his character Dr. Jack Morrison; a look at the acclaimed episode, “Cora and Arnie,” and commentary on “Cora” with producer Mark Tinker and Doris Roberts.

“Criminal Minds -- The First Season” (Paramount, $65): The premiere year of the gritty CBS series about an elite group of FBI profilers who attempt to stop criminals before they act. Mandy Patinkin and Thomas Gibson, both alums of “Chicago Hope,” star. Extras include producers’ commentary on the pilot and three production featurettes.

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susan.king@latimes.com