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Fleischer Studios Takes on Restoring Superman Classics
Superman has been depicted in various animated forms over the years, but it all began with the 1940s shorts created by Fleischer Studios. While many attempts have been made to re-release and remaster these classics, not all have met the desired quality standards. As a result, Fleischer Studios has decided to take matters into its own hands and try their hand at the restoration process.
A Look Back at The Mechanical Monsters
Recently, Fleischer Studios unveiled a restored version of the animated short film “The Mechanical Monsters” at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The restoration project, which commenced in 2022, was no easy feat. According to a production member, the process was described as “frustrating,” particularly towards the end, as individual frames had to be cleaned up manually. A side-by-side comparison of the original animation and the 35mm restoration reveals that the primary change lies in the lighting. The original version was notably dark, but the restoration has significantly brightened the visuals.
Significance of The Mechanical Monsters
“The Mechanical Monsters” was originally released in November 1941, just two months after Fleischer’s initial Superman short film. This particular short showcased Superman using his X-ray vision for the first time and featured Clark Kent changing into his superhero alter ego inside a phone booth, a recurring motif in Superman’s mythology. Fleischer’s cartoons, including “The Mechanical Monsters,” served as a source of inspiration for subsequent superhero animations and movies. References to, or influences from, this specific short can be found in works like “Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow,” Hayao Miyazaki’s “Castle in the Sky,” and Lupin the Third.
Future Restoration Projects
When questioned about the possibility of restoring additional Superman shorts, Fleischer Studios expressed a strong interest in doing so. While work is already underway on one more restoration project, the studio acknowledges that some shorts may prove more challenging to locate. Efforts to collaborate with archivists have been ongoing, as reaching out to private collectors has proven to be a difficult task, considering many lack a public presence or straightforward means of contact. Despite the interest in creating a comprehensive collection of Fleischer’s Superman classics, there are no concrete plans for an official release at this time.
Seeing these beloved classics restored by the studio responsible for their creation is indeed a remarkable experience. The dedication and craftsmanship exhibited in these restoration efforts bring renewed attention to the timeless appeal of Fleischer’s Superman animations.
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