No, the Superman Trailer Doesn’t Look Weird, It’s Probably Your Device

As a lifelong Superman fan who has spent countless hours debating the finer points of the Man of Steel with fellow enthusiasts, I must say that James Gunn’s take on our favorite Kryptonian left me both excited and slightly bewildered. The color grading in the trailer has been a hot topic among DC fans, and while it may not be to everyone’s taste, I can’t help but appreciate the thought behind it.

James Gunn’s Superman movie trailer made a dynamic entrance, reminiscent of a swift projectile. It instantly captured everyone’s focus. There has been much discussion and controversy about Gunn’s interpretation of Superman, particularly in a world where numerous other heroes coexist. Yet, amid all the chatter regarding Gunn’s portrayal of Superman, there was a technical point that sparked debate: the color grading of the footage.

The Long Debate About Superman Coloring

Since Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel unveiled its first teaser trailer in 2012, I, as a DC fan, have noticed a fair share of criticism regarding Superman’s on-screen appearance. Snyder offered us a contemporary Superman with a desaturated color scheme, fitting the ‘dark and gritty’ trend prevalent in superhero films during the 2010s. The coloring approach stirred immediate controversy, a debate that lingered among DC fans throughout the Snyderverse era of the franchise. When James Gunn stepped into the director’s chair for his first DC film, The Suicide Squad, its vibrant and colorful tones became a clear dividing line between the Snyderverse and what many fans now refer to as the “Gunnverse” – a division often defined by (among other things) noticeable differences in color grading.

Critics’ main issue with Snyder’s portrayal of Superman was that it lacked the optimistic and hopeful essence typically associated with the character, often conveyed through vibrant, cheerful representations. It seemed fans were hoping for a revitalized Superman in this style, but now, ironically, an overabundance of brightness is among the most frequent criticisms regarding the footage.

Why Does Gunn’s Superman Trailer Footage Coloring Look So Weird?

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but wonder about the magical touch that James Gunn brought to the Superman trailer we’ve been graced with, knowing full well that I don’t have the privilege of scrutinizing the intricate filming techniques and cameras he utilized behind the scenes. However, it’s intriguing to note that tech-savvy cinephiles and film enthusiasts have been sharing their theories as to why the trailer might not be delivering an optimal viewing experience on certain devices.

Rian Johnson appears to employ a broad and vibrant range of color grading and contrasts in the movie, which is especially effective for the IMAX format of Superman that Warner Bros. and DC Studios are promoting. Techniques such as “split toning” seem to be used on the footage, allowing Johnson to emphasize certain parts of an image against a cooler background. This aligns with the theme where Superman stands out as a brighter figure in a rather dull world.

In simpler terms, some devices might struggle with the intricacy of specific scenes in the trailer due to issues like poor handling of dark tones, incorrect color balance, or improper temperature adjustments.

Absolutely, depicting situations similar to Clark Kent or Superman navigating through human crowds might appear incongruous compared to their aerial acrobatics and grandiose superhero battles in fantastical scenes. Moreover, if the scale isn’t properly adjusted, actions like Superman exiting a phone-sized box with a punch could appear flattened or distorted on smaller screens, such as your phone.

What’s the Best Way to Watch the Superman Trailer?

Following a thorough watch of the Superman trailer across various devices such as phones, tablets, computer screens, laptops, and 4K TV, it’s evident that James Gunn, his cinematographer Henry Braham (longtime collaborator), and DC Studios/Warner Bros. are producing content tailored for 4K-8K TV technology, which is expected to set the bar for home viewing in the coming years. The visual quality of the Superman footage demonstrates Gunn’s effective use of advanced display features and options available on high-end brands like Sony. Remarkably, even under intense technological scrutiny, the Superman footage maintains its clarity, allowing for every minute detail in Corenswet’s Superman suit texture to be distinctly seen.

To get the optimal viewing experience for the Superman trailer, watching it on a large, 4K (or higher) television is highly recommended. If this isn’t an option, consider using a tablet or laptop capable of playing videos with resolutions like 1440p and 2160p (which is equivalent to 4K). You can find both the 1440p and 2160p versions of the Superman trailer on YouTube.

Superman has a release date of July 11, 2025.

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2024-12-25 00:40