By James Christie

The original director of Superman, Richard Donner, was astounded by the big-budget relaunch of the Superman franchise, which opens in the UK on Friday, nearly 30 years after he brought it to the big screen.

The latest incarnation, directed by Bryan Singer, tells the story of Superman's return to Earth after a mysterious absence, during which time the world has learned to live without him.

Richard Donner's credits include The Omen, Lethal Weapon and Maverick

The original Superman film, which starred Christopher Reeve, received critical acclaim and broke box office records in 1978.

Thanks in part to its sincere approach, and the affecting performance of Reeve, it is widely regarded as the standard by which all comic book movies should be judged.

Donner, is impressed by Singer's new vision for the iconic American hero, having attended the film's US premiere.

Own identity

"Routh is wonderful," says the veteran film-maker, who recently directed 16 Blocks. "He's brought his own identity to the role, and he is Superman."

Christopher Reeve established something that is and will always be unique, but there is a new young man out there who's a bit of a genius Richard Donner

"Christopher Reeve established something that is and will always be unique, but there is a new young man out there who's a bit of a genius. He's done a beautiful job."

Nonetheless, Donner confesses that seeing Routh as Superman brought back strong memories of Reeve, who died in 2004 from complications surrounding paralysis.

"There are times when there is an uncanny similarity to Chris. And there are times, believe it or not, I swear that he sounds like him."

"I became really emotional as I sat in the theatre and began to think about Chris. I still can't believe that he's not around."

Heroic budget

Budgeted at $55m (�29.7m), the original Superman film was, at the time, one of the most expensive movies in history - blockbusters Jaws and Star Wars cost $7m (�3.7m) and $11m (�5.9m) respectively.

And like its predecessor, Superman Returns boasts an appropriately heroic budget of more than $204m (�110.3m).

Donner has praised the work of Bryan Singer (l) and Brandon Routh (r)

In the late 1970s, the processes required to convince audiences that a man could fly were laborious and painstakingly complicated.

Reeve's Superman soared thanks to a combination of traditional wirework, optical processing and the synchronising of zoom lenses in camera and projector.

Today, the majority of visual effects are achieved through the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI).

In the past Donner has been an outspoken critic of Hollywood's reliance upon CGI, which he holds responsible for the overshadowing of good characterisation and storytelling.

He does not believe this to be the case with Superman Returns.

"Bryan is a good director. The special effects are not overused. He does what needs to be done, but doesn't make it something that's overly produced."

"He's used (CGI) wisely and conservatively, and concentrated on the relationship between Clark Kent and Lois Lane, which I thought was amazing."

Does Donner think there is a comparison to be made between the special effects technology utilised for two films lensed 30 years apart?

"We made the original Superman with all the elements that were available in motion picture making at the time," he says, "and I think we did a hell of a good job with it."

"But what Bryan Singer has done with what is available to him now is a miracle to me."

Maximum awareness

Before the age of the internet, producers of the original Superman film relied on such tried and trusted methods as newspaper ads and television spots to promote their product.

Today, Superman Returns is able to utilise the internet and other new technology to ensure maximum audience awareness.

During the course of filming, director Bryan Singer recorded 27 video journals hosted online, which allowed Superman fans unprecedented behind the scenes access to the production.

Christopher Reeve became the iconic face of Superman

Since its US release in 4,000 theatres, Superman Returns has topped the box office charts, taking an estimated $52m (�28m) over its opening weekend.

Back in 1978, Superman the Movie was initially released in only 500 theatres, where it grossed $7m (�3.7m).

It did, however, earn more than $300m (�162m) worldwide, at a time when the average US cinema ticket was a third of today's cost.

Donner is convinced that Superman Returns signals the rebirth of the Warner Bros franchise, which has lain dormant from cinema screens for nearly two decades.

"The picture's good. It was a two and a half hour movie, but I could have easily taken another hour and a half. I think they'll go onto make a series of wonderful films."