Brian Singer's Superman Returns, which opens next week, will showcase the new 3D conversion process developed by David Geshwind of the Three-Dimensional Media Group with 20 minutes of footage converted to 3D (see 'Supes Goes 3-D').  Geshwind's process, which has excited filmmakers with the prospect of re-releasing blockbuster films in 3D (see 'Star Wars in 3D'), will soon be available in a new super-fast version that will allow for simultaneous day-and-date release of both the 3D and 2D versions.

Meanwhile Superman Returns has garnered generally positive reviews.  It's coming up 92% positive on the Rotten Tomatoes site, though most of the major reviews won't be released until this weekend, so the rating is Internet heavy rather than press-heavy.  But the trade notices have been strong.  Kirk Honeycutt in The Hollywood Reporter was very complimentary while Todd McCarthy of Variety raved, 'Sure to rate with aficionados alongside Spider-Man 2 and, for many, Batman Begins on the short list of best superhero spectaculars.'

With a major marketing campaign in place, the stage is set for a huge opening next week for the return of the Man of Steel to the big screen.  The only question appears to be, how huge?