Superman Returns costume worn by Brandon Routh...

I'm sure in the coming days and months there'll be lots of talk about Henry Cavill's new Superman suit in the forthcoming Man of Steel, but I still believe they got the iconic costume right for Brandon Routh in 2006's Superman Returns.

Original costume worn by Brandon Routh in Superman Returns

Being a huge comic book fan I personally prefer my superheroes in colourful capes and tights, and have no problems with them sporting what looks like their underwear over their leggings. The more fantastical the better if you ask me.

Superman Returns costume detail

So Louise Mingenbach's reinterpretation of the classic Superman costume was a winner in my humble opinion and Brandon Routh did an admirable job of filling out those super-tights of DC Comics iconic hero.

I'd previously spied this original costume on display at the London Film Museum, but on a return visit on May 15, 2012 I was able to get a closer look thanks to the suit being in a different display case.

I particularly like the diamond weave of the fabric which gave the costume a much more textured and less 'shiny tights' look.

And if you're a super-fan, be sure to check out these original props from Superman and Superman II on display.

Superman Returns movie poster

Brandon Routh's Superman Returns suit on display...

In Bryan Singer's 2006 reinvention of the Man of Steel, Brandon Routh donned the familiar red, yellow and blue costume in Superman Returns.

Original Superman costume worn by

Brandon Routh in Superman Returns

Louise Migenbach was the costume designer responsible for updating the last son of Krypton's classic superhero costume, which retained the look of the traditional Superman outfit.

Superman Returns movie poster

The fabric used for the muscle-hugging blue mesh body suit is a very fine synthetic milliskin that apparently feels like a diaphanous wetsuit, whilst the leathery looking red cape is made from a gluey plastic material.

Superman Returns suit on display from all perspectives

Apologies for some of the picture quality, but ultimately this is the kind of iconic costume you need to see up close in person, so be sure you try and check it out whilst it's still on display at the London Film Museum.

Superman Returns movie poster

This original Superman costume was photographed on January 25, 2011 at the London Film Museum on loan from Warner Bros. Studios.

If you like superhero costumes be sure to check out these fantastic costumes from Watchmen on display.

Discovering the delights of the London Film Museum...

Imagine my delight on a recent trip back to the U.K. when I discovered the cinematic treasure trove that is the London Film Museum.

Whether you're a tourist or a local, if you're a movie fan and enjoy seeing original costumes, props and vehicles on display you'll love this amazing place in County Hall, near Westminster Bridge and the London Eye.

Not only do they have some fantastic permanent displays, but they also have some temporary visiting exhibitions, like original costumes from Batman Begins and Superman Returns on loan from Warner Bros. Studios.

Brandon Routh's Superman Returns costume

Plus when I visited on January 25, 2011 they had a wonderful Myths & Legends exhibit featuring the work of stop-motion animation legend Ray Harryhausen, from films such as The 7th Voyage of Sinbad and Jason and the Argonauts.

Christian Bale's Bat-Suit from Batman Begins

Apparently I recently missed an Aliens movie exhibition, but they still have amazing first edition replicas of the original alien and the Alien Queen from the sequel on display for you to see up close.

Alien Queen from James Cameron's Aliens

They really do have movie memorabilia from all genres, from horror to sci-fi, espionage to family films, plus other infamous items like this gong featured before all the movies of the British entertainment company, Rank Organisation.

Rank Gong on display at the London Film Museum

In fact there's something inherently

British a

bout the museum, with lots of items from

British

produced movies (like

Zulu, 007, Mr. Bean, Excalibur and Dr. Who & The Daleks

to name but a few), as well as those originating in

Hollywoodland

.

Original costume armour from Excalibur

designed by Terry English

Dinosaur prop from Night at the Museum 2

In addition to props and costumes there are also some impressive movie vehicles like the autogyro used in Sean Connery's 'James Bond' movie, You Only Live Twice, plus a TARDIS and a Thunderbird 4 sub

mersible from the 2004 live-action Thunderbirds movie.

007's Little Nellie autogyro from You Only Live Twice

The London Film Museum really is a great way to spend a few hours and is open seven days a week. It's also expanding to open another venue in the Covent Garden area, so keep you eyes peeled for details of that in 2011.

In the meantime, if you do get a chance to pop along to this museum you won't be disappointed, as it's always fun to see authentic movie costumes and props in person up close.