Bruce Timm and Eric Randomski’s Batman: The Animated Series has long being considered the magnum opus of incarnations of Bob Kane’s (and Bill Finger’s) cowled creation. Proving hugely influential on a generation of fans (this writer included) and artists, as well as remaining the gold standard for children’s TV in the ‘90s, this take on Batman has only grown in the hearts of viewers over the last 25+ years. Now, for the first time, we get this series presented in a Blu-Ray box set with a whole host of extra treats on top.
Batman: The Complete Animated Series has stood the test of time as a sophisticated, exciting, dynamic and fun take on the dark knight. The storytelling is well structured and across the 109 episodes, you have an array of writers and directors unleashing their full passion for the lore and the results are timelessly excellent. Characters like Mr. Freeze (voiced by Michael Ansara), The Penguin (Paul Williams), Jonah Hex (Bill McKinney) and Clayface (a terrific Ron Perlman) (among many others) have yet to receive better screen adaptations than they do in this show, with the narratives finding a perfect balance of tone. Some episodes are hilarious (the beloved “Almost Got ‘Im” or “The Trial”), others are dramatic and filled with depth (“Feat of Clay Parts 1 and 2”, “Two-Face Parts 1 & 2”) and some are can be downright mad (“The Laughing Fish”).
Characters are gifted with splendid arcs and backstories that bring them to life, with minor characters like Baby Doll (Alison LaPlaca), Firefly (Mark Rolston), Maximillian Zeus (Steve Susskind) and The Ventriloquist/Scar Face (George Dzundza) being treated with as much respect and care as more notable names like The Riddler (John Glover), The Mad Hatter (Roddy McDowell) and The Scarecrow (Henry Polic II). Not to mention how the show remains fresh in how it tackles weighty subjects (all as relevant as ever) and constantly embraces the badassery of its female characters, with the show’s loopy Harley Quinn (the ever brilliant Arleen Sorkin), wealthy animal advocate Catwoman (Adrienne Barbeau) and eco-terrorist Poison Ivy (Diane Pershing), stealing the show in many of the standout episodes.
Featuring an array of splendid vocal talents, including a handful of big names, the show sparks with entertainment, complexity and wit, though the stars of it all are undoubtedly the major regulars in Kevin Conroy (the definitive voice of The Batman), Bob Hastings’ authoritative Commissioner Gordon, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.’s loyal Alfred and the best onscreen Joker ever in Mark Hamill. The casting truly is spot on and even, at times, allows for the themes of the show to be deepened (ala the lovingly referential “Beware The Gray Ghost”).
This Emmy award winning series has been a long awaited release, and the results are 100% worth the wait. The visuals remain stylish, powerful and perfectly envisioned and the transfer sharpens some elements up to a tee, particularly the moments of fiery set pieces, the small details or the flamboyantly dressed heroes and villains. The sound is rivetingly effective, with all the charactoral musical motifs playfully jumping out of your speakers, with the work of an array of musical artists and composers like Danny Elfman and the late great Shirley Walker being proudly displayed.
Additionally and perhaps most excitingly, the set also comes with an assortment of extras, including the content gifted to the previous belated DVD set, as well as an insightful new documentary and featurettes. Best of all though, this set contains the high definition debuts of the animated features Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (one of the best ever Batman movies) and the exciting and rather poignant Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero (which has only ever been released on VHS in the UK until now). That alone is enough to mark this one down as a major win.
For this reviewer, as with many others we’re sure, this set will bring back fond memories of a childhood spent emulating the adventures of Batman (alongside other heroes like Robin and Batgirl) in front of the Batman week omnibuses on Cartoon Network back in the ‘90s. There is a good reason why this award winning series is still talked about so fondly and in this Blu-Ray set, you see that displayed better than ever.
For any fan of Batman, this is a must own Blu-Ray release. As The Joker himself says, “Without Batman, crime has no punch line” and over two decades ago, this show proved it…and continues to do so to this day!
Special Features: ‘The Heart of the Batman’ Documentary / pilot promo reel / Behind the scenes and character featurettes / audio commentaries on 11 episodes / Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero
BATMAN: THE COMPLETE ANIMATED SERIES / CERT: 12 / DIRECTORS: VARIOUS / WRITERS: VARIOUS / STARRING: KEVIN CONROY, MARK HAMILL, EFREM ZIMBALIST JR, BOB HASTINGS, LOREN LESTER, ARLEEN SORKIN, ADRIENNE BARBEAU, PAUL WILLIAMS, RICHARD MOLL / RELEASE DATE: 5TH NOVEMBER
