Showing posts with label superhero. Show all posts
Showing posts with label superhero. Show all posts

9/09/2012

Justice League Unlimited - Joining Forces (DC Comics Kids Collection) (2005) Review

Justice League Unlimited - Joining Forces (DC Comics Kids Collection) (2005)
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Like the previous Justice League Unlimited release, this disc will contain three episodes that have been cropped from their original widescreen presentation. The episodes will be:
For the Man Who Has Everything: Adapted from the Alan Moore comic. Superman is trapped in the perfect dream world by the villainous Mongul, and Batman and Wonder Woman have to save him. Strong, dramatic personal story for Superman, with some good acting, music, and animation all around.
The Return: The extended JLU roster must prevent the android AMAZO (voiced by Star Trek actor Robert Picardo) from taking revenge on Lex Luthor. This episode really shows off the new half-hour format, with a tightly-plotted story that has both epic action and strong characterizations. Toss in some surprise cameos and appearances with more great animation, and you have another winner.
The Greatest Story Never Told: While the League has an epic battle in downtown Metropolis, c-list glory hound Booster Gold learns what it means to be a true hero. A lighthearted comedy episode. Not as gripping as the other two episodes, but still well executed and worth checking out.
It's a shame really, if this disc was widescreen it'd be worth buying, as these episodes showcase the kind of stories JLU can tell in 30 minutes. But it's another cheap release from WB, with equally cheap cover art (old GL design, and also Aquaman, who isn't in these episodes). Why WB continues to flood the market with these releases instead of decent boxed sets the first time around is a mystery.

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7/30/2012

Birdman and the Galaxy Trio: The Complete Series (1967) Review

Birdman and the Galaxy Trio: The Complete Series (1967)
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I surely dont see how someone can say this is terible.I remember these as a child and they always made me happy on saturday morning.I was always glued to the set and didnt move.I guess the packaging is subpar and you need to put some effort into getting the disks out.No big deal i say as watching these again will be well worth it.Sometimes you find packaging like this but oh well,im just greatful to be able to own them and leave it at that.

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6/28/2012

The Batman vs Dracula (2005) Review

The Batman vs Dracula (2005)
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As far as animated Batman series go I much prefer the series that ran during the '90's on the WB rather than the current incarnation. In fact I've only seen a mere handful of the new series and just wasn't inspired enough to tune in for more. Well, if this direct to DVD movie is anything to go by I may have to change that attitude.
I had no intention of buying this DVD (no really, I swear I didn't) but something made me take a chance on it while I was picking up the other Batman DVD releases on that fateful Tuesday afternoon. Frankly I'm glad I did because "Batman vs Dracula" is really a dang good animated Batman adventure and a fine Halloween treat to boot. Now I won't claim it to be perfect (because it isn't) but it is a more than decent direct to DVD release.
The story involves Joker and Penguin escaping from Arkham Asylum in search of a treasure hidden within the depths of Gotham Cemetary. The Joker/Penguin alliance falls apart and it is the Penguin who stmbles not upon the treasure but the remains of Count Dracula himself. In true Hammer film style Penguin accidently resurrects Dracula, becomes his thrall and the two begin to unleash a reign of terror upon Gotham City as the Count begins to transform its citizens into vampires. The creation of these "Lost Ones" is blamed on the Dark Knight and he begins to realize he has more on his hands than the average maniacal super villain he usually has to contend with. The irony of two individuals who use a bat as their avatar to achieve their ends is not lost upon Dracula (or the writers) and he soon sets out to destroy the Cowled One. I won't go into any more of the plot, you get the general idea. However I should point out that the writers have included a few more story threads and plot twists than what I've revealed here and thats what makes this film both enjoyable and a bit frustrating. On the one hand there is more substance to the story than I would have expected for what is generally considered "kiddie fare" and while there are some good adult oriented story ideas and concepts they aren't always as fully explored as I would have liked. Still, its hard to fault this film too much. I can tell that the film makers were genuinely enthusiastic about the project and that really comes across in the final product more than any flaws and plot holes the film may have.
A word of warning to parents of small children. This film does contain considerable amounts of blood and violence not to mention the sheer creepiness of many of the vampire scenes. If you have little ones who are easily frightened you may want to pass on this particular Batman adventure. When I say that the vampires are creepy I mean just that. There were one or two moments when even this jaded horror movie junkie got a goosebump or two. The sight of a vampire Joker lapping blood up off the floor (while not the creepiest scene in the film) is one I'll not get out of my head for awhile.
As for the DVD itself: the transfer is good and crisp and the sound is presented in Dolby 5.1. No widescreen unfortunately. A few meager extras such as the voice actors hamming it up, a science vs superstition segment, and trailers round out the supplemental features.
Bottom line: this isn't the greatest animated Batman yarn out there but it is a good thrill ride none the less. It offers more substance than many films of its kind and will appeal to adults and older kids alike. I can't reccomend it for sensitive younger viewers but for the older kids and adults who would like a good Batman Halloween treat you can't go wrong with this one.

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Gotham City is terrorized not only by recent escapees Joker and Penguin, but by the original creature of the night, Dracula! Can Batman stop the ruthless vampire before he turns everyone in the city, including The Caped Crusader, Joker and Penguin, into his mindless minions?DVD Features:Featurette:"Science vs. Superstition": Batman's computer gives light to the legend of Dracula and all its rumors. Other:1) "City of Knight": Click on a map of Gotham and discover behind the scenes and hidden buttons with short video clips of the making of. 2) "Voices in Close Up": Multi-window montage with pop-up trivia boxes and interview footage give intimate interview looks at the voices behind Batman vs. Dracula.


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6/13/2012

Justice League: Starcrossed - The Movie (2004) Review

Justice League: Starcrossed - The Movie (2004)
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There are times when mainstream animated series outdo themselves. The Simpson's softball episode, the X-Men's Phoenix saga, and the Mr. Hanky episodes of South Park are great examples of this. 'Star Crossed' is on that level.

This episode is really intended for fans 'The Justice League' animated series, and makes a number of references to past events and relationships. If you're in that category, know this: this episode brings the heat from the first few minutes through the dramatic (and somewhat unexpected) conclusion.

The plot and dialogue are tight, and the animation strong. This is a phenomenal jumping off point for the upcoming 'Justice League: Unlimited' series as well.

I don't want to spoil the story with too many details, but the plot is actually somewhat reminiscent of the series pilot, and brings each of the heroes' personalities into clearer perspective. And for those of you who only watch for the fight scenes, this episode ought to satisfy you as well.

One of the toughest aspects of writing stories for a team like the Justice League is that some characters render others redundant. For example, if you have Superman and the Green Lantern, what do you do with the Flash and Hawkgirl? In order to make for a truly interesting story, then, you have to introduce a conflict that will really tax ALL of the characters. This does--trust me.

I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because new viewers would likely miss the significance of many of the character interactions. With that in mind, I would say people who have no familiarity with the Justice League series should at least watch the pilot, 'Secret Origins' before viewing this. I'd also recommend the episodes 'Paradise Lost', and 'In Darkest Night' if you can find them. But the bottom line is that this is the best DC animated episode to come along since "World's Finest". 'Nuff said!

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JUSTICE LEAGUE:STAR CROSSED - DVD Movie

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6/10/2012

Teen Titans - The Complete First Season (DC Comics Kids Collection) (2003) Review

Teen Titans - The Complete First Season (DC Comics Kids Collection) (2003)
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This 2-disc set collects the first 13 episodes of Teen Titans, which were also previously released on 2 single-disc editions.
I like Teen Titans. It's a very different take on the DC characters than Batman, Superman, and Justice League, and there are obvious anime influences in the fight scenes and gags. What's nice about the series is that while it generally writes towards a younger audience, it's never so simplistic that it alienates the older crowd. The chemistry between the five leads is great, and there are occasional moments of lunacy that will make you wonder if the staff is secretly taking anything in the back room (ie the Mad Mod episode). Plus season 1's underlying subplot involving Slade (voiced expertly by Ron 'Hellboy' Perlman) is as dark and driven as anything in the Batman shows. The only time this show falls flat for me is when it puts stylized action over story essentials, which some of the early episodes here fall into.
Again, this set collects material that WB has already released. I think even the bulk of the bonus features have been carried over. I'm hoping this was a sudden shift in WB's animation-on-dvd strategy as opposed to milking the consumer with re-releases, as the single discs were already quite generous in their own way. A great consideration if you haven't purchased the old discs yet, great for kids but adults should find some amusement too.

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The Teen Titans compose an elite group of five heroes Robin, Starfire, Raven, Cyborg and Beast Boy that unlike their Super Hero predecessors, have no secret identities under which to disguise themselves. The Titans, who live in Titans Tower, have banded together to combat their arch nemesis, Slade, and his evil minions.

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6/04/2012

Super Hero Squad Show 1 & 2 Review

Super Hero Squad Show 1 and 2
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The characters have great personality, the artwork is colorful and attractive, and the storylines are unexpectedly clever. I bought it for my under age 7 boys, and find myself watching every episode.

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5/23/2012

Spider-Man - The Ultimate Villain Showdown (Animated Series) (1994) Review

Spider-Man - The Ultimate Villain Showdown (Animated Series) (1994)
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Morbid curiosity - that was the sole reason I considered picking up this DVD especially after reading that the Mouse House had did a cut and paste job to what is easily one of my favorite cartoons of all time. When I found it released early I couldn't pass it up.
Let me say one thing - I was wrong.
The chapter sheet features the cover art for the front and back of the DVD and the disk is just a picture of the Spider-Man face reflecting back the Green Goblin. When I put the disk in I found something else to be amazing - no forced trailers, something Buena Vista home video is notorious for. The menu opens with a bunch of screen caps of villains flashing onto the screen and eventually leads into the city with a still Spidey in mid crawl on the side of a building.
Starting the movie will lead you to the long opening theme for the Spidey toon and only has one change - an added "The Ultimate Villain Showdown" label under the Spidey logo. By now you probably want to know what is on the disk - the episodes go in order - "Make a Wish", "Attack of the Octto Bot", "Enter the Green Goblin", and "Rocket Racer". This is also known as Chapter 2,3,4 and 5 in the Sins of the Fathers story arc. The transfer was very well done but a little slow at times - altho this is more than likely the animation and not the transfer. The episodes still contain the original title cards and at the end of the first three episodes flow directly into the next episode, avoiding the end credits until the end of the movie.
The special features include the 1967 Origin of Spider-Man toon with an intro by Stan "The Man" Lee. There is also a Stan's Soapbox feature which is about 20 mins long and features Stan talking about the creation of Spidey and some other details of the Marvel U. As a fan boy I found this feature very enjoyable and even got a couple of chuckles out of Stan. There is also another feature that allows you to watch commentary by Stan before each episode - once again, great stuff. Another feature is a Villains Gallery that allows you to select either Venom, Doc Ock, the Hobgoblin or the Green Goblin and get a complete bio of the character. Each villain has at least two clips that show some aspect of the character as well as Stan's thoughts about the character. The final feature was a sneak peek section - featuring Spy Kids 2, Snow Dogs, Digimon and a couple others that I can't remember right at the moment.
Conclusion - Overall I think the disk is really worth the pick up and was very happy that Disney hadn't pasted together a new movie and followed a story arc from the series. While the DVD had a lot of features I wish there had been an easter egg with Sins of the Fathers Chapter 1 but overall this DVD comes with a lot more extra features than the X-Men DVD's that were released by Universal. Hopefully sales will be good on this disk and we'll see Disney release season sets. An added note to Disney - make Origin of the Silver Surfer your next attempt.

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Swing into action with America's most amazing superhero as Spider-Man faces off against arch-rival The Green Goblin and a host of his most evil foes in "The Ultimate Villain Showdown." Bitten by a radioactive spider while on a high school field trip, young Peter Parker is transformed into a human web-slinger with incredible spider strength. Now, for the first time on DVD, you can discover how the Spider-Man legend began and watch as he learns the dark origins of The Green Goblin and wages spectacular battles with supervillains Dr. Octopus and Kingpin. You'll get caught in a web of excitement with this thrilling animated adventure.

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2/05/2012

Ultimate Avengers - The Movie (2006) Review

Ultimate Avengers - The Movie (2006)
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I tell you what...get this if you're a fan of the Hulk alone. That in itself is reason enough to see this movie. I have forever loved all that the Hulk represents and how he rolls. But he about lost his mind in this movie! I loved it!!! Beyond that, good plot, beautiful fantasy cartoon babes abound, and as a Marine, I appreciated how Captain America and the military were portrayed as they went into battle against Nazis and space aliens in WWII. C,mon...space aliens, dream babes, Nazis, and the Hulk...what're you waiting for? Relax the literary critic inside you and have some fun. Go. Rent.

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1/20/2012

Thundercats - Season One, Volume One (1985) Review

Thundercats - Season One, Volume One (1985)
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Thundercats was one of the best shows to come out of the 80s (Transformers being at the top), and one every fan has been eagerly awaiting to hit DVD.
Months ago, WB finally announced they would be releasing the series in a total of four box sets (33/32/33/32), which had everyone cheering for the return of one of their favories shows, in top notch DVD quality. Most of all, they were given a SRP of $64.99, thus guaranteeing the episodes must be remastered. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
For a SRP of $64.99, you get 33 episodes on six discs, but without any remastering done whatsoever. What was WB thinking? Not only do the episodes look like they were dumped down from VHS tapes (giving it a bootleg quality appearance), but there are a mass amount of errors throughout the episodes themselves. One of the major issues is with the second episode, "Unholy Alliance," which is missing all of the music (sans the opening and closing) during the episodes. However, this is only the case in the English track as both the Spanish and French versions have the music playing. Whatever the reason is, this is totally unacceptable. Hopefully WB will issue a recall and offer replacement discs.
The next negative to this set is that it is definitely no where near woth a SRP of $64.99. Yes, you can buy them cheaper online or at a retail store, but if you pay more than $30-35 for this set, then you were just ripped off. You could buy a DVD-R bootleg (not that you should) off ebay of the entire series in the same quality (if not better) for $15 more.
With other 80's shows, coming out (or have already been released) with a beautiful remastered print, and 5.1 audio, this makes this buy even worse than it seemed before. Why couldn't WB let Rhino handle this? Rhino may have their own faults, but at least they know how to NOT mess up a release THIS bad. Not to mention Rhino would have remastered the prints and mastera a 5.1 track, while this just has a less-than-satisfying-and-boring mono soundtrack.
So if you have not bought this set yet, hold off until WB fixes the set's glitches or lowers the SRP. Also, let's hope they do a much better job with Volume 2 when it comes out in Dec than they did with this. I love Thundercats, I am happy to own it on DVD and replace my tapes from Toonami, however, the price is unacceptable for a crappy release as this.
WB, Thundercats deserves to be treated just with respect as you have done so with Looney Tunes, and as much as Rhino did so with Transformers!

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1/10/2012

The Super Hero Squad Show: The Complete First Season Review

The Super Hero Squad Show: The Complete First Season
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Great show. My four year old boy loves it. I agree, it is fun to watch it. Humor is mainly written with about a 5-7 year old in mind, but there are definitely some jokes only adults will get.
At this time, SHS has only just released the second DVD in the series. The first DVD was released about 6 months ago. I wanted this as a Christmas gift for my son as he fell in love with the SHS after Season 1 was over, so I wanted to let him see the whole first season. I believe these copies come from a Canadian distributor since the whole seasons isn't released in the US yet. Nothing funny. NTSC format. Works excellently!

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11/27/2011

Batman: The Animated Series, Volume Two (DC Comics Classic Collection) (1992) Review

Batman: The Animated Series, Volume Two (DC Comics Classic Collection) (1992)
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Get ready for more dark justice as the Dark Knight prowls the streets and skies of Gotham City for the criminal element which infests it in Batman: The Animated Series - Volume Two. This 4-disc set features 28 episodes of animated bliss which include the first appearances of Ra's Al Ghul ("Tron's" David Warner), and his beautiful daughter Talia ("Supergirl's" Helen Slater) in "Off Balance"; and The Riddler ("Smallville's" John Glover) in "If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?" The set also includes the Emmy-winning "Robin's Reckoning" with corresponding commentary by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski. As always, the voice talents never cease to amaze. The brilliant thought and care put into the series' voice casting is a tradition that continued with the later DC Comics superhero shows, Teen Titans and Justice League Unlimited. Here are the contents of this set:
Disc 1:
Eternal Youth
Perchance To Dream
The Cape And Cowl Conspiracy
Robin's Reckoning Part One
Robin's Reckoning Part Two
The Laughing Fish
Night Of The Ninja

Disc 2:
Cat Scratch Fever
The Strange Secret Of Bruce Wayne
Heart Of Steel Part One
Heart Of Steel Part Two
If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
Joker's Wild
Tyger, Tyger

Disc 3:
Moon Of The Wolf
Day Of The Samurai
Terror In The Sky
Almost Got 'im
Birds Of A Feather
What Is Reality?
I Am The Night

Disc 4:
Off Balance
The Man Who Killed Batman
Mudslide
Paging The Crime Doctor
Zatanna
The Mechanic
Harley & Ivy

Special Features:
Commentary: "Robin's Reckoning" by Bruce Timm (Producer) and Eric Radomski (Producer)
Commentary: "Heart of Steel" by Bruce Timm (Producer), Eric Radomski (Producer), Kevin Altieri (Director)

Commentary: "Almost Got 'im" by Bruce Timm (Producer), Eric Radomski (Producer), and Paul Dini (Producer)

Commentary: "Harley and Ivy" by Bruce Timm (Producer), Eric Radomski (Producer), and Boyd Kirkland (Producer)

Featurette: "Robin Rising": Detailing the evolution of Robin's character in the series (10:00)

Featurette: "Gotham's Guardians": About the supporting cast of The Batman Animated Series - Includes Commissioner Gordon, Alfred Pennyworth, Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman), Harvey Bullock, Rene Montoya. (10:00)
Featurette: "Voices of the Knight": About the voices behind the characters (10:00)
Well worth the wait, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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Fight crime day and night alongside the Dark Knight with this deluxe 4-disc set packed with 28 heroic adventures from the acclaimed series! Filled with gripping plots, multidimensional characters and superb voice talent, this Emmy-winning series has defined Batman for legions of fans. Enjoy amazing encounters with Catwoman, duels with the Penguin, contests with the Riddler and of course, battles of wit with the Joker - plus Exclusive Extras from the minds that conceived this cutting-edge version of the classic hero! Grab your cape and swing into action with this quintessential Batman compilation!

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11/01/2011

Kick-Ass (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2010) Review

Kick-Ass (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2010)
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What a wacky movie this is. When I first saw the previews, I thought this Kick-Ass was going to be aimed at kids and teens. Boy was I way off, because it earns it's R rating many times over. I really had no intention of seeing this film until I saw the very positive reviews flowing in from the critics. Not that I always agree with them, but in this case I would like to thank them for getting my butt down to the local theater today.
Parts of the movie reminded me of Watchmen. You have everyday people who are sick of bad things happening to good people, decide to put on costumes, have funny hero names, and then beat and cut apart the bad guys in a not so nice way. I actually thought it was rather tame in the gore department, compared to what I read about beforehand, but the violence and language is way too strong for kids.
The acting is good from everyone. I liked newcomer Aaron Johnson as Kick-Ass himself. Nicolas Cage turns in one of his better performaces in a long time, though I think he was great in an over-the-top kind of way in The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans. Christopher Mintz-Plasse is still doing his McLovin thing in every movie since Superbad, but it worked again. Mark Strong is kind of one note as the villain, like in Sherlock Holmes, but I think he's a little better in this role. The real star of the show is little 11-year-old, Chloe Moretz, as Hit-Girl. She is clearly the most memorable thing in a movie with a bunch of stuff worth remembering. As the daughter of Cage's Big Daddy hero, she spews out bad language, slices and shoots baddies by the dozens, and loves her daddy. I want one of my own.
Kick-Ass is serious in tone most of the time, but there are some killer comedy bits and lines that had the whole theater erupting with laughter. The music is well placed in key scenes and the director/writer, Matthew Vaughn, did a fine job in creating a comic book film that should please both fans and non-fans of the genre alike.
Even though it looks like Kick-Ass will come in #1 this weekend, it still feels more like a cult film to me. I can easily see this movie being talked about decades from now, much like Army of Darkness, but without the campiness factor. What a breath of fresh air in a genre that has just as many misses as it does hits.

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'How come nobody's ever tried to be a superhero?" When Dave Lizewski - ordinary New York teenager and rabid comic-book geek - dons a green-and-yellow Internet-bought wetsuit to become the no-nonsense vigilante Kick-Ass, he soon finds an answer to his own question: because it hurts. But, over coming all the odds, the eager yet inexperienced Dave quickly becomes a phenomenon, capturing the imagination of the public. However, he's not the only superhero out there - the fearless and highly trained father-daughter crime-fighting duo, Big Daddy and Hit-Girl, have been slowly but surely taking down the criminal empire of local mafioso Frank D'Amico. And, as Kick-Ass gets drawn into their no-holds-barred world of bullets and bloodletting with Frank's son Chris, now reborn as Kick-Ass's arch-nemesis Red Mist, the stage is set for a final showdown between the forces of good and evil, in which the DIY hero will have to live up to his name. Or die trying'

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10/24/2011

The Batman - Season 1, Vol. 1 - Training for Power (DC Comics Kids Collection) (2004) Review

The Batman - Season 1, Vol. 1 - Training for Power (DC Comics Kids Collection) (2004)
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If you're going to have any chance of liking this show, you have to completely forget about "Batman: The Animated Series." BTAS was, is, and will remain one of TV's crowning achievements in animation. This new series doesn't aspire to anything that lofty-it's kid-vid. Judge it that way.
I'm 40 years old with a 10-year-old superhero-loving daughter. We watch the show together. We understand this show is a new riff. It has something of an anime influence, and it works. The show looks awesome. The theme music, by The Edge of U2, is very cool. Let's look at the characters. (BTW-don't look for Comissioner Gordon, Batgirl, Robin, Bullock, Montoya-they're not here. At least, not yet)
Batman/Bruce Wayne: He's young, he's just starting, he makes mistakes, and he's still having fun.
Alfred: One of the best parts of this show. Really captures the complex fellow that Alfred is.
Villains on this disc:
Joker: A Joker who is Bruce's equal in hand-to-hand combat? Neither my daughter or I care for this take on Batman's biggest foe.
Bane: Interesting version. Tad over-the-top, but what the heck. The episode does highlight Bruce's brainpower over brawn. The introduction of Rupert Thorne is a nice touch.
Penguin. This one flat-out-works. You really get a feel for what makes Oswald Cobblepot tick. They take the high-society-wannabee aspect of Paul Williams from BTAS, and add a true sense of menace.
Other villains from later in the series:
Catwoman: Get the costume right. My daughter and I call her Mousewoman.
Mr. Freeze: Worst of all the reimaginings. They've taken the most incredible tragic character from BTAS (and the DC Universe in general) and reduced him to a common jewel thief. Pathetic.
Clayface: Awesome. The two-part origin special may be the best episode so far. The production team really found their feet on this one. A Gotham cop gone horribly wrong through no fault of his own. Hearkens back to BTAS's treatment of Victor Fries.
Riddler: Loved it. Looks cool, and so far seems to be Batman's intellectual equal.
Bottom line: Batman can survive any reworking. From the camp of the '60s TV show to Frank Miller's brooding Dark Knight, the icon remains. "The Batman" is a update for a new audience, no more, no less. If you're expecting the glories of BTAS, save your money, and buy the BTAS box sets instead. If you're looking for a little kid-friendly fun, give it a whirl. Although at only three episodes on the disc, you might want to wait. For a better value for kid-friendly superhero action, try the six-episode "Static Shock: The New Kid."

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8/17/2011

The Batman - The Complete First Season (DC Comics Kids Collection) (2004) Review

The Batman - The Complete First Season (DC Comics Kids Collection) (2004)
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This set collects the first 13 episodes of The Batman, the newest incarnation of the Dark Knight. Warner Home Video has finally wised up, ditched the meager single discs and given fans and collectors an affordable way to get this series on dvd.
But wait...are there any fans and collectors? The general bat-fan will tell you this show sucks, while the small but vocal die-hards will pump The Batman for all its worth. This is a very difficult show to rate. Not only does it feel like Batman as envisioned by corporate focus groups, but the general writing is way below par compared to the classic Batman: Animated series.
In my opinion, these problems are mostly confined to the first season. This is definitely the show at its worst, and the newer seasons have been much more kinetic and entertaining. It's painful here to watch Bruce eat nachos and cast opera aside for bubblegum pop. It's painful to watch him resort to an endless array of bat-gadgets to take down foes. But the show has occasional moments of brilliance. When Batman slips into a coma after being thrashed by Bane, there's a very poignant look at the night of his parents' murder. The villain designs, wacky and grotesque as they may be, are fiercely original and fun if you go in with the right expectations. And the season finale, written by Gargoyles creator Greg Weisman, brings the show to a near-BTAS level with a brand new interpretation of Clayface. It's really worth checking out.
Again, this is a difficult recommendation. Season 1 is mostly weak, and I can't blame anyone for shunning it. However, the second season onwards is definitely worth looking into. I at least give kudos to WB for giving us The Batman in a season set that has more appeal to adult collectors. For those on the fence, check out season 2 when/if it is eventually released, then go back and see if you'd like season 1 for completion purposes. In the meanwhile, rent for the Clayface finale.

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8/05/2011

Adv of Batman & Robin: Joker (1992) Review

Adv of Batman and Robin: Joker  (1992)
Average Reviews:

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Warner Brothers' dark, serious Batman cartoons succeed brilliantly with superior storytelling, excellent voice casting, and gorgeously intimidating graphics.
This tape features two Batman encounters with The Joker, brilliantly voiced by Mark Hamill. Christmas With The Joker is a Christmas Eve telecast in which The Joker and his minions perform acts of sabotage to draw out Batman and Robin. Joker's hilariously demented introduction - "And now, LIVE, from Gotham City, the show that nobody wants to see, but EVERY0NE WILL WATCH!" - alone is worth the price of the tape.
The Laughing Fish is a remake of a 1978 DC Comics Batman story. The Joker has poisoned fish with his laughing toxin, but the poison has no effect on humans. Therin lies the real point; Joker wants legal claim to "his" fish so he can collect enormous profits. Aiding him is his scatterbrained love interest, Harley Quinn, voiced with engaging joy by Arleen Sorkin.
These are the best cartoons anywhere, lightyears better than anything ever turned out by Disney or Hanna-Barbera.

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