Batman - The Animated Series, Volume One (DC Comics Classic Collection)

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Warner Brothers' Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995) remains a striking, stylized program that helped to revitalize the familiar comic book hero. Drawing on such diverse influences as Frank Miller's graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns, the Fleischers' Superman cartoons of the early '40s, and contemporary Japanese animation, the filmmakers stress interesting designs and cinematography. The Caped Crusader prowls a sinister, Art Deco-styled world of tall verticals, sharp angles, silhouettes, searchlights, and grid-like shadows cast by window frames. Its visual pizzazz eclipses Filmation's pallid kidvid, The Batman/Superman Hour (CBS, 1968), which ran off and on in various incarnations through 1981. Many of the same artists worked on the Batman animated features (e.g., Mask of the Phantasm (1993), Batman Beyond--The Movie (1999)), which display similar strengths and weaknesses.

Ironically, Batman: The Animated Series looks better in stills than it does in motion. The artists fail to stylize the movements of the characters to match the dramatic settings, as Genndy Tartakovsky and his crew did in Samurai Jack. Batman uses sophisticated computers to combat the well-known villains--the Joker, the Penguin, Mr. Freeze, Catwoman--as well as some less celebrated baddies: Manbat, Clayface, The Mad Hatter. The bad guys cram a lot of plotting and scheming into each 22-minute episode, but the violence is kept to a broadcast standards minimum.

The Dark Knight's First Knight easily ranks as the most interesting of the extras. Producers Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski recount the genesis of the series, and show their mini-pilot, which is more violent and more fully animated. If the complete episodes had matched the pilot, the series would have been much more exciting. (Unrated, suitable for ages 8 and older: violence, mild grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

Customer Reviews:

The Perfect Start.......2007-05-15

This volume contains 28 episodes of Batman: The Animated Series, and is the first foray into a cohesive animated DC continuity. These episodes are appropiate for all ages and contain deep driven stories as well as awesome fights between hero and villain. The style of this show is unique and fits perfectly for the tone of the series, and the image they were trying to project for Batman. We see all the classic villains, as well as some created specifically for the series. The only major Batman rogue not to be introduced in this series is the Riddler, but he appears in volume 2. Later works, including Superman: the Animated Series, Justice League, and especially Justice League Unlimited are recommended for fans of this series. Superman: the Animated Series Volume 2 has the best apperance of an animated Batman in it's three part masterpiece "World's Finest".

A classic for all to see.......2007-05-14

This landmark series proved that you can make a children's tv show that could entertain the kids, while bringing storylines that were dark enough to attract an adult audience.
With classic 2 part episodes of 2 of Gothams greatest villians (Two Face and clay Face) on it this is definitely worth buying.

This only gets a 4 cause the visual presentation is a little dated.

Totally Dissapointed ..........2007-05-13

After reading all the great reviews on these series, I immediately ordered the first season, for my total dissapointment. Of course I saw some of the chapters more than 10 years ago on TV. I was expecting deep psychological situations like everyone says in their comments. But Nothing!! All you get is a very poor animation and nothing relevant regarding the plotlines or the characters. Besides, I hate this bulky look that they give to some characters. Cheap old japanese animation. Speed Racer is far better than this!!!!

On the good side, I liked the dark and more serious twist these series got after the silly old Batman TV shows. I like the dark 50s/40s atmosphere, and the gothic/art deco feeling of the scenarios.

I strongly recommend The Batman new series. Far better animation (the action sequences are far better achieved, all the computer animation included for the batmobile, bat wings, etc.) and original soundtrack (really great). The dialogues are better and the characters are darker and more twisted than ever.

In my opinion, don't waste your money and time in these old/cheap shows, and buy the new ones, that are actually less expensive than this one!!

Batman Animated Series without commercials.......2007-03-19

Batman the animated series in better on DVD then on TV, no commercials is the best part and you can watch it over and over. I actually got this for my nephew, he loves it so much that he and I have watched it over and over several times already, no compliants here. I love it.

Optimum Satanimation.......2007-01-18

The classic vigilante who lurks in the shadows, in the form of a bat-like phantom continues to crush the rotten. He always carries the psychological advantage, as the criminals are caught off-guard by the shock of his appearance. Sound familiar? Gotham is a prime example of a total environment. Batman is the personification of de-facto Satanic ideals in many respects. Although personally, I think he spends too much time on saving worthless enemies & the stupid.

Bruce Wayne, the wealthy gigglo, 'preys' on females when not preying on foes. He utilizes his eccentricity & resources to enforce Lex Talionis & Diabolic Justice. Gothic imagery abounds. Superb theme by Danny Elfman.

Superman - The Animated Series, Volume One / Batman - The Animated Series, Volume One

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Superman - The Animated Series, Volume One / Batman - The Animated Series, Volume One
Starring: Warner 2pak
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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