This is one of the most enjoyed of the animated superhero series and if you search around
you can find it on sale on various occasions.
Click Here To Get Batman The Animated Series On Sale At Amazon.com
In 1992 Warner Brothers studio's debuted "Batman the Animated Series" an ambitious undertaking
in the field of children's animated superhero genre. It was modeled after the long time comic book
exploits of the "Caped Crusader". But much to many in the industries surprise although created for
the consumption of children it had a much wider appeal to an adult audience. With its taut and
dramatic script it engrossed audiences with the tales of the masked detective who was part
vigilante and part avenging angel, "Batman the Animated Series" set the standard for quality
animated adventures that could compete with most dramatic television. The series included the
long list of villain's from the Joker to the Clock King. "Batman the Animated Series" also featured
Batman's allies Robin, Batgirl and Police Commissioner Gordon. The great appeal of the series
is due in large part to the voice characterization of Batman by actor Kevin Conroy. Anyone who
has heard Conroy's Batman voice overs agree that Conroy's Batman is Batman. Equally
appealing is Mark Hamill's portrayal of the Joker, delivered with wit and maniacal evil that Joker
fans have come to expect. This series spawned other animated superhero efforts such as
"Superman the Animated Series" a show that was equally engrossing and entailing many
mature themes that would not be expected from animated offerings. Mr. Conroy has reprised
his role as Batman in a number of Warner Bros. animated features such as "Justice league",
"Justice League Unlimited", and in episodes of "Superman The Animated Series". This show
is notable for its star Tim Daly, who has become the most popular voice over actor for his
portrayal of Superman. Clancy Brown plays "Lex Luthor" and Dana Delany does the voice
over for ace reporter "Lois Lane". Warner Bros. has also produced a number of animated
films comprising the DC Universe which stars many of these stars reprising the super hero roles
they've made popular. A search online will attest to the wide ranging popularity of the DC
comics brand and an appreciation of the action content they offer. Some of the other voice over talents
on display are: Loren Lester as Robin the boy wonder, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as faithful butler Alfred
Pennyworth and Bob Hastings as Police Commissioner Gordon. So enjoy Batman and the DC
Universe.
Here is a breakdown of the episodes and features on the four discs:
DISC 1: Contains episodes "On Leather Wings," "Christmas with the Joker," "Nothing to Fear," "The Last Laugh," "Pretty Poison," "The Underdwellers," and "P.O.V." The first episode is the best on this disc, with Batman facing the fearsome Man-Bat. The show really hit the ground running, but the immediate follow-ups are a bit weak. "P.O.V." has moments of interest because of its unusual structure, and "Nothing to Fear" has a great finale, but the two Joker episodes are particularly poor; the show hadn't quite figured out its style yet. Also on this disc is commentary by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski for "On Leather Wings," and a two-minute demo they did to sell the look of the series.
DISC 2: Contains episodes "The Forgotten," "Be a Clown," "Two Face (Parts 1&2)," "It's Never Too Late," "I've Got Batman in My Basement," and "Heart of Ice." The last is one of the most popular episode of the series, introducing the fantastic re-imagining of Mr. Freeze as a tragic figure. "Two-Face" is also a superb villain origin story. The other episodes are minor, with a poor Joker and Penguin episode, but "It's Never Too Late" is an interesting non-super-villain story. The bonus feature on this disc is a great 18-minute documentary about the series, with interviews with the producers, writers, and some of the actors. There's also audio commentary on "Heart of Ice" with Timm, Radomski, and writer Paul Dini.
DISC 3: Contains episodes "The Cat and the Claw (Parts 1&2)," "See No Evil," "Beware of the Gray Ghost," "Prophecy of Doom," and "Feat of Clay (Parts 1&2)." The show was clearly taking off at this point; only "Prophecy of Doom" is a poor episode. "Beware the Gray Ghost" brings back Adam West to the Batman series, and is one of the most inspirational of all the episodes. "Feat of Clay" contains stunning animation, and "Cat and Claw" gives us the wonderful relationship between Batman and Catwoman. The bonus feature is a Batcave tour, basically a few screens of text and some connected montages of images from the show.
DISC 4: Contains episodes "The Joker's Favor," "Vendetta," "Fear of Victory," "The Clock King," "Appointment in Crime Alley," "Mad as a Hatter," and "Dreams in Darkness." Two lesser villains, Clock King and Mad Hatter, become the focus of great episodes. "The Joker's Favor" is one of the best Joker episodes, and introduces Harley Quinn, who would become one of the show's most popular creations. The two Scarecrow episodes aren't much, however. The bonus feature is a plug for some of the other DC heroes.
One warning: If you buy this package, be prepared to see your free time get drained away! It's impossible to stop watching episodes once you start, and most of them reward multiple viewings. Recommended as a MUST for all animation and super-hero fans.
