Batman has always been my favorite superhero, mainly because he is one of the few that is Human. His adventures have grown more mature, darker, and more eloquent since the Dark Knight returns graphic novels hit the scene.
This week we are looking at a series of DVD's that Warner has released starring the Dark Knight. Batman The Animated Series - The Legend Begins brings several episodes from the beginning of the Fox series that put Batman back into the limelight exactly ten years ago. 1992 saw Michael Keaton return as the Dark Knight in Theaters, and it saw Bruce Wayne, portrayed in voice by Kevin Conroy, make his debut on the small screen. The series immediately impacted Fox with stellar ratings for the network and brought people like Paul Dini onto the lips of fans.
This disc features five episodes each introduced by director Bruce Timm that explains the thinking behind why these were featured and what the team went through in dealing with the execs at Fox. Episodes include On Leather Wings, A Christmas With The Joker, Nothing To Fear, The Last Laugh and Pretty Poison. The first episode shows the beginning of Batman, his battle with the Detectives trying to label him a criminal and a huge Man Bat. It's a solid episode that is short, to the point and effective in setting up the legend that is Batman.
Following it are episodes that introduce or reintroduce famous archenemies of Batman. Take for instance the episode A Christmas With The Joker, which the standards and practices people at the network toned down for the television debut. It's a good episode that shows the desperation of the Joker in a miserable life but also manages to be humorous. It's an example of why this series has succeeded.
The total mix of episodes is above average, with two of them being excellent, one being above average and the remaining two being average and below. Fans of the series will find that this initial disc is worth the price of admission with nearly two hours of classic animated Batman. It's especially important for those who will invest in the other Batman Discs we are reviewing this week as it shows the very beginning of the current animated Batman who is showing up in many places.
The Disc:
Being a television series, the transfer comes off as one would expect, though the very first episode, On Leather Wings, which is also the most important, is very grainy. There are lighting flashes and artifacts all over the place, which is a bit disappointing. The remaining episodes improve considerably but never quite to the point that we would like to of seen.
Sound actually does come in Dolby Digital 5.1, unlike some of the other Batman discs we are reviewing. It is used effectively with the rears pounding out crashes and booms at key moments. Several times I was surprised at how well the surround was used.
Extras on this disc are also very welcomed with the aforementioned episode introduction by director Bruce Timm being our favorite. There's also a guide to drawing Batman, several games and the standard
cast and crew information. Not a whole lot but very effective.
bottom line:
An important and well-done disc for fans of Batman. It shows the humble beginnings with plenty of explanation from the people behind the hit series. Warner chose a nice set of episodes that are well rounded and feature most of the characters we've come to love and hate. Score this one as a collector's necessity especially with the other Batman title's coming out.
4 out of 5
By - Brian Gray
