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 Beyond: Return Of The Joker is the uncut version of the 2000 release. This feature length movie, unlike the other Batman titles we are reviewing this week, brings us 40 years into the future where a new young man has put on the suit. Bruce Wayne is now in his 70's, and walks with the help of a cane. The movie opens with the new Batman in a much slicker looking suit, taking on a new Scarecrow as well as several other bad guys including a pair of female twins dressed like Raggedy Ann and a character named Bonk, voiced by our favorite poet rocker, Henry Rollins.
After the fight we move to the Batcave where Bruce Wayne is revealed, with Kevin Conroy providing that same famous voice we have come to know and love. It is revealed that the new Batman is 'Terry' McGinnis, a young man who Bruce once caught stealing the batsuit and has since trained to help avenge the murder of his father.
In the background Bruce Wayne has just regained control of his billion dollar corporation, leaving COO Jordan Price reeling since he was next in line to be CEO of the company. While at a dinner/reception honoring Wayne as becoming CEO again, those same hoodlums that attacked the new Batman earlier appear with a bug surprise. Yes, the Joker has returned, despite Bruce Wayne's disbelief.
The rest of the movie moves along explaining what happened between Batman and The Joker some 40 years ago and explains just how and why The Joker has suddenly reappeared. The writing is excellent with a voice cast that is the best of any Batman disc we have heard. In fact the real star of this picture is Mark Hamill. His portrayal of The Joker is classic and we think he should do the voice the rest of the way.
Although this is animation, the writing, direction and tone are well enough done to stand up to any big budget action title. I've always loved Batman because of its human overtones and showing Bruce Wayne as an aging man is simply a brilliant idea.
Of all the animated Batman movies we have seen this year, this feature length movie is the one that most movie lovers should see. Even if you're not a fan of Batman, it is a slick action adventure that can be followed and enjoyed by all. Despite its uncut tagline this film is family friendly. And besides who can't love a movie that features the likes of Hank Rollins, Dean Stockwell, Melissa Joan Hart, Mark Hamill, Rachael Leigh Cook and Angie Harmon?
The Disc:
The first disc we have reviewed that shows up in widescreen, the transfer is awesome. Unlike the Batman Animated disc we reviewed, there are no spots or shimmers to be found. Colors are vivid and the art direction is classic. Few problems if any are present.
Sound too comes through the 5.1 setup with outstanding success. The use of rears to accent emotional and exciting sequences is nothing short of amazing. Several times we looked around the room in amazement as the sounds filled the viewing area. I can't say enough about how well this movie sounds.
Extras on the disc follow much of what the previous discs we reviewed offered. They are standard and not too exciting, though the commentary with Bruce Timm once again sheds a nice light on how this project came to be. While we would have liked more, the extras are enough to satisfy us.
bottom line:
The cream of the crop when it comes to Batman this week. Do yourself a favor and make sure you check this wonderful disc out. It's a one of a kind with a very original idea. What does happen when a Superhero turns 70? Well Batman knows and he shared it with all of us in the Joker Returns.
4.5 out of 5
By - Brian Gray
1/2
