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 and Mr. Freeze: Subzero tells the story of how Mr Fries came to be the villain Mr. Freeze. A scientist working in the Antarctic, Mr. Fries is a normally unemotional man who has only found one great joy ever in his life, his wife Nora. Due to a disease and a rare blood type, Nora is gravely ill. Mr. Fries is one of the top Cryongentist in the world, so he has his wife placed in a special container to keep her alive until a cure can be found.
All is well until another unit of explorers comes crashing into the underearth laboratory, breaking Nora's protective glass, leaving her closer to death. Angry, bitter and fearing the life of his wife, Mr Fries sets out to gain the help of his friend, a doctor by the name of Dr. Belson. Belson tells him of how rare a type of blood Nora has and that finding a deceased donor is impossible at this time. That's when the darkness takes over Mr Fries, as he intends to take a live donor.
While all of this is going on, Batman and Robin in their normal attire, are attending a dinner/dance with Commissioner Gordon and his daughter Barbara, who just also happens to be Robin's date and Batgirl. After Batman decides to call it a night, Robin and Barbara go out for a drink, when all of a sudden Mr Freeze and his Polar Bears show up looking for Barbara. Yep you guessed it, she matches Nora's blood type.
With the plot set, the movie moves forward gracefully with plenty of action and beautiful artwork. The dark style is what really made Batman rejuvenated, after the four movies, which got progressively goofier. Much like the original theatrical Batman starring Michael Keaton, this animated version is keen on showing Batman's human nature and struggle with his dark side. The movie's pacing did have some slow spots, but the ultimate result was action that was as intense as any live action movie.
The voice acting is solid with Batman, Robin and Batgirl each giving convincing roles that is neither too cheesy nor over the top. The writing has it's moments of "Yeah right" but you have to remember this is still superhero land despite Batman's more human than human nature.
Mr Freeze and Batman: Subzero isn't quite Batman's best of the bunch that Warner is releasing. However it is an enjoyable reminder of why we fall so easily in love with Superheroes and even their arch enemies. It's hard to hate Mr. Fries when you get a first hand look at his pain.
The Disc:
Warner is releasing each of the Batman movies in their originally televised format. The transfer is clean with the dark animation looking pristine. This movie is all about the Dark Knight and there are plenty of sequences where black levels are crisp and bold.
Sounds unfortunately did not receive the proper bumping to Dolby Digital but still presents itself well enough. There's plenty of action and the 2 channel setup gives more than a convincing aspect to the film. For a movie originally airing in 1997, it sounds really good.
Extras on the disc are really not present, though there is a Hunt for Mr Freeze game and a section on How to Draw Batman. I'm a terrible artist but even I could pick up some tips here. There's also a music section and the usual cast and crew segments. It's more than the Justice League disc offered but still nothing too exciting.
bottom line:
Not quite the best Batman episode of the bunch, it does manage to effectively introduce one of the most popular villains. Mr Freeze has gained in popularity over the years, so true fans will appreciate this disc more than fans of Batman. Don't put this at the top of your list but certainly give it a try.
3 out of 5
By - Brian Gray
