by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor

I will always remember the day that Batman: The Animated Series aired on Fox Kids in 1992. I was mesmerized as the opening sequence appeared on my screen. The explosion. The epic orchestral score. The Batmobile blazing out of the Batcave. Batman suddenly appearing on the rooftop. From that moment on, I never missed an episode. While the series itself has achieved an iconic status as being truly timeless, the footage needed a bit of love in the digital age of 2018. Thanks to the amazing team at Warner Bros. Entertainment, fans can now experience all 109 episodes as glorious high definition as a limited edition box set.

Taking a more cinematic approach to Saturday Morning Cartoons, Bruce Timm and his team created the definitive version of Batman. The stylized noir elements set the series apart from the Adam West or Michael Keaton iterations. Each character was given careful consideration and respect, honoring the legacy of what came before while still being unique to the show. These tales of the Dark Knight had a lasting impact on my childhood and those of my generation, and getting to experience the episodes again in beautifully restored HD quality has added to the overall experience. 

If you happened to pick up a copy of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm on Blu-ray when Warner Bros Entertainment released it last year, you will already have a sense of the quality product that you are about to experience. The side-by-side comparison of the original animation reel and the newly enhanced footage is shocking to say the least. This quality upgrade will help to preserve the series for generations to come, adding even more value to an already dynamic series.

While there are many elements that lead to the success of the series, the outstanding vocal talents were clearly one of the highlights. Kevin Conroy is the definitive voice of Batman, and Mark Hamill is unquestionably the best Joker to grace the screen. The moment you hear either of these two speak, you are instantly taken back to the world of Batman. Gotham City is still a big place, and a lot of other talented actors joined in the vocal fun throughout the series run. Highlights include Efrem Zimbalist Jr. (Alfred Pennyworth), Bob Hastings (Commissioner Gordon), Loren Lester (Robin/Nightwing), and Robert Costanzo (Harvey Bullock), Richard Moll (Harvey Dent), Adrienne Barbeau (Catwoman), Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn), Paul Williams (Penguin), Melissa Gilbert (Barbara Gordon), Ed Asner (Roland Daggett), David Warner (Ra’s al Ghul), Ron Perlman (Clayface), Roddy McDowall (Mad Hatter), Helen Slater (Talia al Ghul), Diana Muldaur (Dr. Leslie Thompkins), John Glover (Edward Nygma), Kate Mulgrew (Red Claw), Ed Begley Jr. as Germs, and Adam West (Simon Trent/The Gray Ghost).

Episode Highlights

“On Leather Wings” – The episode that started it all. Featuring a memorable introduction of Man-Bat (flying across the sky in shadow), this episode set the stage for the future of the DC Animated Universe. Can Batman stop the mysterious creature who is plaguing Gotham City and clear his name? 

“Two-Face” – Parts 1 & 2 – The introduction of Harvey Dent and Two-Face was one of my favorite two parters in the show’s run. The cliffhanger harkened back to the Adam West series, making it a requirement to run home to watch the next episode. 

“Heart of Ice” – Mr. Freeze made his chilling animated debut in this episode, introducing viewers to a new take on the character. This tormented version worked tirelessly to save his sick wife, only to become a monster in the process. This interpretation carried over to future comics and had a major impact on the portrayal of Mr. Freeze for future iterations.

“Beware the Gray Ghost” – Audiences would soon find that even Batman had his heroes, and one of those heroes happened to be…Adam West?!? Playing the actor behind the serial “The Grey Ghost”, our 1960’s Batman teamed up with this animated interpretation to stop a mad bomber. 

“Joker’s Favor” – Who would have thought that the animated introduction of Harley Quinn would have been a game changer? The fan-favorite character (now pop-culture sensation) made her debut in this 1992 episode, where the Joker attempted to strike back against Commisioner Gordon during an awards speech. This appearance would lead to many more in the run of the show, eventually leading to her appearance in the 2016 live action release of Suicide Squad. 

“Perchance to Dream” – This episode is not only a fan-favorite, but is also a favorite of the cast and creative team. What if Bruce Wayne hadn’t become Batman? What would happen if his parents hadn’t died on that fateful night? Can Bruce truly be happy without becoming the Dark Knight?

“Heart of Steel” Parts 1 & 2 – The introduction of H.A.R.D.A.C. brought a Terminator-style villain to the animated series. This two parter featured Batman facing off against robotic copies of his allies with the help of the newly introduced Barbara Gordon.

“Shadow of the Bat” Parts 1& 2 – When Commissioner Gordon is framed by unknown assailants, Barbara decides to take matters into her own hands. There can be more than one “Bat” in Gotham, and now Batgirl is here to save the day! How will she handle her first encounter with the man behind her father’s troubles – Two-Face!

“Sins of the Father” – In addition to shifting styles to fit more in line with the debut of Superman: The Animated Series, the third season of the show mixed things up with the supporting cast of the Dark Knight. Dick Grayson was M.I.A. as Robin, and a young Tim Drake was brought in to fill his shoes. While this wasn’t quite the Tim Drake of the comics, the change-up did lead to the introduction of Nightwing and some of the best dynamics between Batman and his allies.

“Over The Edge” – In one of the biggest twist episodes of the series, Commissioner Gordon learns the truth about Batman! After witnessing Batgirl fall off the roof, he runs to her aid only to learn her secret identity as she loses her life. With secrets revealed, Gordon takes it upon himself to end Bruce Wayne’s war on crime once and for all.

Special Features

• The Heart of Batman (All-New Documentary) – The creative team and cast behind the iconic series gathered for this special document for the new Blu-ray series. This is a must watch for any fan of Batman: The Animated Series.

• Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (Feature-Length Film) .

• Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero (Feature-Length Film) 

• The Dark Knight’s First Night Pilot Promo: Hosted by Bruce Timm (Featurette) – Witness the 1991 Batman promo reel as producers Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski discuss the origins of Batman: The Animated Series.

• Batman: The Legacy Continues Retrospective (Featurette) – DC luminaries join BTAS creators as they explore the combination of exquisite design and in-depth storytelling that helped create a once in a generation show.

• Robin Rising: How the Boy Wonder’s Character Evolved (Featurette) – The evolution of Dick Grayson from young ward to crime fighter.

• Gotham’s Guardians: The Stalwart Supporting Characters (Featurette) – Batman is not the only hero safeguarding Gotham City. This documentary focuses on the importance of the Dark Knight’s allies in the Batman mythology.

• Voices of the Knight (Featurette) – Actors Mark Hamill, Kevin Conroy, Adriene Barbeau, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., and Andrea Romano discuss the process of bringing their iconic characters to life.

• Gotham’s New Knight (Featurette) – Barbara Gordon swings into focus in this exciting look at Batman’s trusted ally and equal, Batgirl.

• Video Commentary: “House and Garden” – Watch along as Producer Bruce Timm, Director Boyd Kirkland and writer Paul Dini take viewers behind the scenes of an exciting episode of Batman: The Animated Series.

• In-Movie Experience – Watch along as Producer Bruce Timm, Director Boyd Kirkland and writer Paul Dini take viewers behind the scenes of an exciting episode of Batman: The Animated Series.

• Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes

• “Concepting Harley Quinn” (Featurette) – Producer Paul Dini discusses how Harley Quinn was incorporated into the series.

• Tour of the Batcave (Featurettes)

• Audio Commentaries

• Digital Copies of all 109 episodes, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman: Subzero.

Overall 

Batman: The Animated Series on Blu-ray truly does justice to the legacy of the series. While I previously had a copy of the show on DVD, the Blu-ray has made that release obsolete. This release takes the series to a whole new level of enjoyment, and I hope that we will get to see future releases of the DC Animated Universe in similar quality.

Rating: [5/5]
ComicsOnline gives Batman: The Animated Series – Limited Edition Blu-ray 5 out of 5 laughing fish.

Check out our interviews with the Cast and Crew of Batman: The Animated Series by clicking here. 

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