Batman - The Animated Series - The Legend Begins (1992) Review

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(More customer reviews)It's about time that Warner Brothers finally responded to the years of demand by the fans to release the amazing "Batman: The Animated Series" on DVD. What we've finally gotten is a mixed bag, however. I'm happy to see this first disc of episodes in chronological order (rather than the ridiculous themed releases like what we got on VHS), and hopefully Warner will continue to release the entire series in order and complete; but more episodes on the disc would have been nice! What we get here on this release called "Batman: The Legend Begins" is the first five episodes of the animated series -- based on production order, not airdate order -- (1) "On Leather Wings", (2) "Christmas with the Joker", (3) "Nothing to Fear", (4) "The Last Laugh", and (5) "Pretty Poison". Respectively, these episodes are the spectacular pilot with Man-Bat, a lighthearted Joker story, a pretty good Scarecrow story, another (slightly better) Joker story and the origin story of Poison Ivy. A pretty good introduction to the series, but the best was yet to come! As far as extras go, there isn't much. An introduction by Bruce Timm, a few webgames and CD-ROM links, and a brief documentary. (Where are the commentaries, pre-production drawings, artwork slideshows, and extended documentaries?) ... ... Now, if you've never seen the series you are in for a treat! "Batman: The Animated Series" premiered on television way back on Sep. 5th, 1992 with the episode "The Cat & The Claw, part 1" (not included on this first disc), about three months after the live-action "Batman Returns" had come out. The animated series (unlike the mediocre movies) met with almost universal acclaim. Boistered by fabulous writing from the likes of Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Michael Reaves and many others, as well as solid voice talent like Mark Hamill (wonderful as the Joker) and Kevin Conroy (this guy IS Batman), the series also intoduced such wonderful characters as Harley Quinn and improved versions of nearly ever Batman rogues gallery villian. In my humble opinion, the animated series is the definitive Batman, better than any of the comic books or movies... absolutely nailing the characterizations of Batman/Bruce Wayne himself, as well as his relationships with police commissioner Gordon, Robin/Dick Grayson and best of all Alfred. The series transcends its origins as a "kids cartoon" to being one of the greatest and most adult animated series ever produced. (In a recent poll, it ended second only to "The Simpsons" as the greatest cartoon series ever.) ... At a rate of only five episodes per disc, it will take twenty-two discs to release the entire series of 109 episodes, and that doesn't even count the 50+ episodes of "Batman Beyond" or the 54 episodes of the "Superman" animated series; these series have not yet been announced, but we can only hope... right, Warner Bros?

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In the original five episodes of the Emmy-winning Batman The Animated Series, Batman must battle The Joker, The Scarecrow, Poison Ivy and more to protect Gotham City.

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Batman Beyond: Season Three (DC Comics Classic Collection) (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)The third, and last, season of Batman Beyond was a big step above the decline in quality that was found in the sub-par second season of the animated series, and thank God (or Paul Dini and Bruce Timm) for that. As the third season begins, Terry McGinnis (voiced by Will Friedle) has his hands full as the Batman of the future as old villains Ink, Zeta, and the Royal Flush Gang return. It gets better though, as Talia Al Ghul, the daughter of Ra's Al Ghul, returns and makes a stunning offer to the aging Bruce Wayne, with huge results and an even bigger twist. This episode is worth picking this DVD collection up for alone as we get to see Bruce and Terry side by side fighting. It gets better with the two-parter "The Call", as Terry gets the call of a lifetime from Superman (given a great new futuristic look) to join the Justice League in an effort to uncover a traitor, with even more shocking results! Batman also takes on Big Time, a former friend from Terry's past, and then goes toe to toe with KOBRA. Sadly though, the series comes to an end with these episodes, but there would be more Batman Beyond. The Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (the director's cut that is) was an excellent film which saw the return of Batman's greatest enemy, and as a previous reviewer already mentioned, we would see an older Terry in the Justice League Unlimited episode "Epilogue" in which Terry learns a shocking secret about his real origins (and yes, it would have been oh so nice if that episode was included in this et, because that is the true end of the series). That aside, the third season of Batman Beyond is a fantastic pick up for fans of the series or Batman in general, and if you've never seen "Epilogue", you should pick up the first season of Justice League Unlimited for that alone.

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As the new Batman, Terry has all the high-tech gear and gadgets he needs, plus Bruce Wayne's research skills and instincts. Season Three became the final season for the series, as Terry joined forces with the JLU (Justice League Unlimited) The series ended with the episode "Unmasked" which told the story of one of Terry's first missions under the cowl. Experience all the suspense and excitement of the final 13 gripping adventures in a 2-disc collection featuring the fiendish villains of the city's gritty future -- and the one hero who can stop them! DVD Features:Interviews:"Close-Up On" -- Sit down with the creative minds behind BATMAN BEYOND as they discuss their favorite moments from key episodes of the series final season: "Out of the Past"; "The Call, Part 1"; "The Call, Part 2"; "The Curse of Kobra, Part 1"Other:"Inside Batman Beyond: Volume 3'- Join the producers of BATMAN BEYOND (Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Paul Dini & Glen Murakami) and moderator Jason Hillhouse for the last installment of their in-depth panel discussion, focusing on the spectacular final season of the superhero series.

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