The DCAU Weekly Review - Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Feature Film

 

It’s the crown jewel of the Batman the Animated Series run, the feature film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.  It’s one of the best Batman features ever made and at the time of its release in 1993, was the best Batman film to exist.  It was made on a budget of $6 million and was intended as a direct to video movie.  There are many theories why it was changed to a theatrical release but the main reason would have to be how well the film came out.  The studio saw dollar signs after how great the story and animation of the final product came out.   

 

The film had a rushed marketing and ultimately failed at the box office, only earning $5.6 million.  Since it was the 1990s that doesn’t translate to failure for a feature film though.  The theatrical release served as a tremendous advertisement for the film and it skyrocketed in video and rental sales.  The film turned a profit in the home video market but initial research has failed to generate information on the sales totals. 

 

The film explores Batman’s first year as a crime fighter and how he almost gives it all up for love.  It has a powerhouse of voice talent that you can look up on your own.  Just know the voice acting is beyond superb and takes animated films to another stratosphere.  Shirley Walker’s film score is mesmerizing.  The film stands on its own without the show but fits the series like a glove.  The bitter ending is probably the bleakest of all the Batman films.  While other DCAU Batman movies play out like extended episodes, this is a true film.  An absolute can’t miss. 

 

Written by
Joseph Ammendolea
Owner/President
“I Like To Play With Toys” Productions®
ILikeToPlayWithToysProductions@Yahoo.com

Maxine Vandate - Zombie

 Cuculi presents Live Beats music of the 90s & 00s.

 

The DC Animated Universe Weekly Review - Batman: The Animated Series

 Batman: The Animated Series

Episode 56

Harley and Ivy

 

A fan favorite and truly worthy of the accolades.  Harley Quinn leaves the joker and teams up with Poison Ivy.  Together they go on a huge crime spree.  Batman and The Joker separately track them to their hideout on a toxic waste dump.  Fights ensue Batman captures the Joker but the girls escape.  In the process they proclaim no man can catch them and no man does.  Officer Renee Montoya captures them.  A fitting payoff after getting to know her in the episode Point of View.  A random female officer wouldn’t have had the same sting that the known Montoya brought at the end.

 

Written by
Joseph Ammendolea
Owner/President
“I Like To Play With Toys” Productions®
ILikeToPlayWithToysProductions@Yahoo.com

Maxine Vandate - Use Somebody

 Cuculi presents Live Beats music of the 90s & 00s.

The DC Animated Universe Weekly Review - Batman: The Animated Series

 Batman: The Animated Series

Episode 55

The Mechanic

 

Not a terrible episode but not too exciting.  The Penguin figures out who Batman’s mechanic is, holds him hostage until he sabotages the Batmobile.  The mechanic makes a trap door to save batman.  This episode wouldn’t be as bad as it is, except the same gimmick was done in Batman Forever.  Penguin episodes weren’t the best in BtAS.  

 

One of the nicer moments was the flashback to how Batman found Earl the mechanic.  We also like the concept he doesn’t do this alone and has an entire staff on secret payroll helping him with his gizmos.  Worth a watch.

 

Written by
Joseph Ammendolea
Owner/President
“I Like To Play With Toys” Productions®
ILikeToPlayWithToysProductions@Yahoo.com

Maxine Vandate - Torn

Cuculi presents Live Beats music of the 90s & 00s.

The DC Animated Universe Weekly Review - Batman: The Animated Series

 Batman: The Animated Series

Episode 54

Zatanna

 

An unlikely comic crossover, we’re introduced to Zatanna, an illusionist at this point in the DCAU.  She becomes a full blown magic girl in Justice League Unlimited but without any explanation.  While under the alias John Smith, Batman trained with Zatanna’s father Zatara to learn the secrets of being an escape artist.  This occurs before he travels to Japan to train in martial arts.  During that time he has a tryst with Zatanna.  She’s now an adult and doing a show in Gotham.

 

During the show she makes a bunch of money disappear but can’t make it reappear.  She’s been framed by Montague Kane though.  Batman helps her figure it out and clear her name.  

 

A great episode that gives more insight into Batman’s backstory and how he became such a versatile crime fighter.  Also a brilliant build up to what would be the film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm which explores the early days of Batman. 

 

Written by
Joseph Ammendolea
Owner/President
“I Like To Play With Toys” Productions®
ILikeToPlayWithToysProductions@Yahoo.com

 

Maxine Vandate - I'm the Only One

Cuculi presents Live Beats music of the 90s & 00s.

The DC Animated Universe Weekly Review - Batman: The Animated Series

 Batman: The Animated Series

Episode 53

Paging the Crime Doctor

 

Matthew Thorne is a doctor and Rupert Thorne’s brother.  He’s a disgraced doctor who lost his license years ago and now works as a mob doctor for Thorne’s gang.  Rupert needs a serious surgery but Matthew isn’t qualified to do it.  So he kidnaps Dr Leslie Thompkins which puts Batman on the case.  

 

While investigating the missing Doctor, Batman learns Matthew Thorne was friends with Bruce Wayne’s parents. Meanwhile Rupert Thorne orders Leslie Thompkins killed after the surgery is completed.  Matthew Thorne finds out and will have none of it.  He helps her escape.  Batman shows up and saves the day.

 

The most touching part of the episode is when Bruce Wayne offers to help Matthew Thorne with his legal troubles on one condition.  At which point Matthew Thorne decides he’s not for sale anymore and refuses.  Then Wayne explains it’s nothing illegal, he just wants to know about his father.  A touching ending to a man who we sometimes forget dresses like a bat and beats up criminals because he lost his parents as a child.  

 

Written by
Joseph Ammendolea
Owner/President
“I Like To Play With Toys” Productions®
ILikeToPlayWithToysProductions@Yahoo.com

Maxine Vandate - Linger

Cuculi presents Live Beats music of the 90s & 00s.