Batman: The Animated Series - Vol. 2

Rating: NR

Distributor: Warner Home Video

Release Date: January 25, 2005
Review posted: January 31, 2005

Reviewed by Dennis Landmann

SYNOPSIS

During the day, mild-mannered millionaire Bruce Wayne seems like an average--albeit wealthy--Gotham City resident, but at night, when the crime comes out, so does his alter-ego. With the help of his trusty sidekick Robin, Batman combats the evil forces that are constantly threatening to overpower Gotham City, including classic villains such as Penguin, Joker, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and more. Starring Kevin Conroy, Bob Hastings, Robert Costanzo, Richard Moll, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Mark Hamill, and Loren Lester, among others.

CRITIQUE

This second volume of Batman: The Animated Series consists of another twenty-eight episodes from a first season that actually produced sixty shows. The order in which they appear on the DVDs appears to be random, but perhaps there is an editorial reason behind it; as a side note I think the producers could've included an introduction with the set explaining the episode order.

As for the quality of the episodes presented on this set, there are some noticeable standouts. Robin's Reckoning Parts 1 & 2 tells Robin's origin story and how he came to work with Batman, featuring flashback scenes with him as a boy watching his parents' demise at the circus and growing up the Wayne mansion. The two-parter Heart of Steel features an interesting premise in which Batman must fight off an artificial intelligence seeking to replace key figures in Gotham City in order to take over the city.

Almost Got 'Im is a fun story and explores a different narrative than the other shows. In it, famous villains The Joker, Two-Face, Penguin, Poison Ivy and Killer Croc each tell a story of how they almost got Batman while playing a round of cards. The different stories play out nicely and at the end of each one we see that they obviously didn't succeed at their plan to get Batman.

There are several more good episodes in this set, but at the same time the weak episodes kind of distract. Usually it's a weak storyline featuring the villain performing bad acts of unkindness (intentional double negative) and Batman must thwart him or her. Sometimes it's also the dialogue that just doesn't sound right. Admittedly, I'm not a big fan of Batman and so not every story here is interesting to me. The majority of storylines included on this DVD just didn't hold my attention for twenty minutes each time. In that respect this second volume DVD is only good and not very good.

So, while this show is enjoyable in general and the animation looks terrific, not to mention the voice work is well done, too, it's not exactly my type of show. Fans of Batman, especially this series, should be better entertained than me, I think there's no doubt about that.

Disc 1:
Eternal Youth
Perchance To Dream
The Cape And Cowl Conspiracy
Robin's Reckoning Part 1
Robin's Reckoning Part 2
The Laughing Fish
Night Of The Ninja

Disc 2:
Cat Scratch Fever
The Strange Secret Of Bruce Wayne
Heart Of Steel Part 1
Heart Of Steel Part 2
If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
Joker's Wild
Tyger, Tyger

Disc 3:
Moon Of The Wolf
Day Of The Samurai
Terror In The Sky
Almost Got 'Im
Birds Of A Feather
What Is Reality?
I Am The Night

Disc 4:
Off Balance
The Man Who Killed Batman
Mudslide
Paging The Crime Doctor
Zatanna
The Mechanic
Harley & Ivy

THE VIDEO

Warner presents Batman in its original 1.33:1 fullscreen format. The video image appears to look older than it is, but I don't know, I'm not an expert. However, what I do see in every episode is a lot of grain and many specks. These appear to be print flaws, however I feel they don't have a negative impact on the viewing pleasure overall. Colors look quite nice, but not great. The color palette is pretty dark, but lighter colors come across with nice enough clarity. There is a tiny bit of shimmering around the edges as well as interlacing issues, though sharpness and detail look good in general. I didn't notice any problems with softness or edge enhancement. Overall, the video presentation looks fine but also shares some flaws. Optional subtitles include English, French and Spanish. One rather frustrating flaw with the presentation of the shows is there are no chapter stops.

THE AUDIO

Warner presents Batman in English 2.0 Dolby Surround Sound. Where the video quality is only fine, the audio sounds pretty good actually. Dialogue is nicely and clearly spread across the front speakers with good positional audio and some bass. The sound effects, like explosions and gunfire, sound just fine, nothing special. The 2.0 track is not aggressive or anything, but it gets the "action" across with good results. Additional soundtracks include French and Spanish 2.0 dubs.

THE EXTRAS

There is commentary on Robin's Reckoning Part 1 by producers Bruce Timm & Eric Radomski. They discuss why this episode is their favorite of the series, offering thoughts on Robin's origin and character, how the story was conceived, and other things (including how and why they chose to show the demise of Robin's parents the way they did). They also tell a few stories and reflect on the plot.

The second commentary on Heart of Steel Part 2 by Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski and director Kevin Altieri offers a relaxed discussion about the episode with some tidbits here and there, as well as thoughts on plot, design, characters, ideas behind some of the animation sequences, and other elements.

The third commentary on Almost Got 'Im by Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski and writer Paul Dini is conversational and offers some informative bits. Comments are scene-specific but also feature stories as the three men discuss the episode.

The fourth commentary on Harley and Ivy by Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski and producer Boyd Kirkland is equally conversational and informative. There's talk on a variety of subjects, including plot, the characters of Harley and Ivy, the animation, and more.

Robin Rising (8:21) discusses how the character evolved (beginning with Robin's Reckoning) and translated to fit the show (costume and attitude change). Interviews are featured with Paul Dini (writer), Bruce Timm (producer), Boyd Kirkland (director), Kevin Altieri (director), Eric Radomski (producer) and Dan Riba (director). Show clips are intercut with the interview footage. This featurette is located on disc one.

Gotham's Guardians (10:12) discusses the supporting characters, such as Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, Detective Bullock, Officer Rene Montoya, Leslie Tompkins and Selina Kyle/Catwoman, and features interviews with Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, Boyd Kirkland, Alan Burnett (producer), Kevin Altieri, and Dan Riba. Show clips are intercut with the interview footage. This featurette is located on disc two.

Voices of the Knight (8:06) takes a look at the voice-over stars who talk about their work and how it's done. Interviewed for this piece are voice casting/director Andrea Romano and talent Kevin Conroy (Batman), Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. (Alfred), Adrienne Barbeau (Catwoman), and Mark Hamill (The Joker). Show clips are intercut with interview footage. This featurette is located on disc three.

Rounding out the extras are trailers (disc four) for Batman The Animated Series Vol. 1, Challenge of the Superfriends, and Superman The Animated Series Vol. 1.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Batman: The Animated Series is enjoyable here and there. The standout episodes were exciting to watch, but the weak storylines detracted a bit from my enjoyment. I debated for a little while whether to rate the show a 7 or 8, but like last time I think the 8 is deserving (but perhaps more generous). This isn't my type of show specifically, but overall I like it enough to recommending this Volume 2 DVD set. Also, the extras this time around are a little better.

VERDICT: RECOMMENDED

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