Batman: Mask of the Phantasm [MD] (Mini DVD) DVD

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
This stylish animated adventure is based on the '90s animated television series, which in turn is based on the original comics and Tim Burton's live action "Batman" films. Unlike the campy 1960s version of Batman, this version is half-mad from the superhero's obsession with justice. It is only his unusual sense of ethics that keeps him from becoming a full-blown psychotic. The story describes the origins of Batman as it follows the Dark Knight's attempts to capture the elusive, deadly Phantasm who kills a crime lord and makes it look as if Batman did it, causing a media smear campaign against the Caped Crusader. At the same time, millionaire Bruce Wayne holds a party at his mansion. There he meets Councilman Arthur Reeves, the man behind the accusations. Reeves derides playboy Wayne for allowing his college sweetheart Andrea Beaumont to leave him. Suddenly Wayne flashes back to his pre-Batman days. He remembers how he met her while visiting his parents' graves to renew his vow that he would spend his life fighting crime to avenge their wrongful deaths. He has already devised an early version of his alter-ego Batman, but that is nearly forgotten when he falls in love with Andrea. The story then jumps from past to present and back as the mysterious Phantasm strikes again. Batman continues his investigation and discovers a disturbing link between Andrea, who suddenly shows up after many years absence, and the villain. Meanwhile, the Phantasm, feeling that Batman is too close to learning his/her identity hires the Joker to kill him. But the Joker has his own agenda and much action ensues before the mystery of the Phantasm identity is solved, Batman clears his name, and justice is served. This film was originally made to go straight to video, Warner's studio liked it enough to release it theatrically. Some of the violence may be inappropriate for very young children. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Cast Kevin Conroy as Batman/Bruce Wayne Dana Delany as Andrea Beaumont Hart Bochner as Arthur Reeves Mark Hamill as The Joker Stacy Keach as Phantasm/Carl Beaumont Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as Alfred Pennyworth Abe Vigoda as Sal Valestra Dick Miller as Chuckie Sol John Ryan as Buzz Bronski

Crew Alan Burnett - Co-producer Eric Radomski - Co-producer Eric Radomski - Director Bruce Timm - Director Tom Ruegger - Executive Producer Shirley Walker - Composer (Music Score) Benjamin Melniker - Producer Michael E. Uslan - Producer Bruce Timm - Producer Paul Dini - Screenwriter Michael Reaves - Screenwriter Alan Burnett - Screenwriter Martin Paso - Screenwriter

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Warner Bros.' first foray into animated features for their Batman franchise continued the television series' signature oir-ish aesthetics as well as the creator's attention to character-driven story lines, making Batman: Mask of the Phantasm a satisfying adventure yarn with all of the flourishes that fans had come to expect from the groundbreaking show. The scale of the tale is larger in both scope and emotional resonance as Bruce Wayne is tested by his memories of his first love and by his subsequent transformation into the crime-fighting superhero that all criminals fear. With solid voice talent backing up their three-dimensional roles and a real mystery intermixed with grand action scenes, the film makes for a nicely packaged Batman flick that, while geared toward the youngsters, still manages to keep a strong integrity for the character and his mythos. The film does have its dark underpinnings, though, as seen years after the character's later incarnations, but signature moments do tend to be played a tad lighter than usual (Bruce and Alfred's banter especially). Still, it's a solid story that's handled expertly by people who nailed the hero long before Joel Schumacher went and destroyed him. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
 

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General Specifications: Language Options: Subtitle Options: Sound Processing: Additional Features: MPAA Rating: PG DVD Discs Included: DVD Sides: DVD DVD Region Code: Content Length: min