Release Information:
Street Date: 4/23/02
Closed Captioning: Yes
MSRP: $14.96
Packaging Type: DVD tray (FLP snapper)
Media Quantity: 1
Sound Track Language: English
Note: Packaging scans and menu shots provided by Bleu
Unicorn.
Aspect Ratio(s):
Standard [4:3 Transfer]
Discographic Information:
Dolby Surround 5.1 - English
Subtitles: English, Francais, Espanol
Edition Details:
- Encoding: Region 1
- Animated, Color
Special Features
- Challenges: THE JOKER'S Challenge game
- Filmographies: Cast and crew information
- Interviews: Conversation with Producer Bruce Timm
- Other: Get the Picture: How To Draw BATMAN; Get the Picture: How To
Draw SUPERMAN; music montage
- Scene Access
- Theatrical Trailer
Videos
Official Synopsis: When the Joker elicits the help of Lex Luthor
in a new fiendish scheme, only the combined superpowers of Batman and
Superman can save Metropolis. Will the Man of Steel and the Caped
Crusader be able to foil the plot of this diabolical duo? Not if the
superheroes' alter egos clash as they vie for the attention of the
self-reliant Lois. Watch the action explode as Batman and Superman clash
with each other and their notorious archenemies.
Review: An excellent team-up adventure, Warner Home Video has
released The Batman/Superman Movie onto DVD. A movie
comprised of three episodes of Superman: The Animated Series
edited together, strong characterization and a solid plot keep this
movie going strong for the entire 61 minute length.
Originally aired as The Batman/Superman Movie: World's Finest,
and then subsequently aired in their intended Superman: The
Animated Series single episode format, this story shows us how
team-ups should be done. Rather than focusing on the super heroics, Paul
Dini and his scriptwriting team play off the character-driven moments in
between the action. Don't get me wrong, there is ALOT of action - and a
shocking, murderous Joker rampage in the third act - but how these
characters all interact is what drives this feature.
It's smart and enjoyable, easily on par with the best that the animated
DC Universe has to offer. There may be a few slow moments and a couple
moments that may cause fans to gripe, such as how Superman discovers
Batman's identity, but it's a wild ride. The pairing of Batman and
Superman, Joker and Lex Luthor, and Harley Quinn and Mercy Graves,
always provides some spark to the screen, as well as some
unpredictability and humorous moments.
The audio is standard, but the video is a bit lacking. Dust and
scratches plague the disc, noticeably popping up in the third act. It's
not overbearing, but it is quite noticeable.
So, a mature animated cartoon based on two comic book characters? Surely
Warner Home Video has provided extras that embrace the long history of
these characters? Well....not so. As usual, Warner Brothers treats this
DVD release in such a casual manner, under the assumption that only kids
might be interested, forgetting the large legion of fans these two
heroes contain.
The highlight of the extras is easily the five minute discussion with
Bruce Timm, producer of animated adventure. The interview focuses on his
goal with bringing the two characters together, and the character
interactions. This brief featurette is a must-see for fans.
The other extras? Nothing special. The music video provides quick
production art shots mixed with video clips set to terrible music. The
remaining extras - a pointless game and sketches of the title characters
- aren't really worth the time to view. Disappointing.
The main feature on the DVD is solid, and worth the purchase alone.
Regardless, it would have been nice of Warner Home Video to include some
worthwhile extras? Why not some more team-up episodes from Superman:
The Animated Series and Batman: The Animated Series?
Why not a longer featurette? Better care needs to be provided for these
releases, but don't let that stop you from picking up this great
adventure.
