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If you were a big Batman the animated series fan you will LOVE!!! this dvd.
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Batman the Animated Series is one of the best series out there. The plots, characters, and of course Batman. Volume two turns up the heat and gives a thrilling ride that you'll enjoy every minute of. All three volumes are worth the purchase because every episode is equally enjoyable.
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In my oppinion the Warner TV animated Batman series of the 80's is the best of all the Batman representations. It keeps to the original style that I grew up with within the covers of DC Comics. Kevin conroy as far as it goes is Batman. He plays both parts with the correct darkness (Dark Knight) and levity (Bruce Wayne). The animation is good and the opening title sequence with the music backing it is the best especially if you listen closly, you hear a huge chinese gong in the background reinforcing the darkness. The style is also reminscent of some japanese animations. So if you're a fan of this style of animation or an out and out Bat freak then this is for you
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*Sigh* I remember watching this cartoon when I was in elementary school and liking the Dark Knight better than Superman because in my 8 or 9 year old eyes, the latter relied mainly on brute force and super powers. Fast forward a couple of years and I am a semi-adult, disappointed with the latest cartoon "The Batman," which just does not do justice. It made me miss BTAS and wondering if it holds the same magic as it did when I was younger, I rented Disc one of volume two from Netflix (don't ask) and fortunately, BTAS is as awesome as ever. In fact, I enjoy it more, finally understanding some of the deeper stuff that flew over my head as a kid. For example, I can appreciate Batman's detective skills.
A rundown of Disc One of Volume Two:
Eternal Youth: an okay episode with Poison Ivy and Alfred's love interest. Poison Ivy reminds me of those fanatics that blow up abortion clinics in their warped version of justice.
Perchance to Dream: Certainly, one of the most interesting Batman episodes to date. Will keep you thinking all the way through. Through Mad Hatter appears at the end, Batman doesn't have to physically battle any criminals. Rather, the conflict is internal, rooted in his subconscious. What if he never became Batman? This one confused me when I was little.
The Cape and The Cowl: Batman outwits a minor villain, Wormwood. Puzzles aside, he's not really an intriguing criminal. It's great fun watching Wormwood baffle everybody but Batman, who is of course, one step ahead of the villain. Hmmm... still, I wonder how Batman is able to so skillfully mimic the Baron's voice and isn't Bruce Wayne too buff to convincingly be him?
Robin's Reckoning (Part One and Part Two): Robin is an annoying character. Tony Zucco is a two-bit villain, just a plot device to get Robin to argue with Batman. What saves this episode is the backstory of how Bruce Wayne became the guardian of Dick Grayson.
The Laughing Fish: My favorite episode out of the bunch! Joker and Harley Quinn are great villains! It's funny and creepy as well as having memorable quotes. Oh, and Batman gets to ride a shark! Watch for the Joker's commercial. It's a riot!
Night of The Ninja: the story of the one person that could beat Batman/Bruce Wayne, Kyodai Ken. Robin is less irritating in this episode and it's fun watching him make a face behind Batman's back and mocking him when he feels underappreciated. Summer Gleeson is just a plot device to get Robin to save Batman.
Anyhow, I don't think BTAS reruns on television anymore. Get the three volumes (yes there's three) and you won't be sorry! If you'd excuse me I will try to get ahold of the other discs.
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Batman the Animated Series was a classic for many people back in the day, and it's great to see that they've gotten all three volumes out on DVD. Much of what I experienced when watching the first volume crosses over to the second. First, the voice acting and music are the some of the best that any cartoon has ever had. Second, the artistic styling of the show is fantastically well-crafted and moody. Third, the script and dialogue is by and large very, very good. The downside, at least now, is two fold: (1)at certain junctures, the animation seems blocky and childish when compared to today's standards, and (2) certain episodes you thought were great as a kid turn out to be a little flat. However, this volume in particular distinguishes itself from the first and the third volumes by having some of the more classic episodes of the series, episodes that hold up to adult viewing and are in someways timeless and rewatchable. While the Volume One had some great introductions for various characters (double episodes for Two-Face and Clayface, the famous "Heart of Ice" for Mr. Freeze), and Volume Three is by and large the most consistent in episodic quality, Volume Two is great for its stand-outs. These include:
Perchance to Dream: an episode I remembered vividly as a kid and one that was even better to watch now. The plot centers around Bruce Wayne awaking in his bed to find out that everything, from his parent's death and his escapades as Batman, has been a dream. Well-scripted, creative, and with a great one-on-one battle at the end, this episode is one of the greatest and most unique in the Batman canon. Overall: A+
Almost Got 'Im: An episode framed by the classic Batman villians (Joker, Two-Face, Penguin, Poison Ivy, and Killer Croc) sitting in a darkened bar while playing poker and telling stories. The dialogue is excellent, the stories are entertaining, the the overall structure is truly superb. This episode has great rewatchability, and certainly deserves the status of all-time classic. Overall: A+
Joker's Wild: while not containing the best animation of the series, this episode sets the bar high for all Joker-centric episodes. The dialogue is very, very funny, with a great lead-in of Joker and Poison Ivy squabbling in Arkham. The quality of the writing continues, as does the quantity of the action, which is excellent. There's a prison-break, a car chase, Batman fighting some thugs, Batman trapped on a giant roulette wheel with a grenade, a hang glider-helicopter chase, and a one-on-one Joker-Batman battle inside an out of control helicopter. This is Batman at its most entertaining, and if you like Mark Hamill as the Joker, you'll love him in this episode. Overall: A+
There are other greats, including "Robin's Reckoning," "The Laughing Fish," "Off-Balance," and "I Am the Night." As for the rest, the Riddler keeps things interesting, as does Kyodai Ken. Some of the other episodes are a little disappointing, but with the high quality of the better episodes, this volume remains a great buy.
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