Rating:  -
We bought this for our kids, because it has a french language track. My kids all love the DVDs, but I have to admit that the double-sided DVD is a very bad idea. There is no way to protect one side or the other. I just "repaired" side B, and hopefully it will work again. Of course, my oldests favorite episode was the one that was scratched & damaged. I think they could have splurged a little on the cost and given us 3 DVDs.
Rating:  -
Don't get me wrong, I love the series but once again they only issued two discs for a three disc set, because the one disc has a picture on it and the other is a double sided disc. When you hold the Superman series next to the Batman series, there is such a big difference. The Batman series opens up into four discs, each one with a picture on it. With Superman, you get one picture disc, and the other is blank. They did this with the first set too. I can't understand why they would take the cheap way out. Charge a couple more dollars if you have to, and do the job right the first time. Regardless, I'm waiting to complete the set. The episodes with Darkseid are my favorites.
Rating: -
(Edited on 12/28/05 to add information on the Special Features.)
I love these series. I watched more Batman Animated than Superman when these were on TV, but I find I enjoy this the same, if not more than, the Batman series.
The storylines are well done and realistic most of the time. I like how characters and villains are interwoven throughout the episodes, so that there is a continuity that makes it all the more believable. Also enjoyable is the way Lois and Superman's relationship is developing. The constant teasing reminds me of the Lois and Clark TV series, which I also love.
The highlight of this volume is of course the World's Finest episodes, a three-episode arc that brings Batman in Metropolis to stop The Joker from killing Superman. Seeing the two superheroes sharing the screen is such a treat, especially if you like both characters. And The Joker is simply delightfully badass here.
Kudos to the voice acting too, it's just amazing. I could recognise all characters by voice with my eyes closed.
If you are a fan of the Batman Animated Series, but never watched this show, get it. If you have watched and liked this show, and are wondering whether it is worth buying the DVDs, get it. The commentaries available on key episodes are enjoyable and informative. Besides the commentaries, this volume includes a short feature on the Superman villains. I was also treated to a small litho print of Superman and Lois when I opened the package. From package to content, this is one of the best additions to my DVD library.
If you like comics, animation, and well thought-out storylines, or any of the above, pick this up. I can't wait for the next volume.
Rating:  -
People have complained about "missing episodes" - don't worry, there are actually 18 more in the series which, based on the episode list of 18 in this volume, means we're looking at a volume 3 in the near future. Chronologically, this volume is right on track and the others will inevitably come.
Superman and Batman are such different characters, it's hard to "compare" the series as many reviewers simply prefer the Batman character, so they naturally like the Bat eps better. I do think some of Timm and Dini's most thoughtful work overall was on early episodes of the Batman animated series, but they've still given us the best version of Superman to hit the screen since Richard Donner made us believe a man can fly.
Rating: -
I was a huge fan of this series back when I was a kid. So being able to get the second set of this amazing series is just great! Reliving the episodes while seeing them in a whole new light is just a fantastic experience. But this set isn't only for the nostalgia. There is so much in this series that your average animated series these days doesn't have. For example the animation is fluid and amazing! One thing to mention is that it was animated by a Japanese studio, and yet it doesn't look like anime style at all. The backgrounds are much better than your average anime, and the storylines, of course, are for American audiences.
A main reason to buy this series is that the whole family will love it. These episodes can be enjoyed by kids from 7 years of age (and will be a welcome change from the crap they usually see on TV) all the way up to 60 year olds (believe me, my dad is 65 and he loves these episodes). Not only will these be enjoyed by all ages, but they're great for animation buffs too. These episodes were animated with cell paint and drawings. Yet they look just as good, if not better, than any digitally-aided series today.
And the voice acting! It's no secret that most animated series are voiced by the inexperienced. But this series brought in a load of acclaimed actors as well as many experienced voice actors. You'll never see a problem with any of the voice acting in this series.
The commentaries are fun to listen to. The episodes are great and imagninative, and the animation is exceptional. Watch and love this series. Now all I'm waiting for is for Batman Beyond and the Justice League to be released on DVD.
|
