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Batman is being blamed for the mysterious murders of Gotham City mobsters just as his old flame returns to town, bringing back strong memories and thoughts of a normal life that could have been. The killer is actually a masked figure called "The Phantasm", and things become more complicated when a terrified crime boss turns to the Joker for help in dealing with the vigilante executioner.
There was a time when the animated Batman of the 1990's, voiced by Kevin Conroy and credited largely to Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, was referred to as the greatest Batman screen incarnation ever, and perhaps many still consider that so, but no doubt that status is in contention now that Christopher Nolan's films exist. Nevertheless, this is still one outstanding Batman film that topped any Bat-flick that came before it and at least a couple that came after. Though the visuals mostly look the same as those of the TV show, that show had some pretty good art anyway with its art deco/film noir influence that is perhaps even heavier here. The music is great and we are talking about some of the best voice talent in the business here as Warner always used in its '90's shows. You'll recognize the voice of hottie-hot-hottie Andrea Beaumont as the same voice of the animated Lois Lane from the "Superman" series of the '90's, Dana Delany. And who can forget the work of "Star Wars" lead Mark Hamill as the legendary Joker? This film was actually originally intended to be a direct-to-video release like later films "Subzero" and "Mystery of the Batwoman", but the brilliance of the series inspired WB to make it a bigscreen release. Unfortunately, that decision to go bigscreen came a bit late for proper promotion, and "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" didn't make its money back till home video. Luckily, we can all enjoy it now on DVD, but try to seek out the solo release so you can have a choice of viewing the widescreen version or the fullscreen version (the current release that is a double feature with Subzero only has the fullscreen version, but in some places you can still find the solo release if you search for it). The only bonus feature is the theatrical trailer. If you enjoy this one, you'll definitely want to pick up the animated series it sprung from, not to mention the DVD release previously mentioned and the Superman animated series and Justice League shows as well. And for those who loved the latest live-action Batman films, you'll want to check out the Anime anthology movie "Batman: Gotham Knight". Oh, and of course, for the full story of the animated Batman of the 1990's, you'll need to check out the series "Batman Beyond" and the direct-to-video movie "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker" (but make sure you get the uncut release).
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Batman-Mask of the Phantasm sees Batman trying to figure out who is killing off all of Gotham City's crime bosses. It just so happens to be that, due to this person's appearance, that Batman is mistaken for him. Originally released in 1993 in theaters; the movie was met with moderate success from fans but, because of poor marketing from WB, failed miserably at the box office. It eventually passed that number with it's release to video and DVD. Out of all the animated features I have of Batman, this has to be my favorite. The story is gripping and keeps you glued to the end. It also helps that The Joker is in the movie... ;).
It's directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm and stars the vocal talents of Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany, Mark Hamill, Hart Bochner, Abe Vigoda and Stacy Keach.
I really love it and can't recommend it enough.
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This is one of the best Animated batman movies ever made. it features a new villian & an old foe. this animated batman movie rocks. It's a must see.
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I won't go on as there are a lot of excellent reviews already on here for Mask of the Phantasm, covering the score, the animation, Bruce struggling with a love interest and so on. As a long time Batman fan, I would however like to commend the movie on giving time to something I have never seen outside of the comics. That is, that Bruce was trying to fight crime using the skills he learnt during his absence with no thought to a batman persona. When he decided that the criminals did not fear him (despite his anonymous apparel) his child hood memory initiated the idea of what he was to become. Frankly I loved this prebatman vigalante fights.
Also worthy of note is the obvious detriment to his fighting prowess that resulted from his developing romance and Alfred's chilling reaction the first time Bruce put on the cowl.
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Go Bruce Timm and all of the other artists who make Batman come alive!
I've been a long time admirer of Batman: The Animated Series and loved that classic style of drawing the artists employed there, which was why it was great to see that same style come to life once again in these animated films of Batman. I liked how the story writers and artists took the opportunity of a feature length film to reveal more of Batman's past, to the time when he was still in college, looking for love, his journey in life, and perhaps that ever elusive redemption he seeks to take away the pain of losing his parents that one tragic night. Surprise to say, in this storyline, we see that someone does make Bruce/Batman smile, but...well...happiness never comes easy for the Dark Knight--and never stays long. This film definitely has great action sequences, beautiful background detail, but what I love the most is the attention to body and facial expression of the characters. This last gem is missing from a lot of animation nowadays and I feel that it's vital for breathing life into a story. When one can see the knit eyebrows and pained expression of Bruce in deciding what path in life he must take, when we see the chemistry between him and his lover, Andrea Beaumont, unfold, when we see him slowly putting on the Batman suit for the first time, that's quality animation.
I love it! I think I'll check out the other Batman animated films, too. Watch this one to see animation's heart and soul of the '90s.
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