Batman Beyond - Return of the Joker

Rating:
Summary: Watch out for spoilers!
Review: If you get the DVD version, DO NOT watch the "animated character bios" until after you have watched the movie. They contain at least one spoiler which I wish I hadn't seen until afterwards. As for the movie itself, I definitely agree that it's the best animated Batman movie yet. There were some weaknesses in the story and cinematography, but it is something that will stick with me. It goes farther in some respects than the Saturday morning cartoon, but it does so without losing the spirit of where it came from.

Rating:
Summary: In Defense of The Edited Version
Review: I purchased and viewed this film without any knowledge of edited "footage". As such, I can honestly say that I enjoyed it for what it is: a children's animated movie. A cartoon.

I have since learned that the film was edited from its original version and, having reviewed a listing of the individual changes, I feel that the integrity of the movie did not suffer unduly. The movie stands as is and makes perfect sense. The subject matter is a bit dark for its intended audience and for this it was edited. I am sure that the children and young adults who watch this movie will be more than satisfied by the story as well as the animation and digital soundtrack.

I understand that the older audience would like to see the restored scenes of violence and torture and I agree that the movie would seem to make a little more sense with the original "footage". However, for these grown-up children who, late at night, still put on their bat-capes and little else and prance around their parents' house pretending to be the Dark Knight, I can only say: let it go. You have taken a cartoon far too seriously. If it bothers you that much, wait for the "adult" version.

Having said that, I would recommend this movie for its: Storyline - plausible, for a cartoon. Very well done, despite the editing referred to above. Animation - Good; same as the animated series, but with some CGI integrated rather well. Digital 5.1 Soundtrack - Excellent off-screen effects, but the dialogue was inconsistently tinny for about half the film. Perhaps it was my system, but none of my other discs or rentals have ever had this problem.

Rating:
Summary: Beyond Doesn't Disappoint
Review: Since nobody really wants to review the actual DVD itself, I'll do it! The disc doesn't have any fancy "motion" menus - its pretty basic, but the movie itself is really good, despite what everyone is saying about editing and whatnot. The story is in the vein of the animated Batman that everyone has come to know and love - complete with a wonderfully dark back story involving some of the major characters in the Batman family. The disc contains "deleted scenes", which are basically rough black and white animatics set to voice only - it adds to the story, though the movie can be easily enjoyed without the animatics. Several of the filmmakers participate in a commentary, which is interesting. The filmmakers give homage to James Bond movies (which actually inspired the intro to the movie!), and detail the concepts and evolution of the movie. In short, I wasn't disappointed by the dvd - the picture was clear, the animation was fantastic, and in my opinion, its right up there with Mask of the Phantasm, and a must own for any Bat-fan. And it makes a great companion to the Batman Beyond pilot episode. If you haven't caught on to Batman Beyond yet, this is a great place to hop on, as it blends characters you're no doubt already familiar with (Joker, Bruce Wayne), and places them in a new Gotham City with a new Batman.

Rating:
Summary: Joker
Review: This Batman movie can only bee seen on video or DVD. This time, there are many bad guys. But only one can be capable of causing all of this trouble. It's the Joker. This time, will he be capable for destroying town? Or will Batman fail to win this match against his arch enemy? Find out in Batman Beyond- Return Of The Joker.

Rating:
Summary: totally ruined
Review: i downloaded a bootleg, uncut copy and was utterly stunned at this brilliant piece of filmaking. in terms of storytelling it is hands down the best batman film ever. or should i say would be the best batman film ever. unfotunately in the wake of congressional hearings warner bros have decided to heavily edit this movie (i believe there are nearly 6 minutes of cut footage). the edited version lacks any of the emotional weight of the uncut version and emasculates the plot by eliminating motivation on the part of several major characters.

i do not consider what warner bros did to be censorship as it is their product and they can do what they see fit with it. i also think that it was a bit extreme for children under a certain age, but with the parental control features of dvd players i am dissapointed in warner bros for not releasing both versions on the dvd.

i will not be buying this video until such time that warners sees fit to release the movie as its creators intended. i urge any of you out there intrested in seeing a brilliant film to do the same, after all they may ignore your voice, your petitions, your letters and your emails, they cannot ignore your money.

Rating:
Summary: The best Batman movie. Period.
Review: Living in Canada, I guess I have a couple of advantages. Good healthcare system (most of the time) and an early release of "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker."

Most of the previous reviews are written by people who haven't seen the movie and are concerned about editing that would water it down. Well, having watched it, it is pretty much the most violent Batman animated feature yet, much more so than "Mask of the Phantasm" and even more intense. I'd be very interested to see the forthcoming American release to see what changes, if any, have been made. I think it is perfect just as it is.

This is not really a movie that just anyone can get into. It is very beneficial to know the backgrounds of the characters and how they relate to one another. Without giving anything away, there are MAJOR plot twists involving the past as well as the present. In fact, they could have called this film "Batman Beyond: Revelations." The voice acting, as usual, is amazing! The emotions are very well conveyed and give the film a great sense of urgency.

The movie starts off a little bit slowly, but once it hits its' stride, it grabs you by the neck and doesn't let go! There are many exciting, tense scenes. I think it is the intensity more than the violence that would cause Warner Bros. to censor this masterpiece. There is one scene in particular that may have been a little too much in their eyes, but in all fairness, they've let Paul Dini, Bruce Timm and company get away with a lot over the years. This particular scene is pretty shocking and leads to an even bigger shock. I know that is vague, but I'm going to be nice and not spoil anything. When you see it, you'll know what I mean. Some 'what really happened?' and off-screen stuff.

Having greatly enjoyed the previous two Batman animated movies, "Mask of the Phantasm" and "Sub-Zero" (I am a big fan of Mr. Freeze!), I can honestly say that this is the best Batman movie yet. Different feel, but more to make you oooh!, aaah! and scratch your head over. Excellent animation, superb voice acting, amazing writing with plot twists galore and the usual assortment of futuristic tunes put this one over the top.

I just can't say enough about this film. They've taken the series to another level. For fans of the show, this is an incredible treat. For fans of the previous series, this is a double treat! Pre-order your copies now at Amazon.com! You can't consider yourself a fan if you don't own this work of art!

Rating:
Summary: Too Bad WB Didn't Have the Guts to Release the Real One
Review: Let me say right now, I've seen both versions of this movie, and the original uncut one is probably 4.5-5 stars IMO. Unforutunately, by making the cuts they did, they ruined both the dramatic tension in the story and the coherency of the story itself. The movie makes very little sense with the major change they made, and I for one am glad I only rented the movie instead of purchasing it. The screener I saw a couple months ago was a far better movie. What's up with that, WB? You guys will get my money when I can get the awesome movie I saw two months ago.

For all you parents out there, this movie is moderately kid-friendly now, but it's still kind of creepy and in all likelihood will be enjoyed as much by your child as Batman: Sub-Zero. Take that as you will. For all adults out there looking to add this to their collection, don't bother. You'd get more entertainment out of watching a couple episodes of the show.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Film, but for God's Sake get the uncut version
Review: This is a review of the original version. The version you'll see if you enrich the WB's coffers has over 30 cuts. Some sequences have been thrown out or defanged.(The fellow here whos ays it isn't watered down hasn't actually seen the original) A major, haunting death scene and a minor one have been mutilated and reworked, destroying all the symbolism and impact they formerly had. What you will see is a pale shadow of the original. I advise you to seek out an uncut copy(Stay away from all the mislabeled Canadian copies as well.) The following review is solely of the uncut original, not the disappointing corporate cop-out.

Contrary to an earlier post, this film, IS for kids, provided that they are mature and sensitive. ROTJ has so much feeling and depth to it that it puts most of what many adults watch to shame, so make sure to discuss it, or better yet watch it with the kids.

This is a movie about time, anguish, torture, secrets, and the bonds between teachers and students and enemies and friends. Deep emotion is extracted from what would otherwise be ordinary cartoon melodrama. (and in the cut version that's what it is) It explores the relationship bewteen the Batman and Joker--one of mutual hatred--as well as the consequences of being or having been a hero for a span of many years. Our myths and stories are never as affecting than when they no longer stop time. This is not a story where everything goes back to normal in time for next week's episode, but one that depends upon how people age and change, and at times it's quite poignant. The story of both Bat-family and the Joker revolves around carefully constructed opposites and paralells having to due with love, civic duty, family, order and chaos: similarities and paralells that are destroyed in the mutilated, reworked version.

Central to the film is the flashback sequence that reveals what happened to Robin and the Joker. What happens to Tim Drake are among the most harrowing, haunting scenes in the entire history of Batman, and they have stayed on my mind for days, especially a prolonged, heartbreaking laugh of which I cannot speak further of. (And which is drastically shortened in the cut version, which throws out almost all of the scenes I speak of.)

The film is mighty flawed in some ways--the method used to bring the Joker back is silly and unbelievable. Still, what the WB has done to the film is an atrocity. I expect this sort of butchery and mutilation when it comes to Hollywood Studios in the 20's and 30's ("Greed," "Baby Face," etc.) but not in our age. The original film is a powerful, moving work. I hope that's what you see. (For more info, please contact [e-mail])

Rating:
Summary: WB has completely destroyed this video with it's censorship
Review: WB has removed any emotional depth or meaning from this movie with it's editing in response to government pressure (censorship). What was once a great film is now candy coated pablum. Anyone under the age of 8 will be thoroughly unsatisfied with this product. Overwhelmingly, the positive reviews you see here were for the unedited screener version that was released in October.

Thanks WB for taking away our freedom of choice, treating us all like infants, and absolving parents of any responsibility in the supervision of our children.

Seek out and get the unedited screener copy. Ignore this copy, it's not worth your time or your money.

Rating:
Summary: More info on the censorship?
Review: This review board seems to have turned more into a discussion on censorship. The big question is why cut the movie at all, isn't one of the key features of DVD that you can mark the DVD with censorship levels and the DVD will play back a version that matches the censorship level of the setting on the player. This feature should keep everyone happy and to my knowledge as never been used properly, this DVD would be a perfect opportunity to do so.

Enough of the what should be, what actually is. There seems to be a lot of hyped "facts" about censorship on this movie, would anyone like to state where there facts came from, or at very least what exactly is censored so consumers can make up their own mind if the censored parts are significant.

PS: In some ways be thankful you got it at all. Batman Beyond is only available in Australia as VHS tapes (the first 8 episodes only - NO DVD, TV or cinema versions) and I doubt we will get any other versions (The other Batman animated movies which were at the Cinema in the US and now on DVD have only ever been available on VHS here)