Rating: 
Summary: Batman - The Animated Series, Vol. 1: One of the Best.
Review: In 1992 Warner Brothers Animated revitalized the afternoon half-hour animated television program with an old and recognized friend: Batman. Called Batman: The Animated Series, the show - mirrored after the dark and gothic look and feel of the Tim Burton movies - was a smash success and spawned the animated superhero back into prime form. Now finally the program is coming, complete, to DVD.Batman: The Animated Series changed everything - it brought well-told half-hour stories, flawed yet somewhat sympathetic villains, sadness and loss (for Bruce Wayne), and a wonderful variety of locations and diabolical plots. While the animation was sometimes lacking (some episodes were definitely better than others), the series also happened to feature a unique musical score per episode (Danny Elfman composed the main theme while Shirley Walker oversaw the music) and truly wonderful voice-over talent (the use of Adam West for "The Grey Ghost" was simply brilliant). After all, what other show can boast the following cast: Michael Ansara, Ed Asner, Rene Auberjonois, Adrienne Barbeau, Ed Begley Jr., Tim Curry, Melissa Gilbert, Mark Hamill, Ernie Hudson, Brion James, Heather Locklear, Roddy McDowall, Richard Moll, Diana Muldaur, Kate Mulgrew, Ron Perlman, Brock Peters, John Rhys-Davies, William Sanderson, Marc Singer, Helen Slater, Loretta Swit, David Warner, Adam West, Treat Williams, Paul Winfield, Michael York, and Efrem Zimbalist Jr.? This DVD set includes the first 28 episodes; audio commentary for the episodes "On Leather Wings" and "Heart of Ice" (by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Eric Rodomski) are included as part of the special features. Episode highlights (I won't summarize all of them) include: THE GREY GHOST - A series of crimes hit Gotham - crimes that are similar to an old crime-fighting series called "The Grey Ghost," a show that Bruce Wayne used to watch as a child with his father. This episode is terrific on so many levels - from the casting of Adam West as "The Grey Ghost" to the nostalgic feel of an earlier, simpler time - that it deserves nomination as one of the best episodes in the series' run. JOKER'S FAVOR - Family man Charlie Collins' singular act of road rage goes horrifically wrong when it turns out the other guy is The Joker, who makes Collins one of his "pet projects." The Joker intends to use Collins in his plot to get revenge on Commissioner Gordon, but who will get the last laugh in the end? Some nice bits of humor near the end when the plot comes to a satisfying conclusion - good stuff. APPOINTMENT IN CRIME ALLEY - Batman always visits the place of his parents' death, on the anniversary, with long-time friend Dr. Leslie Thompkins, a homeless advocate who comforted Bruce right after the murders. This time around his appointment is delayed as he runs into seemingly ever-increasing obstacles, including Roland Daggett's plans to level the entire area. THE LAST LAUGH - It's April Fool's Day, and The Joker would never pass up an opportunity to play a nasty prank on Gotham - this time involving a garbage scowl featuring his patented laughing gas. It's a typically standard episode, but the music is pretty catchy. THE CAT AND THE CLAW - Gotham's new cat burglar, Catwoman, runs afoul of Batman in more ways than one - then has to come to grips with a new organized crime syndicate run by the mysterious Red Claw. Adrienne Barbeau as Catwoman, come on! ETERNAL YOUTH - Bruce Wayne gets invited to the Eternal Youth spa; while Alfred and his lady friend decide to go on vacation, Batman uncovers a more insidious conspiracy involving vanished wealthy industrialists and Poison Ivy. This episode features one of the more horrific ways to be disposed of. That's just a portion of the variety of episodes: great plots, villains, humor, darkness, music and voice talent mark Batman: The Animated Series as one of the best of American television in the 1990s.
Rating:
Summary: Finally Warner Bros. Sets The Bat On The Right Flight Path!
Review: Inspired by the 1989 motion picture "Batman", which in turn was primarily based on the works of Batman creator Bob Kane and comics legend Frank Miller, Batman: the Animated Series, when it debuted in September of 1992 unintentionally became the new standard of animation with it's revolutionary visuals and phenomenal storytelling. Helmed by visionaries Bruce W. Timm, Paul Dini and Eric Rodomski, the series crafted top-notch stories and original characters (Dini's "Harley Quinn") that appealed to viewers of all ages, casted quality voice actors (Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Adrienne Barbeau, Bob Hastings just to name a few) and action that was a cut above the action shown in the some of the Batman films. After years of teasing Batfans with the limited episode Batman DVDs, Warner Bros. finally comes correct with a box set that is sure to please even the hardest of the hardcore Batfans. This set features the show's first 28 episodes. Here is the official Batman: the Animated Series Volume 1 set list of episodes from Warner Bros. For the most part the episodes are released in production order, with some exceptions. The production numbers are listed (5xx).
01. 501 On Leather Wings (Commentary by ERIC RODOMSKI and BRUCE TIMM)
02. 502 Christmas with the Joker
03. 503 Nothing to Fear
04. 504 The Last Laugh
05. 505 Pretty Poison
06. 506 The Underdwellers
07. 507 P.O.V.
08. 508 Forgotten
09. 509 Be a Clown
10. 510 Two-Face Part 1
11. 517 Two-Face Part 2
12. 511 It's Never Too Late
13. 512 I've Got Batman in My Basement
14. 514 Heart of Ice (Commentary by PAUL DINI, ERIC RODOMSKI and BRUCE TIMM)
15. 513 Cat and Claw Part 1
16. 516 Cat and Claw Part 2
17. 515 See No Evil
18. 518 Beware of Gray Ghost
19. 519 Prophecy of Doom
20. 520 Feat of Clay Part 1
21. 521 Feat of Clay Part 2
22. 522 Joker's Favor
23. 523 Vendetta
24. 524 Fear of Victory
25. 525 The Clock King
26. 526 Appointment in Crime Alley
27. 527 Mad As a Hatter
28. 528 Dreams in Darkness
The discs will be configured as follows:
Disc 1: Episodes: 1-7
Disc 2: Episodes: 8-14
Disc 3: Episodes: 15-21
Disc 4: Episodes: 22-28 Warner Bros. is getting down!
Rating:
Summary: The best Batman ever!
Review: It's finally out! Batman: TAS. This edition has a little bit of improved sound from the original broadcast, but still looks a little cloudy. This is mainly due to the the original animation process; cell dirty and uneven cell painting results in the flaws. This edition comes with two commentaries by creators and some very nice special featurettes. The batcave feature is down right disappointing and at times a little unsettling. Be forewarned. The first time I purchased this set, there were DVD glitches in two episodes on Disc 1 (Last Laugh, Christmas with the Joker). In the second one I bought, there doesn't seem to be any problem, so I don't think this is a batch wide problem. Otherwise, enjoy this great set! If you loved the series when it first aired, you'll love this!
Rating:
Summary: Best animated show ever made!!!
Review: Shame to even refer to this as a cartoon...more like an animated superhero Shakespear. This animated show is over 10 years old and it holds up today as it will 100 years from now. It took everything that was right about the movies 10% and everything great from the comics 90% and melded it into its own universe. Allowed others to see what I love about Batman. It is rare that a grown man can enjoy something with a 5 year old and both enjoy it immensely. I can't wait for the rest of the seasons to be released
Rating:
Summary: One of the Finest
Review: Sometimes I wondered how they did it, but despite the show rarely displaying death, this show gives realistic action. This is no Super Friends that display both heroes and villains as idiots with ray guns. This series, in my opinion, is what brought Batman back to life -- despite some thinking it was maybe the movies.
What had happened to Batman? I've heard a lot of punches thrown at Adam West, but the fact of the matter is, Adam West's Batman was MEANT to be a comedy. It wasn't meant to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, the Super Friends...well, I think the people who made them must have been high while watching an episode...and while drawing their cartoons...and probably most of the time...
To make a long story short, this series is fantastic with a superb voice team that has little equal.
Rating:
Summary: Strictly top shelf stuff...
Review: This is a Batman for tha ages. The Animated Series was a milestone in the creative history of the Caped Crusader. This is a high quality collection of 28 episodes from said series and is loaded with terrific bonus features.
For the price, you would be hard-pressed to get more Batman for your buck. Aside from that, this an incredibly enjoyable series. Being a cartoon, it is not as graphically violent or gory as some of the comics, but the Dark Knight is just that; dark. This is a true representation of the Batman that true fans know and love, packaged in an easy to swallow serving size. I cannot wait for volume two.
Rating:
Summary: Batman Bliss
Review: This is one, if not, my favorite show of all times. This collection holds the first release of my favorite episode of all time, Heart of Ice ((which won an Emmy)). This is quite possible the perfect Animated Series, with as much power as Cowboy Bebop or anything else from Japan.
This show is dark. So dark that at the time, when it was released and I was 15 I asked if it was really appropriate for children.
In contrast, the original Superfriends version of Batman was all about gadgets and bright colors. This one is dark and gritty. The original Adam West live action show was about stylized combat, goofy vililans and the "COMIC BOOK!" feel with its whams and KAZAMM!s. This is about realism, and a man who wrestles everynight with his own personal demons.
This is the Dark Knight as Frank Miller saw him, as how he was in the begining. This is the man tortured by the memory of the murder of his parents. He is on a quest for redemption ((though he may never find it)) for the crime of being eight and unable to help defend them.
The villians have a heart and a face in this series as well. We learn through Bruce of Two-Face, originally the close friend of Bruce Wayne. We see Poison Ivy as a pasionate conservationist, who likes plants a bit more than people. The Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime, is given a face beyond sheer mania, and we see a world where his actions make sence, if only to him.
It is true in some spots the animation can be rough, however, it is excusable. This is a show that dared to say that it wanted to be taken seriously.
The extras on this set are as varied and full of depth as the Batcave itself. In it, as mentioned, is the original animated test ((which bares a striking resembelance to the show's opening title sequence)). It also contains a history of Andrea Romano, ((the Voice Casting Director)) Bruce Timm, and Paul Dini ((authors and producers of the show)) and Kevin Conroy ((the Voice of Bruce/Batman)). The revelations they bring to the table sent chills down my spine.
This show came out only 2-3 years after Tim Burton's Batman live action movie. The animated series has all the girt of the Burton movie, and more of Batman at heart. I cannot recomend this enough.
Rating:
Summary: Finally!!
Review: This series is an absolute must have for any real fan of Batman. I've been searching for the complete set of this series and the Batman and Robin Adventures online for years now and i'm amazed its taken this long for the box set to come out! I will buy the complete "Batman The Animated Series" (all three volumes?) but i'm also expecting "The Batman and Robin Adventures" to be released too, so where is it??! TV Box sets are definately in and its about time these were released on DVD. I'm also relieved that WB has finally gotten a clue and priced this set fairly compared to other Animated cartoon box sets. If the Simpson's Season 1 is around $35 then so should this. People have come to expect fair pricing on box sets and up until now, Batman Animated DVD's have been way overpriced. So release them on DVD box sets and and i'll buy the entire volumes of: Batman The Animated Series
The Batman and Robin Adventures
The Justice League
Rating:
Summary: A bunch of eps. for a good price. 'Bout time.....
Review: When this show was on, I used to watch it all the time. This is among the best American cartoons, ranking up there with Spiderman, X-men, and more. All superhero cartoon shows were great. Most of the time they release shows on 5ep. or 4ep. sets. Considering this is a 28 ep. set, for under $40, makes this a good buy. July 6. I'm getting it. You should too.
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