Batman: The Animated Series, Vol. 1 [4 Discs]

MOVIE DESCRIPTION:

Thanks to repeated online petitions and demanding consumers everywhere, Warner Bros. has finally released this four-disc set from the first season of Batman: The Animated Series. Was it worth the wait? You betcha! Twenty-eight action-packed episodes are included (that's half of the first season), as well as some fine extras that should make any Bat-fan drool. From the foldout packaging to the design aesthetic that mirrors the studio's other recent superhero releases (see Challenge of the Super Friends: Volume One), this set screams class, just like the set's first episode "On Leather Wings" did when it aired in 1992. While the shows may not be in correct air date order, "Wings" was the first to be produced, and looking at it today will give anyone a new appreciation for the artistry involved in the production. Rarely do you see such stark and innovative lighting on an animated series -- especially anything around that time. And though there might be some flecks here and there throughout the hand cel animation, the picture quality on the DVD is a treat and a half, as are the various language Dolby Digital Surround tracks (English, French, and Spanish, for those counting).

Extras start with the 17-minute "Batman: The Legacy Continues" retrospective featurette, containing interviews with the series creators as well as comic professionals. "Legacy" is an in-depth look at how the show was created and what set it apart from the rest of the character's history, from the comic page and beyond. Also included is the 1991 original pilot promo reel from Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski that kick-started the series, ushering in the first time that the footage has been seen outside of rare bootlegged copies found in the fan community. Additionally, two commentaries from both co-creators are attached to "On Leather Wings" and the acclaimed "Heart of Ice" episode -- long regarded as one of the finest of the series' history. Other extras include trailers for other superhero releases from Warner Bros. and DC, along with "A Tour of the Batcave," an interactive feature where you can view various show highlights focusing on different areas of Batman's secret lair. Any Bat-fan should be impressed with this release, though it would be wise for future DVD volumes to take notes from Paul Dini and Chip Kidd's Batman Animated book as far as the inclusion of title card galleries and character studies go. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

DVD FEATURES:

• Region: 1
• Number of Discs: 4
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 (Pre-1954 Standard)
• Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
• Features:
  • cc
  • "Batman: The Legacy Continues" retrospective featurette
  • "The Dark Knight's First Night" pilot promo
  • Tour of the Batcave
  • Commentary on two key episodes by series producers Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, and Paul Dini
  • English, French, and Spanish languages and subtitles