Search - Batman: Mask of the Phantasm on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Violence, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1993 DVD Release: 12/21/1999 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV,Pan and Scan Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 16 mins Studio: Warner Home Video Total Copies: 1 Genres: Action, Children's/Family, Thriller, Superhero Film See Also: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm [MD], Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

This stylish animated adventure is based on the '90s animated television series, which in turn is based on the original comics and Tim Burton's live action "Batman" films. Unlike the campy 1960s version of Batman, this version is half-mad from the superhero's obsession with justice. It is only his unusual sense of ethics that keeps him from becoming a full-blown psychotic. The story describes the origins of Batman as it follows the Dark Knight's attempts to capture the elusive, deadly Phantasm who kills a crime lord and makes it look as if Batman did it, causing a media smear campaign against the Caped Crusader. At the same time, millionaire Bruce Wayne holds a party at his mansion. There he meets Councilman Arthur Reeves, the man behind the accusations. Reeves derides playboy Wayne for allowing his college sweetheart Andrea Beaumont to leave him. Suddenly Wayne flashes back to his pre-Batman days. He remembers how he met her while visiting his parents' graves to renew his vow that he would spend his life fighting crime to avenge their wrongful deaths. He has already devised an early version of his alter-ego Batman, but that is nearly forgotten when he falls in love with Andrea. The story then jumps from past to present and back as the mysterious Phantasm strikes again. Batman continues his investigation and discovers a disturbing link between Andrea, who suddenly shows up after many years absence, and the villain. Meanwhile, the Phantasm, feeling that Batman is too close to learning his/her identity hires the Joker to kill him. But the Joker has his own agenda and much action ensues before the mystery of the Phantasm identity is solved, Batman clears his name, and justice is served. This film was originally made to go straight to video, Warner's studio liked it enough to release it theatrically. Some of the violence may be inappropriate for very young children. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Kevin Conroy - Batman/Bruce Wayne
Dana Delany - Andrea Beaumont
Hart Bochner - Arthur Reeves
Mark Hamill - The Joker

This feature-length film from the Batman animated series comes to DVD with two different images. The widescreen anamorphic transfer preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and is preferable to the standard full-frame 1.33:1 image. English and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Stereo. Subtitles are accessible in both of those languages as well. Supplemental materials are limited to a theatrical trailer. Animation fans, as well as Batman aficionados, will certainly want to look at this disc. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide