Search - Batman Beyond - Return of the Joker (The Original Uncut Version) on DVD

It's finally here, this ain't no kids stuff

N. Durham | Philadelphia, PA | 08/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The original Batman animated series of the 90's might have been aimed towards children, but it was so well written and slick that older audiences enjoyed it as well. While I was a big fan of that original series, I'll admit I really wasn't too fond of Batman Beyond (although the idea behind it intrigued me). I had originally seen the original cut version of "Return of the Joker", and I somewhat liked it, but when I heard about the uncut version finally getting released, something told me I had to see it. I will tell you that in every way, shape, and form, this uncut version tops the cut one. The uncut version clears up some holes from the cut one that were created so the more "violent and mature themed" scenes could be cut out, plus we get to really see just what kind of lunatic the Joker is, I mean who would do that to a kid? Seeing that image of what happens to Robin will make you understand why Warner Bros. cut out the scene. Not to mention we also get to see how the Joker really met his demise, and why Bruce Wayne walks with a cane. Kevin Conroy is great as always as Bruce, while Will Friedle is pretty good as Terry McGinnis, but the film belongs to Mark Hamill, who is always fantastic but here much more sadistic, as the Joker. Other voice talents include Dean Stockwell, Melissa Joan Hart, Angie Harmon, Michael Rosenbaum, and good 'ol Henry Rollins as one of the Joker's henchman (we also get to see what really happens to him too). All in all, if your older but love anything Batman, steer clear of the cut version and get this fantastic uncut edition, but if your buying this for your kids or a young child (like say under 10), get the cut version because this uncut edition may be too intense for them."

A Great Batman Movie -- In the Opinion Of a True Batman Fan

Stephen A. Smith | Boston, MA | 12/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This really is a fantastic movie. For general audiences, it holds all the appeal of a good Batman storyline. For true Batman fans, it holds up to our strict scrutiny. If you've read the comics and watched any of the animated series, you might expect that this storyline will hold few surprises. You would be wrong. The "Mask of the Phantasm" storyline was good, but not particularly surprising or original. "Return of the Joker" is both. It's so original, in fact, that I would suggest you go out of your way to avoid learning anything about it before watching. You won't be disappointed.The DVD special features are excellent, as well. There's a short documentary about the production of the movie, an audio track recorded by the creators, and even an unanimated scene that was deleted from the final cut.I recommend this movie for anyone. The storyline is both original and well-developed, and contains elements that will hold the interest of mature audiences while presenting them in a manner suitable for younger viewers. I'm glad to own this DVD, and offer my thanks to everyone who took part in its production for the wonderful result."

Without doubt, the greatest batman movie of all time!

ryecroftwood | 08/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I saw Batman Beyond for the very first time, I concluded that it was good but nowhere near as dramatic or as exciting as the original 1992 Batman animated series, or Mask of the Phantasm for that matter. When I heard that the first ever Batman Beyond movie would feature the Joker's return, I anticipated the movie with high expectations. After I finished watching the film, I concluded that it was fatihful to most die-hard Batman fans, the holder of an amazingly engrossing storyline, fantastic action and mystery, the answerer of questions regarding the future Batman series, and in general, a brilliant movie.I didn't know it at the time but the version of Return of the Joker i had watched was in fact the edited version. After hearing of the uncut version, I purchased the american DVD to discover what had been edited out. After watching the Uncut version, I immediatly discovered that this was more faithful to the Batman legend than the edited version of the film. The final battle between the Joker and Bruce Wayne is a lot more darker in this version, and how the Joker dies in this version is a lot more appropriate and makes Tim Drake's guilt a lot more understandable and convincing.This is where Terry McGinnis (the future Batman) truly shines. He ultimately proves to his critics and his peers that he is worthy of the Dark Knight persona. He handles the situation with the Joker very seriously and proves once and for all that he IS Batman.This movie portays the Joker at his absolute deadliest and once again proves how dark and sinister he is. The Joker has always been the most haunting figure in Bruce Wayne's life, and he certainly doesn't hold back in tormenting his arch-foe even more in this!Will Friedle(Terry McGinnis/Batman) + Kevin Conroy(Bruce Wayne) voice their characters with supreme excellence but it's Mark Hamill who steals the show (as always) as the Joker. It's always hard to believe that it's Hamill who's voicing the Joker (mainly because he always does such a damn good job of voicng the character) but it is him.In general, Return of the Joker has a great storyline, amazing animation, fantastic music and is quite easily better than all the live action Batman movies. The edited version is good but the unedited version is a million times better. The uncut version is even better than the legendary ace film known as Mask of the Phantasm, making Return of the Joker (uncut version) beyond a shadow of doubt, the greatest Batman film in existance.The DVD has first class special features (trailers, documentry, character bios, audio commentry etc) making this an essential purchase for any die-hard Batman fan. If you have to get Return of the Joker, it just HAS to be the uncut version.There's no contest."

What was rightfully ours all along

Simon | Brampton, ON | 02/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off, it seems that Amazon.com has taken to grouping the reviews of BOTH the edited version and the unedited version together - I hope they stop this, the two films may share a lot in common, but there are enough differences between the two versions that a review of the unedited version may not apply to the edited one. With that out of the way, FINALLY! After nearly forever, Warner Bros. has finally seen fit to release the original version of Return of the Joker, albeit with little fanfare, and if rumors are true, the EXACT same cover with only a PG sticker to mark the difference. Hopefully the above isn't true, but even if it is, fans will live happily with the knowledge that it was their petitions that made this DVD possible.I'm going under the assumption that the people who are reading this have seen the cut version (because again, Warner Bros. has given this release next to no fanfare and publicity), and that spoilers won't be a problem. What we have here are the original scenes, including Joker's original death, the original death of Joker's henchman Bonk, Dee Dee shocking Batman with the taser, Robin's torture, and other cuts too numerous to mention. I've gone back and read my original review of the edited version, and have come up with this conclusion: I stand by my original opinion when I said the film wasn't watered down after the alterations. The motives and implications may have been made less clear to small children, but the crux of the story was still strong, especially to mature viewers, and it's a credit to the talent of Paul Dini that his script could survive such horrible mutilations. With that said, this uncut version will surely please all fans. It's not simply the fact that the material is more violent, which it is, but with that violence comes the horror and tragedy that form the backbone of the story. Tim Drake's fate is the worst thing that has happened in the Batman mythos next to the death of Jason Todd and the shooting of Barbara Gordon in the comic books (both caused by Joker too), and should be treated as such. To any parent who may have objections to the uncut version, I'll say this much: Instead of crying out in protest, use this movie as a chance to discuss the themes of pain, loss, and redemption with your child. Every human being goes through these stages at some point in their life, and no parent can shield it from them forever.Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker has finally come home."