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Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Some diehard Batfans have been slow to warm to the animated series Batman Beyond even though it was created by the same team responsible for the excellent Batman cartoon of the early 1990s. The Dark Knight should be a brooding avenger in a noir-nightmare Gotham City, the purists argue, not some smart-aleck teen four decades in the future, with jet packs, invisibility shields, and other sci-fi gizmos loaned him by an elderly Bruce Wayne (voiced, excellently as always, by Kevin Conroy, his stony bass given a raspy hint of old age), now confined to hobbling about on a cane and monitoring his protégé's activities from the Batcave. Between its respectful re-examination of the "tortured hero" mythos and its sleek, animé-inspired look, this feature-length movie should go a long way toward quieting their complaints. Of course, it doesn't hurt that they've brought back the most legendary figure in the Rogues Gallery (voiced by Mark Hamill, deliciously deranged), but exactly how and why the Joker has managed to turn up 40 years after his last meeting with Batman still as youthful and diabolical as ever is explained not only logically but terrifyingly as well. The secret behind his arrival is perhaps the saddest, grimmest twist any purported "kids' show" has dared to attempt. (Parents may well want to preview this tape before screening it for the very young.) Once again, Warner Brothers' cartoon Batman has outshone all the live-action films, never allowing the thrilling action set pieces or flashes of wry humour to drown out the drama, even tragedy, of the all-too-human superheroes. --Bruce Reid, Amazon.com


It doesn't get much better.
Review date: 2007-10-07 Rating: 10 out of 10

Since the first Batman cartoons in the early 1990s, the DC Comics Animated Universe or DCAU has produced a wealth of extraordinarily high quality cartoons that appeal to kids but are also smart, funny and dark enough to appeal to adults; indeed, I'd say they're mostly adult shows geared towards kids. Batman Beyond is probably the least popular of all these shows, the one that contained the most original material from the regular team. However if I had to pick out one point as the individual peak of the entire DCAU, it would be Return Of The Joker.

All of the Batman animated feature-lengths are fantastic, beautifully animated, excellently written and voiced to perfection by Kevin Conroy and his fellow regulars. But this - note, the proper version, not the sanitised version - is the best Batman film of them all. We get the still great voice talents of Conroy, as well as the incomparable Mark Hamill as The Joker, showing that his true masterwork is in animation, not in Star Wars.

The writing is still razor-sharp, witty but splendidly dark, and the imagery of the distopian future is masterful. Not only that, but the minor swearing and violence allowed due to this being the unrated version make this the most adult, and best of the Batman films; never mind the fact that simply at this level of maturity, it is one of the most terrifying films you well ever see, Hamill's psychotic performance as the Joker combined with the fate of Tim Drake chilling to the very core.

That, and the incredibly original ending that allows the new Batman to truly become his own man instead of just a shadow of Bruce Wayne, make this the best thing the DCAU ever did; and with such a high standard, you know how good that makes it.

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Reviews


Stylish..
Review date: 2007-08-08 Rating: 10 out of 10

I was very dubious about buying this one, being such a fan of the Original Batman, and a fierce critic of 'soft' stories that don't do the Dark Knight any favours and make him look too much like light entertainment. So, intriuged by the reviews I bought the Un-cut version, and I wasn't dissapointed at all.

The film is wonderfully animated and the music fits it perfectly and gives it a great atmoshpere, you can really get into the feeling of being in Gotham City, 50 years in the future. The voices are superb as ever and Mark Hamill as the Joker is gloriously evil and insane as ever.

From the opening fight seen you are hooked into the electric rock soundtrack and stunning visuals. By the way, the fight sequences are very good, very sharp and exciting, more so than some live action films you might care to see.

The flashback sequence involving the old Batman (Bruce Wayne) and Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) is a very pivotal sequence; it holds the viewers' darkest fears about the Joker and his criminal insanity in a devilish grip and doesn't let go. You feel shocked and scared as the Clown Prince of Crime drives Bruce Wayne, as Batman, over the edge and into the abyss that he always fears.

I don't really feel the urge to watch any of the TV series of 'Batman Beyond' really; I'm an old Bat-fan I guess, Old Gotham still holds my attention. But 'Return of the Joker' is a great film and it's welcome in my collection of crucial tales of the Dark Knight.

As with all quality Batman stories, this one isn't for kids.

Absolutely amazing
Review date: 2007-02-14 Rating: 10 out of 10

What I don't understand is why the guys that made this movie (who also made the superb Batman Animated Series, Superman Animated Series and Justice League shows among others) weren't ever allowed to make a live action movie, or at least get to pen one.

This movie is stunning, from the animation, to the fact this movie was produced and rushed out the door and still ended up being arguably the finest Batman story ever put on screen.

It is an absolute travesty that Warner Brothers really do seem intent on burying talent, but talent shines through regardless. It's a crying shame that Mark Hamills Joker was culled from the Justice League show due to the fact Warner didn't want ickle kiddies to get confused with their unrelated and terrible "The Batman" show.

Anyway, this DVD is here, along with the original Batman Animated Series, Batman Beyond, plus Mask Of The Phantasm, to showcase what I think is the definitive editions of Batman.

Kevin Conroy IS Batman. Christian Bale plays the character amazingly in Begins, but to me the voice of Kevin Conroy as Batman is definitive.

It's great how Bruce Timm and co really turned their fortunes around when the studios asked for a "young" Batman to reach younger audiences, in typical know-nothing executive style. They considerred walking out, but instead came up with the Batman Beyond concept, which would mean they'd be able to essentially continue their work and play out a "possible future" of the character, while also introducing a new character, Terry McGinnis, as Bruce Waynes "Batman agent in the field". We saw Bruce tutor Terry and guide him through his missions, and we'd see Terry mature and change and grow, all the while the show would always have that storng Batman vibe to it. They luckily got the green light and were able to make the incredible Batman Beyond TV Show which pushed all the right buttons, for older fans, for kids, and for the executives.

Then came this movie, which showcases the incredible Mark Hamill as The Joker once more. Just as Conroy IS Batman, Hamill IS The Joker, and in this film I think he delivers the ultimate performance. The Joker in this film is just as scary and freaky as Nicholsons Joker. Part of that success must also be attributed to the art team, which is full of anime specialists and give the characters a look and movement so fluid you'd often think you were watching a top of the line anime movie. They also show The Joker at his most frightening and sinister. Even more of that success goes to Mark Hamill for his delivery and he really brings The Joker kicking and screaming to life with cackling menace.

There's a flashback scene where we go back in time and see Batman and Jokers last fight. The Joker is on top form, deliverring genuinely funny yet ultimately pretty sick jokes that you can't help but chuckle at. It is worth getting the DVD just for this scene because I don't think there is any scene in any superhero movie so far which has as much emotion, tragedy and sheer rage involved all at once.

As charasmatic and as wonderful as Joker is, when Batman lays into the Joker and says "I'll break you in two!" at that point you really want Bruce to do just that. This is one movie where as an audience member, you really do think Joker has crossed the line this time.

Bruce Timm & Co have done wonders for the Batman character. They reinvented Mr Freeze, winning an Emmy for their efforts, introduced the wonderful Harley Quinn, who is now a favourite in the actual comics, and even made a successful "Future" character spin-off of a much-loved hero(which is practically unheard of).

The soundtrack is also fantastic. Kris Carter does an amazing job of making a spooky, sinister and powerful electro/rock/instrumental soundtrack.

It's overlooked because it's animated. That's just life. If it was ever adapted in a live action movie (and I hope to God sometime in the future they do decide to make a Batman Beyond live action movie sometime) it would be easily considerred as one of the best, because it is.

RETURN OF THE JOKER!
Review date: 2006-08-05 Rating: 10 out of 10

If I told you everything that is good about this masterpiece then I would be here all day so I will make short and sweet.Batman of the future:Return of the Joker is up there with the other animated series classics because of its great story,the return of maniacle legend and you can't forget Terry showing that he deserves the infamous Bat legacy.I mainly love this movie because The Joker was my favourite villain in the old cartoons and still is today so if you are a Batman fan or even a movie fan you must see this movie it is nothing like you have ever seen before.

Differences between 02 and 05 release?
Review date: 2006-01-24 Rating: 10 out of 10

Does anyone have a clue what is the difference between this 2005 edition and the previous uncut edition released in 2002?

The major flaw I could see with the '02 version is that it is in 1.78 letterbox format. It still has a DD5.1 soundtrack. (The 2000 release was censored and had 1.33 full-frame).

Is this the "ultimate" release in anamorphic picture format? DTS soundtrack (wish...) Cheers for any ideas.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Angie Harmon
Dean Stockwell
Mark Hamill
Will Friedle
Kevin Conroy

Creators:
Will Friedle (Primary Contributor)
Kevin Conroy (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 9780790766836
Binding: DVD
ISBN: 0790766833
Number of items: 1
Format: Animated, Colour, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC,
Release date: 2002-04-23
Universal product code (UPC): 085392235520
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 77 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2000-12-12
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)

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