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Batman - Mystery Of The Batwoman [2003]


RRP: £13.99
Our Price: £2.69 (subject to change)

Disappointing for Fans, Satisfying for Kids
Review date: 2008-09-27 Rating: 4 out of 10

This highly anticipated straight-to-DVD movie sadly didn't live up to most of my expectations. I was really looking forward to this movie as it was the first time we'd get to explore the animated Batman's world since the series came to an end in 2000. Unfortunately, almost none of what fans have come to love about the animated series is present in this rushed final product. The animation is not very impressive, the moody gothic imagery from the original animated series is completely absent, and the classic Batman theme music is only heard for a brief few seconds in a couple of places! I couldn't understand why this was until I watched the the extra features, where it was explained that the producers wanted to distance themselves from the dark look of the original series and go for a more lighter tone, most likely to attract a younger crowd (i.e. no cool Batman imagery, compelling fight sequences or well thought out plot). The creative team went on to talk about how the script was finished in an incredibly fast amount of time and put into production just a short time after that. That's nothing to brag about guys because it shows in the finished product! As a matter of fact, the story didn't hold my interest at all. It's hard to care about who Batwoman is when the likely suspects are too stereotypical and one-dimensional. Not to mention that Batwoman never does anything noteworthy and lacks that edgy quality necessary for a good mystery character. I'm not saying that the mystery is easily solved, but there's just little motivation given to entice the viewer into guessing her identity or caring for that matter.

The extra features on this disc are also mediocre at best. I was done with all of them in less than 40 minutes. Nothing really special here, just standard behind-the-scenes clips about how an animated film is put together. The "Chase Me" Batman short that's highly touted on the back cover was a pathetic 4 minute uninspired story set entirely to music. Too cheap to spring for some voice-actors I guess. The only reason that I didn't give this DVD 1 star is because of my genuine love for the classic Batman-The Animated Series characters. It was great to see and hear the original voice-actors reprising their respective roles as Jim Gordon, Bullock, Barbara Gorden, Robin, and Alfred...however brief their appearances might have been. In closing, this is a poorly made movie that lacks many of the key elements that made the Batman-Mask of the Phantasm and Batman Beyond-Return of the Joker movies so entertaining, thus making this a forgettable film with no repeat viewing value.

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Reviews


Dull.
Review date: 2008-08-29 Rating: 4 out of 10

Like many other reviewers this isn't on a par with Mask of the Phantasm or Sub-Zero. The animation is the same as always (which is very good) but the storyline is slow, obvious and very very dull.
Obviously I had to buy it as it would have left a hole on my DVD shelf but it's only been watched twice : once in eager anticipation and once in shock expecting I had missed something.

So-so
Review date: 2007-07-27 Rating: 6 out of 10

I'd agree with other reviewers that this is a far cry from 'Mask of the Phantasm' and 'Sub-Zero'. The atmosphere is sadly lacking and it seems like they ran out of money to make decent music as it's all done on a snythasizer!

It's a decent, well written enough story but isn't dark enough to be a good Batman tale. The voices are fantastic though, they really come over well and it's interesting watching the cast perform on the extras.

This is worth watching so get it cheap if you can, the DVD extras a very interesting nonetheless, but it's more aimed at kids I think. A little dissapointing.

Decent Batman.
Review date: 2006-07-30 Rating: 6 out of 10

The animated stuff is always great but this full length adventure is bit thin on the ground.
It's a lighter approach than Mask of the Phantasm or Return of the Joker. Lightness of touch is not what the show does best. Even the producer's that the show really works when they dig deep into the motives of the characters. Batman tries to find out who the new Batwoman is while trying to stop an arms shipment arranged by the Penguin and another mob boss.
The presence of Bane makes the story for me as the rest of the characters make very little impact.
This one does not have the depth of the animated series or even the justice league stuff.
It is one for the kids but then even kids notice great writing when they here it. Not a disc that stands up to repeated viewing.

Batman
Review date: 2005-10-02 Rating: 8 out of 10

Batman Returns in a new feature length adventure. Gotham has a Bat problem. But Batman is not the culprit. This time it's an Batwoman who seems to have many skills that points to three different women who enter Bruce's life. The revealment of the woman or women behind the mask are buy the video or DVD to find out but I would go for Justice Leauge which is far better value.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Kevin Conroy
David Ogden Stiers
Tara Strong
Bob Hastings
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Creators:
Kevin Conroy (Primary Contributor)
Tara Strong (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321900224260
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Animated, PAL,
Release date: 2004-01-26
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 71 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2003
Language: English (Original Language)

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