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The Movie: As cartoons go, "Batman Beyond" is simply the kind of cartoon they just don't make anymore. The series, which ran from 1999-2001, aired on Fox as a kids' show, but was decidedly darker and more clever than most of the usual afternoon fare. The series takes place years after the prior "Batman: Animated Series", which was also headed by by the same producers. "Beyond" sees the legendary Bruce Wayne as an old man who's still tough, but incapable of fighting crime like he used to. In steps Terry McGinnis, a young man who has discovered Batman's true identity. Bruce watches over Terry has he takes on Batman's famed Batsuit and goes out into Gotham City to fight enemies like the Joker, Shriek and the Spellbinder. It's easy to see why "Batman Beyond" caught on as well as it did when it hit the airwaves (and why it's become a cult hit since.) The show's animation, which has some anime influence, is gorgeously dark, stylish and moody. Additionally, the action sequences are beautifully staged and more cinematic than most live-action blockbusters. The show also remains superbly written (for an animated series like this), with intelligent stories and some powerful dramatic moments on occasion. 14. 2- 1 18 Sep 99 Splicers 15. 2- 2 25 Sep 99 Earth Mover 16. 2- 3 2 Oct 99 Joyride 17. 2- 4 9 Oct 99 Lost Soul 18. 2- 5 16 Oct 99 Hidden Agenda 19. 2- 6 23 Oct 99 Bloodsport 20. 2- 7 6 Nov 99 Once Burned 21. 2- 8 13 Nov 99 Hooked Up 22. 2- 9 20 Nov 99 Rats! 23. 2-10 4 Dec 99 Mind Games 24. 2-11 11 Dec 99 Revenant 25. 2-12 8 Jan 00 Babel 26. 2-13 15 Jan 00 Terry's Friend Dates a Robot 27. 2-14 22 Jan 00 Eyewitness 28. 2-15 5 Feb 00 Final Cut 29. 2-16 4 Mar 00 The Last Resort 30. 2-17 11 Mar 00 Armory 31. 2-18 25 Mar 00 Sneak Peek 32. 2-19 1 Apr 00 The Eggbaby 33. 2-20 8 Apr 00 Zeta 34. 2-21 15 Apr 00 Plague 35. 2-22 22 Apr 00 April Moon 36. 2-23 6 May 00 Sentries of the Last Cosmos 37. 2-24 13 May 00 Payback 38. 2-25 27 May 00 Where's Terry? 39. 2-26 19 Aug 00 Ace in the Hole The DVD VIDEO: "Batman Beyond" is presented full-frame and looks excellent, with great sharpness and detail to the animation. A few minor specks and marks were noticed on the print used, but only on rare occasions. Colors are especially vibrant and bold, looking beautiful throughout the movie. There's really not a great deal to mention with this presentation, which really looks excellent with no major complaints. SOUND: The stereo soundtrack remains crisp and clear, with bold effects and clear dialogue. EXTRAS: "Splicers" and "The Eggbaby" offer commentary from producers Glen Murakami and Bruce Timm, storyboard artist James Tucker, voice director Adrea Romano and actor Will Friedle. Final Thoughts: It may not be for the youngest viewers, but "Batman Beyond" is a marvelous animated series, with engaging plots, great characters and swift, sleek action. Highly recommended. |