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DVD Reviews => The "Marathon" reviews => Topic started by: addicted2dvd on August 28, 2008, 07:22:29 PM

Title: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 28, 2008, 07:22:29 PM
(http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/1060/batsignalyy2.jpg)
Batman Marathon
This time around I decided to do a marathon of Batman movies... but this time around I am doing a marathon in a way I have never done before. Not only will I be watching all my Batman movies... live action and animated both... I will be watching 5 chapters of the 2 old time Batman Movie Serials in between each of the movies. I think it will be a lot of fun watching all the different incarnations of Batman that has been brought to us over the years. After all... Batman is one of my top three favorites when it comes to Superheroes. As you can see... the Bat-Signal is in the sky... and here comes the Dark Knight!...

(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/08/085391200024f.jpg)
Batman
After a young boy witnesses his parents' murder on the streets of Gotham City, he grows up to become Batman, a mysterious figure in the eyes of Gotham's citizens, who takes crime-fighting into his own hands. He first emerges out of the shadows when the Joker appears - a horribly disfigured individual who is out for revenge on his former employer and generally likes to have a good time, but the identity of the "bat" is unknown. Perhaps millionaire Bruce Wayne and photographer Vicki Vale have a good chance of finding out?

My Thoughts:
In this movie Batman is played by Michael Keaton. And then you have Jack Nicholson as The Joker and Kim Bassinger as Viki Vale. A lot of big names in this movie. I think Michael Keaton did a very good job portraying both the Batman persona as well as Bruce Wayne's. I was also pretty impressed with Jack Nicholson's version of The Joker. I think the story itself was well done. I like the style of the darker Batman like it is in these films... compared to the '60s series and the cartoons that I was used to before this movie came along.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 29, 2008, 01:39:09 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396119291f.jpg)
Batman: The Complete 1943 Movie Serial (Chapters 1-5)
See how BATMAN really began. BATMAN started it all, and it's now available on DVD for the first time ever! Watch as mild-mannered Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, the classic superhero who, with Robin, protects Gotham City from the evil schemes of Dr. Tito Daka. Packed with adventures involving a radium-powered death ray, a deadly alligator pit, electronic zombies, and even the original Bat Cave, the BATMAN 2-disc set is a must-own DVD for any fan of the Caped Crusader!

My Thoughts:
In this one we have Lewis Wilson as Batman and Douglas Croft as Robin. This is definitely an entertaining serial I think you would enjoy it... but only if you can get past the prejudice against the Japanese people that runs rampant in this serial. Of course you have to take into account when this was made... and the circumstances of that time. I watched these 5 chapters with my daughter, Brittany. She enjoyed it just as much as me. We both sat here laughing at the series... as there is a lot of hilarious situations here.... Some meant to be funny... some other things not. Alfred is a real source of comedy in this serial. That is on purpose as I believe he was meant to be the comic relief in this show. Then you have things that are just so ridiculous (by today's standards at least) that you just have to laugh. Stuff like the Bat ink stamp that Batman stamps criminals foreheads with when he catches them.  Then there is the fact that there is no Bat Mobile. We have Batman and Robin riding around in Bruce Wayne's car all the time... difference? When it is Bruce Wayne driving... the top is down... when it is Batman and Robin... the top is then up. One thing that actually did bother me on this serial... every time you turn around You had Batman calling Robin Dick or Robin calling Batman Bruce. Supposedly they are alone when they do this... but when out on an open street it just don't seem realistic that they would do this. I certainly don't remember ever seeing that in the movies. But despite of (or is it because of?) all these problems with the serial... we are just having a great time watching it! Each chapter is about 17min. long. So that means this viewing was about an hour and a half... approximately the time of a standard movie.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 29, 2008, 03:49:19 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/08/085391500025f.jpg)
Batman Returns
Gotham City faces two monstrous criminal menaces: the bizarre, sinister Penguin and the slinky, mysterious Catwoman. Can Batman battle two formidable foes at once? Especially when one wants to be the mayor and the other is romantically attracted to Gotham's hero? Like the Academy Award®-winning 1989 original, 'Batman Returns' is directed by movie making wizard Tim Burton. And like the first blockbuster, it's a dazzling adventure that leaves you breathless.

My Thoughts:
Michael Keaton returns as Batman in this one. This time joined by Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Michelle Pfieffer as Catwoman. While I still definitely enjoyed this movie... in my opinion it is not as good as the first one. This could be partially due to the fact to The Penguin. Don't get me wrong... I think Danny Devito was a good choice to play him... and think he did a good job with the role. It is just that the character of the Penguin has never been one I cared much about. Also the circus gang... while had it's moments... just wasn't that impressive. I did like Michelle Pfieffer as the Catwoman. Over-all I would say a good... but not great sequel... at least not in my opinion.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 29, 2008, 10:16:19 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396119291f.jpg)
Batman: The Complete 1943 Movie Serial (Chapters 6-10)
See how BATMAN really began. BATMAN started it all, and it's now available on DVD for the first time ever! Watch as mild-mannered Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, the classic superhero who, with Robin, protects Gotham City from the evil schemes of Dr. Tito Daka. Packed with adventures involving a radium-powered death ray, a deadly alligator pit, electronic zombies, and even the original Bat Cave, the BATMAN 2-disc set is a must-own DVD for any fan of the Caped Crusader!

My Thoughts:
Five more chapters of the movie serial. Much more of the same fun and the same excitement as the 5 chapters before it. In one of the chapters this time around... Robin threw a rock in a window of a room full of crooks breaking the light. then shined a flashlight with the Batman Logo into the room. This makes me wonder could that be where the original idea of "The Bat Signal" came from? Note that I am not familiar with the comics... so have no idea if this is the case.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Najemikon on August 29, 2008, 10:41:22 PM
Oh, Pete. It's only downhill from Returns because you're into the dread Schumacher era... :(

Quote from: addicted2dvd on August 29, 2008, 10:16:19 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396119291f.jpg)Robin threw a rock in a window of a room full of crooks breaking the light. then shined a flashlight with the Batman Logo into the room. This makes me wonder could that be where the original idea of "The Bat Signal" came from? Note that I am not familiar with the comics... so have no idea if this is the case.

No way. The Bat-Signal is specifically used by Commissioner Gordon to alert Batman; I bet the torch was just a gimmick.

But Pete, surely you've read some Batman? You should try a couple of graphic novels and see the proper Batman, because you're going to have to wait until Batman Begins to see him on-screen and even that isn't perfect. The Dark Knight may be, but I assume it isn't being included in this marathon? :laugh:
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 29, 2008, 11:29:42 PM
Actually... even though I know most will not agree with me... I enjoyed both Batman Forever and Batman and Robin!  :bag: I am watching this marathon with my daughter... have been since yesterday afternoon (first 5 chapters of Batman serial), She has watched the movies before... and seems to agree with me... they are all good... including Forever & Batman and Robin. :)

Oh sure I read a few comics when I was a kid... even have a few comics in a box in my room that I haven't looked in for years! but never really followed them.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Najemikon on August 30, 2008, 12:14:45 AM
Quote from: addicted2dvd on August 29, 2008, 11:29:42 PM
they are all good... including Forever & Batman and Robin. :)

No, Pete. No. You've forgotten your tablets again, haven't you?

Batman & Robin is officially bad. So bad, George Clooney apologised at a press conference!
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 12:17:54 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/08/085391510024f.jpg)
Batman Forever
Riddle me this, riddle me that, you'll find adventure on the wings of a bat! Brace for excitement as Val Kilmer (Batman), Tommy Lee Jones (Two-Face), Jim Carrey (the Riddler), Nicole Kidman (Dr. Chase Meridian) and Chris O'Donnell (Robin) star in the third spectacular film in Warner Bros.' 'Batman' series. Joel Schumacher ('The Client') directs and Tim Burton co-produces this thrill-ride of a movie that thunders along on Batmobile, Batwing, Batboat, Batsub and bold heroics. Hang on!

My Thoughts:
Time for Val Kilmer to take over the role of Batman. I know this is where a lot of people started to loose interest in these movies.... but I must say I still enjoyed it very much. Matter of fact (and I am prepared to be flamed here) I even like this one better then Batman Returns. This one has some great stars in it.. I really enjoyed seeing Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face.  Thought he was great for the part and looked like he had a lot of fun playing it. And I thought Jim Carrey was the perfect choice for The Riddler. I even enjoyed Chris O'Donnell and Nicole Kidman. Sure... this movie is a bit on the silly side... almost to the point of cartoonish. But I don't know... to me at least... it felt like it was a good time for a change from the first 2 and a change in the right direction. Sure it was less serious and dark... but it was, in my opinion, more fun. When you reply to this... just remember... not everyone has the same tastes... if we did... this would be a very boring place!
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 12:20:17 AM
Quote from: Jon on August 30, 2008, 12:14:45 AM
Quote from: addicted2dvd on August 29, 2008, 11:29:42 PM
they are all good... including Forever & Batman and Robin. :)

No, Pete. No. You've forgotten your tablets again, haven't you?
I threw those things away a long time ago!  :P
Quote
Batman & Robin is officially bad. So bad, George Clooney apologised at a press conference!
Since when is it wrong to still enjoy a bad movie? That after all is what I meant... I know I used the word good for it... but meant it was good in my eyes since I was able to enjoy what I was watching.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Najemikon on August 30, 2008, 12:39:25 AM
Quote from: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 12:20:17 AM
Since when is it wrong to still enjoy a bad movie? That after all is what I meant... I know I used the word good for it... but meant it was good in my eyes since I was able to enjoy what I was watching.

Ah, fair enough, but regardless, I look forward to your review! :devil: Actually, your comments about Forever were very good. You're right that it was at least a change of pace and actually, it gets a fair review in many places. It was the next one where most feel they completely lost the plot.

I don't like either of them for the OTT style, hence I loved both Nolan's versions better than any other. While I agree with your earlier remark about liking bad movies, I'm predisposed against these because of the frequent high quality of the original stories. And especially against B&R because a character as strong as Batman should never, ever, have nipples. Ever.

The silly series had it's place and time outside the books, but after Burton's dark version got back to the roots, I felt disappointed in what I saw as a step backwards. Robin is a good character to focus on; he works in the comics (sometimes!), but is hard to present on screen. Apparently Christian Bale has said he will leave the role if Robin is introduced and when you see Begins or Dark Knight, it's obvious why. He just doesn't fit in that particular incarnation. He did work in Forever and Kilmer did nothing wrong, I just preferred a more "real" version.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 02:22:27 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396119291f.jpg)
Batman: The Complete 1943 Movie Serial (Chapters 11-15)
See how BATMAN really began. BATMAN started it all, and it's now available on DVD for the first time ever! Watch as mild-mannered Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, the classic superhero who, with Robin, protects Gotham City from the evil schemes of Dr. Tito Daka. Packed with adventures involving a radium-powered death ray, a deadly alligator pit, electronic zombies, and even the original Bat Cave, the BATMAN 2-disc set is a must-own DVD for any fan of the Caped Crusader!

My Thoughts:
And this wraps up the serial with the final five chapters. Within these final five the prejudice against the Japanese really comes out. But once again... this is to be expected when you consider the time it was made and the circumstances of that time. The serial on a whole was really good. And I know Brittany enjoyed it as well. Not only did she tell me so... but you should have seen her reaction when I jokingly  told her after Chapter 14 that we were done for the night. She was ready to steal my remote and start it without me! I just hope she will enjoy the next serial as much... if not more then she did this one. The quality of this DVD release is surprisingly good. quality wise. They really did a good job cleaning it up. Sure there was a small problem with the video here and there... but over-all it was in very good shape.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Jimmy on August 30, 2008, 02:44:25 AM
Quote from: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 12:20:17 AM
Since when is it wrong to still enjoy a bad movie?
I agree with you here. The most important when we watch a movie is to enjoy it. I have a much more enjoying time when I watch a movie made by Coleman Francis or Bill Greffe than a movie made by Stanley Kubrick or with Eddie Murphy. We are all different and that's great.

BTW : The only good Batman version for me is the old tv version with Adam West. This is how every comic book movie should be made.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Najemikon on August 30, 2008, 03:14:58 AM
Quote from: Jimmy on August 30, 2008, 02:44:25 AM
I agree with you here. The most important when we watch a movie is to enjoy it. I have a much more enjoying time when I watch a movie made by Coleman Francis or Bill Greffe than a movie made by Stanley Kubrick or with Eddie Murphy. We are all different and that's great.

Absolutely. You should take each movie/book/song as it comes and treat it with honesty. You can easily end up enjoying something that general opinion, perceived wisdom or even common sense says is terrible. I really enjoyed the two Pirates of the Caribbean sequels, even though I know they're a mess and supporting them supports the Hollywood machine that thought it was alright to make them like that.

For me, the only caveat is that the film also be honest and especially when it comes from such loved source material. Comics already play with their own styles and moods, which is why Batman can work in so many different ways, but only Batman and Robin insults it.

So it all depends on how much you know of the source material. Another truly crap effort I like is the Dukes of Hazzard. I thought it was great fun, but I can certainly understand the fans of the series who seem to get an attack of rabies at the mere mention of Jessica Simpson playing Daisy Duke!

I can understand it because of Judge Dredd. Being British, I read a few Batman stories, but I grew up on Dredd. The film is a boisterous cartoon actioner that can't be taken seriously and my mum loves it. I... leaned more towards the rabies... frothing at the mouth, throwing things at the screen, etc... :-X

Quote from: Jimmy on August 30, 2008, 02:44:25 AM
BTW : The only good Batman version for me is the old tv version with Adam West. This is how every comic book movie should be made.

But then we'd lose The Dark Knight. Jimmy, that's too high a price!
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Jimmy on August 30, 2008, 03:32:56 AM
Quote from: Jon on August 30, 2008, 03:14:58 AM
But then we'd lose The Dark Knight. Jimmy, that's too high a price!
Never seen it, in fact I've only seen the first Batman movie reviewed here by Pete and the movie based on the old tv series and the tv serie a thousands of time. Maybe I will watch the 2 last movies with Christian Bale one day since I like his performance in American Psycho, but as everyone know I'm not a big fan of the new Hollywood cinema.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 04:15:17 AM
Quote from: Jimmy on August 30, 2008, 02:44:25 AM
Quote from: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 12:20:17 AM
Since when is it wrong to still enjoy a bad movie?
I agree with you here. The most important when we watch a movie is to enjoy it. I have a much more enjoying time when I watch a movie made by Coleman Francis or Bill Greffe than a movie made by Stanley Kubrick or with Eddie Murphy. We are all different and that's great.

BTW : The only good Batman version for me is the old tv version with Adam West. This is how every comic book movie should be made.

I grew up watching the old Adam West series... and started to get the movie from '66 for my collection. But then I watched the trailer for it online and couldn't believe how it looked... going by the trailer it did not hold up for me at all. I am still tempted to get it sometime and give it another chance... but I am a bit concerned about doing so now.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 04:32:37 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/08/085391650027f.jpg)
Batman & Robin
Chills and Thrills: Will Gotham City be put on ice? George Clooney is Batman as the Dark Knight battles his greatest threat yet: cold-hearted Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and venomous Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). Batman has more than Gotham City to protect: the youthful eagerness of crimefighting comrades Robin (Chris O'Donnell) and Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone) puts them frequently in harm's way. New 'very' special effects include a wild sky-surfing sequence and Freeze's outrageous ice-blasting arsenal. It's state-of-the-art excitement from our Batfamily to yours!

My Thoughts:
George Clooney takes over the role in this one. First thing I notice when watching this one is I don't really care for George Clooney as Batman. I mean he did an OK job but I think  Micheal Keaton, Val Kilmer and Christian Bale all did much better. I know a lot of people feel this is a God-Aweful movie... and I agree it is not what someone thinks of when they think of good movies. And I can even see how it is considered a bad movie. Watching it tonight even showed me that it is not even as good as I was remembering it to be. But even with that... it is a movie I enjoy watching. I guess this is just a guilty pleasure type of movie for me.... even while watching it I am asking myself why am I enjoying this as much as I am? But that is OK... as long as I am getting enjoyment from it... that is all that matters.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Tom on August 30, 2008, 08:58:43 AM
Confession time: I enjoy Batman Forever too  :bag:
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Najemikon on August 30, 2008, 01:45:19 PM
Quote from: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 04:15:17 AM
I grew up watching the old Adam West series... and started to get the movie from '66 for my collection. But then I watched the trailer for it online and couldn't believe how it looked... going by the trailer it did not hold up for me at all. I am still tempted to get it sometime and give it another chance... but I am a bit concerned about doing so now.

I remember seeing it a lot as a kid too and it's now getting repeated, so I've caught a couple of episodes. It is dated, but very funny, because they knew exactly what they were doing. The last episode I saw was a crossover with Green Hornet! It was hilarious.

Quote from: Jimmy on August 30, 2008, 03:32:56 AM
Never seen it, in fact I've only seen the first Batman movie reviewed here by Pete and the movie based on the old tv series and the tv serie a thousands of time. Maybe I will watch the 2 last movies with Christian Bale one day since I like his performance in American Psycho, but as everyone know I'm not a big fan of the new Hollywood cinema.

Looking at your top ten (which was predictably brilliant by the way!), I think you'd enjoy Nolan's movies: Memento, Insomnia for starters. The Prestige is complicated, but that's why it's so good and proves he will never follow Hollywood formula. He was the last person people expected to do Batman Begins, but he definitely didn't sell out. Now he isn't stuck with an origin story, he could really get his teeth into the sequel. Honestly, Jimmy, The Dark Knight is the Godfather II of comic book movies. ;)
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Jimmy on August 30, 2008, 02:31:05 PM
Quote from: Jon on August 30, 2008, 01:45:19 PM
Looking at your top ten (which was predictably brilliant by the way!), I think you'd enjoy Nolan's movies: Memento, Insomnia for starters.
Already enjoy the 3 movies of him that I have : Following, Memento and insomnia. Of the three my favourite is Following a pretty good independant movie with no known actors (for me anyway), but I'm sure that you have seen this one already.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Najemikon on August 30, 2008, 02:38:15 PM
Quote from: Jimmy on August 30, 2008, 02:31:05 PM
Already enjoy the 3 movies of him that I have : Following, Memento and insomnia. Of the three my favourite is Following a pretty good independant movie with no known actors (for me anyway), but I'm sure that you have seen this one already.

 :bag:
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 04:22:51 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396105218f.jpg)
Batman and Robin: The Complete 1949 Movie Serial (Chapters 1-5)
Join superheroes Batman and Robin as they help Commissioner Gordon battle The Wizard, a villainous madman who steals a top-secret remote device allowing him to control all the moving vehicles in Gotham. Between The Wizard trying to destroy them and Bruce Wayne's love interest Vicky Vale working to uncover their identities, The Dynamic Duo careen from one nail-biting cliffhanger to the next as they set out to save Gotham and foil The Wizard's plan for world domination.

My Thoughts:
In this movie serial we have Robert Lowery as Batman and John Duncan as Robin. At this point I kind of have mixed feelings about this serial. I am definitely enjoying it. But not sure if it is better then the first serial or not yet. On the plus side, you don't have the prejudices in this one that you have in the first on. But then again, the actual cliffhangers at the end of each chapter seems to be better on the first serial so far.  I do like the fact that in this one it is a mystery who The Wizard is since he is wearing a mask. They are hinting pretty strongly that it is one person in particular... which means most likely it is not him. I have seen this serial before... but luckily I forget (at least to this point) who The Wizard is. It is also an improvement that in this one Batman and Robin is not calling each other by their real names while in costume. Which is something that did bug me quite a bit in the first serial. So I guess this is boiling down to me enjoying this one a bit more then the first serial I watched.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: lyonsden5 on August 30, 2008, 04:34:51 PM
Quote from: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 04:22:51 PM
[...]I have seen this serial before... but luckily I forget (at least to this point) who The Wizard is. [...]
:laugh: You sound like me Pete. I can watch a movie with a twist in it every couple of years and not remember what the twist was or "who done it" :hysterical:


[actually not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing  :-\ ]
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 05:09:13 PM
LOL... Well I choose to look at it as a good thing.  :P
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 06:13:57 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012569732162f.jpg)
Batman Begins
In 'BATMAN BEGINS', acclaimed director Christopher Nolan explores the origins of the legendary DARK KNIGHT. In the wake of his parents' murders, disillusioned heir BRUCE WAYNE (CHRISTIAN BALE) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. With the help of his trusted butler ALFRED (MICHAEL CAINE), detective JIM GORDON (GARY OLDMAN) and his ally LUCIUS FOX (MORGAN FREEMAN), Wayne returns to GOTHAM CITY and unleashes his alter ego: BATMAN, a masked crusader who uses strength, intellect and an array of high-tech weaponry to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

My Thoughts:
Christian Bale is the most recent actor to take on the role of Batman. This one of course is to be separate from the previous movies. And is back to a darker version of Batman.Once again it is a nice change from what I was currently watching. I think they did a wonderful job on this movie I enjoyed every second of it. I especially enjoyed Michael Caine as Alfred and Morgan Freeman. I also enjoyed the Scarecrow storyline. Actually I can't think of much of anything I didn't like. It is a long movie.. clocks in at 2hrs and 19min... but you wouldn't know it while watching as time just flies by as you are watching. I never got to see the sequel to this (The Dark Night) as I never go to the theaters anymore... but can't wait to check it out.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 09:21:41 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396105218f.jpg)
Batman and Robin: The Complete 1949 Movie Serial (Chapters 6-10)
Join superheroes Batman and Robin as they help Commissioner Gordon battle The Wizard, a villainous madman who steals a top-secret remote device allowing him to control all the moving vehicles in Gotham. Between The Wizard trying to destroy them and Bruce Wayne's love interest Vicky Vale working to uncover their identities, The Dynamic Duo careen from one nail-biting cliffhanger to the next as they set out to save Gotham and foil The Wizard's plan for world domination.

My Thoughts:
This section of the serial the cliffhangers has gotten better... so that is a good thing. Other then that it is just much more of the same. In this serial not only does Batman and Robin have the flashlights with the Batman logo on them... but the Bat Signal is also used. In this serial they are not using the ink stamp Batman logo to stamp on the crooks foreheads when they are caught by Batman... that is also a good thing as I never did like that in the first serial. I do think I remember who The Wizard is now... but not completely sure so it is still fun watching and seeing if I remember right. Over-all I am definitely enjoying this one more then the first Batman serial.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 30, 2008, 11:39:26 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/08/085391550228f.jpg)
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
When the city's most feared gangsters are systematically eliminated, the Caped Crusader is blamed. But prowling the Gotham Night is a shadowy new villain, the Phantasm, a sinister figure with some link to Batman's past. Can the Dark Knight elude the police, capture the Phantasm and clear his name?

Unmasking the Phantasm is just one of the twists in this dazzling animated feature. Discover all-new revelations about Batman's past, his archrival the Joker and Batman's most grueling battle ever - the choice between his love of a beautiful woman and his vow to be the defender of right. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is "a mystery that is genuinely absorbing, suspenseful and moving." (Cincinnati Enquirer)

My Thoughts:
This is a theatrical release from the people that made Batman: The Animated Series. This is a right good movie. I enjoyed how they showed through flashbacks what Bruce Wayne went through to become Batman. And the story of his first love interest was good as well. But I did find it pretty obvious who was behind the Mask of the Phantasm.  The quality of this DVD is very good... no problem with audio or video. But I did find the release lacking when it comes to the extras. Unfortunately all we get is the Theatrical Trailer.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Achim on August 31, 2008, 07:45:22 AM
Quote from: Jimmy on August 30, 2008, 02:31:05 PM
Already enjoy the 3 movies of him that I have : Following, Memento and insomnia. Of the three my favourite is Following a pretty good independant movie with no known actors (for me anyway), but I'm sure that you have seen this one already.
I own Following and watched it a while back. It's somewhat similar to Man Bites Dog and, while not filmed in documentary style, just as interesting. Also the filmic structure is just as "different" as what he did with Memento later on.


Jimmy, The Dark Knight is a very dark and different movie which you may enjoy watching (keeping in mind it is a modern day comic movie with the related action set pieces). Being the origin-story, Batman Begins is a little more straight forward and mainstream than the follow-up.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: Kathy on August 31, 2008, 03:47:04 PM
Quote from: Tom on August 30, 2008, 08:58:43 AM
Confession time: I enjoy Batman Forever too  :bag:

Me too and I'm not the least bit embarrassed by it!  :tease:
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 31, 2008, 03:53:56 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396105218f.jpg)
Batman and Robin: The Complete 1949 Movie Serial (Chapters 11-15)
Join superheroes Batman and Robin as they help Commissioner Gordon battle The Wizard, a villainous madman who steals a top-secret remote device allowing him to control all the moving vehicles in Gotham. Between The Wizard trying to destroy them and Bruce Wayne's love interest Vicky Vale working to uncover their identities, The Dynamic Duo careen from one nail-biting cliffhanger to the next as they set out to save Gotham and foil The Wizard's plan for world domination.

My Thoughts:
This concludes the serial. Even though who I remembered The Wizard to be was right... there was a twist to make me think I was wrong after all that I didn't remember. So there was still a bit of a surprise in the end for me. I think this serial is the better of the two Batman serials. It had a bit of a better storyline... and I liked the mystery of who was behind the mask of  The Wizard. The quality of this serial is good as well... they did a fine job at cleaning it up. Sure there was some minor video problems throughout the serial... but considering that it is almost 60 years old it is in very good condition. Unfortunately they do not add much when it comes to extras... just a few trailers.
Title: Re: Batman Marathon
Post by: addicted2dvd on August 31, 2008, 04:56:46 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/08/085391817321f.jpg)
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
The sleeker, deadlier and seemingly immortal Clown Prince of Crime is back with his own unique brand of havoc and mayhem. While trying to uncover the Joker's secrets, the new Batman, Terry McGinnis, discovers the greatest mystery in the life of the original Caped Crusader: what happened the night he fought the Joker for the last time. When Bruce Wayne is almost killed in one of the Joker's latest attacks, Batman vows to avenge his mentor and put the Joker to rest forever.

My Thoughts:
I thought it would be a good idea to end this movie with the futuristic Batman. I really enjoy the series... as well as this movie. I like how this movie combined the original Batman with the new Batman through flashbacks. I thought how they explained the Return of the Joker was a good and entertaining way to do it. Not only is this a good movie... with a good quality DVD... this release comes with a nice selection of extras.
OK... that is it. That completes my collection of Batman movies/ serials. It was a lot of fun watching them all together like this.... though it was a bit of a long marathon. Even so I am considering doing this same type of marathon (movies & movie serials) with my Superman collection. Maybe this coming week. But not sure when I will actually get to do it.