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Justice League: Throne Of Atlantis Blu-ray Review

“Justice League: Throne Of Atlantis” is surprisingly sluggish.

With 2015 now underway, DC Comics and WB Animation are back with another DC Comics adaptation titled “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis.” As you can not doubt tell by the title, this feature film puts the spotlight on Aquaman (who will also have his own live-action film in 2018).

After the U.S.S. California submarine is destroyed, Cyborg performs a solo investigation in which he learns the submarine’s missiles have been stolen by unknown assailants. Knowing that something dangerous is brewing, Cyborg decides to get the band back together (so to speak) by contacting Shazam, Wonder Woman, Superman, Flash, Green Lantern and Batman.

The primary storyline of ‘Atlantis,’ however, concerns the half human/half Atlantean Arthur Curry who is a bit lost after his father has passed away. Curry will need to get it together though as his brother Prince Orm (AKA Ocean Master) is plotting a war with the surface world with the help of Black Manta. Can the Justice League and a pre-Aquaman Arthur Curry work together to achieve peace?

For a 72 minute film, “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis” is a shockingly dull and clumsy animated film that is in serious need of multiple rewrites. While the Aquaman origin story and the climactic action set piece with the Justice League facing off against Orm and his army is mostly satisfying, everything in between is downright cluttered and underdeveloped. Writer Heath Corson tries to cram too many ideas, characters and subplots (namely the Wonder Woman/Superman romance and Cyborg’s blooming romance) into the script. As a result, the entire film feels rushed and incomplete and gives a majority of the characters very little to actually do. When Green Lantern’s big scene involves him creating a giant robot vacuum, you know you’re in trouble.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? While the transfer itself is solid, the animation is a bit uninspired. Sure, the 3D elements and action are noteworthy, but this isn’t one of the better looking DC Animated features.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Even though the picture quality is a little disappointing, the audio is not. The sound f/x and action really put the speakers to work here.

Extras:
* Warner and DC trailers.
* “A Sneak Peek At Batman vs. Robin”- A featurette on the next DC Comics animated film (which is a follow-up to “Son of Batman”). Make of that as you will.
* Digital HD copy and DVD copy.
* 2 “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” episodes (“Aquaman’s Outrageous Adventure!” and “Evil Under The Sea!”), a “Justice League Unlimited” episode (“Far From Home”), and an episode of the old school “Aquaman” series titled “Menace of the Black Manta and the Rampaging Reptile-Men.” I never thought I’d see an “Aquaman” episode on Blu-ray, but it’s a pleasant surprise to be sure.
* The “Throne of Atlantis” soundtrack.
* The 26 minute 2014 New York City Comic-Con Panel for “Throne of Atlantis” that features Phil Bourassa, Heath Corson, Andrea Romano, James Tucker, and Matt Lanter.
* A short featuring Nightwing and Robin. The short is played 3 times. Twice with video commentary and once without.
* “Scoring Atlantis: The Sound of the Deep”- A half hour behind-the-scenes featurette on composer Frederik Wiedmann’s work on the film.
* “Villains of the Deep”- A featurette on the “Aquaman” villains Black Manta and Ocean Master and their history in the comics.

Overall Thoughts: If you’re just starting to pour over the DC Animated films, I’d suggest picking up “Batman: Year One” or “Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths” instead.

January 28, 2015 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Aquaman, Batman, Cyborg, Flash, Justice League: Throne Of Atlantis Blu-ray Review, Shazam, Superman, Wonder Woman