DVD Corner

Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm 4K UHD Review

“Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm” is still one of the best Batman movies. 

Based on “Batman: The Animated Series,” 1993’s “Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm” is a theatrical animated feature that is set in 2 time periods (the past and the present). In the past, we follow a pre-Batman Bruce Wayne who is in love with a woman named Andrea (who plays a key role here) and is just starting to become a vigilante hero. In the present, Batman is in a bad spot as he’s being framed for killing gangsters even though a mysterious masked individual is responsible. Not only is the Gotham City Police after Batman but a gangster goes as far as to hiring The Joker to take him out. Can Batman’s name be cleared? Who is the real killer? All is revealed in the end. 

Directed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski and written by Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Michael Reaves and Martin Pasko, “Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm” is still one of the best Batman theatrical films to this day. Instead of loading the film with big action set pieces and cramming the story with cameos, villains, and allies, the creative team takes the smart approach and focuses on what matters most- story and character. The story’s past and present time jumps work well (especially when they both connect) as the story unfolds. The deeper exploration of Bruce Wayne and Batman is refreshing as the duality of the man is really showcased here to great effect. Of course, we also get a healthy dose of The Joker here who is more than just a hired hand in the story. The icing on the cake here is the stylish, retro, art deco, noirish visuals. For me, this is the gold standard of Batman in animated form from a visual perspective. 

‘Phantasm’ is aided by 2 voice acting performances from 2 of the best to ever do it. Nobody had a better voice for Batman than the late great Kevin Conroy. There’s a reason why he was in the role for countless animated and video game projects for decades. Plenty of great actors have portrayed The Joker in live-action form over the years, but Mark Hamill is the king of the animated realm. He captures the maniacal and deranged Clown Prince of Crime in a decidedly unique fashion. He offers up such a great mixture of comedy and insanity within his performance. 

Simply put, ‘Phantasm’ captures the essence of not only Batman, but the comics themselves (much like the splendid “Batman: The Animated Series” does).  

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? Presented in its theatrical aspect ratio, ‘Phantasm’ gets a new 4K remaster. While dirt, grain and print flaws are noticeable to be sure, this sharp and colorful print is the best home video release to date. 

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The Blu-ray release only had a 2.0 track so thankfully we have a new 5.1 track this time around. The 5.1 track does not disappoint. This is the best the film has ever sounded. A perfectly loud and dynamic track (especially for a catalogue title). 

Extras include a Digital copy and “Kevin Conroy: I Am The Knight” which is a moving new 26 minute tribute to the late great Batman voice actor that also explores how he got the role and who he was as a person. Archival interviews with Conroy are included alongside other DC writers and crew members.

September 11, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Movie, Animated Movie, Batman, Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm 4K UHD Review, Batman: The Animated Series, Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, The Joker