Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Blu-ray Review
Warner Archive Collection
Score: 61
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm remains a compelling, well-written film with solid video and audio on Blu-ray, but the release is sparse on extras.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 72
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’s 1080p Blu-ray presentation, available in both theatrical 16x9 and television 4x3 aspect ratios, boasts solid clarity, defined colors, and excellent black levels, despite occasional noise and softness in specific scenes. This transfer significantly surpasses the DVD in fidelity and color accuracy.
Audio: 64
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm's 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track, while lacking in immersive surround sound, delivers clear dialogue, robust musical width, and satisfactory action clarity across the front stage. A 5.1 mix could have enhanced the experience, but the stereo track remains impressive for its limitations.
Extra: 26
The Blu-ray of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm disappointingly includes only a rough trailer (1080p, 1.78:1, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 1:05) as a bonus, leaving fans craving more supplemental content like commentaries found on the Batman: The Animated Series DVDs.
Movie: 83
Mask of the Phantasm masterfully intertwines Batman's brooding origin story with his most poignant romance, showcasing Kevin Conroy's iconic voice, a riveting non-linear narrative, and superb noir aesthetics, albeit suffering from pacing issues in flashback sequences. Blu-ray release boasts crisp visuals but limited packaging.
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Video: 72
Warner Bros' 1080p Blu-ray release of "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" offers the animated classic in both its Theatrical 1.78:1 and Television 4x3 aspect ratios. The 1.78:1 framing provides a dramatic presentation suited for theatrical viewing, while the 4x3 version reveals more of the original animated frame, showcasing a broader range of details. This dual-option presentation ensures that the viewer experiences the film in both its intended theatrical polish and its as-animate richness, despite inherent transfer issues. These include occasional softness and speckling, particularly noticeable during the opening credits where new noise is introduced.
A standout feature of this Blu-ray release is its handling of colors and black levels. The film’s darker scenes are rendered with remarkable crispness, especially the variations of black, gray, and blue that dominate Gotham's nighttime palette. More colorful sequences, such as those featuring Joker's distinctive garb, display prominent hues that retain their vibrancy without overwhelming the picture. Despite the film’s age, environmental and character definitions remain sturdy, sustaining clarity whether in motion or against static backdrops.
Overall, while "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" on Blu-ray isn’t devoid of flaws – notably some processed-looking shots and aged animation artifacts – the transition to high definition brings an appreciable improvement in image fidelity and color accuracy over previous DVD releases. The finer grain in the visuals alongside robust black depths elevate this release strongly above its predecessor, cementing its place as a definitive way to view this iconic animated feature. Whether you choose the widescreen theatrical format or the open-matte 4x3 version, viewers are treated to a presentation that honors the original animation's integrity and stylistic intentions.
Audio: 64
The audio presentation of "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" on Blu-ray features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track that, despite its limitations, offers a respectable and immersive auditory experience. While purists might lament the absence of a more enveloping 5.1 mix, the stereo track demonstrates notable strengths. The musical score, composed by Shirley Walker, delivers impressive width and depth, effectively stretching across the front soundstage and providing a robust auditory backdrop. Action elements such as crashes, slams, and screams are rendered with a level of clarity and separation that frequently makes the listener almost forget the two-channel limitation. Especially remarkable is how lighter ambient noises, like festive sounds from gatherings at Wayne Manor or the more somber tones during the cemetery scene, maintain their presence without overwhelming the central dialogue.
Dialogue clarity is another highlight of the track. Characters' voices are consistently centered and well-prioritized, ensuring they are never lost amid background effects or musical scores. This is particularly beneficial during key exchanges where precision and clarity are crucial for narrative development. In action-heavy sequences, such as Batman’s evasion from the police, the integration of background noises with the score is seamless, enriching the tension and atmosphere without sacrificing audio integrity. The modest inclusion of stereo effects, with occasional pans from left to right, further enhances the dynamic feel of specific scenes.
Optional English subtitles (SDH) are included, adding flexibility for different viewing needs. While an original theatrical trailer is available as an extra feature, the primary focus remains on the audio experience which, though rooted in a stereo mix, offers a high-quality presentation that stands well on its own merits.
Extras: 26
The Blu-ray release of "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" is unfortunately sparse in terms of supplemental content. The sole inclusion is the film's trailer, presented in 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 sound. This minimal offering is quite disappointing for enthusiasts of this critically acclaimed animated movie. The lack of additional features such as commentaries, featurettes, or even a fan track, which were enriching elements on the "Batman: The Animated Series" DVDs, is notably missed. A more comprehensive suite of extras would have added significant value to this release.
Extras included in this disc:
Trailer: The only extra included is the film's trailer, which provides a nostalgic glimpse into the original marketing efforts.
Movie: 83
"Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" remains a definitive exploration of Batman's duality, blending poignant storytelling with dynamic animation. Voiced by Kevin Conroy and supported by Mark Hamill's iconic Joker, the film delves deeply into Bruce Wayne's character, exposing his vulnerability, romance, and the heartbreak that ultimately molds him into the Caped Crusader. Opting for a non-linear narrative, the film navigates Bruce’s enigmatic relationship with Andrea Beaumont and his initial forays into crime-fighting. It’s through his deeply personal struggles, rather than mere physical confrontations, that "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" effectively humanizes a broader-than-life superhero.
Technically, the film preserves its timeless quality through sublime noir aesthetics and a hybrid 40's/90's setting. This, combined with its dramatic overture and immersive musical score, sets a gripping tone right from the start. The art direction stands out with a visually striking Gotham that parallels the grandeur of NYC married with Coruscant-like towering structures. Each action sequence is intricately designed, with Wayne grappling to intimidate Gotham's criminals initially donning just dark clothes and a ski mask before evolving into the infamous Batman persona. The emotionally charged scenes, notably where rain poignantly merges with tears, add a profound depth to Batman’s journey.
While the film’s pacing occasionally falters due to its flashback-heavy structure and somewhat predictable conclusion, it's compensated by strong dramatic elements and clever dialogue. At 76 minutes, the movie maintains focus without overindulging in the extensive Batman lexicon, allowing core characters like Alfred and Gordon to support without overshadowing. As a standalone feature distinct from the animated series, "Mask of the Phantasm" excels uniquely in blending mystery with emotional gravitas, ensuring its place as a hallmark in Batman’s cinematic legacy. The Blu-ray rendition brings newfound clarity to this vintage classic, though the overall package leaves room for improvement regarding supplementary features.
Total: 61
"Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" stands out as an exemplary piece in the Batman canon, presenting a beautifully intertwined tale of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The animation, writing, and voice performances are top-tier, embodying the essence of Bruce Wayne's transformation into the Dark Knight. Though its narrative bears slight resemblances to "Batman: Year Two," it ultimately forges its unique path, solidifying its place as one of the finest Batman films. Fans will appreciate the mature and compelling storyline that provides deeper insights into the character's psyche and motivations.
Warner Archive's Blu-ray release is both a delight and a slight disappointment. The video and audio presentations are commendable, allowing the animated film to shine with clarity and depth. However, the lack of substantial bonus content leaves much to be desired, especially for avid collectors and longtime fans. While this release does not fully satisfy the high expectations for supplementary material, it nevertheless fulfills a long-standing demand for high-definition availability of this classic film.
In conclusion, "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" explores how the dimming light of love played a significant role in the rise of the Dark Knight. The film tells a substantial, often moving story of love and loss and the intersections of the heart and the harsh realities of the world. It's a compelling film—extraordinarily well written, animated, and performed—and is a must-see for Batman and comic fans. Warner Archive's Blu-ray is disappointingly free of any meaningful extra content, but video and audio presentations are generally very good. Highly recommended, but newcomers should skip this standalone release and be sure to acquire it as part of that fantastic animated series set linked in the opening paragraph above.
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 80
Beyond the open, select shots appear a little soft and a little overly processed, but for the most part the presentation is quite good and very pleasing to the eye....
Audio: 80
The same goes for action; crashes, slams, punches, screams, moans, all variety of action related sound elements find an agreeable level of room-extending breadth across there front end, to the point that,...
Extras: 10
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm contains only one extra, the film's trailer (1080p, 1.78:1, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 1:05)....
Movie: 90
But as Wayne dons a mask and sets out fighting crime -- well before the time he would create the Batman persona -- he begins to realize that he cannot follow the desires of his heart and exercise the dangerous...
Total: 70
The film tells a substantial, often moving, story of love and loss and the intersections of the heart and the hateful realities of the world....
The Digital Bits review by Tim SalmonsRead review here
Video: 90
Audio: 85
A 5.1 soundtrack probably would have benefited the presentation, including sweetening the sound effects a bit, but this stereo track is excellent for what it is....
Extras: 50
Movie: 90
On the hunt from the cops, as well as trying to discover the Joker’s role in all of it, Batman must find a way to solve the riddle of Phantasm while at the same time reconciling a relationship tied to...
Total: 79
Warner Archive’s release of it probably won’t satisfy all fans, but for those of us who have wanted some of these titles in high definition for quite a while, it’s nice to finally have at least one of...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
What is worse is that there are several quick shots where character outlines and features are extremely soft, but in contrast, the natural noisy detail of the backgrounds, and even static shots of Batman...
Audio: 60
The score is wonderful, and the character voices are mostly clear, but that is helped by the quiet nature of most scenes....
Extras: 0
Having enjoyed many of the commentaries on the Batman: The Animated Series DVDs, I can't help but wish that Mask of the Phantasm had something, even a fan track....
Movie: 80
Jumping right in with the dramatic credit sequence is very much like an overture, but the ensuing scene, which features mobsters, counterfeit money, and both title characters, does just as well at setting...
Total: 80
Many years have passed since the serious Batman: Mask of the Phantasm brought the The Animated Series to the big screen, but there is more here on the Blu-ray to enjoy than a trip down memory lane....
Director: Kevin Altieri, Boyd Kirkland, Frank Paur
Actors: Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany, Hart Bochner
PlotA mysterious figure dubbed the Phantasm is targeting and systematically eliminating prominent mob bosses in Gotham City, leaving a trail of terror and confusion. Public sentiment turns against the Dark Knight, as the eerie similarity in appearance between the Phantasm and Batman leads many to erroneously believe that Batman has taken a lethal turn in his crusade against crime. As the police, led by Commissioner Gordon, resist the push to pursue Batman, the city's councilmen and the nefarious crime lord, Salvatore Valestra, seek to protect themselves and capture the real perpetrator.
Amid this turmoil, Bruce Wayne's past reemerges when his former lover, Andrea Beaumont, returns to Gotham City, reigniting their dormant romance and throwing Bruce's commitment to his alter ego into question. As Bruce grapples with the resurgence of old feelings and the possibility of a life beyond the cowl, he undertakes his own investigation into the Phantasm's identity and motives. The Batman must maneuver through a web of intrigue, revenge, and betrayal, all while staying one step ahead of the police, the mob, and the mysterious Phantasm, whose origins and connections to Bruce's past prove to be deeply intertwined.
Writers: Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Martin Pasko
Release Date: 25 Dec 1993
Runtime: 76 min
Rating: PG
Country: United States
Language: English, Spanish, Italian