Customer Reviews

Batman - Mystery of the Batwoman [VHS]

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

"Batman: The Mystery of the Batwoman" is the first new straight-to-DVD Batman animated project since "Batman Beyond: The Return of the Joker." It was worth the wait. Even if it doesn't match the manic, violent heights of "The Return of the Joker," it's a welcome, more lightweight adventure that's full of action and drama and also a very enjoyable mystery. There's a slew of villains: The Penguin, Bane, and gangser Rupert Thorne. And there's the fascinating new character of Batwoman herself, with her unique abilities and unusual arsenal of gadgets. It's also quite a sexy, steamy Batman story (but don't worry, parents, not THAT steamy), with a strong romantic subplot that gives Bruce Wayne plenty to do when he's not hunting through the night as Batman. Like all of the animated D.C. Comics projects to come out of Warner Bros. since the early 90s, it's enjoyable, smart entertainment for both children and adults. If it doesn't quite attain the level of some of the previous Batman animated adventures, it nonetheless delivers a fun, exciting time in Gotham city.

Directed by Kurt Geda (who also directed "Return of the Joker") and Tim Maltby, and written by frequent writers of the various D.C. TV shows, Michael Reaves and Alan Burnett, the movie takes us back to the days of "The New Batman Adventures" (which means the look and style of the movie matches the more stylized look of the last few seasons of the show). Batman and Robin (the younger Tim Drake version of Robin) are still together fighting crime, but Batgirl has left Gotham City to go to college (no mention is made of Nightwing, the former Robin). But a new vigilante has suddenly appeared in Gotham: Batwoman (voice of Kyra Sedgewick), who wields bizarre technology and seems to have a grudge against the Penguin and Rupert Thorne's weapons-dealing operation. Batman sets out to find out the truth behind Batwoman and also stop the Penguin, Thorne, and their cronies.

There are plenty of suspects who could be beneath Batwoman's mask: scientist Roxanne "Roxy" Ballantine (voice of Kelly Ripa), mobster Carlton Duquesne's beautiful daughter Kathy (voice of Kimberly Brooks, although the character is clearly modeled on Halle Berry), and police detective Sonia Alcana (voice of Elisa Pensler-Gabrielli). Each one, Batman discovers, has a reason for revenge against the Penguin or Rupert Thorne. Things become more complicated when Bruce Wayne becomes romantically involved with Kathy Duquesne.

The animation is, as usual, fantastic. It's limited by budget, but nonetheless is far ahead of most of what appears on television, and the animators use the minimalist, art-deco look to great advantage. The set-pieces are stunning: Penguin's icy-night club, the truck chase action opening, Batwoman's hyper-kinetic fight with Penguin's female goons, the cruise boat slam-bang finale, and a beautiful sunset romance scene. It's sequences like these that make me wish Warner Bros. would give the animated Batman another shot at the movie theaters. (Only "Mask of the Phantasm" has shown up on movie screens.) The voice work is impeccable: Kevin Conroy is always a terrific Batman, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. is still the perfect Alfred, and Hector Elizondo has fun with villain Bane. All the various female actresses mentioned above do great jobs with their characters. The only disconcerting casting choice is David Ogden-Stiers (a frequent voice-over artist) as the Penguin. He gives a good performance, but it's hard to better Paul Williams in the role, who had played the character throughout the TV series. The jazz-oriented score is also a nice change and adds to the steamier and mysterious aspects of the story.

The DVD contains a number of extras, but the best is a short animated film called "Chase Me." It is done completely in pantomime -- no dialogue -- as Batman chases Catwoman across Gotham City after she robs a jewelry safe at a ritzy party. It's a stunning piece of animation, and if it had been released in theaters would probably have easily snatched up the Oscar for Best Animated Short. It's one of the best explorations of the strange Batman-Catwoman-Bruce Wayne-Selina Kyle relationship, and the jazz score is hypnotic. It's a great bonus feature to have along with this extremely enjoyable Batman film. Buy this DVD! It will encourage more animated Batman features in the future, and maybe, just maybe, get one of them released to the theaters!

First of all, I think it's unfair to compare this animated movie to the works of Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. They are long gone on other series and this was an attempt to take a new turn of the head in the series. And it succeeds. Certainly, don't want to discourage WB from making more of these movies because I love them a lot.

From a story point of view the plot is obvious. Who is Batwoman? The answer will astound you. I can't say I saw it coming or thought it was the most original thing to do but it was executed perfectly nonetheless. I'm not sure if I'm too fond of the new animation style however, it seems to lack detail where detail is called for and there is an abscence of shadows which gives Batman its dark feel - but as I said they're trying to take a new direction.

Probably the thing I hate the MOST has to do nothing with the movie but with the franchise itself. You'd think that they'd actually have Batwoman stay once the mystery is solved but instead she is gone like all the other new characters - in short, nothings changed AT ALL and it slowly degrades itself because of its reptitiveness. They should introduce some permanent change that encourages fans to stay interested in the series.

So why 5 stars? Well, the special features were great but watch them last or there won't be any mystery. Also I do like the fact that they are trying to show a lighter side of Bruce and the simple fact that they did make another moive. The script is good, the acting even better. To me it was certainly better than Sub Zero for here the viewer is actually drawn into a mystery rather than an adventure.

Bottom line, its a worthy buy. I recommend anyone to buy it or at least see it for its entertainment value. And a note to WB executives if they happen to read this: make the next movie longer than 75 min.

The original animated Dark Knight returns in this ace adventure movie that rivals Mask of Phantasm in its coolness. There's a lot of style and intelligence in Mystery of the Batwoman, so much more than Batman Forever or Batman and Robin.

There's a new crime-fighter on the streets of Gotham. She dresses like a bat but she's not a grown-up Batgirl. And Batman is denying any affiliation with her. Meanwhile Bruce Wayne has to deal with the usual romances and detective work. But the Penguin, Bain and the local Mob makes things little more complicated.

I didn't have high hopes for this 'un since being strongly let down but the weak Batman: Sub Zero (Robin isn't featured so much here!)but I was delighted with the imaginative and exciting set pieces, the clever plot and a cheeky sense of humor. This is definitely a movie no fan of Batman should be without. Keep your ears open for a really catchy song called 'Betcha Neva' which is featured prominently through-out.

It's a shame the DVD isn't so great. Don't get me wrong there are some great features (the short 'Chase Me' is awesome) and a very cool Dolby 5.1 soundtrack but... the movie is presented in Pan and Scan. Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman was drawn and shot in 1.85:1 but this DVD is presented in 1.33:1 an in comparison to the widescreen clips shown on the features there IS picture cut off on both sides. I find this extremely annoying considering Mask of Phantasm was presented in anamorphic widescreen. Warner have had to re-release literally dozens of movies on DVD because people have complained about the lack of Original Aspect Ratio available on some titles. Why they chose to make that same mistake here again is beyond me.

I would give this DVD 5/5 but the lack of OAR brings the overall score down to 4/5. It's a shame because widescreen would have completed a great DVD package.

Mystery of the Batwoman is a decidedly average Batman story. It doesn't come close to the writing triumphs of some of the Batman TAS episodes or even the preceding feature-length ones. The jazzy, laid-back music is completely inappropriate and takes a good deal away from many scenes. The art is clean, crisp, and fluid, but not anything like Sub-Zero's top-of-the-line pre-TNBA art (which honestly is the best Batman has ever looked). Of course, the greatest strength (and saving grace) of the film is the awesome voice acting. Kevin Conroy is still a completely believable Batman, and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.'s Alfred is as witty as ever.

This film strays from the dark, moody feel of the Batman cartoon, which is a BAD thing, but it does make up for it a bit with a good deal of humor. There is a "Batman breaking-and-entering to investigate" scene that is absolutely hilarious if you understand it.

Finally, I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say that there is a villain in the movie that we all love and is worth watching the film for. I won't say who it is.

I found "Mystery of the Batwoman" was just that a mystery and an excellent one at that. Having been a long time fan of the animated series, I found this movie a must have for any collector of the series. Like the series, itself, the movie is well-done, having a steller script and a plot that had me guessing to almost the end. The most refreshing aspect of the show as well as the movie is that the writers are also fans to the comics, so they take great care when write as to be faithful to traditional contitnuity and character while creating a universe for the series that is contemporary.

True Batman TAS fans will immediately recognize a lot of boo-boos with this one. The voice director was obviously new to TAS, most evident in Bruce Wayne sharing Batman's voice (as opposed to Kevin Conroy using a deeper voice for Batman, and a more laidback voice for Bruce). Penguin, while voiced by a good actor (notably J'onn J'onzz among other voices), it's not the penguin we know and love. The animation is more in style with Beyond than TAS (likely painted on white paper instead of black, thus it doesn't have the dark feel of the original). The animation is at the same time softer and more choppy. Its also set in a much more modern environ, without the nostalgic styling of TAS.

Even ignoring all the stylistic differences, the movie definitely isn't on par with what we're used to seeing. Every 25 minute episode of the original series feels like a two hour movie. The scope of each individual episode is so epic, its easy to get lost in it all. Mask of the Phantasm was the same way- I couldn't believe I'd only been sitting there for an hour. Mystery of the Batwoman feels like every other cartoon movie.

All that being said, it's still an animated Batman movie, and it's definitely worth the watch. The fight scenes are good and several of the characters are more true to their personality than one might expect (all except Batman/Bruce, who seems out of character all too often). Several of the sets seem a little too "breakable." The comedy shots definetly do their job. I'm just not sure whether or not I'll be adding it to my collection.

WARNING!!! Do not look at the character bios before viewing this movie -- or else you will know who the batwoman is!I was very eager to watch this movie and I enjoyed every bat-minute of it. The theme music is great along with the vocal spot give by Cherie. This movie has taken some of the dark edge off of Batman -- but he can still kick butt. If you are a parent and concerned about the content -- there is no blood and no one dies, but there are fight scenes but Batman wins and he is a good guy! So let the kids watch and you will probably enjoy it yourself.

Mask of the Phantasm rules as full-length Batman features go. However, this one isn't so bad on it's own.

I've always prefered the older original designs myself, but the trimmed down sleeker versions aren't ugly. The animation shows it's overseas production roots a bit as characters make Japanese gestures or verge a little too much into the anime style. One such moment being when Kathy Duquesne pulls slightly on her lower eye-lid -a uniquely Japanese teasing gesture. But Mask of the Phantasm had it's awkward moments in animation as well.

While the "Mystery" isn't particularily difficult to figure out, it's still entertaining, especially with the always excellent voice acting.

The score isn't quite Shirley Walkeresque. But it does have its interesting jazzy sound. More of a feminine touch contrasted to the brassy batman theme.

The dialogueless short "Chase Me" included in the extras is an artist experiement that is pulled off nicely. Batman has always been about mood and ambiance anyway. You can really never go wrong with something thought up by Paul Dini.

This is an overall lighter Batman story that may go over better with the kids it will be inevitably bought for than Phantasm.

After four successful seasons on TV with "Batman: The Animated Series", and 3 feature film outings "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm", "Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub Zero", followed by 1997's collaborative film "The Batman Superman Movie", the time is right for Batman to return once more. Six years after the last film, the creators of the original series have reunited once again for another feature film featuring the Dark Knight Detective.

"Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman" begins with the Penguin and mob boss Rupert Thorne joining together to sell illegal weapons. As their plan begins to come together a familiar dark figure interferes; however, this time it's not the Batman attempting to thwart the criminals. No, there's a new hero in Gotham City who goes by the name Batwoman. She has high-tech gadgets and is a formidable fighter, enough to rival Batman himself. Except Batman doesn't know who this mysterious hero is, or whether she is indeed a hero at all. Now, the Dark Knight is determined to find out who Batwoman is, and how to stop Penguin and Rupert Thorne from selling the weapons.

After the six year absence it was nice seeing Batman in an animated movie yet again. The quality of the craftsmanship from series creators Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, and Paul Dini remains top-notch. The animation style is much more simplistic and angular, much like the final season of "Batman: The Animated Series" and "Justice League", but still flows just as smoothly as the original style from the first 3 seasons. The voice acting is still some of the best in animated TV and features, such as Kevin Conroy, Kelly Ripa, Hector Elizondo, and Kyra Sedgwick.

One thing is for certain, "Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman" is definitely a terrific addition to the previous `Batman' animated films that have been released to DVD, and the four seasons that have finally all been released.

"Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman" is rated PG for violence.

Never a big comic reader, however big-timr TV junkie who's favorite half-hours were animated series of Batman. Always looking for latest DVD movie installments and ran into this at video store. What an awesome suprise...to me Batman is one of the baddest stories ever told. Personally I buy em all...good or bad...just so they keep re-writing and makin em.

This DVD is great start to finish, opening credits have the Bat swinging around Gotham to an ultra-cool Jazz-interpretation of Bat theme.... the attention to detail seems far greater than any-other of the films. The story and dialogue is more refined & witty for older fans. The characters and setting is much more believable and dynamic than other flicks...best interpretation of Penquin ever and BANE is just off the charts. The scenery & direction suck you in... much more stylish and subtle. Soundtrack is awesome...dark and jazzy. Everything about it is just less SuperHeroeish.