I’m going to stop making excuses for blogging late. Hah. It is what it is, but I’ve not completely abandoned this blog yet so that’s a good sign, right?! I did give myself a resolution to blog at least once per month this year to hopefully keep myself more accountable. So here goes January!
I took photos for this blog post months ago. Half of the collection is still back in the Bay Area so I had to strategically plan when I’d take photos on a scheduled trip back. I took photos of the rest of the collection that's actually in Austin not too long after that, but I put off actually writing this blog because, well, you see how long it is. It took me months to finish this, slowly chipping away every few weeks.
Better late than never! I’m going to post the name of the movie/series, follow it up with photos, then provide a short and hopefully spoiler-free description and/or my thoughts (if I can remember anything since it’s been years since I’ve actually watched some of these). We’ll start with non-animated content since that collection is much smaller and it’s widely agreed that the DC Cinematic Universe is no where near as good as the DC Animated Universe. Everything listed is in Blu-Ray unless marked DVD.
1990s Batman Collection (DVD)
Batman (1989), Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, and Batman Returns are all on this single DVD. This was a lazy purchase meant to just complete the collection since these are essential Batman films. My Batman obsession started with the 1990s animated series and I just never bothered to invest in the movies or classic Batman TV series with Adam West that came before it. When I saw this on sale at Target, I figured it’d be a quick and easy way to get these included in my collection. I may eventually buy each individual movie if available, but that’s not currently a high priority on my list right now. I know these movies have their place in Batman history so judge me as you will!
The Dark Knight Trilogy
I’m lumping these all together since I have so many versions of these movies. Photos above include Batman Begins (DVD), The Dark Knight (limited edition 2-disc DVD, the one in a case shaped like Batman’s cowl), The Dark Knight (2-disc special edition DVD), and The Dark Knight Trilogy (Blu-Ray). I believe a lot of these were gifts thus the multiple versions.
I loved this trilogy as most fans do. Quick thoughts, The Dark Knight was my favorite of the 3, I underestimated Anne Hathaway as Catwoman but she surprised me, and Christopher Nolan is amazing. R.I.P. Heath Ledger.
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Unpopular opinion, but I'm a fan of Ben Affleck as Batman. I love that he's this big, broad, brooding Batman. This movie was imperfect to say the least, but I appreciate it for its entertainment factor. Also, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman was great, but she added nothing to this movie despite how popular she was with viewers. Just saying. I love her (been following her since her Fast and Furious days) and Henry Cavill though.
I'll likely purchase Justice League, but on to the animated content for now! Movies first and I will end with my favorite, the animated series.
Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero (DVD)
I know this is one of the first Batman animated movies and is typically pretty well received, but I’m going to admit that I need to re-watch it. I want to say that this movie touches on Mr. Freeze’s backstory with a specific emphasis on his cryogenically frozen wife, Nora. After reading the synopsis on the back of this case, I am recalling that the overall plot is a bit darker.
All the movies I forgot about are going to make me seem like such a bad Batman fan. Hah. I’ll say that I would recommend watching this one, though!
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (DVD)
This is probably one of my favorite Batman movies of all time. All Batman Beyond content is an amazing take on the future of the Batman legacy. This movie revolves around the Joker’s return from the dead. You need to watch it to find out how because IT'S. A. DOOZY. Hah.
Batman and Harley Quinn
This is my most recent purchase. The art is done by Bruce Timm who is credited with a lot of the Batman: The Animated Series style and the story is purposely a bit more campy. It’s not my favorite, but a fun watch. Basically Batman and Robin recruit Harley to help them take down her bestie, Poison Ivy.
This Blu-Ray is a special edition from Target that came with an adorable Harley Quinn figurine.
Batman v. Robin
I can't remember how long ago I watched this, but the story escapes me. It involves Batman's son Damian Wayne as Robin who I love and hate at the same time. I feel like anything revolving around Batman + his son are going to be about how they butt heads. Batman/DC fans, am I wrong, though?
Batman: Assault on Arkham
To put it succinctly, the far superior version of Suicide Squad. Also, I know Kevin Conroy plays Batman in this one so that's always a blessing.
Batman: Bad Blood
I can't remember how I felt about this one, but it features Batwoman, Nightwing, and Batwing if you're into those characters. If I don't recall it, I can't imagine it being worth rewatching, but I might just for the hell of it.
Batman: Gotham Knight (DVD)
This one is unique because it's made up of 6 shorter chapters all done in different styles! It's been a while since I've watched this, but I remember liking it. I definitely need to go back and watch this one to better appreciate all 6 parts.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (DVD)
This is an absolute classic, which I need to watch again soon, but hopefully on Blu-Ray. They just recently released it on Blu-Ray so that's on my list of Batman things to buy! This particular animated movie has a cult following and the Phantasm character is very popular.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 and 2 (DVDs)
This is based on Frank Miller's comic book of the same name. Hot take, I'm not a huge fan of Frank Miller's style, but appreciate what he's done in the industry and appreciate the place The Dark Knight Returns has in Batman history. Quick summary, Batman's old, but things are poppin' off more than ever in Gotham City so he wants to stay on the battlefield despite what his body is telling him. He gets some help in the form of a spunky female Robin.
Batman: The Killing Joke
The comic book is great, but the additional content they created and used as a sort of prequel just didn't fit. There's some controversial content that didn't bother me personally. I just don't think any of the prequel was really necessary. The actual portions taken from the comic book were pretty much verbatim, but in the end, you realize this comic book, which is SUPER short, just wasn't meant to be made into a movie.
Batman: Under the Red Hood (DVD)
FAVORITE BATMAN MOVIE OF ALL TIME! Must watch. There are so many intense and raw emotions. I love it so much. It revolves around what happens after the death of Batman's 2nd Robin, Jason Todd.
Batman: Year One (DVD)
This is based on a pretty popular comic book as most DC animated movies are nowadays I feel. The title really says it all: see how things go down in Gotham City during Bruce Wayne's first year on the streets as Batman. There’s plenty of Commissioner Gordon if you're a fan of that character.
Justice League vs. Teen Titans
There's a lot of Damian Wayne/Robin being his usually bratty, disrespectful self. Something takes over the Justice League, I believe, so it's up to the Teen Titans to take them down.
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (DVD)
This one's a trip. There's an alternate universe where there are evil versions of all the Justice League members and something happens that messes up both of their worlds so the JL have to figure how to fix things while also dealing with their evil counterparts.
Justice League: DOOM (DVD)
If you're a Batman fan, you know this is a Batman fan favorite because it revolves a lot around Batman (as I feel a lot of Justice League movies do, but I'm not complaining) and also truly highlights why he's our favorite superhero. Somebody is taking out the Justice League one by one and somehow the plans are linked to Batman. dun dUN DUN! The best part is at the end where Batman isn't even sorry. It's the best. Quintessential Batman. I haven't read it, but learned this is based off the comic book story arc called Justice League: Tower of Babel if you want to check that out too!
Justice League: Dark
I'm not a big fan of magic-based stories because I feel like anything goes making it a bit less interesting. However, the most memorable part for me was Batman spooking some death ghost things. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it. This movie stars Zatanna, Deadman, and John Constantine if you're into those characters.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (DVD)
There are multiple timelines/universes in comic books as we all know. In one particular timeline/universe, Bruce died in the initial incident and Thomas Wayne, his dad, ends up becoming a much more violent Batman. You have to watch it to see what happened to his mom, Martha Wayne. If you've seen it, don't spoil it for anyone! I thought it was a great story. If it involves timelines, you can bet the Flash is in it, too.
Son of Batman
Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul's daughter, drops off her son, Damian, with his pops, Batman. It's the first time Batman finds out about Damian and the movie is pretty much them learning how to get along and exist together. There are bad guys involved and other things happening, but I feel like I summed it up just fine in the first couple of sentences here.
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (DVD)
I think Supergirl gets captured and used for evil. I'm 99% sure Batman saves the day because he's such a good friend to Superman. 😂 All kidding aside, I believe Batman does play a crucial role in their success in the end.
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (DVD)
I read this tradeback before I saw the movie and I thought it was okay. Overall, if you love Batman and Superman's mutual respect for each other, this one's for you.
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract
Okay, I just have to say that everything I knew about Terra's character is from the animated universe. I have read nothing about her in comic books so this one surprised me for reasons you will find out when you watch this movie. One word: SCANDALOUS... to say the least. Okay, that was more than one word. Overall, this one's not bad. Anything with Blue Beetle is great and I already explained by love/hate relationship with Damian Wayne who’s also involved.
The Lego Batman Movie
The Lego Movie is better, but this is still hilarious. Will Arnett cracks me up as Batman so much, but Michael Cera as a flamboyant Robin was the real star for me. I could not stop laughing. I've heard some people talk about how it's not true to the character, but seriously, it's Batman made out of Legos. You really just have to take it for what it is and enjoy it! I know I did.
I am missing a few movies including Mystery of the Batwoman, but I don't think I anticipate purchasing that one. I have seen it, though, and thought it was okay. Let me know if you think I missed any and feel free to make any Batman-related animated movie recommendations because I am a DCAU fan for sure! Finally, on to the animated TV shows, my favorite!
Justice League (DVDs)
Highly recommended. Follow the adventures of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Hawkgirl, and Martian Manhunter. It's so fun to watch them banter especially Superman and Batman. The final 2 episodes, Starcrossed Parts 1 and 2, are so well done. There's an invasion, loyalties are questioned, the Justice League is getting torn apart. Drama. It's a great segue into the next series.
Justice League Unlimited (DVDs)
This is a continuation of Justice League with the addition of MORE SUPERHEROES. Whaaaaat? Even though they introduce more characters, I feel like the show still does a very good job of storytelling without getting too lost. Also, it's fun to see more superheroes interacting. The consensus is that Justice League is better, but this is still a great watch. I get really confused about how they break up the seasons because Wikipedia lists 3 seasons worth of episodes, but my box set comes with everything in 2 seasons. Regardless, there's an episode with an amazing reveal about how and why Terry McGinnis (Batman from Batman Beyond) truly became the new Batman and it ties it all back to Batman Beyond and Batman: The Animated Series. Batman fans already know, but if you don't know the truth, I highly encourage watching it to find out! It’s a super juicy scoop. Hah. Also, there's an episode where the Justice League get turned into kids and Batman as a grumpy kid is the best so that’s another reason to watch.
I do have to say that the only qualm I have with any of the Justice League animated series content is that they like to pair Batman and Wonder Woman and you all know Bat and Cat are my OTP so I cannot get down with any of that other mess.
Batman Beyond (DVDs)
There are a lot of Japanese/anime influences in the art I think because some of it was actually created in Japan, which gives it this amazing modern look and feel, perfect for the series. They do such a great job of introducing Terry McGinnis as the new Batman. I also thoroughly love all the villains in this series because they're new and different yet you also get realistic ties to the past as well.
Batman the Animated Series (DVDs)
I saved the best for last! THIS IS MY FAVORITE TV SHOW OF ALL TIME! When people ask me what my favorite TV show is, I always say this and only Batman fans get me. Everybody else will say something like Seinfeld, Friends, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, etc., but nothing will ever beat Batman: The Animated Series for me. It has a special place in my heart as the reason why I fell in love with Batman. There's a great mix of lighter, fun episodes and episodes that address much darker themes. I know I'm biased, but to help convince you that this show is amazing, you should know that it's won several Emmy awards!
Don't get confused if you see other titles such as The New Adventures of Batman and Robin, which was a title they used to attract a younger audience. It's pretty much the same show with more Robin appearances. The New Batman Adventures is another title you might see and is actually a continuation of the series (Season 4 according to my box sets). It's set a bit further into the future with a new, younger Robin (Tim Drake instead of Dick Grayson) to further attract younger audiences. There's a dramatic change in character design and Batman is also a bit more of a playboy. Otherwise, it's the same universe. I'm not as attached to the new character designs, but I still consider all of this Batman: The Animated Series since they all come together in my box set pictured above.
Fun fact, there are some Superman: The Animated Series crossovers in case you're familiar with that show. Second fun fact, my Season 1 case is signed by Bruce Timm! 😍 Third fun fact, this is coming out on Blu-Ray this year and I am SO excited to buy and rewatch it! 😍😍
Whew. Now that we're finally at the end, I wanted to say, in case you're wondering, I have seen and love Young Justice, but have not actually purchased it (yet?). I appreciate the show very much despite how short-lived it was. I blame myself and others like me for not watching it while it was actually live! I have not seen The Batman or Batman: The Brave and the Bold. I hear The Batman is not bad, but I cannot get over The Joker character design because he looks like a monkey. People tell me I should give it a chance, though? I also have not seen Gotham outside of the pilot episode because there's not enough Batman if I'm being completely honest. Hah.
I think that covers it. Let me know if I missed anything or if perhaps I've convinced you to watch any of the above. If you haven't seen any of the DC Comics animated stuff, please do yourself a favor and check it out. If we're friends in real life, come over and we'll watch something together. I'd be happy to share my geek life with you!
P.S. Completely unrelated, but we went to India last month for a wedding! It was such an amazing experience. Check out the Instagram for photos if you haven't seen them!
