The 4K Release of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
The Dark Knight and The Batman are the two Batman films that come to mind first for most audiences when asked to name the best Batman films. If, on the other hand, you are a fan of Batman: The Animated Series, then you should know that Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the best film featuring the legendary DC hero. In 2023, the animated picture that became a cult favorite in 1993 and was set in the BTAS world would be celebrating its 30th Anniversary. This coming fall, Warner Brothers will be releasing the film for the first time on 4K Blu-ray to commemorate the momentous milestone. The artwork and additional features have now been made public for the much anticipated physical edition.
Dawn of the Disc shared this information on their Instagram account, where they verified that the 4K release of Mask of the Phantasm would not contain the movie’s classic poster design but gorgeous new artwork. The new piece of artwork is in the style of a painting. It depicts Kevin Conroy’s Batman rushing across a rooftop in Gotham City, with Mark Hamill’s Joker, Andrea Beaumont, and the enigmatic Phantasm behind him. The dark reds and blues of the Gotham skyline are the right way to set the stage for the film’s heartbreaking love story. The Gotham skyline gives a lovely flare of color to the piece. This artwork breathes new life into a classic that more people need to see. While the iconic poster of Batman flying against a cloudy sky in the shape of a bat will always be the picture associated with this film, this artwork breathes new life into a classic.
The Charm that Lies Beneath the Phantasm’s Mask
Even though there have been hundreds of movies depicting Batman over the past three decades, including both live-action and animated versions, very few Batman tales have come close to matching the depth of feeling conveyed in Mask of the Phantasm. Based on a highly praised show, the movie is a gothic love letter to the character that pushes the boundaries of what can be done in animation that is intended more for children. The story of how Batman came to be is presented in Phantasm but in a fresh and nuanced way. The plot of the more mature story is around Batman being accused of murder as the woman he once loved but lost, Andrea Beaumont, reappears in his life. The story is told in flashbacks. This heartbreaking love story serves as the gut-wrenching hook to this bleak fairytale, and the plot surprise finale is as potent as it was when it was first introduced in 1993. Phantasm isn’t simply one of the best superhero movies or animated movies of all time because of its amazing animation, thrilling musical score, and brilliant voice cast. It is on par with some of the very best cinematic experiences that have ever been created.
“I Am Batman!”
That is primarily due to Conroy’s brilliant portrayal as The Dark Knight, who is the focal point of this release’s one and only bonus feature, “Kevin Conroy: I Am the Night.” Late in the previous year, Conroy lost his courageous fight against cancer and went away. Still, he will be remembered as the greatest Batman in the annals of comic book lore. In 1992, he made his debut on Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS), where he would go on to voice the character for four seasons. After that, he would continue to voice the character for the next three decades, appearing in animated series such as Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, Justice League, and Justice League Action. In addition to providing the voice of Batman for video games and movies, such as the Batman: Arkham trilogy and Injustice, Conroy also provided the voice for Batman in films such as Justice League: Doom, The Killing Joke, and Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman. As a result, it is satisfying to see that he has been given his special feature in this 4K release. Especially considering that the actor’s portrayal of Batman in Phantasm is often considered his best work.
When Will The 4K Version of Mask of Phantasm be Available?
On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm will be available on 4K Blu-ray, and purchasers will receive a digital code. In the meantime, you can look below at the newly released artwork in 4K resolution and the film’s first teaser. Streaming of Mask of the Phantasm is happening right now on Max.
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