SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE (2010, Blu-ray released September 28, 2010 – MSRP $29.99)
This latest release from Warner Bros. Animation has the World’s Finest heroes facing a danger that hits close to home in a film that nicely illustrates the dichotomous teaming of Superman and Batman. The crime crunching curmudgeon and the big, blue Boy Scout work together once again in Superman/Batman: Apocalypse.
The production values appear higher; the animation smoother and cleaner. As a follow up to Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, the DC Animation studios and Warner Bros. have adapted another story from the Superman/Batman comic series to create a new animated adventure that tells a story about relationships and trust. Batman is suspicious of a teen girl he finds while cleaning Kryptonite out of Gotham Bay. Superman believes that there is no reason to doubt her. In fact, he is all too ready to welcome her. Batman believes him to be too accepting. Could she be who she claims to be, or is this an elaborate trap set to ensnare the last son of Krypton?
Without giving anything away, the story includes a visit to heavenly Themyscira, home of the Amazons and Wonder Woman, as well as a trip to the hellish planet Apokolips, home of the rock-faced, villainous despot, Darkseid. Both places are filled with warriors fighting for very different ideals—and fight they do. We are treated to epic battle scenes with wonderfully animated action sequences.
You can’t talk about an animated film featuring iconic characters without discussing character design. Based on the original art of (the late) Michael Turner, animators portray the signature characters as longer, leaner and meaner. The style is well-suited to the story. Also excellently matched is the voice talent. Voice director Andrea Romano has returned to her oft-cast, reliable stable of superhero actors to portray the iconic roles in the piece, as they have many times in the past – Kevin Conroy (Batman), Tim Daly (Superman) and Susan Eisenberg (Wonder Woman) are joined this time around by Summer Glau as the mysterious female lead and Andre Braugher, who delivers a slightly less gruff than some may be accustomed to, but no less menacing, Darkseid.
The transfer is excellent. It’s in 1080p and it is the best looking animated release from DC so far. There was none of the digital noise that has appeared on a couple of the older releases. The dts-HD MA 5.1 surround sound and the soundtrack are great—even with modest budgets, these DC releases still pack some punch in the sound department.
As is the norm with DC’s Blu releases, there are a bunch of extras. Included are episodes of Superman: The Animated Series that feature Darkseid, featurettes delivering background on Darkseid and the histories of other characters from the New Gods pantheon, as well as a piece on the journey of another beloved DC character…but I won’t ruin the surprise.
Along with trailers for other Warner Bros. releases, there is a “Sneak Peek” at the anticipated next release from the DC Animation studios: All-Star Superman. It’s due out Spring 2011 and, even as a Bat-fan, I am looking forward to it.
The featured short included on the Blu-ray disc is Green Arrow and it’s a bulls-eye. This 11-minute animated piece delivers a fast-paced action story that still gives us a good sense of the characters involved. It’s a lot of fun to watch. In my opinion, DC and Warner should consider using their second-tier superhero characters in exactly this fashion in their live action franchises. Who’s to say you can’t release a 95-minute live-action Green Lantern movie with a half-hour Green Arrow short? –Something to think about….
If I had to say anything “negative” about the Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (Combo pack) release, it would be to criticize the lack of the insightful commentary tracks of discs past and the lack of standardization in formatting of their trailers and features (standard-def, high-def, anamorhic, non-anamorphic – c’mon guys, pick one and go with it!) But, that is nowhere near a deterrent. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse is a worthwhile purchase. I would even call it a must-have if you’ve already enjoyed the other titles from this studio. It tells a really good story with depth, in an extremely entertaining way, that is true to characters that have existed for several decades.
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