Filmation Batman DVD set

 

I have talked about this version of the Bat before, but not since the entire run was released on DVD (and now, Blu Ray).  The DVD was released a few years ago, and the Blu Ray set late last year.  Both are identical, i.e. just the episodes and no extras.  The 17 cartoons are complete, and I sort of knew they had a two-parter and then a second shorter cartoon in each episode.  The credits are all there, which is nice as well.  It is always fun to hear those very familiar cartoon voices of Batman and Robin, Olan Soule and Casey Kasem, again.  The villain voices are good, but the actors try to hard to sound like the live action versions, and that comes across as a bit forced.  Jane Webb plays both Catwoman and Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, and does much better with Batgirl.

The show appeared after the Batman TV series was headed off the air, but the mannerisms are the same.  The two-part episodes are set up like cliffhangers, and it is nice to see longer stories.  I had forgotten how enamored Filmation was of flashing backgrounds for these cartoons.  They ALL do it.  It is rather annoying.

Still, if they could just clear the rights to Superboy and get those released, I would be happy.