Cartoon Network - DVD

Batman - The Animated Series, Volume One (DC Comics Classic Collection)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 154 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Beginnings of a Legend 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I grew up watching Batman: The Animated Series on TV. I would tape every episode, I had all of the action figures, and if there was a new episode on you better not even try to talk to me until it was over. Little did I know the show I enjoyed so much as a kid was being enjoyed by people of all ages, and would go on to be recognized as one of the definitive screen versions of the character. And rewatching these episodes as an adult, I couldn't agree more.

First off, you cannot really talk about this version of Batman without mentioning the art style. The characters are very stylized (just look at Batman's impossibly square jaw), and the world they inhabit is straight out of the art deco designs of yesteryear. Yet the art direction is so consistant, and the portrayal of these characters so smart and well executed, you cannot help but instantly believe in it. There is also some really impressive animation to be seen on this set, especially given the typically limited television budget. However, there is also some really poor animation on display, depending on which overseas studio was handling a given episode. The quality wouldn't iron itself out until later in the show's run, and unfortunately some of these early episodes are hard to watch because the animation is so distracting.

Another aspect of this show that was ahead of its time is the writing. Here is a show that was designed from the ground up to air on Saturday mornings, with a target audience of children. Yet the writers insisted on writing mature, thoughtful stories that were often adult in their emotional complexity, rightly assuming that kids would be able to follow the narrative even if they couldn't grasp all the nuances. It was this decision that allows people of all ages to watch and enjoy this show, and is the primary reason the show remains popular to this day. Like any good piece of family entertainment, the writers made something they wanted to watch and just remembered to keep the violence and adult content in check.

However, like the animation, the quality of writing fluxates across this volume. The mature characterizations and adult problems seen in episodes like "Two-Face" and "Feat of Clay" have to share disc space with truly poor episodes like "The Last Laugh" and "I've Got Batman in My Basement." Luckily, the good outweighs the bad, but a few episodes of dubious quality keep this set from getting 5 stars.

Sound wise, the show is also excellent. The voice cast is uniformly great, led by Kevin Conroy's definitive take on Batman. He handles the character's dual personalities with ease, and both halves of the whole are convincing. The recurring characters all have distinctive voices (you could close your eyes and have no trouble knowing who's speaking), and even better they act their roles with depth and maturity, rather than the over the top portrayals Saturday morning cartoons are prey to. This keeps the drama believable, and the actors are helped out by an outstanding musical score by Shirley Walker. Using Danny Elfman's work on the Tim Burton films as a starting point, Walker creates a grand orchestral score able to convey pulse pounding excitement or heartache as needed. She also creates distinct and memorable themes for each of the main villains, and her work is just a treat to listen to.

Finally, you can't really talk about this set without at least mentioning the Emmy-winning and fan favorite episode "Heart of Ice." The episode reinvents the previously comical, gimmick based character of Mr. Freeze as a tragic figure, a reimagining so successful that this version of his origin has been incorporated into the comics. I have to say, although I enjoy the episode immensely, it's almost a victim of its own popularity, as it isn't the end-all-be-all some people would make it out to be. But it is definitely the highlight of this set, and easily one of the series' top 5 episodes.

Anyone hankering for more of the Dark Knight's adventures after the most recent film would do well to check this set out. It provides an adult and thoroughly entertaining take on the character without some of the extreme darkness found in the more recent movies. Parents can watch this with their children and both parties will be enchanted. Definitely recommended.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 05/24/2005 Run time: 625 minutes Rating: Nr

Ben 10: Alien Force: Season One, Vol. 1

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

This show is great, but why no full season set?! 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Don't get me wrong, I love this show. Ben10: Alien Force is one of the best new cartoons out there, Ben 10: Alien Force picks up where the original Ben 10 series left off. Ben 10: Alien Force chronicles Ben Tennysons life as a high school student and his new adventures as he once again dons the Omnitrix to battle evil aliens once again.

Thank goodness he matured, Ben and Gwen's constant arguments drove me crazy in the first series, so it's a relief that they don't argue much anymore. Kevin Levin, Ben's former arch nemesis joins them for his own reasons and thus, the adventures begins.

The show's really great. But I'd rather buy the full season and not volumes with only a few episodes. That's the only reason I gave the DVD review four stars is that this series deserves a full season DVD set.

*Edit*

I have heard that Vol. 2 will be available in 2009, while it doesn't make me happy that they've split the season into 2 volumes, it is nice to know that it will come out soon. I would still prefer a two-disc set with all the episodes in one place.

Editorial Review:

Its been 5 years since Ben last wore the Omnitrix. But when Grandpa Max goes missing, Ben must go hero once again. Now its up to Ben, Gwen and Kevin to find new half-alien allies and stop a secret Highbreed invasion. Contains the first five episodes of season one.

Batman - The Animated Series, Volume Three (DC Comics Classic Collection)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 52 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Gotham City crime czars Scarface and Rupert Thorne battle evil masterminds like the Joker and the Penguin for money, power and respect. Kidnappings rise as foe-versus-foe attacks become more vindictive. And just when you thought you knew the good guys from the bad, the craziest villains try to go straight, triggering one dangerous blowout after another. Amidst all the terror one man walks the fine line between vengeance and justice as often as he balances his crimefighting persona and his billionaire playboy public life. This is the Batman series that introduced a new kind of super hero ? cool, composed, uncompromising. Your Batman collection won?t be complete without this compilation!

DVD Features:Audio Commentary:1) Commentary on "Read my Lips" by Producer, Bruce Timm; Writer, Paul Dini; Director, Boyd Kirkland; Writer, Michael Reaves; and Composer, Shirley Walker2) Video Commentary on "House and Garden" by Producer, Bruce Timm; Writer, Paul Dini; Director, Boyd Kirkland; and Moderator, Jason Hillhouse 3) "Commentary on Harlequinade" by Producer Bruce Timm; Writer, Paul Dini; and Composer, Shirley WalkerFeaturette:"Gotham's New Knight"-[ Featurette on Batgirl as Batman's Newest Ally]

Ben 10 - Season 4

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Ben 10 Season four 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this item for my Grandson who already has seasons 1 thru 3. They were excellent so I'm assuming this will follow suit.

Ben 10 4th Season DVD 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

6 year old grandson loves Ben 10 so just had to have the complete 4th season.

So glad this finally came out! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The kids are so happy to have the whole series on DVD! They love this show (both my sons and my daughter!)!

It' alien time 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I got this for my nephew he is a ben 10 freak and he loves it i saw afew episodes and they seem to be entertaining and fun if you are a fan you should get this for your collection

Ben 10- Season Four...The Series Finale.... 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

We find out in Season 4 that there are alot of alien races out there that are fighting one another for control of the galaxy. As we all know, there is one 10 year old kid that ain't going to let that happen and that is Ben Tennyson. Season Four opens up with Ben living out a perfect day, perhaps too perfect-I'm afraid- as he soon discovers and things escalate from there. While most of the episodes walk a familiar ground, the plot thickens more as you soon discover before the Season is over. Team Tennyson may be no more. As for extras, we are given three alternate versions of the Ben 10 Secret of the Omnitrix movie. While each version has minor changes(different heroes used to combat the enemy, a pop up trivia version for fans, etc), they are still worth watching. I'm glad Cartoon Network included this movie with Season Four(it makes one less thing I have to buy in order to have the complete Ben 10 Collection). Other than that, nothing much to speak of.

While I'm older than the audience this series was created for, I can honestly say that it appeals to me too. See, Ben is living every kid's dream of being a hero and I think that is what appeals to fans of the show, including me. I mean, who wouldn't want to be a real hero?? Besides, the cartoon is fun with lots of twists and turns in the storyline. With all the aliens that Ben turns into and the things that he faces, that makes for alot of episode possibilites.

If you're into Ben 10 Alien Force, you owe it to yourself to pick up the series that started it all: Ben 10. I'll admit, I wasn't much of a fan til I saw the new show. The series is definitely worth picking up.

Now, it is time for me to pick up Volume One of Ben 10 Alien Force.

Editorial Review:

Ben Tennyson was just an average 10-year-old kid – until he discovered a strange alien watch in a crashed meteorite. Called the Omnitrix, this watch gives Ben the ability to transform into any of 10 alien heroes, all the while keeping his 10-year-old personality.

Tom and Jerry - Whiskers Away Full 10 episode version

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Tom and Jerry-Whiskers Away 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

It is a very entertaining cartoon for the children.

For my parents 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Bought these for my folks who are in there 80's and they love this collection.

Tom & Jerry dvd 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a wonderful cartoon collection. My 2 year old granddaughter absolutely has fallen in love with Tom and Jerry. It's so neat to see her enjoying the same cartoons I watched with her mother!

I am not sure it is a good one, becuase my is not. 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I donot know for what reason that I got a damaged DVD, there is no sound with the DVD. I wonder if I can get an new one to replace it.

Classic Cartoons 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I love Tom and Jerry. I used to watch these all the time. I used to read their books all the time. I am so glad that there is something out there that has allowed me to relive my childhood. I think any adult and child should have the plesure to watch these classic cartoons. They are a little over the top so the children should be a little older when they are allowed to watch.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 12/14/2004 Rating: Nr

Batman - The Animated Series, Volume Two (DC Comics Classic Collection)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 56 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Best Set 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I think this is the best set of Batman the Animated Series episodes. It has several outstanding episodes, with "Almost Got Him"- an ensemble episode with most of the first line villains, "The Man Who Killed Batman"- a funny episode with a little bumbler, The Joker at his funniest and scariest for this series, and a seemingly dead Batman, "Zatanna"- an origin episode, a lot of Harley Quinn, and overall great variety. There are no duds on these discs, and I think this set on the whole explored the villains with the most zest. If you are only buying one packaged set, I would go with this one. But I think the whole series is worth having.

Editorial Review:

Fight crime day and night alongside the Dark Knight with this deluxe 4-disc set packed with 28 heroic adventures from the acclaimed series! Filled with gripping plots, multidimensional characters and superb voice talent, this Emmy-winning series has defined Batman for legions of fans. Enjoy amazing encounters with Catwoman, duels with the Penguin, contests with the Riddler and of course, battles of wit with the Joker - plus Exclusive Extras from the minds that conceived this cutting-edge version of the classic hero! Grab your cape and swing into action with this quintessential Batman compilation!

Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale

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Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Funny and cute DVD for family 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is a really cute, wonderfully animated holiday DVD to help kids appreciate the Nutcracker. Tom and Jerry, two staples of cartoon characters make this a wonderfully funny dvd for the whole family to watch. I would recommend this for any family to watch.

Editorial Review:

Based on an original idea by creator, Joe Barbera, Tom and Jerry find themselves in a fantastic wonderland brought to life by holiday magic and set to the music of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker". In an empty opera house, Jerry wishes for his chance to perform and magically his dream comes true. The little mouse is whisked away to an enchanted kingdom where anything is possible... candy forests, singing snowflakes, even the toys spring to life! Jerry has a great time with his new friends and when�Jerry dances with a music box ballerina, he is as happy as happy can be. Unfortunately, a group of alley cats led by Tom, crash Jerry's party, kidnap the music box ballerina, and wreak havoc in the holiday kingdom. It's up to Jerry to set things right and send those mean old cats back to the alley where they belong. With some help from a mouse named Tuffy and all his newfound friends... Jerry just might win the day!

Samurai Jack: Season 4

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 34 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Samurai Jack Season 4: Another SJ Season. 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This season is really good. It wasn't as good as SJ Season 3, but still a-lot more entertaining than most cartoons out these days. Everything is about the same as the previous seasons, but it has some really good episodes , like "The Aku Infection," "Scotsman Saves Jack, Part 1& 2," "Jack versus Aku," and "The Four Seasons of Death" This is the final season of SJ, and it's really good. I love how they have the stand out episodes in each season, such as this one it is "The Four Seasons of Death" More cinema sequences, and more detailed in art and the way it looks. This is really a great show, and I wish their was more shows that were this creative and awesome to watch. If you liked this I recommend checking out the "Star Wars: Clone Wars" mini-series that was on CN, It was done by the same person who made this (Genndy Tartakovsky, or however you spell it ha) Especially if you're a SW Fan.

Anyways, I'm glad I spent the money on all four seasons of SJ, definitely one of the best animations in a LONG TIME! 5/5 Stars.

Editorial Review:

After an evil wizard named Aku conquers his land, Jack is sent away as a young boy to train as a samurai and save his people. When Jack is banished to the bleak future, his physical discipline and stoic nature make him a timeless hero to citizens of all worlds. Jack fights diligently in his quest to rid the world of Aku's curse while also searching for the time portal that will finally take him home.

DVD Features:
Featurette
Other

Batman - The Animated Series, Volume Four (From the New Batman Adventures) (DC Comics Classic Collection)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 65 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

The End of an Era 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Two years after the end of Batman: The Animated Series, the show was revived as The New Batman Adventures, which encompasses the 24 episodes on this set. By the time the show returned, it had lost a couple of key creative people, and the entire look of the series was reconceived in a more angular fashion. The real life break was mirrored in the series' chronology, meaning these episodes take place 2 years after the events of the last set.

Evening knowing all this, the transition from the last set to this one is jarring. It is not immediately clear why Batgirl is allowed in the Batcave, or why a new Robin, Tim Drake, has replaced Dick Grayson. A couple characters are so radically redesigned it is not clear who they are at first. A few secondary characters have been recast, and in most cases you will miss the original actors.

A lot of fans have expressed a dislike of the new artwork, and which admittedly lacks the charm of the original designs. Some characters - like Batman, Bane, and the now truly scary Scarecrow - look better than ever. Others, like Harley Quinn and Clayface, look basically the same as before. And unfortunately, some characters (Mr. Freeze, the Ventriloquist, and the Mad Hatter spring to mind) look much, much worse. You will adjust to the new look, but not until midway through the set.

These episodes also stray from some of what made the original series so special. More action oriented than before, the show lacks the atmosphere and mood that made the earlier episodes so fascinating. Many of the new villains fall flat, lacking the psychological depth of the original Rogues Gallery. The focus on wham-bam action also leaves less time for character development, a hallmark of the original series.

There are still some great episodes on this disc. The faster pacing and increased action pays off in spades during "Over the Edge," which shows the aftermath of Batgirl's apparent demise. "Old Wounds" is a fascinating exploration of why Dick Grayson quit being Robin (that would have benefited from being two parts). This set also has what is in my opinion the series' best episode, "Mad Love." Recounting Harley Quinn's origin, it has the kind of deliberate pacing and emotional maturity that was so successful on previous sets, as well as career best performances by Mark Hamill and Arleen Sorkin as the Joker and Harley Quinn, respectively.

In fact, the saddest thing about this set is how it ends just as it finds its groove. The last 8 or so episodes are quite strong, and it's a shame this new group of artist and writers weren't given more time to play in this world.

This set has some interesting extras, particularly the Interactive Arkham Asylum (basically a group of featurettes on the main villains). Unfortunately, the customary 4 commentaries have been reduced to 3, with one of them wasted on the absolutely awful episode "Critters." Given the reduced episode count, an increase in extra content would have been welcomed.

Fans of the show should definitely check this set out. It may not be quite as good as the old episodes, but it is still better than 90% of the current crop of action cartoons.

Editorial Review:

In the hit show that continues the Batman storyline from the EmmyO-winning Batman: The Animated Series, two years have passed and Batman still protects the streets of Gotham City from the demented criminals that inhabit its dark alleys. But irreconcilable differences with Dick Grayson lead to the collapse of the Batman/Robin crimefighting duo and to the birth of Gotham's new hero Nightwing. Batgirl fights at Batman's side, and a new Robin takes flight after Batman's chance encounter with young Tim Drake. In these 24 thrilling episodes, the Gotham Knights face their worst enemies - Joker, Penguin, Mr. Freeze and many more - in a comprehensive 4-disc set that completes the Batman animated saga!

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Commentary on "Over the Edge", "Critters" and "Legends of the Dark Knight" by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Glen Murakami, James Tucker, Dan Riba and Moderator Jason Hillhouse
Featurette:Arkham's Finest: Inside Batman's Rogue Gallery

Teen Titans - The Complete Fifth Season

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Teen Titans Season 5 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

A couple of years ago, I wrote to Warner Bros asking them to bring back the great quality of incidental music in their cartoons, quoting Batman TAS, Superman TAS as my favourite examples.
I think they listened. The first two episodes of this season "Homecoming Part 1 & 2" feature a fantastic score of dramatic music, which complements the guest characters: The Doom Patrol. The story shows Beast Boy's connection to his former team, and his divided loyalty between the Doom Patrol and the Titans.
Doom Patrol's enemies the Brotherhood of Evil (led by M'sieur Mallah & Madam Rouge) become the main focus of the Titans for the rest of the season, which sends them on a global quest to sign up honorary Titans galore.
In "Lightspeed", you'll see Kid Flash (voiced by Michael Rosenbaum, who voiced the adult future version of the character in Justice League/Unlimited as The Flash). Lots of other guest characters familiar to DC comics including Red Star (a retooled version of the Russian Starfire from Teen Titans original comic series #18).
This is the best season, and a great way to wrap up the series. Watch out for the surprising final episode, featuring the return of ... I won't spoil it.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 07/08/2008