- Fans still love Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, just like The Animated Series twenty five years on. It’s widely regarded as the definitive Batman story ever to be committed to screen. Kevin Conroy himself said that this Batman animated movie is timeless.
The whole feature was drawn on black paper, just like the original series was. It was one of the last few great practical animated features. On July 26th 2017, it was treated to a digital remaster and Blu Ray release. The remaster put the film into high definition for the first time.
The film’s 25th anniversary is fast approaching and to celebrate, and there will be several screenings in selected theaters.
We all know and love this film. It was created as a project to follow on from The Animated Series. The initial proposal for the film was to go straight to Video. Based on the success of the The Animated Series, Warner Bros Animation made Mask of the Phantasm their first animated release. It came out on Christmas Day 1993 to overall fan success and appreciation.
Mask of the Phantasm has done a great deal for Batman’s fan following since it’s release twenty five years ago. The combination of the gritty tone and Christmas release meant it went on to gain a modest $5million at the Box Office.
Towards Greatness
Revisiting this classic after twenty five years, it’s influences and what it influenced in turn become clear. The glimpse at an early Batman and the look of the Phantasm (him?)self draws heavily from the underappreciated villain, The Reaper.
Batman finding happiness only to end up alone had become a classic theme. Christopher Nolan’s Batman struggled with the possibility of being in love with Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Rachel Dawes in The Dark Knight. Using love as a possible out from being Batman was done long before Nolan made his definitive Batman films… it was done right here.
Exclusive showings of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm will happen for one night only. Between the hours of 12pm and 7pm at a selected movie theater. Hopefully you can find one near you.