Superhero Rewind: Batman Mask of the Phantasm Review

"Batman: Mask of the Phantasm," (1993). Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill.

[@nicholasduve7391]

Best batman movie ever in my opinion

[@scotia7326]

Nicholas duve in terms of a BATMAN movie, this wins. But in terms of an actual movie with story, character, narrative and acting, the dark knight wins.

[@thedcreader4749]

it sad this movie didn't get the love and fanbass it desirve

[@7833ana]

But the one it needs.

[@irlshrek]

i see what you did there

[@Geekvolution]

@SGOTNW Thanks for watching! I'll be doing Red Hood sometime down the line, when it's a little older. They're difficult to compare, but Phantasm's such a personal and character defining story for Bruce Wayne, it's hard to pick Return of the Joker over it. -CL

[@dontworryillwait3689]

Rocksteady shouldve taken notes for The Arkham Knight.

[@therudestbassist5356]

Rating? 5 OUT OF 4! Honestly, I'd take this over The Dark Knight any day

[@emeryryan2415]

You probably dont give a shit but does someone know a method to get back into an instagram account? I somehow lost the login password. I would love any tricks you can give me!

[@jacedash8956]

@Emery Ryan Instablaster ;)

[@emeryryan2415]

@Jace Dash i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@LATVERIAN1]

This is the greatest Batman theatrical film ever made!

[@therudestbassist5356]

They should have made an episode of TAS where Batman comes face to face with his parents' killer and Robin is trying to convince him out of it. Maybe Robin would mention what happened to him in the end of Robin's Reckoning. I would have loved it so much!!

[@Launchpad05]

This film holds A special place in my heart as being the first 'Batman' movie I saw in the theater. While it's sad that it wasn't successful, it did pave the way for the many animated super hero movies released on home video. Especially since this film was originally intended for home video.

[@DrBachur]

In my opinion this film, as a Batman film, is better than the Nolan ones. Sure, the Nolan ones are objectively better (longer and more elaborate), but as a Batman film, this one is actually about Batman. This one gets the character way more than any other.

[@richardsreviews8820]

I agree with you. As an interpretation of the batman character I think this does a much better job. However as a film the Nolan ones are better. I hope the next batman films can be a hybrid of both. From what we've seen so far that's what it looks like.

[@tymongoji]

I'm of the opinion that the Mask of the Phantasm script is better than any of the Nolan brothers/Goyer scripts. It's tighter, has better use of exposition, better dialogue and more substance. I love Nolans first two movies, but this feels more like real cinema to me.

[@michaelotis223]

I have always said that the Nolan films arent Batman films.... they are 3 great films with Batman in them

[@kylefrank638]

To me, the setting of B:TAS kind of feels like what people in the late 30s thought the future would be in the 50s.

[@ANTIcoFilms]

the flashbacks are so long that I forgot that I was watching a flashback

[@FallouFitness_NattyEdition]

dude, it's awesome how you analyze every detail of the movies you review. Love your reviews man. BTW: this movie is the best animated movie ever IMO.

[@tthomaselli2]

As far as animated movies, 'Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm' is better than 'Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero', in my opinion.; Don't get me wrong, I like the both of them, but, as far as the story/etc. goes, 'Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm' is better. I just didn't really care for 'Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero' as much as I do 'Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm' is all.

[@ItsMichaelReid]

I think the batwoman mystery one is the worst one

[@comicbookfan8571]

I actually love Sub Zero but your right the story is better in Mask. Sub Zero does have cool action and wonderful Animation sequences that I appreciate and enjoy watching. I call that a guilty pleasure.

[@animationfanatic2133]

This review has become almost as nostalgic for me as the film, thanks for always being there cap

[@Geekvolution]

@Erikjust Yep, I'l get there. Red Hood is still a little new, but I'll be getting to Sub Zero sometime soon, after I've done Wolverine and then the rest of the parody series. -CL

[@bloodrosereaper2099]

All these years and I only just noticed that this was uploaded on my fourteenth birthday, lel. Also, I love how Andrea/The Phantasm is brought back during *SPOILER!* Justice League when an older Amanda Waller is talking about "Project Batman Beyond" I love how after this movie, Andrea comes back to a Neo-Gotham under the guise of the Phantasm one last time under Waller's direction, planning on killing the parents of Terry Mcginnis, only to not kill them and even argue against Waller's plan because it went against what Batman fought for. It's a nice character arc, if you can call it that, for Andrea and Waller's characters. It took them both many, many years alongside knowledge that for all of his ability as a fighter, detective and other such things, the man beneath the Bat is still human.

[@PaytonWestlake]

I love the way Bruce & Andrea visit the Utopian "Future Fair" together, which reflects the promise of the happy life they might share together. Then the movie's climax is set in the same "future fair" but it is in ruins, reflecting the destruction of Bruce & Andrea's relationship and the paths they have taken. Andrea sums this up when she is standing in the "future fair" ruins and says "look what they did to us. What we could have had" - A future in ruins

[@duhsasjekirom555]

brilliant review! i really don't think i'v seen anyone doing this stuff better or more thoroughly than you.

[@haileyshannon7548]

Warner Brothers still makes animated Superhero movies, but they are all direct-to-DVD and/or available on streaming/on demand services like Itunes, Netflix, HBOgo, etc. Being 1993, the competition included Mrs. Doubtfire, Schindler's List, Tombstone, Grumpy Old Men, The Piano, and Philadelphia. Also another dark/gothic animated (stop-motion) feature called "Nightmare Before Christmas" was released and didn't perform well, but would become a cult classic and a holiday favorite and make tons of money from merchandising and re-releases This was back when people animated movies were still considered cheap kids entertainment, not a form of art.

[@fka322]

I saw this in theaters when I was 9-years old. I was surprised by how adult it seemed, even moreso than the animated series of which I was a big fan.

[@Geekvolution]

@zombiefan011 lol That's my standard opening to the series-- Superhero Rewind is an ongoing endeavor to review every superhero film. So you'll see that before *every* movie I review from the last year or so onward. -CL

[@philipcao1275]

Batman Mask Of The Phantasm is the best Batman movie ever made...well at least in my opinion of course!

[@WarriorSmurf]

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was supposed to go straight to video from the beginning. The theatrical release was a last minute decision on WB's part.

[@kaijumaster8367]

I recently learned Paul Dini wrote a followup comic a few years later that tied up the rest of the plot. Batman & Robin adventurers Annual #1

[@prphd555]

The trailer for this movie scared me away from it more than any of the other movie trailers. This is definitely one of if not the best Batman movie ever made.

[@JacksonBegleymusicguy]

l like the Film Noir vibe that this movie and the TV series had. In my opinion that is how Batman is done right.

[@OAWEntertainment]

Greetings, Captain Logan. I'm a new subscriber and I LOVE your channel. I've also taken an interest in your Superhero Rewind vids, and so far, this one is my favorite. I absolutely LOVE this movie, it was one of my favorite films as a kid, and I love it still as an adult. Thanks for the excellent review.

[@TheradiomanofYT]

The scene where he first puts on the mask and scares Alfred is from the comics. I'm pretty sure it's Batman: Shamen by Dennis O'Neil. In my opinion one of the most underrated Batman stories ever. The first five issues of Legends Of The Dark Knight.

[@KnightofDuroch]

10:05 There was a similar goof on the series; whenever Batman went to Crime Alley to pay his respects on the anniversary of his folks' death, he'd always go in costume. Wouldn't be hard for some passerby to do a little research and match up the dates.

[@SamLovesHorrorMovies]

Amazing breakdown! You know your shit and I am glad to know that there are others out there that love this movie as much as me.

[@MxGardiner]

The best Batman story ever told!

[@BriantheWolverine]

I remember watching this in theaters and having this on vhs, but being freaked out every time I watched it. This movie was too dark for me as a kid, I always just watched the Tim Burton movies instead, or my recorded episodes of the TAS instead. I have to say this has aged much better than the other movies and is still a great watch.

[@UnderTheRadarReviews]

i love this movie i used to watch it all the time as a kid

[@RobsRogues]

i saw this in the Theater.. i was one of 5 people there.. and it was a fun time. since we knew that there were only 5 of us there, we were having a good im in the theater.. it felt like it was packed because the 5 of us that were there were diehard Batman fans.

[@ElOchentero]

there's a tie-in comic that explains why Andrea didnt killed the Joker, it seems that when they are in the sewers she realize the Joker is too crazy so killing him wont bring any vengeance, he even would like it

[@MatthewLedZepfan]

This is the best analysis of a movie I've ever seen

[@Grafiction]

Wow incredible review my friend.

[@Antwon627]

During the police chase scene, I believe that the Phantasm's ability to evade the cops better than the Dark knight was just another attempt by the story writer's to throw you off from guessing who the phantasm is. I mean, if a person could escape and evade better than Bruce, then he must be a very tough sob.

[@MADVILLAIN669]

One of the best animated movies ever i wish Warners could do a feature film with Batman Beyond too

[@Geekvolution]

@demondog45 There are different goals for different types of reviews. If I review a film just after it comes out, I try not to give spoilers, and the point is to help people decide whether they will want to see it. Superhero Rewind is specifically targeted to people who have seen those films and they're critical analyses well after the fact-- I don't review movies newer than two years old for this series for that reason. -CL

[@Medraut00]

You also forget that Andrea is on a plain after the Phantasims first appearnce. I also loved this movie!

[@MetalMadness_00]

The reason the movie flopped was because it was intended to be a direct to video release but became theatrical at the last second if the theatrical release came first and they promoted it then it would've made at least 100 million in the box office

[@kissmyasthma3155]

100 million? This is an animated movie for ADULTS, so there's no chance it would have made even a quarter of that amount even with hype.

[@MetalMadness_00]

+KissMyAsthma no the main target was kids

[@kissmyasthma3155]

***** I've seen most of these batman animated films and from what I seen, the stories can become dark and mature. Parents will be more cautious of taking their kids to see a movie like this and on top of that there are not that many adults who watch animated films. And even if adults do watch animated films it will normally be more child friendly fair that their kids are normally interested in. This isn't good business and the movie studios realise this. This is main reason why we haven't seen more films like this released to the big screen.

[@MaximumMadnessStixon]

I seriously doubt it would have made $100 million or more. There's just not enough of a market for these types of animated movie spin-offs. (Ex. Teen Titans Go to the Movies had a large marketing push and only pulled in around $40 million.) But with a good marketing push, I think it could have likely doubled or tripled its budget and been enough of a success that more theatrical releases would have been released around the time. But there's no way it would have been a hundred million dollar film.

[@Geekvolution]

@irondun5620 Probably not on Superhero Rewind since it isn't really a superhero movie, but I've been trying to come up with a way to do non-superhero comic book movies. Will probably do them at some point with Vince. -Captain Logan

[@nightwing4077]

in Batman & Robin Adventures comic, which is based on the series, Pual Dini explained the circumstances under which both Joker and Phantasm survived the blast; Phantasm in fact hesitated for a second when carrying Joker to the core of the explosion, seeing he was no longer the cold-hearted killer of her father, but rather a grinning lunatic with no sense of right and wrong. Because of this hesitation, the blast detonated before either was in range. Though you might be interested.

[@LATVERIAN1]

Both myself, and daughter, went to see this when it was still in the theaters. I still feel fortunate enough, seeing the greatest Batman film ever made on the big screen.

[@hal1992]

The only thing that bothered me about this film was that I could not rectify the Phantasm's supernatural abilities after the identity was revealed.

[@KIRA-EL]

A comic companion to the movie reveals that the joker escaped Andrea when they were in a Sewer below the futureworld park. This movie is fantastic and doesn't get nearly enough respect but then really good films rarely get the props they deserve.

[@Psiberzerker]

I went and saw this in theaters opening week. The thing is it had the Scooby Do plot. Spoiler They introduced 1 new character, and 1 new masked villain. In the end, they unmask the villain, and it turns out to be the new character. Big surprise.

[@JB0071051982]

It is a real shame that Mask Of The Phantasm just got released on Blu Ray with no special features. A Batman fan uploaded the making of feature from HBO here on YT and it really should be on DVD/ Blu Ray. Plus I am very interested to hear what the cast and crew think of the movie now. Despite its failure at the box office, this movie still has its fans and it is only fair for it to have a special edition at last. I am very pleased that I finally got two of Kenner's Mask Of the Phantasm action figures. Defiantly going to get the Joker and the Phantasm in the near future. I really like that Kenner reissued the action figure Combat Belt Batman in this line recolored since it was one of my favorites in the Animated Series toy line.

[@gocanuckurself1]

Whenever I'm too lazy to commit to watching a full movie, I just watch KZbin reviews. I reach the same end, only much quicker. :)

[@Geekvolution]

@83phatman Yeah, I did. It was a cool reference and I like that it was in there subtly. Kinda makes sense she would end up as an assassin-- not much left to live for after what happened here. -Captain Logan

[@RedRangerMN]

when they decide to reboot batman, this should be the story and formula they use for the first movie

[@SamsChanneI]

These Batman movies are the ones I would LOVE to see become live action epics. While the style may be better suited for animation, this style of Batman has ALWAYS been my favourite. I feel that Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is actually more enjoyable than The Dark Knight. I wish the movie world would take a Animated Batman movie seriously because frankly I think the stories are handled really well. BTW I know I bashed the dark knight and I respect it though not like it that much, Begins FTW

[@irlshrek]

dude, the cool part about comics is that we dont need everything explained to us. otherwise wed be reading a non-fiction book. in this movie its ok to let them get away with things for the sake of story telling...

[@Geekvolution]

Yep, I've got it-- I keep meaning to do a Vault on it. -CL

[@Geekvolution]

@demondog45 Did you see the disclaimer toward the beginning of the video? "Superhero Rewind is an in-depth analysis of superhero movies. If you haven't seen this movie, you may want to view it before watching this review." -CL

[@whovianhistorybuff]

One thing I always wondered is what if instead of running away without explanation Andrea and her dad explained to Bruce about owing money to the mob it's obvious that Bruce is wealthy enough that he could pay off the debt and give Andrea's father as long as he needs to pay him back

[@popeye697]

chris winfield I got the impression that her father was too proud to ask for help

[@Se7enBeatleofDoom]

Great review! They should have added to the Phantasm to the comics or the animated universe.

[@Bwkjam]

Thanks for talking about this. This movie was way before my time so Iv never heard of it before this 40 seconds in I stopped the video then watched the whole movie on KZbin. The came back and watched your reveiw the moment I was done.

[@mightyninja0]

The phantasim shows up in a justice league episode called epiloge

[@SGOTNW]

@Geekvolution if u where to pick what Batman movie do u like better? Batman Mask of the phantasm or Batman Beyond Return of the joker and why? i just started watching your vids if you didint yet can you also do a review of Batman Under the red hood thanks

[@Erikjust]

Are you planning to do reviews of the other Batman cartoons movies Sub-Zero and Secret of Bat-woman plus Batman Under the Red Hood?

[@Geekvolution]

@dvid22 That's absolutely true, but sometimes they make a movie I personally would have loved to see on the big screen. Imagine "Return of the Joker" in the theater. -Captain Logan

[@tthomaselli2]

What song is that playing in the intro?

[@grkpektis]

Have you read the comic book sequel to this, it is a really good follow up

[@zaphero5518]

The twist was spoiled for me and I knew Joker was in this, so I really need to get my head in the zone and try to rewatch it the right way.

[@comicbookfan8571]

Funny thing is I watched this movie for the first time a year ago with out not knowing anything about it and I was pleasantly surprised that the Joker was in it. I loved Mark Hamil always as the Joker from the show so when he showed up I was grinning. It's such a good movie.

[@Bwkjam]

Always love to see the joker he doesn't have as much depth as most villains heck we know only shreds of his past, but theirs no gunner villian to watch on screen or in comics.

[@therealmanos]

Wow! 4 out of 4! Great stuff!

[@darrendyson8347]

I remember my dad taking me to see this when I was 5 or 6 stuck in my head when I first moved out and had been in Virginia for 10 years from New York or 11 years I brought it on DVD and now I own it on Google Play such a legendary movie by far the best Batman movie and probably superhero single movie in history so far by the way to answer your question Aundrea spared the Joker to let Bruce know he was right about revenge not being the answer and also knowing the Joker is Bruce's responsibility

[@DaveM599]

Although it wasn't clear how they were going to explain all the consequences of the famale lead being the Phantom, it was the most likely person to be the Phantom. Entirely new major female character, entirely new major villain/anti-hero, complicated/tragic relationship with Bruce Wayne, clear motive when father is murdered....too much pointed to her being the Phantom, despite the clever misdirections you pointed out.

[@anthonychobotdoespopcultur7762]

Awesome video

[@King191912]

Perfect review.

[@myrealnameisaustin]

Did you/are you doing a Subzero review?

[@jarosbodytko6462]

Seen this movie a long time ago as a kid and taped it so I could rewatch it again. Absolutely loved it. I'm trying to find it on dvd now but didn't have any luck so far.

[@densonngumo7028]

+Jaros Bodytko Its on the kisscartoon website

[@jarosbodytko6462]

Oh, I watched it a few days ago on the animeflavor website. That brought back fun memories. But thank you for the reply, I appreciate it :)

[@densonngumo7028]

Im just about to rewatch it right now hehe

[@jarosbodytko6462]

Enjoy man :)

[@AndrewJasonQuan]

I liked how they showed Andrea at the end. Wished they showed what happened to Jason Todd at the end of the Under the Red Hood movie. Or have a scene where Batman is looking for him, but couldn't find him.

[@227060]

@Geekvolution couldn't you do graphic novel rewind or something

[@matthewbradley-flackett1542]

My favourite movie of all time and btas fav version of brucie

[@Scoonertuna]

I love Mask of the Phantasm!!

[@bigshow771]

Didn't Phantasm re-appear in JLU Epilogue as Amanda Waller's assassin, or was it just a look-a-like?

[@stillaboveground2470]

I went to see this at the theater on Christmas 1993. There was only 3 other people there. It is by far the best Batman film, imo.

[@fightingmedialounge519]

Your take on the mystery is kind of unique since most people i know(includiing me) fellt like the andrea twist was kond of obvious.

[@craigsimon6316]

Phantasm in the new 52 would rock

[@zombiefan011]

@Geekvolution ironic that you use the Superman credits as an opening to a review of a Batman movie

[@SSJerry]

I just finished watching it for the first time. I'm stunned how great the story is! The way they interwove the Joker, Andrea, and Bruce was amazing and very unexpected. Andrea is so similar to Bruce, she has similar wealth, some martial arts skills, the same idea of vengeance and vigilantism and she would've been so perfect for him which helps so much to respect Batman for all he has had to sacrifice and what he does. It's a 9 out of 10 for me, they masterfully made Batman more human and so you really feel for him. That was very refreshing and I'd love to see a live action version of this story!

[@HoustonSoto]

Even when I was 5 years old I could feel how emotionally engaging and epic this film was... while I loved Burton's Batman films, they didn't allow me see what was beneath Bruce's mask as this film did. Watching it today I actually appreciate and enjoy it even more now that I've become such a Batman junkie.

[@bj1761]

@Geekvolution. Hello, I enjoyed your review of this film as I did all of your reviews. I would like to add my take on a particular scene you reviewed. During the cemetery scene with Batman in costume, you criticized it for possibly giving away his identity. I do agree with this, but I also think that it stood as another clue to Andrea's identity as Phantasm. In general, the movie shows the parallels between both characters. Andrea being at the grave site is a reflection of Bruce's mourning

[@Indego84]

Well said my friend. Well said.

[@WildSide91]

My god this is such a good movie.

[@jqapp]

saw it on the week it came out blew my mind

[@SSj4Monster]

@Geekvolution I think the Joker/ Joker Jr. scene would send parents in a rage and get their tickets back. I think straight to dvd is a better choice only cuz of that scene....though it was so very badass.

[@MrBANE1992]

are you ever going to review batman: under the red hood

[@SPAKman619]

Great review, I still think this is better than TDK

[@Se7enBeatleofDoom]

@nightwing4077 yes but can not recall anytime when they reused Phantasm in the animated universe beside the film. There are a lot characters in the Dc animated movies that could have been also used in the Comic universe and could have used better to.

[@johnnyfive222]

wait there was a sequel? I never knew that. What happened did Andrea come back or something?

[@grkpektis]

What did you think of it

[@TheDarkwasp]

Bruce Tim is awesome!

[@LazerDude]

you know I found out that there is a batman animated series comic book that tells you what happened to the joker after the Phantasm took him away....

[@masteroftheassassins]

You've got yourself another suscribef and friend

[@SupMamma88]

Can you send a link? Want to read that

[@MrAbolitionist]

Is this considered canon with the tv. series?