Batman Unlimited:Animal Instincts (Blu-ray + DVD)
(Blu ray + DVD + Gift Set / NR / 2015 / Warner Bros.)
Overview: When Gotham City is plagued by a rash of bizarre crimes committed by the animal-inspired villain squad, the Animilitia (made up of Silverback, Cheetah, Killer Croc and Man-Bat), Batman swings into action to investigate.
Blu ray Verdict: For those familiar with this whole animated Batman landscape, you will most probably also know that 'Batman Unlimited' is the first in a series of original animated films that appears to be made for selling toys. Batman starts the movie in a red costume reminiscent of Batman Beyond, where even the setting looks futuristic, like Beyond, but he quickly changes back to his blue and greys.
Anyway, that's just an observation of mine from the off, so let's get into the nitty gritty of this latest adventure, shall we. Bringing us the villains known as Silverback, Cheetha, Man-bat, Killer croc and Penguin, along with Nightwing, Flash, and Green Arrow, this particular animated movie marks the first appearance in animation for Red Robin.
The setting is sometime in the distant future and The Midas Meteor - complete with a gold center - is passing the Earth. The city is hit with a crime wave conducted by animals: Cheetah Woman, Silver Back, Killer Croc, and Man Bat. There are also mechanical animals working with them and a new guy waddling in and about! The plot meanders back and forth, but as much as it is low tech animation, everything that can and will and does happen is not too difficult to figure out.
In truth, and unlike its predecessor, 'Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts' is clearly, and strictly made for children - along with the aforementioned additional purpose of selling toys, of course. The animation is poor and the story, characters and development are paper thin, sorry.
This is a Limited Edition Gift Set (this one came with a Red Robin action figure!) and is both a Blu ray + DVD Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, and comes with the Special Features of:
Penguin: High Society Criminal Featurette
A Collection of DC Nation Shorts
From The DC Comics Vault - 2 Bonus Cartoons
Own it on Blu-ray™ Combo, DVD & Digital HD 5/12!
Here is a clip from 'Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts':
Batman Unlimited:Animal Instincts (Blu-ray + DVD)