'Batman: The Brave and The Bold - Second Season'
(Various / 2-Disc Blu ray / NR / 2014 / Warner Archive Collection)
Overview: Braver. Bolder. Season two of Batman: The Brave and the Bold delivers more of the action you want, as the caped crusader continues to team up with heroes from across the DC Universe in this latest interpretation of the classic Batman franchise.
Blu ray Verdict: This cartoon series is absolutely fantastic and mind-blowingly good. Sadly, it isn't Batman: TAS, but it doesn't pretend to be either. Instead, it is a perfect blend of modern and retro that doesn't take itself too seriously but is clearly articulate and deliberate.
One thing I really love about the new Batman are the different characters involved in the series: B'wana Beast, Shazam!, Firestorm, Guy Gardner, Martian Manhunter and even Batgirl, instead of the usual suspects. The story lines are also very different and very charming. Another positive note are the little mini-intros before the credits roll that allow viewers to broaden their exploration in the world of the Dark Knight.
I am having the best time watching this show! I had only seen four episodes before I knew I was on to a winner here! The show is so much fun and very funny besides! I love Batman's deadpan delivery of perfect hero-of-few-words lines. Aquaman's larger-than-life god-hero with his inane re-tellings of his own adventures really cracks me up! The stories are lively and interesting with more supernatural elements than I would expect in a Batman story. While several of the characters are familiar there are many inventive heroes and villains unfamiliar to me.
My personal favorite episode is the wonderful "Chill of the Night!", but the season-ending episode is also rather fantastic as it deals with the Flash, a take on the Emperor Joker series, and even a look at the Doom Patrol. Anyway, and in short, this is a character that enjoys what he does and whatever personal life he has is besides the point.
If you're looking for an operatic interpretation of Batman then prepare to be disappointed. However, if you're a fan of the character then this is a perfectly reasonable way to introduce your children to a beloved character. I really hope the next series is "World's Finest" which was the Superman/Batman comic from days gone by. "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" is like a good comic book from the days when comic books were good. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
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