Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 1
(Alexandra Daddario, Matt Bomer, Darren Criss, Jensen Ackles, Stana Katic, et al / 4K Blu-ray + Digital / NC-17 / 2024 / Studio Distribution Services)
Overview: DC’s Tomorrowverse story arc begins to come to a close with Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One. The animated film builds off of four years of storytelling that began with Superman: Man of Tomorrow in 2020.
Other notable Tomorrowverse stories include 2021’s Batman: The Long Halloween parts one and two and 2023’s Justice League: Warworld. The series has taken a wide range of iconic DC characters to new and unexpected places and has largely been rewarded with a strong critical reception of its storytelling.
Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One is an adaptation of the biggest event in DC history, where the heroes of several parallel Earths must band together in a desperate effort to save the Multiverse from destruction at the hands of a massive army of shadows.
Blu-ray Verdict: After some rather iffy entries in the DC Tomorrowverse, I’m quite ecstatic to report that Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part One is a damn good superhero multidimensional crossover with Barry Allen/Flash being the emotional core of the movie.
Sure, it is very overstuffed and there is notably a lot going on, but as a part one of a larger trilogy, it mostly works, in my humble opinion. That said, not every Justice League member gets equal screen time and Wonder Woman’s role is noticeably given the short end of the stick, but it is what it is by now.
For me, this was a much better Flash movie than The Flash live action movie from last year and Matt Bomer does an excellent job voicing Barry Allen/The Flash, whilst also bringing a ton of sincere humor and emotion to the scarlet speedster.
In conclusion, the story itself, with its Barry-centric focus, was captivating. The voice acting was superb, breathing life into the characters, and I enjoyed the various meet and greet scenes with the other heroes. It did start slow, taking its time to build the world and atmosphere, which some might find tedious, but for me, it paid off with a satisfying and emotional payoff.
The music by Kevin Riepl is also far more engaging and immersive than the soundtrack from most of the Tomorrowverse films and the animation, overall, is tolerable. And I say that because if you have watched DC animated shows and movies since your childhood, I can definitely guarantee there’s a few moments in here that’ll bring you back to the early 2000’s.
In short, Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part One is a much needed win for DC animation and promises even better things to come. [D.S.A.]
Fittingly, as the Tomorrowverse movies are ending their reign as the premier DC animated arc, Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One features new and returning cast members of the highest caliber. Returning actors include Darren Criss as Superman, Stana Katic as Wonder Woman, and Jensen Ackles as Batman. Matt Bomer, Meg Donnelly, Jimmi Simpson, and Zachary Quinto join the cast as The Flash, Supergirl, Green Arrow, and Lex Luthor, respectively.
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One will be available for purchase on streaming services as well as on 4K Ultra HD in limited edition Steelbook packaging. Physical and digital versions of the film alike feature the special features “Crisis Prime(r)”, a featurette in which the filmmakers behind the Tomorrowverse discuss their shared vision, and “The Selfless Speedster”, detailing The Flash’s importance to the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” comic series as well as the process of bringing the character into the animated film.
Lastly, but not least, EXCLUSIVE to the digital release is an advance clip from Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two.
Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths Part One | Official Trailer | Warner Bros. Entertainment