In conjunction with its 30th anniversary, BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM will be released in 4K Ultra HD on Blu-ray and digital on September 12, 2023.
If you’re reading this, I’m sure you already own this Batman movie — which was released on Christmas Day back in 1993 (which I actually saw on the big screen during its original release back in the day) — on DVD, Blu-ray, or hell, maybe even VHS! So the question here is whether you should shell out $25 for this 4K Ultra HD version. Here’s my recommendation…
- If you’re fine with the version you already have, then the answer is no.
- If you want a much better video version of the movie — the remaster comes from the original negative of the theatrical cut — then the answer is yes. (To be honest with you all, I’m not an audio/video guru and can’t provide specific details on that other than the movie looked and sounded really good.)
- If you’re OK with the version you presently own, but are a big fan of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES and the late Kevin Conroy, then the answer is yes. Why? Because this release includes “Kevin Conroy: I am the Knight” — a new special featuring the cast and crew of BTAS sharing their memories of Mr. Conroy who passed away last year.
- If you’re a Batman completist when it comes to your Batman film collection.
Personally, I’m just fine with the regular ‘ol Blu-ray and likely would not purchase the 4K Ultra HD version of it. (FYI: BOF received a free copy for reviewing purposes.) But that’s just me.
As far as the film, I’m not going to rehash the plot or do a straight-up review of the film. Like I said previously, if you’re reading this review here on BOF you’ve probably seen MOTP many times. However, I will reiterate that I consider it one of the Best Batman films period, be it live-action or animated. Hmm…sounds like a good topic for The BOF Social Hour Podcast: Best/Favorite Batman films live-action and animated combined.
CLICK HERE to order BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM 4K Ultra HD. – Bill “Jett” Ramey
