Batman: The Mask of the Phantasm – 4K UHD Review

In the realm of cinematic marvels within the Dark Knight’s saga, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm emerges as a masterpiece that graces the silver screen in all its 4K Ultra HD glory. A fresh 4K HDR10 transfer coupled with a resounding 5.1 audio experience elevates this classic to new heights. While the trove of bonus features may not be extravagant, the tribute to the late Kevin Conroy stands as a heartfelt homage, a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy. This animated gem only grows more enthralling with each successive release.

Warner Bros. embarked on a meticulous journey, undertaking a pristine 4K UHD scan with minimal interventions, ensuring the preservation of the cherished film grain and the tiny specks of dust or dirt that once nestled beneath the animation cels – a homage reminiscent of their meticulous treatment of Batman: The Animated Series. In stark contrast to the Max Fleisher Superman collection, this release emerges as a triumph, adhering faithfully to its original theatrical 1.85:1 aspect ratio, leaving behind the 1.78:1 version from the bygone years. However, some enthusiasts may find themselves perturbed by the absence of the 1.37:1 open matte rendition found on the old disc. Much like The Transformers: The Movie, my personal preference leans towards the widescreen framing, and I perceive this new transfer as nothing short of a breathtaking visual feast. Finer lines appear more crisply defined, allowing enthusiasts to savor every intricacy of the animation unblemished. Soft spots from optical zooms and the occasional roughness in CG-rendered backgrounds, such as the opening credits, retain their age-old characteristics, a testament to their enduring nature.

The HDR10 grading strikes an exquisite balance, enhancing without distorting the color palette. The rich blues, fiery reds, and the golden brilliance surrounding the Bat-Symbol and Utility Belt receive a welcome upgrade. Notably, the luminous accents missing from the previous release now grace neon lights with their pulsating glow, in stark contrast to the prior Blu-ray transfer, where they merely washed out to uniform reds and pinks. While inherently constrained in terms of potential improvements, the realm of classic cell animation witnesses a subtle elevation in detail, imparting a newfound depth that the 1080p transfer couldn’t quite capture. The color grading injects vibrancy into the film, rendering the primaries with exquisite richness, while the inky blacks add to the film’s timeless allure. Simply put, it’s improbable that we will witness a superior rendition anytime soon unless a complete recreation from the original cel elements becomes a reality – a distant possibility at best.

Visuals Review: 4.5/5

On the auditory front, the most notable enhancement manifests through the adoption of DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio. The older DTS-HD MA 2.0 track is retained, permitting effortless toggling between the two, and the disparity is immediately evident. The introductory moments of Shirley Walker’s score resonate with a heightened, majestic orchestral presence complemented by choral accompaniment. Dialogue assumes a crisper, more commanding presence, a hallmark of Kevin Conroy’s iconic Bat-Voice. Sound effects attain a newfound presence, endowing the film with an active and immersive soundstage. In contrast, the 2.0 track feels somewhat lacking in depth, offering a stark comparison that accentuates the audio’s evolution.

Audio Review: 5/5

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm stands as one of the most exceptional chronicles of the Caped Crusader’s exploits, regardless of the medium. Animated and gracing theaters, it represents the quintessential amalgamation of goodwill and exemplary storytelling from the minds behind Batman: The Animated Series, now immortalized in an 80-minute opus on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. For the first time, it receives the treatment it deserves, donning the appropriate theatrical aspect ratio accompanied by HDR10, and a sonic upgrade to DTS-HD MA 5.1. While a more extensive bonus features package would have been a dream, the Kevin Conroy tribute tugs at the heartstrings.

9.5/10

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