Post by Kaz ~;~ on Aug 25, 2010 18:46:17 GMT -5
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Batman: The Animated Series
Voices of
Kevin Conroy
Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.
Bob Hastings
Loren Lester
Mark Hamill
Arleen Sorkin
Theme music composer Danny Elfman
Composer(s) Shirley Walker
Lolita Ritmanis
Michael McCuistion
Stuart Balcomb
Richard Bronskill
Carl Johnson
Kristopher Carter
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 85
Production::
Executive producer(s)
Jean MacCurdy
Tom Ruegger
Alan Burnett
Paul Dini
Eric Radomski
Bruce Timm
Running time 22 minutes
Broadcast Original channel Fox (Fox Kids)
Original run September 5, 1992 – September 15, 1995
-------------------------------
Chronology::
Followed by The New Batman Adventures
Batman: The Animated Series (often shortened as BTAS) is an American animated series adaptation of the comic book series starring the DC Comics superhero, Batman. The series is noted for being the first to take place in the DC Animated Universe. It was produced by Warner Bros. Animation.
The visual style of the series is based on the artwork of producer Bruce Timm. The original series aired on Fox from September 5, 1992 to September 15, 1995. When the first season of the series aired on weekday afternoons, it lacked an on-screen title but was officially titled "Batman". When its timeslot was moved to weekends (on some Fox channels) for the second season, it was re-named The Adventures of Batman & Robin.
================================
Development::
The original series was partially inspired by the Frank Miller comic Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, the Tim Burton films Batman and Batman Returns, and the acclaimed Superman cartoons produced by Fleischer Studios in the 1940s. Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski designed the series by closely emulating the Tim Burton films' "otherworldly timelessness," incorporating period features such as black-and-white title cards, police blimps (even though no such thing has existed, Timm has stated he found it to fit the period they were going for), 40s influenced look and a "vintage" color scheme in a largely film noir-influenced style.The series initially took a variation of music written by Danny Elfman for the Burton films Batman and Batman Returns as its theme; later episodes of the series used a new theme with a similar style by Shirley Walker (who was occasionally Elfman's conductor on the films they worked on). The score of the series was influenced by Elfman and Walker's work on Batman and Batman Returns and the music of 40s film noir. The other major element inspired by the 1989 film is the series interpretation of the Joker character as half way between psychotic killer and prankster clown versions of the comic book character. His real name in the series, like the film, is given several times as Jack Napier, although it is later suggested that it is simply his primary alias.
Batman, as depicted in the series.The program was much more adult-oriented than some previous typical superhero cartoon series. It was the first such cartoon in years to depict firearms being fired instead of laser guns (only one person has ever been actually depicted as shot; Commissioner Gordon in the episode "I Am the Night" was seen to have a gunshot wound after the firefight was finished), Batman actually punching and kicking the antagonists, as well as the existence of blood; in addition, many of the series' backgrounds were painted on black paper. The distinctive visual combination of film noir imagery and Art Deco designs with a very dark color scheme was called "Dark Deco" by the producers. First-time producers Timm and Radomski reportedly encountered resistance from studio executives, but the success of Burton's first film allowed the embryonic series to survive long enough to produce a pilot episode, "On Leather Wings", which according to Timm "got a lot of people off our backs."
The series received critical acclaim for its distinctive animation and mature writing. Fans of a wide age range praised the show's sophisticated, cinematic tone and psychological stories. Voice-actor Kevin Conroy used two distinct voices to portray Bruce Wayne and Batman, as Michael Keaton and Christian Bale have done in the live-action films. The series was also notable for its supporting cast that included major actors performing the voices of the various classic villains, most notably Mark Hamill, who defined a whole new career for himself in animation with his cheerfully deranged portrayal of the Joker. The voice recording sessions were recorded with the actors together in a studio, like a radio play, unlike most animated films, in which the principal voice actors record separately and never meet (various interviews have noted that such an arrangement (having the cast record together) was a benefit to the show as a whole, as the actors were able to 'react' to one another, rather than simply 'reading the words'). This method would later be employed for all subsequent animated series in the DC Animated Universe.
The Penguin, as depicted in the series.The key to the series' artistic success is that it managed to redefine classic characters, paying homage to their previous portrayals while giving them each a new dramatic force. The characterization of villains such as Two-Face, Poison Ivy, and the Riddler as well as heroes like Gordon and Robin demonstrate this. One of the series' most famous innovations was the Joker's assistant, Harley Quinn, who gained such popularity that DC Comics later added her to the mainstream Batman comic book continuity. The Penguin also underwent change for the series. His appearance was remodeled after the version seen in Batman Returns, which was being released at the same time as the series. New life was additionally given to nearly forgotten characters for the series such as the Clock King. In addition, dramatic changes were made to villains such as Clayface and Mr. Freeze. With the help of the series, the character of Mr. Freeze was turned around from a clichéd mad scientist with a gimmick for cold to a tragic figure whose frigid exterior hides a doomed love and vindictive fury. Part of this tragedy aspect of Mr. Freeze was later mimicked throughout the story-line of Joel Schumacher's infamous movie Batman & Robin, although much of the film's drama was lost with the resurrection of the pun-quipping mad scientist image.
------------------------------
Characters::
The Gray Ghost, voiced by former Batman actor Adam West.New villains such as Red Claw, Kyodai Ken, Tygrus, and the Sewer King were invented for the series, but to little acclaim. On the other hand, Joker's accomplice Harley Quinn, Gotham City police detective Renee Montoya, and the sociopathic vigilante Lock-Up grew much popularity in which they became characters in the comics. Older villains that were lesser known from the comics, such as Count Vertigo, the Mirror Man, and the Clock King, were modified for the series in both appearance and personality.
Aside from creating characters that crossed over into the main line of DC Comics, several of the series' reinterpretations were carried over as well. Mr. Freeze was revised to emulate the series' tragic story, the success of which actually compelled DC to bring the character back after "killing" him off some years earlier; Clayface was revised to be much more similar in appearance to his animated counterpart; Poison Ivy took on the slightly inhuman, green skin color she received in later episodes of the series; and Two-Face's double-sided, black and white suit has become a common appearance for the character.
All characters received an update in The New Batman Adventures, having costumes, voices, mannerisms, and overall looks modified. The artwork and colors became sharper and somewhat more cartoonish.
----------------------------------
Bruce Wayne::
Bruce Wayne, as depicted in the series.One of the most noteworthy changes made in Batman: The Animated Series was the treatment of Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne.
In nearly all other media, including the comics, television shows, and films, Bruce deliberately plays up his image as a vacuous, self-absorbed, and not-too-bright billionaire playboy. Though in the animated series, his character is instead treated more seriously. With attributes such as being assertive, intelligent, and actively involved in the management of Wayne Enterprises, without jeopardizing his secret identity, Bruce's personality builds upon the show's overall darker edge. For an example, in the episode "Eternal Youth", Bruce is shown angrily ordering one of his directors to cancel a secret deal with a timber company in the Amazon rainforest ("Shut it down, or you're gone!"). In addition, during the episode "Night of the Ninja", he revealed to reporter Summer Gleeson that he has some martial arts training, as the reporter previously researched that he once lived in Japan, though he later throws a fight with the ninja Kyodai Ken in front of Gleeson to disguise his prowess.
---------------------------
Dick Grayson
Another noteworthy change was the redefining of the character Dick Grayson.
While much of Dick's past remained the same, his Robin costume was updated to a more modern look of the 90s (with short sleeves and long pants), exactly like Tim Drake's original Robin outfit. In addition, Dick was given a more mature personality to match the darkness of the series. The episode Batgirl Returns establishes that Dick and Barbara Gordon attend the same college and that they have a fairly mutual romantic attraction to each other, but neither one knows that the other is secretly Robin and/or Batgirl, respectively (despite having collaborated in Shadow of the Bat, albeit without getting along), and their relationship is one of the plot elements of Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero.
Cast
Main protagonists::
Kevin Conroy Bruce Wayne / Batman
Clive Revill - Alfred Pennyworth ("On Leather
Wings", "Christmas with the Joker" and "Nothing to Fear")
Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. - Alfred Pennyworth (Onwards)
Bob Hastings - Commissioner James Gordon
Robert Costanzo - Detective Harvey Bullock
Loren Lester - Dick Grayson / Robin / Nightwing
Melissa Gilbert - Barbara Gordon / Batgirl
---------------------------------
Supporting protagonists::
Ingrid Oliu - Officer Renee Montoya (Season One)
Liane Schirmer - Officer Renee Montoya (Season
Two)
Brock Peters - Lucius Fox
Mari Devon - Summer Gleeson
Diana Muldaur - Dr. Leslie Tompkins
Lloyd Bochner - Mayor Hamilton Hill
Marilu Henner - Veronica Vreeland
William Sanderson - Carl Rossum
William McKinney - Jonah Hex
Julie Brown - Zatanna
Adam West - Simon Trent / The Gray Ghost
===============================
Main antagonists::
Mark Hamill - The Joker
Paul Williams - Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot / The Penguin
Adrienne Barbeau - Selina Kyle / Catwoman
John Glover - Edward Nygma / The Riddler
Michael Ansara - Dr. Victor Fries / Mr. Freeze
Richard Moll - Harvey Dent / Two-Face
Diane Pershing - Pamela Lillian Isley / Poison Ivy
Arleen Sorkin - Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn
Henry Polic II - Dr. Jonathan Crane / The Scarecrow
Aron Kincaid - Waylon Jones / Killer Croc
Roddy McDowall - Jervis Tetch / The Mad Hatter
Ron Perlman - Matt Hagen / Clayface
Marc Singer - Dr. Kirk Langstrom / Man-Bat
George Dzundza - Arnold Wesker / The Ventriloquist
David Warner - Ra's al Ghul
Henry Silva - Bane
---------------------------------
Supporting antagonists::
Ed Asner - Roland Daggett
Jeff Bennett - HARDAC
Hart Bochner - Arthur Reeves
George Dzundza - Dr. Gregory Belson
Robert Ito - Kyodai Ken / The Ninja
Alison LaPlaca - Mary Dahl / Baby Doll
Joseph Maher - Dr. Emile Dorian
Dick Miller - Chuckie Sol
Kate Mulgrew - Red Claw
George Murdock - Boss Biggis
Michael Pataki - Sewer King
Alan Rachins - Temple Fugate / The Clock King
Mark Rolston - Garfield Lynns / Firefly
John P. Ryan - Buzz Bronski
Helen Slater - Talia al Ghul
Steve Susskind - Maximillian "Maxie" Zeus
John Vernon - Rupert Thorne
Abe Vigoda - Salvatore "Sal" Valestra
Bruce Weitz Lyle - Bolton / Lock-Up
Treat Williams - Professor Milo
Michael York - Count Vertigo
--------------------------------
Batman: The Animated Series
Voices of
Kevin Conroy
Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.
Bob Hastings
Loren Lester
Mark Hamill
Arleen Sorkin
Theme music composer Danny Elfman
Composer(s) Shirley Walker
Lolita Ritmanis
Michael McCuistion
Stuart Balcomb
Richard Bronskill
Carl Johnson
Kristopher Carter
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 85
Production::
Executive producer(s)
Jean MacCurdy
Tom Ruegger
Alan Burnett
Paul Dini
Eric Radomski
Bruce Timm
Running time 22 minutes
Broadcast Original channel Fox (Fox Kids)
Original run September 5, 1992 – September 15, 1995
-------------------------------
Chronology::
Followed by The New Batman Adventures
Batman: The Animated Series (often shortened as BTAS) is an American animated series adaptation of the comic book series starring the DC Comics superhero, Batman. The series is noted for being the first to take place in the DC Animated Universe. It was produced by Warner Bros. Animation.
The visual style of the series is based on the artwork of producer Bruce Timm. The original series aired on Fox from September 5, 1992 to September 15, 1995. When the first season of the series aired on weekday afternoons, it lacked an on-screen title but was officially titled "Batman". When its timeslot was moved to weekends (on some Fox channels) for the second season, it was re-named The Adventures of Batman & Robin.
================================
Development::
The original series was partially inspired by the Frank Miller comic Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, the Tim Burton films Batman and Batman Returns, and the acclaimed Superman cartoons produced by Fleischer Studios in the 1940s. Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski designed the series by closely emulating the Tim Burton films' "otherworldly timelessness," incorporating period features such as black-and-white title cards, police blimps (even though no such thing has existed, Timm has stated he found it to fit the period they were going for), 40s influenced look and a "vintage" color scheme in a largely film noir-influenced style.The series initially took a variation of music written by Danny Elfman for the Burton films Batman and Batman Returns as its theme; later episodes of the series used a new theme with a similar style by Shirley Walker (who was occasionally Elfman's conductor on the films they worked on). The score of the series was influenced by Elfman and Walker's work on Batman and Batman Returns and the music of 40s film noir. The other major element inspired by the 1989 film is the series interpretation of the Joker character as half way between psychotic killer and prankster clown versions of the comic book character. His real name in the series, like the film, is given several times as Jack Napier, although it is later suggested that it is simply his primary alias.
Batman, as depicted in the series.The program was much more adult-oriented than some previous typical superhero cartoon series. It was the first such cartoon in years to depict firearms being fired instead of laser guns (only one person has ever been actually depicted as shot; Commissioner Gordon in the episode "I Am the Night" was seen to have a gunshot wound after the firefight was finished), Batman actually punching and kicking the antagonists, as well as the existence of blood; in addition, many of the series' backgrounds were painted on black paper. The distinctive visual combination of film noir imagery and Art Deco designs with a very dark color scheme was called "Dark Deco" by the producers. First-time producers Timm and Radomski reportedly encountered resistance from studio executives, but the success of Burton's first film allowed the embryonic series to survive long enough to produce a pilot episode, "On Leather Wings", which according to Timm "got a lot of people off our backs."
The series received critical acclaim for its distinctive animation and mature writing. Fans of a wide age range praised the show's sophisticated, cinematic tone and psychological stories. Voice-actor Kevin Conroy used two distinct voices to portray Bruce Wayne and Batman, as Michael Keaton and Christian Bale have done in the live-action films. The series was also notable for its supporting cast that included major actors performing the voices of the various classic villains, most notably Mark Hamill, who defined a whole new career for himself in animation with his cheerfully deranged portrayal of the Joker. The voice recording sessions were recorded with the actors together in a studio, like a radio play, unlike most animated films, in which the principal voice actors record separately and never meet (various interviews have noted that such an arrangement (having the cast record together) was a benefit to the show as a whole, as the actors were able to 'react' to one another, rather than simply 'reading the words'). This method would later be employed for all subsequent animated series in the DC Animated Universe.
The Penguin, as depicted in the series.The key to the series' artistic success is that it managed to redefine classic characters, paying homage to their previous portrayals while giving them each a new dramatic force. The characterization of villains such as Two-Face, Poison Ivy, and the Riddler as well as heroes like Gordon and Robin demonstrate this. One of the series' most famous innovations was the Joker's assistant, Harley Quinn, who gained such popularity that DC Comics later added her to the mainstream Batman comic book continuity. The Penguin also underwent change for the series. His appearance was remodeled after the version seen in Batman Returns, which was being released at the same time as the series. New life was additionally given to nearly forgotten characters for the series such as the Clock King. In addition, dramatic changes were made to villains such as Clayface and Mr. Freeze. With the help of the series, the character of Mr. Freeze was turned around from a clichéd mad scientist with a gimmick for cold to a tragic figure whose frigid exterior hides a doomed love and vindictive fury. Part of this tragedy aspect of Mr. Freeze was later mimicked throughout the story-line of Joel Schumacher's infamous movie Batman & Robin, although much of the film's drama was lost with the resurrection of the pun-quipping mad scientist image.
------------------------------
Characters::
The Gray Ghost, voiced by former Batman actor Adam West.New villains such as Red Claw, Kyodai Ken, Tygrus, and the Sewer King were invented for the series, but to little acclaim. On the other hand, Joker's accomplice Harley Quinn, Gotham City police detective Renee Montoya, and the sociopathic vigilante Lock-Up grew much popularity in which they became characters in the comics. Older villains that were lesser known from the comics, such as Count Vertigo, the Mirror Man, and the Clock King, were modified for the series in both appearance and personality.
Aside from creating characters that crossed over into the main line of DC Comics, several of the series' reinterpretations were carried over as well. Mr. Freeze was revised to emulate the series' tragic story, the success of which actually compelled DC to bring the character back after "killing" him off some years earlier; Clayface was revised to be much more similar in appearance to his animated counterpart; Poison Ivy took on the slightly inhuman, green skin color she received in later episodes of the series; and Two-Face's double-sided, black and white suit has become a common appearance for the character.
All characters received an update in The New Batman Adventures, having costumes, voices, mannerisms, and overall looks modified. The artwork and colors became sharper and somewhat more cartoonish.
----------------------------------
Bruce Wayne::
Bruce Wayne, as depicted in the series.One of the most noteworthy changes made in Batman: The Animated Series was the treatment of Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne.
In nearly all other media, including the comics, television shows, and films, Bruce deliberately plays up his image as a vacuous, self-absorbed, and not-too-bright billionaire playboy. Though in the animated series, his character is instead treated more seriously. With attributes such as being assertive, intelligent, and actively involved in the management of Wayne Enterprises, without jeopardizing his secret identity, Bruce's personality builds upon the show's overall darker edge. For an example, in the episode "Eternal Youth", Bruce is shown angrily ordering one of his directors to cancel a secret deal with a timber company in the Amazon rainforest ("Shut it down, or you're gone!"). In addition, during the episode "Night of the Ninja", he revealed to reporter Summer Gleeson that he has some martial arts training, as the reporter previously researched that he once lived in Japan, though he later throws a fight with the ninja Kyodai Ken in front of Gleeson to disguise his prowess.
---------------------------
Dick Grayson
Another noteworthy change was the redefining of the character Dick Grayson.
While much of Dick's past remained the same, his Robin costume was updated to a more modern look of the 90s (with short sleeves and long pants), exactly like Tim Drake's original Robin outfit. In addition, Dick was given a more mature personality to match the darkness of the series. The episode Batgirl Returns establishes that Dick and Barbara Gordon attend the same college and that they have a fairly mutual romantic attraction to each other, but neither one knows that the other is secretly Robin and/or Batgirl, respectively (despite having collaborated in Shadow of the Bat, albeit without getting along), and their relationship is one of the plot elements of Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero.
Cast
Main protagonists::
Kevin Conroy Bruce Wayne / Batman
Clive Revill - Alfred Pennyworth ("On Leather
Wings", "Christmas with the Joker" and "Nothing to Fear")
Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. - Alfred Pennyworth (Onwards)
Bob Hastings - Commissioner James Gordon
Robert Costanzo - Detective Harvey Bullock
Loren Lester - Dick Grayson / Robin / Nightwing
Melissa Gilbert - Barbara Gordon / Batgirl
---------------------------------
Supporting protagonists::
Ingrid Oliu - Officer Renee Montoya (Season One)
Liane Schirmer - Officer Renee Montoya (Season
Two)
Brock Peters - Lucius Fox
Mari Devon - Summer Gleeson
Diana Muldaur - Dr. Leslie Tompkins
Lloyd Bochner - Mayor Hamilton Hill
Marilu Henner - Veronica Vreeland
William Sanderson - Carl Rossum
William McKinney - Jonah Hex
Julie Brown - Zatanna
Adam West - Simon Trent / The Gray Ghost
===============================
Main antagonists::
Mark Hamill - The Joker
Paul Williams - Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot / The Penguin
Adrienne Barbeau - Selina Kyle / Catwoman
John Glover - Edward Nygma / The Riddler
Michael Ansara - Dr. Victor Fries / Mr. Freeze
Richard Moll - Harvey Dent / Two-Face
Diane Pershing - Pamela Lillian Isley / Poison Ivy
Arleen Sorkin - Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn
Henry Polic II - Dr. Jonathan Crane / The Scarecrow
Aron Kincaid - Waylon Jones / Killer Croc
Roddy McDowall - Jervis Tetch / The Mad Hatter
Ron Perlman - Matt Hagen / Clayface
Marc Singer - Dr. Kirk Langstrom / Man-Bat
George Dzundza - Arnold Wesker / The Ventriloquist
David Warner - Ra's al Ghul
Henry Silva - Bane
---------------------------------
Supporting antagonists::
Ed Asner - Roland Daggett
Jeff Bennett - HARDAC
Hart Bochner - Arthur Reeves
George Dzundza - Dr. Gregory Belson
Robert Ito - Kyodai Ken / The Ninja
Alison LaPlaca - Mary Dahl / Baby Doll
Joseph Maher - Dr. Emile Dorian
Dick Miller - Chuckie Sol
Kate Mulgrew - Red Claw
George Murdock - Boss Biggis
Michael Pataki - Sewer King
Alan Rachins - Temple Fugate / The Clock King
Mark Rolston - Garfield Lynns / Firefly
John P. Ryan - Buzz Bronski
Helen Slater - Talia al Ghul
Steve Susskind - Maximillian "Maxie" Zeus
John Vernon - Rupert Thorne
Abe Vigoda - Salvatore "Sal" Valestra
Bruce Weitz Lyle - Bolton / Lock-Up
Treat Williams - Professor Milo
Michael York - Count Vertigo