 DVD Review: Justice League: The Complete Series
By Craig Byrne - KryptonSite Webmaster
On November 10, Warner Home Video will be releasing a set of the entire Justice League/Justice League Unlimited animated series. This multi-disc set contains 91 episodes (you read that right!) and is a perfect introduction to the many characters in the DC Universe.
Although the series has been released to DVD before in individual sets, the packaging this time around is a lot more appealing - two plastic cases inside a much bigger, shiny metal tin. Discs are one-sided and all but the first season are in widescreen. In addition to all of the episodes, there's a disc full of bonus material.
While the series as a whole is very good, I am most impressed by the Justice League Unlimited seasons, which explore the continuity even more with continuing story threads. I'm very impressed with the intrigue which is on the level of prime-time TV, and some of the humor - while it would go over a child's head - is a bit on the risque side. Eagle-eyed fans will spot characters from all over the DC Universe -and even some references to characters we might all know and love by other names. (Really. See if you can figure out who the Ulti-Men are).
The voice cast is also stellar. It took time to get used to George Newbern as Superman after years of Tim Daly, but by the time Unlimited came along, he was just as good as Daly had been. Kevin Conroy voices Batman and the voice cast includes such talented folks as Phil LaMarr, Carl Lumbly, and some guy named Michael Rosenbaum. Rosenbaum voices the Flash here, though listen and you'll hear him as Vigilante, Deadshot, and Dr. Polaris as well. There's even an episode where Lex switches bodies with the Flash so, in essense, Michael is playing Lex Luthor! Even guest voices are great - for example, V's Morena Baccarin plays Black Canary.
The other appeal of Unlimited specifically is that there are some story threads that might come in handy later this season on Smallville. Certain characters like Amanda Waller and Dr. Fate come into play, and it might be a strong hint as to what's to come from her if you watch. But additionally to that, it's a good way to "get to know" the many characters of the DC Universe.
Personally speaking, Justice League Unlimited is my favorite era for the show. Which is not to say the first two seasons (which are all included on the first few discs) aren't any good; there's some good stuff in there, but it's not at the same level as what came later. Maybe my short attention span didn't care for hour-long episodes, or maybe I liked seeing more characters than just DC's big guns. But for me, I'd prefer to see characters like Booster Gold, Black Canary, Green Arrow, and the Atom to change things up from time to time. I don't think it's exaggeration to suggest that Justice League Unlimited might be the best comics-to-animation series of all time - yes, even better than Batman: The Animated Series.
The set is pricey but can be found online at a significantly discounted price. Although it looks like a high price point, when you consider you're getting over 35 hours of entertainment and exposure to the entire DC Universe, it's something really special. Warner Home Video has done a terrific job of putting this package together. 5/5 - Highest possible recommendation.
Justice League: The Complete Series arrives on DVD on November 10. Order a copy from Amazon.com and support this site!
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Justice League: The Complete Series
Warner Home Video
Available November 10, 2009
91 episodes plus extras on 15 discs
KidsWB.com
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