Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

To have a good appreciation for Batman Beyond Return of the Joker you need to be up to speed on Batman Beyond the series. If you don't know about it you might want to check out my Season 1 review for some in-depth or my Movie review for a quick intro. Basically it's Batman in the future. Wayne is an old man, and the young Terry has taken up the fight under the mentoring of the original hero. The series has dealt with futuristic incarnations of many of the classic Batman villains: Mr. Freeze, Bane, and others. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects is the influence of the Joker in the form of a gang called the Jokerz but without an actual Joker character.

The series has left in mystery what may have happened with the clown prince of crime and has hinted that Batman may have taken off the mask due to old age, but something else broke his spirit. There's also bad blood with him and Commissioner Barbara Gordon AKA Batgirl. Terry has been briefed on Batman's enemies, but the crime fighter’s past and this one nemesis are shrouded.

Return of the Joker is Batman Beyond's crown. It's the revelation of the mystery hinted at for so long. It brings in Batman's most notorious villain, and weaves a tale of a final clash between giants that destroys all involved. Other Batman tales have suggested that Batman and Joker would be the end of one another, and this story takes a look at how that could happen making it a challenging and epic tale befitting all of Batman lore.

After a great start in individual concepts both new and previously established, the movie forms a bridge between two shows. Batman Beyond, obviously, is the present, Batman the Animated Series (the one from the 90's with its style and cast) is the past. This helps the flashbacks to feel familiar while wrapping up the original series for its fans. The best part about this meld is while there is a similarity in style, there is a feeling of watching two different shows. Watching the flashbacks feels like watching the other series due in large part to it being so well established already. This, in turn, helps the stories of past and present feel rounded.

The present story doesn't quite have the emotional punch that the flashback story has, but it's not bad and is an excellent vehicle for the tale of the past. It's also a creative, if far-fetched, way to work in Batman's original nemesis into this new continuity as well as take a look at some older players like Tim Drake and what their lives are like so many years later.

Batman Beyond kept Kevin Conroy as the voice of Batman but otherwise did not bring many if any actors from the Batman series. Return of the Joker brings in its regulars (except that Angie Harmon voices the older Barbara Gordon whereas Stockard Channing was the original voice). It also brings in the actors from the Batman animated series: Tara Strong as Batgirl, Matthew Valencia as Robin, Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn, and Mark Hamill as Joker. There are several notable guest appearances as well including Dean Stockwell, Melissa Joan Hart, Michael Rosenbaum, Henry Rollins, Rachael Leigh Cook, and others.

One of the most interesting things about this story is how disturbing the Batman-Joker showdown is. There's death, mutilation, and conspiracy the likes of which you are unlikely to find in a cartoon oriented for kids. I guess that's why there is a censored version. I'm sure the writers could have gone more extreme if they had really wanted to, but they didn't hold back in creating a sequence of events that was powerful enough to alter Batman's life.

Content:
The questionable content you get depends on which version you get. The first release is more kid friendly. For the most part the primary differences between it and the uncut version are that fights are cut down so that there are fewer punches shown, the fatalities are mostly off screen, the disturbance factor of the showdown is sugar-coated, and colors are altered to not be confused with blood even when it's not actually blood. In short the uncut version is a bit more violent and disturbing with fighting and murder (enough to get it a PG13), but even toned down the tale told is pretty dark. There is no bad language or sexuality.

DVD:
As I've said there are two versions of the movie and therefore two DVD's. The movie version is the decision point, though, there is little if any difference in extra content and that sort of thing. The uncut version is about an hour and a quarter. I don’t know about the edited version. I assume it's slightly shorter.

Both versions come in a cardboard snap case that I hate so much. Maybe you'll luck out and get a plastic case since these cardboard ones have started phasing out finally. This is a TV show so the ratio is TV-standard full screen. Sound is 5.1 which surprises me a little. I only expected 2.0.

There is a commentary by creators and writers. It’s very informative. I’ve enjoyed all the commentaries I’ve heard these guys do.

The animatics are a storyboard slideshow with music and some voices. There are 3 scenes.

The behind the scenes feature is basically a long promo with very little new information. There are a few good moments with the acting and musical talent.

The character files are animated so you have to go along with its pace and read quickly. It’s OK if you’re new to Batman Beyond, but I think most long-time fans will find it kind of boring. There’s not really any new info here.

There is a deleted scene in the form of a storyboard. The art is pretty basic, but you do get some voice acting with it.

The trivia section is a game but there is no final score or prize for winning, just get the questions right or don’t.

One of the best features is a music video: Crash by Mephisto Odyssey and Static X. The song is OK, but the imagery is what I like. They are performing in the Batcave

You also get a trailer and a few previews.

Final Thoughts:
This is a must see for Batman Beyond fans. Batman fans that aren’t so fond of or haven’t seen the newer series may still enjoy Return of the Joker for the regular Batman story, but they will miss out on the character development that has led up to this point. I think it’s on par with the http://www1.epinions.com/review/mvie_mu-1046710/content_259597831812 movie. If you’re getting it for a younger viewer the edited version may be your best choice. If, like me, you’re an older viewer, definitely get the uncut. Though I like having extras these are mostly unimpressive, however, I like the Batman treatment enough that I’m giving the release 4*.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older