Steve Saffel, an independent editor, packager and intellectual property developer from Forest Hills, NY, saw recent coverage about direct-to-DVD animated features (see ''Ultimate Avengers 2 DVD' Debuts at #5') and suggests that retailers also check out several Batman, Superman, and Justice League animated DVDs:
I've been fascinated watching your coverage of the direct-to-DVD animated films, which are touted as following the leadership of Marvel's Ultimate Avengers releases. It's true that these films have made the most of a growing marketplace, but I don't think it's quite accurate to indicate that Marvel's releases are the seminal ones.
Indeed, in the superhero category Warner Bros. has been producing successful direct-to-DVD (and before that, direct-to-video) superhero films that are still among the best. These include the Batman films Mask of the Phantasm and Sub-Zero, the Batman Beyond films Batman Beyond (the origin sequence) and Return of the Joker, the Superman film Last Son of Krypton, and the Batman/Superman film World's Finest. And now we have the direct-to-DVD Superman film Brainiac Attacks (reuniting Tim Daley and Dana Delaney as Clark and Lois).
As I recall, thirteen years ago, Mask of the Phantasm was given a very brief (one week, limited release) stint in the theaters, largely for publicity, since I don't believe it generated much revenue. And I seem to remember that Sub-Zero was strictly direct-to-video.
Return of the Joker did appear on television in an edited version, since the death of Robin scene was quite intense (even in the milder edition). I think the unedited DVD followed and may have later appeared on cable. Both Last Son of Krypton and World's Finest were collected from episodes of the Superman television series, yet their first appearances as uncut filmed versions came on video.
There was also the Batman vs. Dracula film that came out based on the new The Batman series. It, too, appeared on the WB Network, but roughly simultaneously with the release of the DVD. This one also comes in a gift box with action figures.
Finally, some of the Justice League multi-part adventures have also been collected. In light of the new interest in direct-to-DVD, retailers may want to make use of these gems. ('If you enjoyed Avengers, have you tried Justice League?')
Some consider Mask of the Phantasm and Last Son of Krypton the best Batman and Superman films yet made, and I would have to concur, especially with Last Son. Unlike the live-action films, these refuse to diminish the villains, and the character development in the heroes is profoundly well done. (Plus, Last Son has the single best line of
So while much credit is due to Marvel for the current renaissance in DVD sales, I hope some credit will be given to the folks who have been paving the way since Mask was released in 1993 (with, I might add, a comic book insert).
For easy retailer reference, here are the UPC codes for these DVDs:
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm - 012569717275
Batman: Sub-Zero - 012569717268
Batman Beyond - 085391784821
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker - 012569717251
Batman vs. Dracula - 012569688360
Batman vs. Dracula gift box with action figures - 012569728455
Superman: Last Son of Krypton - 085393127527
The Superman/Batman Movie - 085391635123
Superman: Brainiac Attacks - 012569745872
Justice League - 085392223626
Justice League: Justice on Trial - 085392395323
Justice League: Star Crossed - 085393128524
Justice League:
Justice League: Brave and the Bold - 085392870929
It won't be for all retailers, but for some, it could generate some interesting revenue and cross-marketing opportunities.
The opinions expressed in this Talk Back article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.
