Final JLU and Batman Beyond DVD release dates

With the last installments of the two shows hitting shelves this coming March, Toonado takes a quick look at the DC Animated Universe.

For many people, the first day of spring symbolizes new beginnings. Yet cartoon fans will find that March 20th will mark the end of an era. Easily among two of the highest-rated animated series’ of the 21st century, Justice League: Unlimited and Batman Beyond will both take their final bow with their DVD releases.

In 1989, Bruce Wayne hit the silver screen with a bang, grossing over $40 million in its opening weekend alone. Its success inspired Warner Bros. to create Batman: The Animated Series. As a result, Batman: TAS began airing shortly after the Batman Returns sequel. It was at this moment that the team of producers (Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, and Paul Dini) shaped what turned out to be a dynasty in animation for nearly a decade and a half. This series, which not only lasted 85 episodes, spawned over half a dozen other shows and feature films as well. Many of these programs went on to garner the acclamation of critics and audiences alike. Their hard work has led them to raise the bar for each and every competitor. Justice League: Unlimited represents a capstone project for the team which will be put to an end this spring. Batman Beyond fans can also consider themselves fortunate since they will be capturing a cult hit for their collections.

With several Warner Bros. shows still being aired, some might argue that the era of DC superheroes on the small screen still continues to this day. However, the Legion of Superheroes was a letdown, despite its potential. The Batman improved upon on his first three lackluster seasons, but still remains an anemic shadow of his former self. Krypto the wonder dog was, simply put, a joke without a punch line. With the Teen Titans out of commission, it appears as though the curtain has closed for DC superheroes on television. This may present a window of opportunity for Marvel, as they do have Iron Man and Wolverine shows in the works, but that remains to be seen, given their unimpressive Fantastic Four series which was dropped by the Cartoon Network before airing its entire first season.

Warner Bros. has yet to reveal anything regarding JLU or Batman Beyond’s special features, but based on their previous releases, it is likely that several episodes will be presented with commentary in addition to a discussion with the panel of creators. The discussions will most likely be more interesting as the group of award-winning producers will have a chance to discuss how and why they had to conclude each of the two programs, as well as their thoughts on the future of animation.

The final season of JLU features an explosive 2-part season finale with cameo appearances from nearly every hero and villain the league has come into contact with since its inception. Terry McGinnis, who was featured in 2 episodes of JLU season 1, will be working with the justice league of the future on Batman Beyond season 3. Die hard fans of the DC animated universe will have to shell out $26.99 apiece for each of the two seasons, but it is certain that they will hold strong sentimental value as these two DVD sets will mark the end of something truly special in animation.

Mohad Ali
12/5/2006
Source: TV Shows On DVD