Superman/Batman: Public Enemies DVD: Review By CBF
The Best DC Universe Animated Original Movie, Action-Packed and Heavily Enjoyable: A Literal Comic Book Come to Life.
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OVERALL4.5SUPERB
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Feature
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Picture
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Sound
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Extras
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Replay Value
THE GOOD
Taken straight from the comic book of the same name, one of the best books put out in the last decade by DC Comics and famed writer Jeph Loeb, this animated film adaptation is as close to the source material as you can get.
THE BAD
The case and/or menus could have detailed some more needed information, and the running time feels a little short by the end of the film.
THE FEATURE
After DC Comics successfully relaunched their Superman/Batman comic book series, famous scribe Jeph Loeb came on to pen the first few story arcs. I knew him from previous classics such as the infamous Batman: The Long Halloween and the Spider-Man: Blue graphic novels, both written with art from collaborator Tim Sale. His work on this newly relaunched title is nothing short of amazing, and is the sole reason why its first story arc, "Public Enemies," gets an animated film adaptation.
Featuring a slew of classic comic book villains from the DC Universe, which include characters from the legendary Legion of Doom, "Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" takes its viewers for a ride. The story instantly draws you in as you learn that Lex Luthor has become the United States President, in all his white tuxedo glory. He has recruited a handful of Super Heroes to work for his cabinet, which include some you may know, and some you may not. The noteworthy ones in this group were Captain Atom and Power Girl. In an expected form of trickery, Superman is branded an outlaw when a huge meteor chunk of the former planet Krypton has been found entering the Milky Way galaxy and hurling at top speed toward Earth, and President Luthor convinces the American people that the approaching meteor is affecting Superman's psyche. Superman can't fly into the solar system to smash the meteor into oblivion because it is a humungous source of Kryptonite, which would immediately kill him from the immense radiation. Superman's friend and vigilante Batman is also publicly branded a traitor as he shows up to defend him, and a pricey bounty is put out on both of their heads from the White House. Superman and Batman must both use their intellect and skills to try to turn things around as Lex is hiding a terrible secret, and the global killer is inching ever closer to annihilating the planet. A resolve must be presented, quickly and decisively. I won't spoil any more of the story, but let's just say in a scene of epic proportions and a wondrous display of powers, an all-out lengthy battle ensues between DC's finest and a who's who of an awesome cavalcade of comic book villains and heroes out to collect on Lex's reward.
The animation was excellent, top-notch and superior to any other animated film I have ever seen. It's so much better than the graphic novel, you really have to see it to believe it. Stan Berkowitz does a great job of drafting and converting the Jeph Loeb story into a screenplay for this film. He adds scenes and maps out the route of filling the spaces that were left empty in the graphic novel. The music feels epic, creates the perfect moments and setups, and voice casting is the best it has ever been in this series. Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy return from both their fames on Superman: The Animated Series, and Batman: The Animated Series, respectively, to which they do a most excellent job and are the highlight of the film. Clancy Brown also returns as Lex Luthor from the former series. Surprise characters make cameo appearances. Other names and places from the DC Universe mythology are homaged, to the point that this film really does feel like a comic book come to life. This is one instance where the statement actually holds true.
"You're absolutely sure this is going to work?"
"Does Power Girl have big-"
"Just feed it the numbers, kid."
Featuring a slew of classic comic book villains from the DC Universe, which include characters from the legendary Legion of Doom, "Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" takes its viewers for a ride. The story instantly draws you in as you learn that Lex Luthor has become the United States President, in all his white tuxedo glory. He has recruited a handful of Super Heroes to work for his cabinet, which include some you may know, and some you may not. The noteworthy ones in this group were Captain Atom and Power Girl. In an expected form of trickery, Superman is branded an outlaw when a huge meteor chunk of the former planet Krypton has been found entering the Milky Way galaxy and hurling at top speed toward Earth, and President Luthor convinces the American people that the approaching meteor is affecting Superman's psyche. Superman can't fly into the solar system to smash the meteor into oblivion because it is a humungous source of Kryptonite, which would immediately kill him from the immense radiation. Superman's friend and vigilante Batman is also publicly branded a traitor as he shows up to defend him, and a pricey bounty is put out on both of their heads from the White House. Superman and Batman must both use their intellect and skills to try to turn things around as Lex is hiding a terrible secret, and the global killer is inching ever closer to annihilating the planet. A resolve must be presented, quickly and decisively. I won't spoil any more of the story, but let's just say in a scene of epic proportions and a wondrous display of powers, an all-out lengthy battle ensues between DC's finest and a who's who of an awesome cavalcade of comic book villains and heroes out to collect on Lex's reward.
The animation was excellent, top-notch and superior to any other animated film I have ever seen. It's so much better than the graphic novel, you really have to see it to believe it. Stan Berkowitz does a great job of drafting and converting the Jeph Loeb story into a screenplay for this film. He adds scenes and maps out the route of filling the spaces that were left empty in the graphic novel. The music feels epic, creates the perfect moments and setups, and voice casting is the best it has ever been in this series. Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy return from both their fames on Superman: The Animated Series, and Batman: The Animated Series, respectively, to which they do a most excellent job and are the highlight of the film. Clancy Brown also returns as Lex Luthor from the former series. Surprise characters make cameo appearances. Other names and places from the DC Universe mythology are homaged, to the point that this film really does feel like a comic book come to life. This is one instance where the statement actually holds true.
"You're absolutely sure this is going to work?"
"Does Power Girl have big-"
"Just feed it the numbers, kid."
THE EXTRAS
The Special Features on the Two-Disc Special Edition are a great addition to the DVD, and provide something extra for fans of this excellent DCU Animated Original Movies series. The creators don't hold back with the extras on each release, and here they give us not only a featurette on the two superhero stars of the feature, and the expected Sneak Peek at the next release, but do a good job seasoning the rest with some other unique extras as well.
:: - Disc One with Movie - ::
Behind the Scenes of Blackest Night, the Epic DC Comics Super Hero Event in Which the Dead Shall Rise
A great look into the awesomeness of the comic company's foray of the crossover event known as Blackest Night. Geoff Johns, in my opinion the company's top writer, comes in and talks a great deal about crafting this year-long story and reveals some behind-the-scenes details. This is the same featurette from Summer 2009's Green Lantern: First Flight.
Explore 4 Other DC Universe Animated Original Movies
You know the drill. The Sneak Peeks from the previous releases in the series.
Trailers
Green Lantern: First Flight, Fringe TV series, and the Batman: Arkham Asylum video game all make the cut, while Sherlock Holmes, Smallville: Season 8, Halo: Legends, and an ad for Blu-Ray mark the pre-menu sequence on the DVD.
:: - Disc Two - ::
A Test of Minds: The Psychology of Superman and Batman - Explore the Dynamics of the Evolving Relationship Between Two Classic Super Heroes
From World's Finest to Public Enemies, you have DC heavyweights Gregory Noveck, President Paul Levitz, Alan Burnett, Dan DiDio, and the writer of the comic this DVD is based off, Jeph Loeb, speaking on the history of Superman and Batman after they met in the comics, and their different crime-fighting methods and mind states. Superman authors Danny Fingeroth, Kevin J. Anderson, and "Psychology of Superheroes" editor Dr. Robin S. Rosenberg also chime in on their perspective of the characters. This featurette definitely sheds light on the philosophical differences of the two characters, and both their rich histories and continuities. The fireman and the detective. This is the highlight of all the extras.
Dinner with DCU and Special Guest Kevin Conroy - The Voice of Batman Shares a Meal and Talks with a DC Universe Creative Team
This is a surprising featurette where we see the DCU team creating this movie having an exclusive VIP dinner in the back room of a fancy restaurant, with Kevin Conroy joining them as they munch on some luscious cuisine as everyone throws ideas around. I found this very interesting as to the insight of what goes on behind the scenes when they create these releases. And it's got Bruce Timm and Kevin Conroy talking about what they love to do. I couldn't miss it.
Exclusive: Sneak Peek at Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Another classic look into the franchise future with the making of the 7th DCU Animated Original Movie.
Bruce Timm Presents: 2 Bonus Cartoons
Both from Superman: The Animated Series, these consist of two episodes that feature Batman, "The Demon Reborn," and "Knight Time." I love the Supes cartoon so these are great episodes which has Kevin Conroy guest star as the Caped Crusader.
:: - Disc One with Movie - ::
Behind the Scenes of Blackest Night, the Epic DC Comics Super Hero Event in Which the Dead Shall Rise
A great look into the awesomeness of the comic company's foray of the crossover event known as Blackest Night. Geoff Johns, in my opinion the company's top writer, comes in and talks a great deal about crafting this year-long story and reveals some behind-the-scenes details. This is the same featurette from Summer 2009's Green Lantern: First Flight.
Explore 4 Other DC Universe Animated Original Movies
You know the drill. The Sneak Peeks from the previous releases in the series.
Trailers
Green Lantern: First Flight, Fringe TV series, and the Batman: Arkham Asylum video game all make the cut, while Sherlock Holmes, Smallville: Season 8, Halo: Legends, and an ad for Blu-Ray mark the pre-menu sequence on the DVD.
:: - Disc Two - ::
A Test of Minds: The Psychology of Superman and Batman - Explore the Dynamics of the Evolving Relationship Between Two Classic Super Heroes
From World's Finest to Public Enemies, you have DC heavyweights Gregory Noveck, President Paul Levitz, Alan Burnett, Dan DiDio, and the writer of the comic this DVD is based off, Jeph Loeb, speaking on the history of Superman and Batman after they met in the comics, and their different crime-fighting methods and mind states. Superman authors Danny Fingeroth, Kevin J. Anderson, and "Psychology of Superheroes" editor Dr. Robin S. Rosenberg also chime in on their perspective of the characters. This featurette definitely sheds light on the philosophical differences of the two characters, and both their rich histories and continuities. The fireman and the detective. This is the highlight of all the extras.
Dinner with DCU and Special Guest Kevin Conroy - The Voice of Batman Shares a Meal and Talks with a DC Universe Creative Team
This is a surprising featurette where we see the DCU team creating this movie having an exclusive VIP dinner in the back room of a fancy restaurant, with Kevin Conroy joining them as they munch on some luscious cuisine as everyone throws ideas around. I found this very interesting as to the insight of what goes on behind the scenes when they create these releases. And it's got Bruce Timm and Kevin Conroy talking about what they love to do. I couldn't miss it.
Exclusive: Sneak Peek at Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Another classic look into the franchise future with the making of the 7th DCU Animated Original Movie.
Bruce Timm Presents: 2 Bonus Cartoons
Both from Superman: The Animated Series, these consist of two episodes that feature Batman, "The Demon Reborn," and "Knight Time." I love the Supes cartoon so these are great episodes which has Kevin Conroy guest star as the Caped Crusader.
THE VIDEO
The picture is displayed in a Dual-Layer Widescreen format. Strangely that is all the case tells you. No word on if it is Anamorphic or what the actual Aspect Ratio is.
THE AUDIO
English Language. English Subtitles. Curiously it does not tell you either on the menu screens or on the back of the DVD case itself what the audio actually is, whether it's 5.1/7.1 Dolby Digital Surround, DTS, what. It is a mystery as well. They could have at least marked the specifications of Video and Audio somewhere.
THE PACKAGE
The Two-Disc Special Edition DVD comes in a shiny slipsleeve, just like the previous releases, and showcases some excellent art work by Bruce Timm. They really take their time with these slipsleeves for the 2-Disc editions and make them something special.
THE FINAL WORD
Overall, this movie surpassed my expectations. After viewing the Sneak Peek on the last release, Green Lantern: First Flight, it created a buzzworthy hype to which the film did not disappoint. It was completely action-packed and did not let up throughout the entire spectacle. While the comic book was nothing short of splendid images and superb storytelling, the animated film was even better. Which is something that never happens. I love how each DVD in this series adapts a specific comic book, and until Batman: Under the Red Hood gets released on July 27, this will remain my favorite of the entire series.
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CBF's Reviews (38)
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CBF
UPDATE: 6-3-10
Alright so it was announced a few days ago that the sequel is indeed coming out and it is going to be called "Superman/Batman: Apocalypse." This was confirmed by early views of the back cover to the "Batman: Under The Red Hood" DVD on certain sites. Now the question is - WILL this be The Supergirl From Krypton arc? Supergirl serves as the sequel to Public Enemies. Because of the meteor.
WHV has announced that due to WW and GL not selling quick enough (even though they made back their money and fans prefer these 2 over the others, with WW sales surpassing both GL and JL: New Frontier), they told DCU to "cease and hold off" on female heroines and B-title heroes for right now. Which is why they started this line in the first place. So this may contribute to the fact of the sequel title change.
I have exhausted my time looking on all the forums on this S/B sequel, and everyone seems to be in unison agreement: they are all speculating that it will be the Supergirl arc, and that "Apocalypse" refers to Apokolips, the island where Darkseid dwells, since he is the main villain in the Supergirl story and most of the climactic battle takes place there, when Kara Zor-El becomes one of Darkseid's Female Furies.
That is all.
2 years agoby @comicbookfanFlag
CBF
Thanks, Lock, and Arunish.
I heard they are so impressed with the sales of this one, which is the highest sales numbers not counting their two highly-promoted titles (Superman: Doomsday and Batman: Gotham Knight), that they are making a sequel following Batman: Under The Red Hood, which both are coming out this year. I think the only logical follow up to "Public Enemies" is the other Jeph Loeb arc, which just so happens to be the next story in the books:
"Superman/Batman: Supergirl."
2 years agoby @comicbookfanFlag
Arunish
its really good
2 years agoby @arunishFlag
Lock and Stock
Good review, man. Very epic. You've picked out every single thing about this film. Mighty review.
2 years agoby @m-man360Flag
CBF
Thanks everybody for all your kind words and Thumbs Up!! I hadn't written a review since the site change, and was skeptical if people even read them anymore. This will give me the motivation to write more, so thx. And I'm glad you all enjoyed this review.
2 years agoby @comicbookfanFlag
The Soylent Green Monkey
Excellent Review.
2 years agoby @soylentgreen2Flag
Emmytt
nice
2 years agoby @emmyttFlag
XSSIV
great stuff! a collection item.
2 years agoby @xssivFlag
Twisted Smile (The Untold Smile)
Great review my wall crawler enthusiast . You did a great job selling it to the people. It definitely sounds like a must see.
2 years agoby @twistedsmileFlag
WARRock
Awesome review!! you describe the plot so well that it makes me eager to see it, without giving too much away. I love the book, but I've never seen the movie. I always prefer the book because you get to read what the characters are thinking. But from what you've said, it looks like the movie is way better. I'm definitely gonna see it. Yet another great review!!
2 years agoby @jcFlag
righthandofdoom
Good job on the review man. I have read the public enemies book and it was awesome. I'm looking forward to seeing this. And to watch the special features on it to. From what I have seen from the trailers the animation is very well done. Its cool that Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy have return to their characters. Great job man covering the special features and everything. Im glad that there are Interviews on there. Once again man. Good job.
2 years agoby @righthandofdoomFlag
T.Clark
It might appear as 2 weeks old if you rated it before reviewing it 2 weeks ago.
I completely agree about the review system. People like FilmFanatic do not need to be posting so many reviews a day, especially when they suck. I think that's all he does with his time.
Anyway, nice review, but I haven't seen this. I loved the comic, though. I stopped reading when Loeb left the book, but his run on it was amazing, especially the Supergirl arc.
2 years agoby @insertusernamehereFlag
CBF
New review. Not sure why it lists this as being from 2 weeks ago, I just wrote and posted it last night, May 4, 2010. But otherwise I hope you all enjoy my review.
Anyways I hope this shows the douches how to actually review something, why it is you give each section a rating and explaining why you gave each section that rating, and the overall aspect. I am so sick and tired of these 1-line comments as reviews and Facebook users abusing the Review System on here. People should not be posting 30, 40 reviews a day by saying "it's a good movie, go see it," and then clicking submit. I hear MW is implementing a "FLAG" button for reviews, and as soon as I see this appear all those reviews are getting Flagged. It really is ridiculous.
2 years agoby @comicbookfanFlag