Kids & Family

Batman - The Animated Series, Volume One (DC Comics Classic Collection)

Warner Brothers' Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995) remains a striking, stylized program that helped to revitalize the familiar comic book hero. Drawing on such diverse influences as Frank Miller's graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns, the Fleischers' Superman cartoons of the early '40s, and contemporary Japanese animation, the filmmakers stress interesting designs and cinematography. The Caped Crusader prowls a sinister, Art Deco-styled world of tall verticals, sharp angles, silhouettes, searchlights, and grid-like shadows cast by window frames. Its visual pizzazz eclipses Filmation's pallid kidvid, The Batman/Superman Hour (CBS, 1968), which ran off and on in various incarnations through 1981. Many of the same artists worked on the Batman animated features (e.g., Mask of the Phantasm (1993), Batman Beyond--The Movie (1999)), which display similar strengths and weaknesses.

Ironically, Batman: The Animated Series looks better in stills than it does in motion. The artists fail to stylize the movements of the characters to match the dramatic settings, as Genndy Tartakovsky and his crew did in Samurai Jack. Batman uses sophisticated computers to combat the well-known villains--the Joker, the Penguin, Mr. Freeze, Catwoman--as well as some less celebrated baddies: Manbat, Clayface, The Mad Hatter. The bad guys cram a lot of plotting and scheming into each 22-minute episode, but the violence is kept to a broadcast standards minimum.

The Dark Knight's First Knight easily ranks as the most interesting of the extras. Producers Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski recount the genesis of the series, and show their mini-pilot, which is more violent and more fully animated. If the complete episodes had matched the pilot, the series would have been much more exciting. (Unrated, suitable for ages 8 and older: violence, mild grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

Batman - The Animated Series, Volume Two (DC Comics Classic Collection)

The early-'90s Batman series was probably the best animated superhero show ever, mixing stylish animation with a dark tone appropriate for the Dark Knight. The second volume, comprising four discs of 28 episodes and vastly preferable to the many single-disc releases, features familiar characters the Joker, Catwoman, the Penguin, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, as well as the first appearances of the Riddler, and Ra's Al Ghul and Talia. The episodes are highlighted by the Emmy-winning two-parter "Robin's Reckoning," which recounts the origin of the Boy Wonder and his chance for revenge years later. In "Perchance to Dream," Bruce Wayne finds his parents alive and another Batman patrolling Gotham City, the two-part "Something" pits Batman against Miyazaki-styled robots, and Batman revisits the samurai training of his past in "Night of the Ninja" and "Day of the Samurai." Give the series credit for not talking down to kids--Japanese characters spoke in Japanese with English subtitles, and one episode, "Almost Got 'Im," was styled after a '50s black-and-white variety show. It employed smart humor and characterization even to the point where it could let villains carry an episode. Certain stories were based on comic books, and the series involved comics veterans such as Denny O'Neil and Len Wein. Also camp-master Adam West appears as the voice of the Grey Ghost. --David Horiuchi

Fight crime day and night alongside the Dark Knight with this deluxe 4-disc set packed with 28 heroic adventures from the acclaimed series! Filled with gripping plots, multidimensional characters and superb voice talent, this Emmy-winning series has defined Batman for legions of fans. Enjoy amazing encounters with Catwoman, duels with the Penguin, contests with the Riddler and of course, battles of wit with the Joker - plus Exclusive Extras from the minds that conceived this cutting-edge version of the classic hero! Grab your cape and swing into action with this quintessential Batman compilation!

Batman - The Animated Series, Volume Three (DC Comics Classic Collection)

Gotham City crime czars Scarface and Rupert Thorne battle evil masterminds like the Joker and the Penguin for money power and respect. Kidnappings rise as foe-versus-foe attacks become more vindictive. And just when you thought you knew the good guys from the bad the craziest villains try to go straight triggering one dangerous blowout after another. Amidst all the terror one man walks the fine line between vengeance and justice as often as he balances his crimefighting persona and his billionaire playboy public life. This is the Batman series that introduced a new kind of super hero: cool composed uncompromising. Your Batman collection won't be complete without this compilation!Running Time: 609 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY UPC: 012569688001

Best of Elmo's World DVD Collection

Elmo's World: Birthdays Games & MoreJoin Sesame Street's curious red monster as he explores birthdays games and pets! Elmo's World offers kids and adults a fresh and light-hearted take on the world around them. Each episode comes to life in Elmo's bright exciting and very original room - the drawer door shade and TV all join in the fun. And he's even visited by a singing birthday cake! Also featuring Elmo's pet goldfish Dorothy the zany Mr. Noodle and classic songs that will delight viewers of all ages.Elmo's World: Flowers Bananas & More!Join Sesame Street's curious red monster as he explores flowers bananas and hair! Elmo's World offers kids and adults a fresh and light-hearted take on the world around them. Each episode comes to life in Elmo's bright exciting and very original room - the drawer door shade and TV all join in the fun. And he's even visited by a muppet banana and a talking cactus! Also featuring Elmo's pet goldfish Dorothy the zany Mr. Noodle and classic songs that will delight viewers of all ages.Elmo's World: Head To Toe With Elmo!One two buckle your shoe...Elmo gets dressed and you can too! Come along and learn all about jackets hats and shoes with Elmo. With a dancing shade a mischievous drawer a frisky television and a playful computer Elmo's World is the perfect place for preschoolers to learn all about the world around them. Elmo and his friends take a trip to the shoe store learn how to make a magical hat and chat with a fuzzy pink jacket. Getting dressed and learning are fun in Elmo's World!Runtime: 150 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: NR UPC: 828768411490 Manufacturer No: 82876841149

Batman - The Animated Series, Volume Four (From the New Batman Adventures) (DC Comics Classic Collection)

In the hit show that continues the Batman storyline from the EmmyO-winning Batman: The Animated Series two years have passed and Batman still protects the streets of Gotham City from the demented criminals that inhabit its dark alleys. But irreconcilable differences with Dick Grayson lead to the collapse of the Batman/Robin crimefighting duo and to the birth of Gotham's new hero Nightwing. Batgirl fights at Batman's side and a new Robin takes flight after Batman's chance encounter with young Tim Drake. In these 24 thrilling episodes the Gotham Knights face their worst enemies - Joker Penguin Mr. Freeze and many more - in a comprehensive 4-disc set that completes the Batman animated saga!Running Time: 521 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS UPC: 012569688018

The fourth and final volume of Batman: The Animated Series is a little uneven but still encompasses some great episodes. Start with "Over the Edge," a nightmarish scenario in which Commissioner Gordon dedicates himself to hunting down Batman following the death of his daughter, Batgirl. "Critters" is a tribute to Japanese monster movies, "Mad Love" recounts the origin of Harley Quinn, and "Legends of the Dark Knight" animates both a '50s-styled Batman adventure as well as a scene from Frank Miller's Return of the Dark Knight. This run of 24 episodes has a lot of Batgirl, too little Nightwing, and a lot of the new Robin, Tim Drake, whose origin is explained in "Sins of the Father." Drake gets a mostly solo adventure, Batgirl teams with Supergirl, and there's still a sense of fun, with goofy humor that includes an appearance by the Three Stooges as the Joker's henchmen. Guest voices include Sela Ward as Calendar Girl and Tippi Hedren, and Mark Hamill continues the excellent work as the Joker that created some early rumors about his taking the live-action role in the sequel to Batman Begins. By this time, Batman had become part of the Batman/Superman Hour, so viewers can choose the opening sequence for either that or the original animated series. That, as well as the unbalanced number of episodes in the seasons (e.g., the first season of the animated series was 60 episodes), is why Batman: The Animated Series was released in volumes rather than as single-season sets. --David Horiuchi

Avatar The Last Airbender - The Complete Book 2 Collection

Avatar: The Complete Book 2 DVD Collection includes 20 action packed episodes from season 2/Book 2: Earth plus an inclusive never-before-seen bonus disc! This 5 disc set centers around Avatar Aangs continious quest to master the four elements. Together with Katara Sokka Momo and Appa he journeys across the Earth Kingdom in search of an Earthbending mentor while fighting off the treachorous Princess Azula who will stop at nothing to defeat the Avatar!System Requirements:Running Time: 492 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: NR UPC: 097368511941 Manufacturer No: 851194

Avatar The Last Airbender - The Complete Book 1 Collection

Avatar: The Complete Book One DVD Box Set includes the collection of all Avatar Water Nation episodes. This 6 disc set will center on the Water Nation and its characters in 20 Avatar episodes (Chapters 1-20) 5 DVD s plus a bonus disc filled with incredible special features!System Requirements:Running Time 489 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: NR UPC: 097368011946 Manufacturer No: 801194

Book 1: Water, Vol. 1
Mysterious, visually beautiful at times, and surprisingly funny, Avatar: Book 1, Volume 1 is the exciting story of Aang, a 12-year-old reincarnation of the ancient Avatar, whose purpose (in an imagined world that seems both ancient and futuristic) is to restore peace and order between warring armies of the four elements: fire, earth, water, and air. At one time or another, over thousands of years, the Avatar has been embodied in masters of each of the elements. Aang (who is freed from a century-long sleep inside an iceberg) happens to be an "airbender," capable of using air and wind as powerful forces for moving objects and defeating hostile armies of firebenders. The feature-length Avatar follows Aang and a couple of friends as he becomes reacquainted with the world he knew before his 100-year hibernation--a world now lost to history. The story also concerns internal dramas within the unforgiving world of firebenders, who are intent on destruction and conquest. This engaging story, very pleasant to look at in its rich tones of blue and orange, is for all ages. --Tom Keogh

Book 1: Water, Vol. 2
Avatar The Last Airbender, Book 1: Water, Volume 2 continues the adventurous if half-comic journey of 12-year-old Airbender Aang, reincarnation of an ancient avatar, and his friends Katara and Sokka as they seek a teacher to help Aang fulfill his peacemaking destiny in a war-torn world. The four episodes on this disc, a follow-up to the elegant, magical series introduction, find the trio wandering through sundry Earth Nation cities, where they encounter signs of troubles between the once-harmonious, elemental tribes representing fire, earth, air, and water. They also bump into trouble with the occasional evil kingdom, as in "The King of Omashu," where Aang must go through various trials to save Katara and Sokka from a bizarre execution. (They're encased in growing, crystal structures.) "Imprisoned" finds Katara inadvertently responsible for the arrest of an Earthbending boy who dares to use his powers while his people are under Firebender occupation. The ambitious, two-part "Winter Solstice" is the best production in this collection, a pairing of storylines involving the capture of a Firebender war criminal and the hopes of a frightened village that turns to Aang to defeat a monster from the spirit world. The action is still original and fun on this sequel--most of it continues to be based on exciting uses of the elements--and the lead trio's characters (Aang the scamp, Katara the idealist, Sokka the skeptic) are still a pleasure to be with. --Tom Keogh

Book 1: Water, Vol. 3
The Avatar saga continues with four of the anime series' strongest stories yet on Book 1: Water, Volume 3, mixing goofy comedy with mythic drama in the spirit of Avatar's magical debut (Book 1 Water, Volume 1) and engaging follow-up (Book 1 Water, Volume 2). Volume 3 concerns the continuing (perilous) travels of Aang, the 12-year-old Airbender destined to heal the rift between the world's air, water, fire, and earth peoples, and his friends Katara and Sokka. "The Waterbending Scroll" finds Katara so jealous over Aang's quick mastery of complicated waterbending techniques that the trio ends up in trouble with a cluster of cutthroat pirates. "Jet" is an interesting story of an adolescent boy leading a Robin Hood-like rebellion against the firebending occupiers of his land. Charismatic and rakish, Jet makes Katara swoon and becomes a hero to Aang--until his true colors and agenda show up later. "The Great Divide" places Aang and company in the position of mediating a truce between refugees seeking assistance across a great canyon. Finally, "The Storm" is a superb piece which shows us, in parallel narratives, how Aang was fleeing his oppressed life as an avatar-in-training a century earlier when he became encased in ice, and how the driven, seemingly merciless Prince Zuko lost his own boyhood innocence before setting out to capture Aang. This excellent collection carries on the series' imaginative, graceful animation, making Avatar a real pleasure to watch. --Tom Keogh

Book 1: Water, Vol. 4

Book 1: Water, Vol. 5
Chapters 17 through 20 of Avatar the Last Airbender: Book 1 Water, Vol. 5 find Aang, the 12-year-old Avatar destined to bring peace to the world by mastering the four elements, once again in direct collision with the forces of the Fire nation. In "The Northern Air Temple," a sad Aang visits the ruins of a monastery well known to him in his past life. Aang is shocked to discover a tribe of faux Airbenders living there, presided over by an inventor with a dark and even treacherous secret. "The Waterbending Master" introduces Aang to a mentor he would just as soon avoid: an old Waterbender who can teach him to move, shape, and fight with liquid, prerequisites to Aang assuming his place as the world's savior. Meanwhile, Aang's traveling companion Katara is frustrated by that same master's refusal to sharpen her own natural, Waterbending talent; until, that is, an unexpected link between them becomes clear. (Aang's other friend, Sokka, stays busy--and crazy--chasing a princess who gives him mixed signals about her romantic interest.) "The Siege of the North, Parts 1 and 2" is yet another epic confrontation between Admiral Zhao's Fire Navy fleet and the Aang gang. The twist this time is that Zhao attempts the murder of Prince Zuko, an action that cannot go without consequences. As usual, Avatar is visually exciting and highly original, an otherworldly yet fully accessible fantasy full of dreams and good humor. --Tom Keogh

Batman Beyond - Season Two (DC Comics Classic Collection)

At least 40 years after the "current" adventures of Batman and 20 years after Bruce Wayne retired from the role his secret is discovered by troubled teen Terry McGinnis. After McGinnis' father is murdered by the man who took over Bruce Wayne's company McGinnis dons a high-tech Bat suit that Wayne last used creating a new hero for a future Gotham.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: NR UPC: 012569811102 Manufacturer No: 81110

Justice League Unlimited - Season One (DC Comics Classic Collection)

Three new episodes from the most famous superhero library DC Comics available for the first time on DVD. 1) "Initiation": A reluctant Green Arrow joins forces with the new Justice League to stop a rampaging nuclear monster in Asia. 2) "Hawk and Dove": Wonder Woman teams up with super-powered two brothers one warlike the other a pacifist to stop Ares' plans to escalate a European civil war into World War III. 3) "Kids' Stuff": Superman Batman Wonder Woman and Green Lantern are transformed into eight year olds in a desperate attempt to save the world from the magics of Mordred.Running Time: 595 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: NR UPC: 012569816497 Manufacturer No: 81649

Justice League - Season One (DC Comics Classic Collection)

Superman Batman Wonder Woman The Flash Green Lantern Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl they have all used their unique powers to fight evil across the galaxy. These 7 super heroes unite to become the Justice League. These 26 adventures feature battles with favorite villains like Lex Luthor Vandal Savage and sorceress Morgan Le Fey. Acts of justice include saving Aquaman from a coup and clearing Green Lantern's name in a charge of genocide. From the smash hit TV series these triumphant tales of teamwork will enthrall and inspire!Running Time: 575 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM UPC: 012569750098 Manufacturer No: 75009