Batman Beyond - Return of the Joker (The Original Uncut Version)

i do not consider what warner bros did to be censorship as it is their product and they can do what they see fit with it. i also think that it was a bit extreme for children under a certain age, but with the parental control features of dvd players i am dissapointed in warner bros for not releasing both versions on the dvd.

i will not be buying this video until such time that warners sees fit to release the movie as its creators intended. i urge any of you out there intrested in seeing a brilliant film to do the same, after all they may ignore your voice, your petitions, your letters and your emails, they cannot ignore your money.


A Great Batman Movie -- In the Opinion Of a True Batman Fan   December 24, 2000
Stephen A. Smith (Boston, MA)
33 out of 37 found this review helpful

This really is a fantastic movie. For general audiences, it holds all the appeal of a good Batman storyline. For true Batman fans, it holds up to our strict scrutiny. If you've read the comics and watched any of the animated series, you might expect that this storyline will hold few surprises. You would be wrong. The "Mask of the Phantasm" storyline was good, but not particularly surprising or original. "Return of the Joker" is both. It's so original, in fact, that I would suggest you go out of your way to avoid learning anything about it before watching. You won't be disappointed.

The DVD special features are excellent, as well. There's a short documentary about the production of the movie, an audio track recorded by the creators, and even an unanimated scene that was deleted from the final cut.

I recommend this movie for anyone. The storyline is both original and well-developed, and contains elements that will hold the interest of mature audiences while presenting them in a manner suitable for younger viewers. I'm glad to own this DVD, and offer my thanks to everyone who took part in its production for the wonderful result.


It's finally here, this ain't no kids stuff   August 13, 2002
N. Durham (Philadelphia, PA)
25 out of 25 found this review helpful

The original Batman animated series of the 90's might have been aimed towards children, but it was so well written and slick that older audiences enjoyed it as well. While I was a big fan of that original series, I'll admit I really wasn't too fond of Batman Beyond (although the idea behind it intrigued me). I had originally seen the original cut version of "Return of the Joker", and I somewhat liked it, but when I heard about the uncut version finally getting released, something told me I had to see it. I will tell you that in every way, shape, and form, this uncut version tops the cut one. The uncut version clears up some holes from the cut one that were created so the more "violent and mature themed" scenes could be cut out, plus we get to really see just what kind of lunatic the Joker is, I mean who would do that to a kid? Seeing that image of what happens to Robin will make you understand why Warner Bros. cut out the scene. Not to mention we also get to see how the Joker really met his demise, and why Bruce Wayne walks with a cane. Kevin Conroy is great as always as Bruce, while Will Friedle is pretty good as Terry McGinnis, but the film belongs to Mark Hamill, who is always fantastic but here much more sadistic, as the Joker. Other voice talents include Dean Stockwell, Melissa Joan Hart, Angie Harmon, Michael Rosenbaum, and good 'ol Henry Rollins as one of the Joker's henchman (we also get to see what really happens to him too). All in all, if your older but love anything Batman, steer clear of the cut version and get this fantastic uncut edition, but if your buying this for your kids or a young child (like say under 10), get the cut version because this uncut edition may be too intense for them.


Five Stars If We Get the Uncensored Original Release Edit   October 6, 2000
24 out of 28 found this review helpful

Yes, be warned. It seems that Gore/Lieberman have struck fear into the hearts of WB. "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker" has been delayed from Oct. to Dec., so WB can TRIM, CUT, SNIP OUT, EDIT--in other words, CENSOR everything that gives offense to our self-appointed moral guardians (see above). This is no rumor, but fact. So be warned. I would love to own this movie, but if WB censors the expression of the film's creators, I'll simply rent it.

One last word, the above rant refers to the cutting-edge and sometimes brutually violent nature of the film. It's no kiddie flick and should not be marketed to kids. Remember, though, that WB saw the screenplay; they gave the go-ahead and green light to Paul Dini and company. So if you don't want your politicians telling you what you can watch, remember to vote. (I'm no Republican, but Tipper "Mrs. Censorship" Gore gives me serious chills....)