Other Releases Available:

Releases Reviewed:

The Batman vs. Dracula is available on DVD with a couple of different options.

Basically you can get the movie on DVD by itself or as a part of a couple of double-features. World's Finest and Return of the Joker are both offered alongside this one. I have not seen a Blu version available. I have seen a listing for a version that comes with Batman and Dracula figurines. It's more expensive than the other buying options but still not all that much if you're a dedicated fan.

The double-feature with the Batman Superman Movie is a single double-sided DVD with 1 movie per side. Both movies have a compliment of extras and appear the same versions you would get if you bought each one individually.

Video:

1.33: This is the TV standard ratio. It's clean and looks good. In fact, I'm having a hard time thinking of anything to criticize.

Audio:

5.1 Dolby: It is surprisingly strong. I didn't expect surround sound with this. It's clean with decent surround sound immersion. It could use a little more bass rumble but is not totally deficient.

Packaging:

This version comes in a standard plastic case (the original packaging looks like the cardboard variety in the pictures).

The interface features some animation and music.

Extras:

-Science vs. Superstition: This is a kind of educational video. Batman brings up several superstitions commonly associated with vampires, including Bram Stoker's tale and then counters them with facts. It's actually pretty interesting even though it's aimed at younger viewers and may not have much new info for those with a little more education under their belts. I enjoy educational extras on my DVD's.

-City of Knight: This is an interactive map with a video introduction. It's not a very detailed or interesting map, but when you select a location you get access to a different screen (such as a view of the Batcave or a graveyard) with several different things that can be highlighted. Selecting the item treats you to a behind the scenes clip (in most cases). This is also a sort of game. You're looking for the secret serum which requires clicking on some less obvious things on the screen. Selecting the wrong thing reveals a vampire and returns you to the main map. You really don't get much for winning, just a congratulations and a quick video clip.

GAME SPOILER!!!!!

To win go to Arkham, select the guy behind Penguin, push left a few times followed by down a few times followed by left again until you highlight the food on the table.

END SPOILER

-Behind the Scenes clips: Most of these are short (anywhere from a little over 30 seconds to roughly a minute and a half) and are accessed by selecting things on the map. They include using Joker in the story, coming up with the solar device, designing gadgets, Bruce's knowledge, the approach to the Batman character, creating the style, using the death of the Waynes in the story, the idea of Dracula creating vampire minions, the look of Dracula's tomb, designing the graveyard look, using Vicki in the story, defining this version of Dracula, drawing on the Dracula legends, the look of Arkham, using Penguin's umbrellas, the backstory of Penguin's family, the amusing aspects of the Bingo game, Joker's weapons, the approach to Arkham, and the residents of Arkham.

-Voice Actors Behind the Scenes: A separate, larger behind the scenes clip shows the voice actors at work. It has some minor strong language. It's fun watching the cast at work doing different voices and hearing their thoughts. The DVD sleeve mentions pop up trivia to go along with this, but I saw no such option available.

-Previews: There are a number of preview trailers for all kinds of shows though not one for this one.

Other Editions:

As far as I can tell the version of the movie that came with my double-feature is exactly the same as the stand-alone release. The only difference is that there's another movie on the reverse side of my disc.

The Return of the Joker 2 pack lists all the extras from both releases.

The figurines release is also the same just with the extra items to go along with it.

Final Thoughts:

If you're a fan of the style of “The Batman” you will probably enjoy what you get here. It's not a bad set of offerings for this kind of DVD and is pretty cheap. The double-feature release gives you the most bang for your buck if you're interested in an an older Batman toon unless you prefer having the figurines that are available.