Batman - Mystery of the Batwoman (DVD, 2003)

An another fine piece of work by Bruce Timm, and co.

"Created by the same creative team as The New Batman Adventures and Batman Beyond, the movie follows the time period of The New Batman / Superman Adventures, and is set before the implications shown in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker have affected Robin. Initially, it seems a new hero has arrived in Gotham, but as the title suggests, it is a mystery to even Batman who this new Batwoman actually is. As the plot thickens, so does the mystery as Batman must figure out who Batwoman is and to stop familiar enemies Penguin and Rupert Thorne from selling illegal weapons to the fictional nation of Kasnia. At the beginning of the story, they employ Carlton Duquesne, a gangster, to provide protection and muscle. Bane also comes into the plot as a hired hitman to take out any person or persons in the way of business.

The non-mutant version of The Penguin reappears, as does his nightclub, although he now has a different voice actor. Thorne and Bane are both updated, with Bane in particular taking a far more menacing appearance, with red eyes and a frightening mask that no longer bears any resemblance to that of a wrestler. Thorne is the closest to his original design in Batman: TAS, though he has been streamlined and seems to have lost some weight in the transition. Carlton Duquesne is a new character introduced at the start of the movie. He is a large, powerfully built African American man, presumably in his late 40s-late 50s who apparently has established himself in Gotham City's financial elite. Bane is placed next to him in one particular scene and is seen to be even larger and stronger than Duquesne, further adding to his menacing aura in this movie.

Despite taking the symbol of the Bat as a sign of justice, Batwoman sullies the Bat prefix by taking out criminals with ruthless and dangerous techniques. In fact, moral qualms such as sparing lives do not even come into question. Batwoman's main focus is on illegal activity by the Penguin, Thorne, and Carlton Duquesne.

Much of Batman's time is spent trying to discover the identity of the Batwoman. Following various leads and discovering possible motives from a number of suspects, Batman is repeatedly frustrated in his investigation as several candidates are found and excluded. This leads to a plot twist concerning the "identity" of the Batwoman that emphasizes the deductive skills of the Dark Knight.

Batman, with Robin, sets out to stop the Batwoman from making mistakes as she tries to take out the villains. The newest gadget on display is a wind glider used by Batwoman that utilizes some of the most advanced technology ever seen in Gotham City. Bruce Wayne, Batman's alter ego also becomes involved with a new lady in his life, the daughter of Carlton Duquesne.

The plot stays true to what fans enjoy as the team including Alan Burnett and Michael Reaves created the script and Kevin Conroy still plays the voice of Batman. The movie also shows further continuity between all the Dini created Batman shows: Barbara Gordon is shown to have had a romantic interest in Bruce, which will later turn into a relationship (as shown in flashbacks in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker). This film is apparently set before those events, as Robin does not appear to have experienced the trauma that is shown in Return of the Joker."

-Wikipedia

Good not great animation with great sound effects, Great cast of voices, Interesting story with a unexpected twist. extra bonus features movie short "CHASE ME" plus go behind the scenes making of the movie and "Toxic Chill" game for DVD-ROM PC. and a 14" X 7" movie poster is included in the box. not that violent. fine for younger audience. Best watched in the dark.

I think this a great Batman animated film, there some great voice actors in this film, and a great story a good twisted that you kind of see coming

I was a little hesitant about this one because it was released well after the lifetime of the animated series, but I figured since I love Batman and because most everything to do with this series was very good, it would be worth it. Like the tv series and the previous 2 feature films based on it, it is really, really good! Very captivating in terms of storyline, emotion, and good execution of the characters. And of course great voice acting, esp from Kevin Conroy. I figured it would be worth a few dollars so I got to see it and know the story of it, but I will definitely be watching this one more in the future. I am so glad I decided to get this and am excited to being one step closer to owning the whole Batman animated series.

If you liked the movie batman and robin than this movie is perfect for you. Personally, having grown up with batman the animated series this movie is a huge dissapointment. The story isn't bad but the animation is horrible and the actions of batman are nothing like the batman I grew up with. The great detective is nothing more than an hoax as he he waits for everyone else to figure everything out for him. The classic neo noir feel of the old series is gone and is replaced by darkwing duck or some other disney cheezy characters. I would not rent this but unfortunately I bought it. I highly suggest any of the other batmans!