Batman is not only arguably the greatest superhero but also one of the most iconic fictional characters of all time. Known for brooding intensity, detective prowess, and a cape that billows dramatically in the night, Batman has won audiences for decades across live-action films, comic book panels, and the world of animation.
Within the DC Animated Universe (DCAU), Batman reached a level of excellence that many consider unmatched. However, even the brilliance of Bruce Timm, the visionary force behind the DCAU, couldn’t guarantee success for one movie which is now considered one of the greatest superhero films.
Batman: Mask of The Phantasm Was A Box Office Failure
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is a landmark in cinematic history. Today, it’s widely considered a masterpiece, a crown jewel of the DCAU. Yet, for all the acclaim it receives now, the film’s initial theatrical release was a story of commercial disappointment. This stands in stark contrast to the golden touch of Bruce Timm, the visionary force behind the DCAU.
Timm, alongside his collaborators, had established a remarkable track record. Their Batman: The Animated Series was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its dark atmosphere, compelling narratives, and groundbreaking animation style. It seemed like anything they touched turned to gold.
Creator Alan Burnett once sat down for an interview with The Pitch where he discussed the movie. He revealed that the movie was meant to be a direct-to-home DVD before a Warner Bros. executive was so impressed with the opening credits that he suggested going for a movie instead.
“I wrote the story and I liked the story and it was a group effort with all the writers on staff. It was originally, it was supposed to be a video for home” .. “In particular, he was looking at the opening credits, which were all computerized, which was a very new look back in 1992. And he said, you know, ‘Why don’t we release this as a movie?’”
Burnett also discussed the financial failure of the movie. Made on a production budget of $6 Million, the movie grossed somewhere around $5.6 Million worldwide. He also revealed that it took almost a year for fans and critics to finally give a good reception to the movie.
“It didn’t do great,” “Here in Los Angeles, it only played in the afternoon. It didn’t play in the evening, and it had its week and a half in the theaters and then it went away.” “We didn’t get the greatest reviews, either,” . “It wasn’t until a year later that Siskel and Ebert reviewed the film as a DVD. They liked it a lot and suddenly, I think that’s when critical opinion changed–or people who liked it finally said they liked it.”
While Mask of the Phantasm did not have a smooth time during its release, its legacy is unmatched. The movie is widely considered to be one of the greatest Batman projects ever and many even put it at par with Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy.
Mask of the Phantasm Was The First Bruce Timm Movie
Bruce Timm has a filmography littered with gems. From the iconic Batman: The Animated Series to the beloved “Justice League,” Timm’s work has redefined superhero storytelling on the small screen. While not the absolute first in his filmography, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm holds a significant place in Bruce Timm’s career.
Co-directed with Eric Radomski, it was the first original theatrical film produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Previously, Timm had made his mark on television with the phenomenal success of “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-1995). Mask of the Phantasm served as a prequel to the series and was also the first movie directed by Timm.
Fans can stream Mask of the Phantasm on Amazon Prime.
