I’d pay good money to see this in a theatre.
Gotham City model art from “Mask of the Phantasm”
Batman Model art with color guide for “Mask of the Phantasm”
Composer Shirley Walker was the musical genius behind most of Batman: The Animated Series’ soundtrack, as well as the soundtracks of a great many shows within the DCAU. Her favorite was always the score from the B:TAS movie, “Mask of the Phantasm.”
It’s easy to hear why. The movie’s opening title features a powerful orchestral arrangement of Batman’s lemotif, and remains, to this day, my all-time favorite piece of music coming from animated media.
Interesting fact about this piece: That chanting isn’t Latin. It’s the names of the orchestrators, Lolita Ritmanis, Michael McCuistion and Peter Tomashek, sung backwards.
Poster insert by Kevin Altieri for Superman/Batman Magazine #2.
Day 22 of the 30 Days of the DCAU
Of all the DCAU movies released, which one is your favorite?Mask of the Phantasm, which tells the story no one else really tells…where Bruce Wayne almost didn’t become Batman. It’s heart-wrenching, a beautiful story. I’ve honestly never before watched a movie and became so attached to its characters; Batman, Alfred, and Andrea. Even the councilman, Arthur.
Return of the Joker’s great too, but I honestly feel that this film surpasses that in emotional intensity and in storytelling. MotP is what made me want to become a film maker.
Mask of the Phantasm. Amazing.
