Watch The Batman/ Superman Movie

The Batman/Superman Movie, also known as "World's Finest," is a feature-length compilation film from 1997 that combines three episodes of the animated television series, "Superman: The Animated Series." These episodes, which were originally aired as "World's Finest" parts 1, 2, and 3, showcase the first meeting and the collaborative adventure between two of the most iconic superheroes in the DC Comics universe: Batman and Superman.

Set in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU), a media franchise that includes various animated television series and films inspired by DC Comics, The Batman/Superman Movie provides fans with a richly detailed story that explores the dynamics between the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. This movie is notable for its action-packed sequences and its intricate plot that weaves together the distinct worlds of Metropolis and Gotham City.

The film features the voice talents of Tim Daly as Superman/Clark Kent and Kevin Conroy as Batman/Bruce Wayne. With Daly’s earnest and noble portrayal of Superman, and Conroy’s deep, brooding intonation as Batman, the film offers an authentic adaptation of these characters fully in line with their comic book counterparts. Dana Delany voices Lois Lane, adding depth to the movie as she manages to capture the intelligence and tenacity of the iconic reporter.

The plot of The Batman/Superman Movie begins with the Joker (voiced by Mark Hamill) arriving in Metropolis with an offer for Lex Luthor (voiced by Clancy Brown) -- to kill Superman for a substantial fee. The Clown Prince of Crime has managed to steal a statue made of kryptonite, Superman’s only known weakness, intending to use it as leverage in his nefarious scheme.

In pursuit of his archenemy, Batman follows Joker from Gotham to Metropolis, where he encounters Superman for the first time. The two heroes' initial encounter is naturally fraught with tension and misunderstanding, leading to a thrilling confrontation that showcases their differing methods and ideologies when it comes to crime-fighting. Each hero considers his approach morally superior, leading to an ongoing rivalry and mutual annoyance. However, the duo soon realize that they must put aside their differences and work together to thwart the plans of their formidable foes.

As the storyline progresses, the mutual respect between Batman and Superman begins to develop. Through a series of teamed efforts against Joker and Luthor’s intricate plots, they learn to appreciate each other’s skills and unique approach to justice. This alliance is fleshed out with smart dialogue, moments of humor, and action sequences that highlight the strengths and vulnerabilities of both heroes.

Amid the high-octane action, the film also explores the personal lives of its heroes, particularly in the interactions between Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Bruce Wayne. Lois Lane's budding relationship with Bruce Wayne sets up a compelling love triangle, which adds an extra layer of human drama and tension to the film. The romantic subplot plays an important part in the interplay between characters and offers a rare glimpse into the personal motivations and vulnerabilities of the often stoic Batman.

Visually, The Batman/Superman Movie retains the celebrated aesthetic of the animated series on which it's based. The art deco-inspired design of Gotham City contrasts starkly with the futuristic, bright skyline of Metropolis, making the two heroes' worlds distinct yet connected within the same universe. The animation is crisp and clear, with fluid motion and detailed character designs that remain faithful to the source material.

The musical score, composed by Michael McCuistion, adds a majestic and cinematic quality to the movie. Fans of the animated series will recognize the main themes and motifs associated with each character, which are cleverly interwoven throughout the film to enhance the emotional depth and add tension to the action sequences.

The Batman/Superman Movie is a tight-knit story that manages to balance complexity with accessibility, making it appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers to the superhero genre. While it serves as an excellent introduction to both characters and the DCAU, the movie also contains enough depth and nods to the comics to satisfy seasoned enthusiasts.

By providing an entertaining and character-driven narrative, The Batman/Superman Movie successfully captures the essence of what makes Batman and Superman such enduring and beloved characters. The collaboration between the two heroes establishes a dynamic that has not only shaped future storytelling within the DCAU but also foreshadowed many of the team-ups that comic book and film fans have come to anticipate and enjoy.

The Batman/ Superman Movie is a 1997 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.