A double bill of two of the feature-length adaptations of the excellent “Batman” animated series that ran from 1992-1995. Released theatrically in 1993, Mask of the Phantasm is a genuinely effective entry in the Batman canon.

Batman is accused of murdering Gotham’s crime lords. Now he must track down the mysterious new villain, who is actually responsible. Batman always seems to work best when his haunting past comes back to torment him through the case he is working on.

Not as effective, but still entertaining, Subzero centers on Robin’s relationship with Batgirl, a.k.a. Ruth Gordon (the Commissioner’s daughter). What the animated series captured so well is the noir flavor of Batman. The gothic buildings mingle with post-war style and modern day technology in the most effective Gotham captured on film.

Grade: B+

Batman & Mr. Freeze – Subzero/Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is currently available.