Regarded as one of the best animated Batman movies of all time, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is superb and a fan-favourite movie. It hasn’t always been classed as a success (see below), but it has always been a fantastic entry in the pantheon of Bat-films.
Today I’m providing a quick rundown of Mask of the Phantasm, to provide you with key information. This post includes just over 20 questions and answers about the movie, which should load you with everything you need to know.
Here we go!
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Frequently asked questions about Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Was Batman: Mask of the Phantasm the first Batman animated movie?
Yes. The first Batman animated movie was Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.
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When was Mask of the Phantasm released?
Directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm, the film was released in the US on December 25th 1993.
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Was Batman: Mask of the Phantasm released theatrically?
Yes! Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was released theatrically in the US, on Christmas Day no less! Unfortunately, the movie was not a box office success domestically, so outside of the US the film was released direct to video.
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Was the film a complete flop?
At the box office, yes; audiences failed to show up for the film. However, Mask of the Phantasm was successful on home video, which helped to recoup costs and convince Warner Bros. to produce additional animated Batman movies.
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Was Batman: Mask of the Phantasm the only animated Batman movie to be released in cinemas?
No. The poor performance of Mask of the Phantasm discouraged Warner Bros. from releasing Batman animated movies theatrically for over 20 years, however, it didn’t stop the studio completely. In 2016, Warner Bros. gave Batman: The Killing Joke a limited theatrical run and this in turn convinced the studio to release other Batman movies for limited theatrical runs.
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Has Mask of the Phantasm ever returned to cinemas?
Yes, the movie received limited theatrical releases for its 20th anniversary and its 25th anniversary. Warner Bros. no longer has huge box office expectations for Mask of the Phantasm, so the smaller anniversary releases work perfectly for attracting the core fan base.
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Who played the role of Batman in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm?
Kevin Conroy played the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. The actor reprised the role from the 1992 cartoon, Batman: The Animated Series.
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Who was the villain in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm?
Two villains featured in Batman: The Mask of the Phantasm: The Joker and The Phantasm. The Joker was voiced by Mark Hamill, reprising his role from Batman: The Animated Series, while The Phantasm was voiced by Dana Delany.
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Has Dana Delany played another Batman character?
Sort of. Following her turn in Mask of the Phantasm, Delany was asked to provide the voice of Lois Lane for Superman: The Animated Series. The actress then reprised the role of Lois for Justice League/Justice League Unlimited.
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Was the Phantasm a new Batman villain?
Yes. The Phantasm was a new Batman villain, who made her debut in Batman: The Mask of the Phantasm. The character’s design was loosely based on the Reaper – a Batman villain from the comic, Batman: Year Two.
Since being introduced in Mask of the Phantasm, the Phantasm has appeared in comics.
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Does Harley Quinn appear in Mask of the Phantasm?
No, Harley Quinn is neither seen nor mentioned in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm – The Joker works alone in this movie.
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Who were the voice cast of Mask of the Phantasm?
The voice cast for Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was:
- Kevin Conroy – Bruce Wayne/Batman
- Efrem Zimbalist Jr. – Alfred Pennyworth
- Mark Hamill – The Joker
- Dana Delany – Andrea Beaumont
- Stacy Keach – Carl Beaumont
- Bob Hastings – Commissioner Gordon
- Robert Costanzo – Harvey Bullock
- Hart Bochner – Arthur Reeves
- Abe Vigoda – Salvatore Valestra
- John P. Ryan – Buzz Bronski
- Dick Miller – Chuckie Sol
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Who composed the score for the film?
The score for Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was composed by the late Shirley Walker. Walker was behind all the great music used in Batman: The Animated Series.
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What is the operatic song that is sung during the opening credits of Mask of the Phantasm?
The music that appears at the very beginning of the movie is simply known as ‘Main Title‘. The rather bizarre (and almost incomprehensible) lyrics to the track are the names of staff members, only sung backwards.
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When was Batman: Mask of the Phantasm set?
Mask of the Phantasm was set during the early stages of Batman’s career. In terms of its place within Batman: The Animated Series, it is best viewed after the first few episodes of the show.
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Does the Joker die in Mask of the Phantasm?
No. While it appears as if the Joker is killed, he reappears time and time again in Batman: The Animated Series, confirming he survived the events of the movie.
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Does the Phantasm die in Mask of the Phantasm?
No, Andrea Beaumont (aka The Phantasm) reappears at the end of the movie and makes another appearance in the Justice League Unlimited episode, Epilogue.
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Was there a sequel to Batman: Mask of the Phantasm?
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm did not receive a direct sequel, however more movies were produced based on Batman: The Animated Series and its follow-up/spin-off shows, The New Batman Adventures and Batman Beyond.
The films were Batman: Subzero (2008), Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003) and Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000). All three were released direct-to-video, and all are part of the same continuity.
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Was Mask of the Phantasm adapted into a comic?
Yes, Mask of the Phantasm was released as a comic/trade paperback, as well as a novel. The Phantasm also made an appearance in the Batman Animated comics that were produced as tie-ins to the show.
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What was Tia Carrere’s connection to the movie? Did she voice a character?
Actress Tia Carrere performed the song, ‘I Never Even Told You‘, which played during the end credits. The track also appeared on the soundtrack album.
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And finally… Is Batman: Mask of the Phantasm available on Blu-ray?
Yes. To date, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm has been released on VHS, laserDisc, DVD, digital and Blu-ray. It can be purchased individually and is also included in the Batman: The Animated Series Complete Collection Blu-ray boxset.
If you want further details about that particular Blu-ray release, I’ve previously written a comprehensive review for Batman: The Animated Series on Blu-ray, which explains why it is such an excellent boxset to have on your shelf.
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