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Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths Blu-ray Review

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Can two Earths be contained on one Blu-ray disc?



When I first heard about the next DC Animated movie, Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths, I was excited and a little let down. I wondered why it was only on "two Earths" instead of an "infinite" number of Earths. I joked that maybe it was due to inflation.  
 
As you should know by know, this movie deals with the Justice League we know and love and the Crime Syndicate (along with their "Earth"). Hence, the "two" Earths. The "good" Lex Luthor from this world comes to the Justice League and asks for their help to save his world from the Crime Syndicate. 
 
Let's get into this. The movie is an hour and fifteen minutes. Within the first three, there is a death. The opening sequence is pretty cool as it shows the heroes and their evil counterparts in the credits. The idea of all the multiple Earths got me wondering if DC would be exploring any of the other ones. It's cool seeing the Justice League together again on screen. I hate to say it but Batman's voice didn't feel right. I know a lot of Kevin Conroy fans feel that he's the only one that can voice Batman. I don't think everyone else should be ruled out but William Baldwin just felt off. 
 
I have to say that the scene where Superman, Wonder Woman and Flash first encounter the "good" Lex was brilliant. The way Superman used his powers made complete sense. Flash (voiced by Spectacular Spider-Man's Josh Keaton)  also makes a nice joke to really capture Flash's character. Wonder Woman brings up a good point, is the Justice League obligated to help a parallel world? If they leave their world, doesn't that leave it vulnerable to other attacks? The action does pick up right away. Wonder Woman is pretty fierce in this movie. She was clearly my favorite character in the movie. My least favorite portrayal would be the way Martian Manhunter's character carried on. You'll know what I'm talking about after you watch it. 
 
The story was good but I've never been a big Crime Syndicate fan. Despite that, it was a nice change to see the darker versions of the characters on screen. It should be an interesting twist to viewers not  totally familiar with the Syndicate in comics as well as good to those of us that are.
New to the DC Animated releases is a DC Showcase Presents feature. Here we get a short on the Spectre (11:51). While it's great to get even more content guess what? I'm not the biggest Spectre fan either. But I like the idea. I'm all for more content on these releases. If it gives us a chance to see more animated versions, we win. Despite my feelings for the Spectre, it was nicely done. I can't wait to see more of these features.

What other Special Features do we get? There's another round of Bruce Timm Presents. Four JLA episodes, "A Better World" parts 1 & 2 and "Twilight" parts 1 & 2. I like that we get these episodes but if you've already seen them or have the Justice League releases, they might not have as much value to you.

Another feature is Behind The Story, DCU: The New World (33:14). We get to hear from Paul Levitz, Rags Morales, Geoff Johns, Mike Carlin, Brad Meltzer, Dan DiDio and Michael Uslan. There's a lot of talk about the different Crises and how things have changed.

There's also a bunch of "First Looks." You've probably already seen the ones for Green Lantern: First Flight, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies and Wonder Woman. What really got me excited was the First Look at the next DC Animated release, Batman: Under The Red Hood (13:46). I am really excited for this release. I was amazed that there will be mention of "A Death In The Family."

If you do get the Blu-ray version, besides the awesome clarity and audio, you also get a couple DCU Live-Action pilots. The first is for Wonder Woman (1:13:52). The pilot episode premiered in 1975 (yeah, the one with Linda Carter) and started out taking place during WWII. I watched the show (in syndication) as a kid and I never saw the actual pilot. It was cool seeing how Diana went through the trials to become Wonder Woman and leave Paradise Island.

The second pilot is for the recent Aquaman/Smallville spin-off by Al Gough and Miles Millar. This featured Justin Hartley as Arthuer "A.C." Curry (Hartley later went on and is still playing Green Arrow on Smallville). The pilot was interesting but pretty cheesy. I suppose it's not much of a surprise why it didn't get picked up.

Bottom line, you get a lot with this release. I wasn't overwhelmed with the JLA/Crime Syndicate story but it was handled nicely. With the loads of extras you get, I'd give this disc a solid 4 out of 5. It's on sale tomorrow, February 23 on Blu-ray, DVD, OnDemand, etc.  
 
Now to start counting the days until Under The Red Hood is released.
Filed under:
Batman
Superman
Wonder Woman
Aquaman
Lex Luthor
Justice League of America
Crime Syndicate of America
38 Comments
Posted by danhimself

I think my favorite character in the movie was Superwoman...not sure why
I can also agree that Baldwin's voice was a little off.  I also didn't like the lines on Batman's face, they made him look like he was about to burst into tears at any moment.
I think this dvd would have been better if they would have just made the movie a JLU tie in like it was originally intended to be.

Posted by cadaver

they did a bad job on the crime syndicate. their powers were wrong.

Posted by Stormultt

I love this review....but c'mon i want a video!
Posted by Tyler Starke

All I want to see is Under the red hood! i was tempted to buy this just for the first look, wow I didn't even know there was an aquaman pilot, that picture is pretty freaking hilarious you should do a caption contest with it. Just add a thought bubble in there.

Posted by inferiorego

Wait? This is  out?I thought it came out tomorrow...

Staff
Posted by G-Man
@inferiorego: yes, it comes out tomorrow. Warner Bros. sent it to me last week. 
Staff
Posted by inferiorego
@G-Man: I'm envious
Staff
Posted by Tyler Starke
@G-Man said:

" 
Wonder Woman brings up a good point, is the Justice League obligated to help a parallel world?   "

I thought Batman brought up that point.
Posted by Pez85

James Woods had a fantastic voice for Owlman. I also enjoyed hearing Mark Harmon as Superman, even though it wasn't really all that different from previous cartoon incarnations. 
 
There were a few moments in the film where my jaw dropped at the awesomeness(the beginning scene), and then there were others that had me banging my head against the table (Martian Manhunter). The President was a nice touch as well.

Posted by simsey

wasn't a fan of it . it was like owl man n super woman had a similar feel as nite owl and silk spectre of watchmen it annoyed me  
  
Posted by aouric

Hmmmm... It's a buy! : )

Posted by SUPER-MAN 23

This is cool can't wait to get it tomorrow on blu ray

Edited by Lustwish

loved it, kicked ass, script was wicked! my hats off to James Woods and the cast that did such and excellent job.  Can't wait for the next DC animated movie, keep pumping them out cause you guys
do such a kick ass job!

Posted by AirDave817

I was in Sam's Club on Friday and found the single-disc standard DVD version for something like $13. I have most of the DC movies on standard DVD. I'll probably upgrade much farther down the road in the future. This movie just flat out rocked! I thought it was very cool that Superwoman was based more on Mary Marvel than a straight-forward doppleganger of Wonder Woman. The only bummer was that Power Ring and Johnny Quick are still pretty much cyphers or two. It'd be cool to see more of Lex's League. Oh, wait, that would be the Inustice Gang. That was a pretty cool episode of Justice League...     

Posted by Graphicly

Nice review.  These DC, and Marvel's, animated shorts are pretty great.  It's nice to see these transitions to film that are closer to the books than a live action would end up doing.  Not to mention we get roughly 2 of these a year, from DC at least.  Where as if these were done Live action they would have probably died off fairly quickly along and come out much slower. 
 
Under the Hood sounds like it has an amazing voice cast.  I'm almost as excited for the extra content on that as I am the main movie.

Posted by MrDirector786

I look forward to seeing the Spectre short. He's one of my favorite characters and I can't wait to see him animated for the first time.

Posted by Yung ANcient One

Owlman is AWESOME in this movie at least

Online
Posted by Xion

Batman's voice did bother me a little, but later on i got used to it. As for the Martian Manhunter, i did expected more cause hes my fav character. But other than that i really enjoy it and Owlman was pretty awesome

Posted by Emperor Gonzo Noir

Owlman is epic, I couldn't even believe it, James Woods is definitely one of the highlights of this movie, seeing the other 'evil' versions of the heroes was another, especially seeing Evil Uncle Marvel

Posted by Scissorhands

Looks awesome - I'll probably watch it this weekend.

Posted by jacobyLIVE

William Baldwin was the absolute low point in this movie. But all in all,it was a great movie.

Posted by pentagram

i just cant  wait to get it 

Posted by grayrick949

i was able to get a copy of the DVD the weekend before it came out, lucky me right, i think it was a well done as a solo  Infinite Crisis movie, but what i have not heard any one say is that this would be a good start to a TV series. yes the Martian Man-hunter sub plot with the first daughter was pointless, i think we would all like to see a shape shifter battle royal.  at least Wonder Woman never fails me

Posted by Harlekin

I rank the DC original movies
1. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
2. Wonder Woman
3. Batman: Gotham Knight
4. Green Lantern: First Flight
5. Justice League: The New Frontier
6. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
7. Superman: Doomsday

Posted by Marshal Victory
Posted by pacewun

It was okay.  I feel like it was a step down from green lantern first flight.

Posted by MichaeltheFly
@Harlekin said:

" I rank the DC original movies1. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths2. Wonder Woman 3. Batman: Gotham Knight 4. Green Lantern: First Flight 5. Justice League: The New Frontier 6. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies 7. Superman: Doomsday "

Interesting list, I think I'm gonna make my own ranking. 
Here's my raking:
  1. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths 
  2. Superman: Doomsday  (I don't know why but I really liked this one, I must have a soft spot for Superman dieing.)
  3. Wonder Woman
  4. Green Lantern: First Flight
  5. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
  6. Justice League: The New Frontier
  7. Batman: Gotham Knight
Posted by NightFang

Man They really know how to sweeten the pot.

Posted by speedlgt

I thought it was great! i loved it and yeah batmans voice was kinda odd but thats cause we are all use to conway. I have to say that overall these DC films are all very high quality and major props to McDuffy!! this is what this guy should be doing working on cartoons! i hated his JLA run but man he does a good job on cartoons. I must say that these films are all far better than the marvel ones and I am not hating i just think with warner bros backing em DC has really out done marvel. However with disney now behind marvel I aspect great things.
Posted by RoninKane

The movie was good, some of the voices were a little off, but it still worked. I would like to know whats wrong with Martian Manhunter trying to get a little play on Ravenger, don't hate! The Spectre short was great, it reminded me of the scenes from the Creep Show movies. 
 
Posted by Vixen

Loved how Superwoman was in the movie. I mean wow. And Owlman was damn good. Woods always seems to do a decent evil man.

Posted by MKF30

This movie was awesome! My only remote complaint was the cast for Batman's voice, Kevin is the best batman and should have been picked IMO but ehh....I guess they like to experiment sometimes.
Posted by Leviticus128

anyone know about a uk release?

Posted by Gambler

Superwoman was the sh!t (of course so was Batman and Owlman) but Superwoman stole the show. Her fight with Wonder Woman at the end was so damn stylish, they really showcased how technical a fighter WW is. DC continues to set the bar as far as animated movies go.

Moderator
Posted by MichaeltheFly
@Gambler said:
" Superwoman was the sh!t (of course so was Batman and Owlman) but Superwoman stole the show. Her fight with Wonder Woman at the end was so damn stylish, they really showcased how technical a fighter WW is. DC continues to set the bar as far as animated movies go. "
I think DC in general when it comes to superhero animations, set's the bar.
Posted by Gambler
@Michael the Fly said:
" @Gambler said:
" Superwoman was the sh!t (of course so was Batman and Owlman) but Superwoman stole the show. Her fight with Wonder Woman at the end was so damn stylish, they really showcased how technical a fighter WW is. DC continues to set the bar as far as animated movies go. "
I think DC in general when it comes to superhero animations, set's the bar. "
Yup, now all they need is to step their game up in the "live action" genre.
Moderator
Posted by MichaeltheFly
@Gambler said:
" @Michael the Fly said:
" @Gambler said:
" Superwoman was the sh!t (of course so was Batman and Owlman) but Superwoman stole the show. Her fight with Wonder Woman at the end was so damn stylish, they really showcased how technical a fighter WW is. DC continues to set the bar as far as animated movies go. "
I think DC in general when it comes to superhero animations, set's the bar. "
Yup, now all they need is to step their game up in the "live action" genre. "
Who knows, maybe their planing as we speak. 
I personally would like to see a new DC animated Universe.
Posted by Theodore

Wow, I really liked it. Flash, Martian Manhunter, and Owlman were awesome!

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