Under the Red Hood is the latest animated feature-length Batman instalment based on the stories
Under the Hood &
Death in the Family. When a stranger sporting a costume reminiscent of the Joker's Red-Hood shows up in Gotham and starts picking off drug-lords, Batman is forced to reconcile a chapter from his past he thought was truly laid to rest. Not content with merely killing the bad-guys and stealing their business, this new Red-Hood has a plan that involves Batman & The Joker more than they both know...
Fantastically animated and brilliantly voiced this story really has a great plot, Red-Hood is a truly formidable opponent for the Detective with gadgets and skills to rival the man himself. A few classic characters rear their head for decent cameos (The Black Mask, Nightwing & The Riddler amongst others). Batman is well voice by Bruce Greenwood, steering well clear of the 'Bale gruffness' and Neil Patrick Harris plays a brilliant rendition of Nightwing.
John Dimaggio (Bender from Futurama) give an excellent performance as the Joker, but really can't hold a candle to Mark Hamil, that's not to say he isn't good, but in my opinion Mark Hamil's voice IS the Joker's voice. There is plenty of the usual Batman antics here, grapple-gun swinging and batarang throwing and the fight-scenes are slick & well choreographed, fans will not be disappointed.
Whilst this version of Red-Hood is extremely proficient with all sorts of weaponry and fighting-styles, he is a little too similar to
Deadpool from the Marvel universe. More than a couple of times I found myself thinking that it was a straight rip-off with basically no differences from the Marvel character aside from the back-story.
Despite this, this really is a great addition to the DC universe. The animation is fantastic and the resolution even holds up on Blu-Ray (animation can look a little grainy sometimes, but not here) Warner Animation have done a sterling job. Additionally the Blu-Ray even features an animated short of the antihero
Jonah Hex which is a welcome bonus.
Recommended for Batman fans and comic fans alike!!