The debate over which live-action Batman movie is the best is one that will rage on for decades, but when it comes to animated feature films, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the gold standard here. A classic adventure that combines incredible storytelling with a pitch-perfect cast, the best animated Batman movie of all time is getting a 4K remaster just in time for its 30th anniversary. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is available to preorder now at major retailers, and you can even get a discount on your order at Amazon.

　　Preorder at Amazon

　　Amazon -- $26 ($34) Best Buy -- $33 Walmart -- $26 ($34)Target -- $27 ($34)Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Steelbook Edition

　　The remaster of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm releases on September 12. It comes with a steelbook case with brand-new art, an all-new featurette that examines the legacy of Kevin Conroy, an episode of Justice League: Unlimited that featured a brief cameo by the Phantasm, and more.

　　This version of the animated Batman film is sourced from the original cut camera negative of the 1993 film, which was scanned at 4K and saw additional work done on the digital copy to enhance it and retain its cinematic qualities. According to Warner Bros., Mask of the Phantasm is presented in a 1.85 theatrical aspect ratio, and while the studio has worked to remove any blemishes from the source film stock, the cinematic grain and dirt has been preserved for this cut. On the audio side, it features a set of remastered 2.0 and 5.1 audio tracks.

　　In case you missed it when it first came out, Mask of the Phantasm takes place within the continuity of the award-winning Batman: The Animated series and follows the Dark Knight as he investigates several gangland murders carried out by a ruthless new vigilante that has appeared in Gotham City. Mask of the Phantasm tells a fantastic origin story, with the late Kevin Conroy cementing his role as the definitive voice of the Caped Crusader and Mark Hamill proving to be a brilliant Joker. Mask of the Phantasm set a high standard for what Batman movies could be.

　　Darryn Bonthuys on Google+