"Justice League: Starcrossed The Movie" DVD Talkback (Spoilers)

[James Harvey]

It's here! The acclaimed series finale of Justice League has arrived on DVD!


http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/justiceleague/DVD/Starcrossed/t-starcrossedfinal.jpg (http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/justiceleague/DVD/Starcrossed/starcrossedfinal.jpg)

Synopsis: When the Thanagarians visit Earth, Hawkgirl is forced to choose between loyalty to her people and love for her friends on her adopted planet Earth. This is the one battle that could rip the World's Greatest Super Heroes apart forever! Own it on DVD July 13th, 2004.

Extras Include:
-Justice League Watchtower Bios
-Deleted Scenes
-Hawkman: From Comics to Cartoon Featurette
-Tour of the Watchtower Featurette
-Widescreen and Fullscreen Versions

Please post all discussions, comments, etc, about the DVD here! Please discuss the episodes featured on the DVD in the proper talkbacks, links provided below:

#50. Starcrossed, Part 1 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=112318)
#51. Starcrossed, Part 2 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=112318)
#52. Starcrossed, Part 3 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=112318)

Discuss This DVD!

[DarkLantern]

"Soundtrack album on Warner Music"?

Hmmm....?

DL (who obviously doesn't know everything...)

[Nick K.]

Awesome DVD. The best JL one that has come out. The Special Features rocked. Hawk people's wings are real! I knew it. And it was cool to see Dwayne McDuffie, finally. Bruce Timm and Mr. McDuffie gave us some wonderful insight. Loved it. I'm watching it now and have yet to see all the special features but so far so good. Thanks DCAU guys for this awesome dvd. ;)

EDIT: Some more extras.... The deleted scenes were weird. We were just thrust into them. It was cool to see teh footage though. The uncolored and undefined footage was a welcome surprise as well. The Tour of the Watchtower was a nice little clip show of past episodes that also explained what the watchtower and javelin were all about. Too bad it's gone, but I'm sure the new one will kick butt.

The new opening for the movie is cool, as well. Maria Canals and Phil Lamarget first credits... hmmm... Conroy is 3rd, cool. My dvd automatically turned the widescreen into full screen so thank God i have PS2 cause that's always widescreen.

[BeyondGotham]

Am I the only one that has had problems finding it? I went to Target, they had the tag, but were out. I then went to Wal-Mart, they didn't even have a tag for it. The lady that goes store to store stocking the DVDs said she hadn't seen it in any of the Wal-Marts that she had been to today. :confused: :mad:

[maxnugget]

Watching the deleted scenes without Sound FX reminded me of Batman Beyond's "Shriek"

[Nick K.]

Am I the only one that has had problems finding it? I went to Target, they had the tag, but were out. I then went to Wal-Mart, they didn't even have a tag for it. The lady that goes store to store stocking the DVDs said she hadn't seen it in any of the Wal-Marts that she had been to today. :confused: :mad:

There was only one left where I went, FYE. I think either they didn't ship many out to the stores or it's selling pretty well.

[ATDrake]

My thoughts on the DVD:
(contains details of stuff you may wish to find out for yourself- no spoilers, though)

Transfer quality:

Very crisp and clear. When I first saw the black bars on the screencaps in ToonZone's official review, I was afraid that Warner had cheaped out and simply letterboxed the widescreen version. I'm happy to report that Starcrossed has a true anamorphic transfer.
The menu for accessing the different versions is somewhat misleading, with pictures which imply that the widescreen was cropped from the full (and the text on the back of the case reinforces this- maybe WHV's hoping that the customer will stop asking for more if they think they'll end up getting less?), and there's no way to go back and switch, short of reloading the disc.

New title sequence:

The music was good; an extended and more majestic version of the regular theme. I was disappointed by the rest of it, though.
When I first heard that the DVD would have a reworked title sequence, I was hoping for something like a JL version of "Chase Me" or, at the very least, the MotB opening which intersperses credits with story-related scenes.
Instead, it's just tinted clips from the show with zooming text. It looks okay and the last shot of Hawkgirl and GL leads into the plot, but I was kind of expecting some all-new animation.

Thankfully, we get some with the

Deleted Scenes:

Two fully animated and two animatics. Wish they were widescreen, but a very welcome extra.
First is the League's flight from the prison ship into hiding, with George Newburn doing a laughably Shatner-esque reading of one of his lines. I never realized before this just how much Superman sounds like Captain Kirk. :D
Next is an alternate version of the climactic GL/Hro Talak fight. It was a little weird to watch this and the previous without any sound effects.
The two animatics are just extended versions of the same scenes that showed up in the episodes.

Hawkman featurette:

A nicely informative eight minutes of the creative team talking about the transition from Katar Hol to Hro Talak. Would have been better if they'd shown more character design sketches, or model sheets and storyboards instead of all those Starcrossed clips.

Watchtower featurette:

Early into this, there's a shot of about three model sheets for the Watchtower's interior. Unfortunately, the rest of it consists of scenes from the show with a voiceover pointing out various parts of the Watchtower.
Bizarrely infomercial. ("This can all be yours for four easy payments at a low, low price! But wait!! Order now and we'll throw in a free Javelin at no extra charge!!! Justice League not included. Sold separately at participating stores. ")

Bios:

Not very descriptive, and art in the same style as the cover, but each Hero File has 20 seconds worth of scenes from the first few shows turned into a "Best Badass Moments" music video. Apparently, being a superhero is all about property damage. :evil:
Interestingly, all the clips from Injustice For All are widescreen. (Poor Shade; he gets beaten up by Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, *and* Flash.)

Cover Art:

No comments on the art quality; I'm just wondering what happened to GL and MM. Do they have something against the colour green?

Retroactive Wishlist (or, what I'd have paid good money to have seen, instead of buying at pre-order discount with additional savings coupon):

- "Options" Menu for selecting version and language.
- running commentary by creative team (especially the writers) or similar "Behind the Story" featurette ($10 bonus for addititional in-character cast commentary (think Spinal Tap);))
- aforementioned changes to Hawkman featurette, plus Hawkgirl featurette focusing on character development from Secret Origins to now and how it was all plotted out before they even began
- Watchtower tour consists of sketches and painted backgrounds, or 3-D model flyovers, with the actual designers describing the ideas behind the design. Bonus art gallery.
- Bios done in regular art style, include height/weight/first comics appearance information. Gallery includes sketches and model sheets, maybe a few "best scenes" screencaps. The music videos can stay.
- Cover art bears some relation to contents, includes *all* JL members (or alternatively, just Hawkgirl and GL with optional extra Thanagarians) and uses the animated style.
- Deleted scenes in widescreen.

Overall, a nicer than average release (and surprisingly good for Warner), but a bit lacking considering what can and has been put on DVD by others.

Mostly good, but could have been better in places. Worth what I paid for it. :)

[dbx160XT]

Am I the only one that has had problems finding it? I went to Target, they had the tag, but were out. I then went to Wal-Mart, they didn't even have a tag for it. The lady that goes store to store stocking the DVDs said she hadn't seen it in any of the Wal-Marts that she had been to today. :confused: :mad:


My Target had the tag, but no DVD. The stocker said none had come in.

[Simpler Simon]

Of course, Canadian shoppers should *never* try their local Zellers. I went there hoping by chance they'd have it, but nope. Then I took an extra 30 min to get to Wal-Mart and there it was in the new releases section.

If there's one thing that irritates me more than the bad cover art, it's the fact that WB goofed with the fullscreen/widescreen explanation on the box and the selection menu. Are they really that dense or are they purposely trying to keep people from asking for more widescreen? The rest of JL season 2 better come in widescreen, or I'm not buying em.

Otherwise, the actual presentation of Starcrossed rocked. Beautiful colors and crisp sound, with a great transfer. The 3-D ships look a lot better here than they did in broadcast.

The Hawkman featurette was nicely informative, but the watchtower one was laughable. Note the speaker at the end: "Superman, Batman, and the rest of the league." What, the other five don't deserve a mention by name? The deleted scenes were pretty cool, I didn't expect the first two to be finished.

Overall, decent release by WB's standards. I've been hyping Starcrossed to a friend of mine, and it'll be nicer to let her borrow this dvd instead of my vhs tape.

[Batman49]

Well I bought this dvd just like I bought the others, even though I know it will probably be in a season set eventually, which I'll also buy. I liked the extras and the music and new title sequence really were a nice touch. Surprised me when it came on. I expected the regular title sequence. I'm really glad that they released it in widescreen. No need for that fullscreen version on there though, it's just a waste of extra's space. :p

[Deadly Messiah]

Yeah, I can't find it either. My Target doesn't even have the Batman Collection yet.

Question, does the disc have a volume # next to it? If so, please tell me it isn't 4. That would make no sense at all since there are at least 8 DVDs missing.

EDIT: Wait, is this widescreen or fullscreen? Whichever one it comes in would have to be the one it was made for then.

[The Penguin]

And it contains both widescreen and fullscreen versions, giving you the option after pressing the play button.I like to think of it as an IQ test. :p

[Toddman]

My thoughts on the DVD:
(contains details of stuff you may wish to find out for yourself- no spoilers, though)

Transfer quality:

Very crisp and clear. When I first saw the black bars on the screencaps in ToonZone's official review, I was afraid that Warner had cheaped out and simply letterboxed the widescreen version. I'm happy to report that Starcrossed has a true anamorphic transfer.
The menu for accessing the different versions is somewhat misleading, with pictures which imply that the widescreen was cropped from the full (and the text on the back of the case reinforces this- maybe WHV's hoping that the customer will stop asking for more if they think they'll end up getting less?), and there's no way to go back and switch, short of reloading the disc.

New title sequence:

The music was good; an extended and more majestic version of the regular theme. I was disappointed by the rest of it, though.
When I first heard that the DVD would have a reworked title sequence, I was hoping for something like a JL version of "Chase Me" or, at the very least, the MotB opening which intersperses credits with story-related scenes.
Instead, it's just tinted clips from the show with zooming text. It looks okay and the last shot of Hawkgirl and GL leads into the plot, but I was kind of expecting some all-new animation.

Thankfully, we get some with the

Deleted Scenes:

Two fully animated and two animatics. Wish they were widescreen, but a very welcome extra.
First is the League's flight from the prison ship into hiding, with George Newburn doing a laughably Shatner-esque reading of one of his lines. I never realized before this just how much Superman sounds like Captain Kirk. :D
Next is an alternate version of the climactic GL/Hro Talak fight. It was a little weird to watch this and the previous without any sound effects.
The two animatics are just extended versions of the same scenes that showed up in the episodes.

Hawkman featurette:

A nicely informative eight minutes of the creative team talking about the transition from Katar Hol to Hro Talak. Would have been better if they'd shown more character design sketches, or model sheets and storyboards instead of all those Starcrossed clips.

Watchtower featurette:

Early into this, there's a shot of about three model sheets for the Watchtower's interior. Unfortunately, the rest of it consists of scenes from the show with a voiceover pointing out various parts of the Watchtower.
Bizarrely infomercial. ("This can all be yours for four easy payments at a low, low price! But wait!! Order now and we'll throw in a free Javelin at no extra charge!!! Justice League not included. Sold separately at participating stores. ")

Bios:

Not very descriptive, and art in the same style as the cover, but each Hero File has 20 seconds worth of scenes from the first few shows turned into a "Best Badass Moments" music video. Apparently, being a superhero is all about property damage. :evil:
Interestingly, all the clips from Injustice For All are widescreen. (Poor Shade; he gets beaten up by Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, *and* Flash.)

Cover Art:

No comments on the art quality; I'm just wondering what happened to GL and MM. Do they have something against the colour green?

Retroactive Wishlist (or, what I'd have paid good money to have seen, instead of buying at pre-order discount with additional savings coupon):

- "Options" Menu for selecting version and language.
- running commentary by creative team (especially the writers) or similar "Behind the Story" featurette ($10 bonus for addititional in-character cast commentary (think Spinal Tap);))
- aforementioned changes to Hawkman featurette, plus Hawkgirl featurette focusing on character development from Secret Origins to now and how it was all plotted out before they even began
- Watchtower tour consists of sketches and painted backgrounds, or 3-D model flyovers, with the actual designers describing the ideas behind the design. Bonus art gallery.
- Bios done in regular art style, include height/weight/first comics appearance information. Gallery includes sketches and model sheets, maybe a few "best scenes" screencaps. The music videos can stay.
- Cover art bears some relation to contents, includes *all* JL members (or alternatively, just Hawkgirl and GL with optional extra Thanagarians) and uses the animated style.
- Deleted scenes in widescreen.

Overall, a nicer than average release (and surprisingly good for Warner), but a bit lacking considering what can and has been put on DVD by others.

Mostly good, but could have been better in places. Worth what I paid for it. :)
Great review, ATDrake! And welcome to the boards.

Toddman

[Lord Sidious]

If there's one thing that irritates me more than the bad cover art, it's the fact that WB goofed with the fullscreen/widescreen explanation on the box and the selection menu. Are they really that dense or are they purposely trying to keep people from asking for more widescreen? The rest of JL season 2 better come in widescreen, or I'm not buying em.

I did not buy it yet but how did WB goofed up? I thought the movie was both in Full Screen and Widescreen.

ANd if you guys have Best Buy store, they have a lot of them in stock.

[Squall]

My only problem with these JL DVDs is their cover art. They all look the same!

For example, "Starcrossed" should have had Hro Talak, Hawkgirl (in her JL costume), and Green Lantern in the foreground, with the rest of the JL in the background. The backdrop should have been the U.S. Capitol with the Thanagarian ship over it, and Thanagarian soldiers perched on the Capitol Building itself. :)

[Brainiac]

FINALLY! Another JL DVD! And although I was initially disappointed they were releasing "Starcrossed" before the other episodes, after seeing it air last month, I'm definitely VERY happy they decided to release this first, simply because it IS the best JL episode...ever.

And it felt like they did it justice (no pun intended...). From the title screen, to the extras, and even the re-worked opening credits...it felt like they actually put more time into this release. Granted, I still have some minor gripes (the box art is...boring, not to mention we're still getting crappy cardboard cases...), but overall this was a great buy. I can't wait for the next JL DVD release...

-Brainiac

[Simpler Simon]

I did not buy it yet but how did WB goofed up? I thought the movie was both in Full Screen and Widescreen.
The description on the box and the images in the DVD menu suggest that the widescreen version of Starcrossed is actually a matted fullscreen version showing *less* picture, when in fact starcrossed was animated in true widescreen and the fullscreen crops the sides.

[Deadly Messiah]

FINALLY! Another JL DVD! And although I was initially disappointed they were releasing "Starcrossed" before the other episodes, after seeing it air last month, I'm definitely VERY happy they decided to release this first, simply because it IS the best JL episode...ever.

And it felt like they did it justice (no pun intended...). From the title screen, to the extras, and even the re-worked opening credits...it felt like they actually put more time into this release. Granted, I still have some minor gripes (the box art is...boring, not to mention we're still getting crappy cardboard cases...), but overall this was a great buy. I can't wait for the next JL DVD release...

-Brainiac
I disagree. Twilight and the one with Etrigan are the best JL episodes ever!

I had wanted those are DVD before Starcrossed. Mostly due to the fact SC should be LAST!

[Sue]

If you're having trouble getting a copy, try Amazon. My copy came yesterday, but I think I'll wait till this weekend to watch it. The extras and add-ons sound neat :)

[Robin]

From Jim Harvey's review I thought we were getting a whole new opening sequence with animation. That would have been really cool but I was fine with the show clips turned blue and the text on the screen. I barely got done watching the Batman box sets before I got this. I have been watching DC cartoons straight for a week and having a fun time. Starcrossed looks really good on this DVD and I hope the next JL DVD looks just as nice.

[Apache Chief]

More a comment on plot than on the disk: I missed this on CN so was looking forward to this.

How could Hawkgirl do that? More to the point, how could the writers do that? She was a real favorite of mine. Good story, great action, not the best of season two but quite good.

So what's next? I've been out of the loop. What's this JLU business?

[Doomsday]

More a comment on plot than on the disk: I missed this on CN so was looking forward to this.

How could Hawkgirl do that? More to the point, how could the writers do that? She was a real favorite of mine. Good story, great action, not the best of season two but quite good.

So what's next? I've been out of the loop. What's this JLU business? JLU is the next series airing July 31. I got this dvd last night. Ok extras but I wish they finished the deleted scenes. The episode is always fun to watch, and know I can come back and watch it whenever I want. I won't get any more single disc anymore, just the season sets for me now.

[DisneyBoy]

I couldn't help but notice that in tiny letters on the back of the VHS version of the film are the words "Soundtrack available on something something Records".

There's a soundtrack available?

WHERE?

[maxnugget]

I couldn't help but notice that in tiny letters on the back of the VHS version of the film are the words "Soundtrack available on something something Records".

There's a soundtrack available?

WHERE?

THAT is the $64,000 question. Unfortunately it seems it was probably a typo...

[RAINMAN]

Why do everyone kept calling this a movie when its only 3 ep`s from the series?

[Lord Sidious]

Coz calling it a "movie" has a better prestige sound to the finale rather than calling it a 3-part series.


As for the DVD, I was very upset at the music video bios. That was the perfect place to put their individual music themes but instead they put the same cheesy music for every member of the League during their individual video montage.

[Robin]

Coz calling it a "movie" has a better prestige sound to the finale rather than calling it a 3-part series.This isn't the first time WB has done this. They did that with the Superman "World's Finest" episodes too. It's just a way to market out some episodes to make them sound bigger.


As for the DVD, I was very upset at the music video bios. That was the perfect place to put their individual music themes but instead they put the same cheesy music for every member of the League during their individual video montage.That would have beena very cool idea! It would have been great to hear Batman's theme as they go through his clips, or Superman's. That's a missed oppurtunity I never even thought of. Even with that slip up these are some of the better extras for the Justice League DVDs so far.

[Icer]

Fantastic DVD, and great episodes. I had held off watching it on TV waiting for this DVD--it was well worth it.

[Toddman]

This isn't the first time WB has done this. They did that with the Superman "World's Finest" episodes too. It's just a way to market out some episodes to make them sound bigger.
I know that technically "World's Finest" was placed in the STAS production schedule, but the whole thing never felt like it was an episode of either character's regular series.

To me it felt more like a TV-movie. When it originally aired, it stretched over the time slot of two shows (STAS and TNBSA), and was not given the STAS opening title sequence. The ads that ran before it didn't call it a "special three-part episode of Superman" or anything. Other than the STAS theme running over the end credits, the whole thing works as an independent production.

Toddman

[Sue]

I finally watched the DVD yesterday, and I'm glad I picked it up. The Watchtower tour was cute. I almost expected the narrator to say, "And it's yours for $19.95." ;) I also liked the little music videos at the end of the character bios. My favorite extra feature of course was the Hawkman piece. I finally learned how to pronounce Katar Hol's first name :D It was nice hearing the show's creators and Alex Ross' commentary, but I have to disagree with their take on HM's portrayal in the comics.

Judging from the comics I've read with him, they're right about Katar being a nice guy, but Geoff John's Carter Hall (the Golden Age, reincarnated Hawkman) is a real bad-ass. You can look at it this way: without his mask, he's a pretty swell guy, but with it, he's as vicious a combatant as they get. This is a guy who not only dismembered Matter Master by throwing an axe through his shoulder, he beheaded some serial-killer savage too (well, Carter was under a hex, so it's not completely his doing). There's some other things he's done, but I don't want to bore anyone with long list ;) In battle, he reminds me of Hawkgirl on JL, but deadlier. As for a Lantern/Hawk fight, GL's ring gives him a definate edge, but Carter could take him easily in a bare-knuckle brawl. Just my opinion, though :cool:

[JLApe]

I got mine from DVD Planet. Amazon and a handful of stores in Yahoo Shopping also carry stocks of them too. BTW, Wal-Mart does not carry them; I've already checked its website.

Best thing about this is DVD is that I get to see the episode/movie twice - widescreen and full screen. Enjoyed it (almost feels like watching "Tower of Babel", with Hawkgirl in Batman's role and Hro Talak as Ra's al Ghul).

I think there should be more extras on the DVD. The two versions of the episode/movie total are not long (in running time), so there should still be ample room for at least an audio commentary if not a featurette featuring the voice actors.

[Robin]

I noticed that fullcreen is the default when you go to the scene selections which I don't like. It is obvious to see which version that WB perferred or is just trying to force onto us.

[Jimbo]

I know that technically "World's Finest" was placed in the STAS production schedule, but the whole thing never felt like it was an episode of either character's regular series.

To me it felt more like a TV-movie. When it originally aired, it stretched over the time slot of two shows (STAS and TNBSA), and was not given the STAS opening title sequence. The ads that ran before it didn't call it a "special three-part episode of Superman" or anything. Other than the STAS theme running over the end credits, the whole thing works as an independent production.

ToddmanI had always thought "World's Finest" (aka "The Batman Superman Movie") was a special as well until I saw it listed as a three part episode arc under Superman: The Animated Series.

Incidently, "World's Finest" was originally supposed to be the introduction of Batman, and his revamped look for the WB. Unfortunately, the WB decided to air both "Holiday Knights" and "Sins of the Father" prior to "World's Finest".

I don't mind that they packaged "Starcrossed" as a movie. If you remember, they released "Secret Origins" in a similar fashion, on the first Justice League DVD. Sure it's not called "Secret Origins: The Movie", but the episodes aren't broken up into there separate parts and it has chapter stops as well.

Warner Bros. also called Batman Beyond's first episode "Rebirth" "Batman Beyond: The Movie" when that was released on DVD, and that was only a two-part episode.

[DisneyBoy]

Is anyone else losing sleep over this whole "soundtrack" possibility? I've been searching online for proof of it's existance, but can't find any. Really frustrating.

Could someone please restore my sanity and offer and explanation?

[Fone Bone]

Awesome DVD, and WIDESCREEN! YAAAY!

The good:

-The movie itself is the greatest Justice League episode of all time.
-New title sequence and end credit theme. I LIKED it. Nice.
-Deleted scenes. And yes, they did remind me of Shriek now that you mention it. I loved the animatics.
-Widescreen version!
-The Hawkman feature was great and informative. I knew very little about Hawkman going in. Great to finally put a face to the name of Dwayne McDuffie.
-Tour of the Watchtower was surprising cool. I loved seeing all the scenes and villians like Luthor, Grodd, Darkseid, Grundy, and Vandal Savage.

The bad:

-Misleading screen to the widescreen version.
-Snapper Case.:mad:
-Chapter stops only for the fullscreen version by default.
-Characters Bios identical to other discs.

And the movie itself:

Starcrossed: A great Justice League movie and the best episodes of the series. I felt for Hawkgirl even as I was ticked at her. A beautiful ending with some sniffle worthy GL / HG shippage. Truly funny scenes throughout the movie. The unmasking of the League is STILL awesome especially Batman's coaxing of it. A great episode all around. *****.

Extras: Quite a few and good ones too. Very enjoyable. ****1/2.

Overall: *****.

[RAINMAN]

Calling a miniseries a movie is just silly. Did fox called the phoenix sega or dark phoenix sega a movie? Sure those ep`s were a bit different from the others but thats no reason to called them a movie.

[Jimbo]

In my opinion, I don't care what Warner Brothers call's it as long as I get the episodes on DVD.

[Anarky]

i dug the opening credits

they (WB home vid) didn't have to do it all
but it's cool that they added that montage
gave it more of a movie presentation feel, rather than 3 tv eps slapped on dvd

hopefully, they'll do the same for "The Savage Time" and re-release "Secret Origins" w/ a similar sequence.

[kaine23]

Best thing about this is DVD is that I get to see the episode/movie twice - widescreen and full screen. Enjoyed it (almost feels like watching "Tower of Babel", with Hawkgirl in Batman's role and Hro Talak as Ra's al Ghul).
Nice comparision! How much is Starcrossed going for, I'll pick up a copy after Otakon at this point.

[Lord Sidious]

Is the Secret Origins or other JL DVDs have the same movie format as Starcrossed like it's not in parts but it's been put together like a one big episode or did they split it as a 2-parter and 3 parter?

[Fone Bone]

Is the Secret Origins or other JL DVDs have the same movie format as Starcrossed like it's not in parts but it's been put together like a one big episode or did they split it as a 2-parter and 3 parter?
Secret Origins is in movie format. Justice on Trial and Paradise Lost are comprised of two parters (2 per disc "previously on" segments and all).

[warmachine04]

JUSTICE LEAGUE: STARCROSSED THE MOVIE

(+) Starcrossed The Movie
(+) Widescreen & Full Screen presentation
(+) Great video quality and audio
(+) Special Feature - Hawkman: From Comics to Cartoon

:):):):):) / :):):):):)