Let me start by saying this: if you're a Batman fan, this 4K release of *Mask of the Phantasm* is an absolute must-have. Having watched it multiple times across different formats (yes, including the ancient VHS!), this is hands-down the best this animated masterpiece has ever looked.

The 4K transfer is stunning – the film grain is preserved just right, giving it that organic, cinematic feel modern digital animations often lack. The gothic shadows of Gotham have never felt more atmospheric, and those iconic Art Deco designs pop with newfound clarity. It's like seeing Bruce Timm's animation style through fresh eyes.

Now for the not-so-great: WB really dropped the ball on special features. No commentary? No making-of documentary? For a film with such a cult following, that's criminal. The only extra here is the theatrical trailer – talk about barebones! Also puzzling is the lack of language options beyond English, despite the series being dubbed in multiple languages originally.

The audio upgrade surprised me – while still stereo (no fancy 5.1 here), Shirley Walker's phenomenal score has never sounded richer. That haunting choral theme when Phantasm appears? Goosebumps every time. Kevin Conroy's legendary Batman voice and Mark Hamill's maniacal Joker shine through crystal clear too.

Pro tip: Always choose the 'Television presentation' option! The widescreen version crops off significant parts of the carefully composed frames – a pet peeve of mine they don't even warn you about.

Is it perfect? No. But when you're dealing with what many consider *the* definitive Batman story (live-action included), these quibbles fade away once that opening title sequence hits. This disc finally gives *Phantasm* the premium treatment it deserves – now if only WB would give us that long-overdue special edition...