In 1998, Warner Bros. released Batman: Subzero (aka Batman and Mr. Freeze: Subzero). The film – which featured Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester, and Michael Ansara – was an animated adventure focusing on Mr. Freeze.
Batman: Subzero was released direct-to-VHS, as a tie-in to Batman: The Animated Series. The events of the film took place after The Adventures of Batman & Robin, but before The New Batman Adventures.
Although it was originally released on VHS, Batman: Subzero has since been released on DVD, Blu-ray and digital. It was also included in the Batman: The Animated Series complete Blu-ray boxset.
Batman: Subzero has a running time of 67 minutes.
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What happens is Batman: Subzero?
Mr. Freeze returns to Gotham City, searching for an organ donor. His terminally ill wife, Nora is in need of medical attention and only a transplant will save her life.
As Nora has a rare blood type, she needs a perfect match for the surgery to work. Barbara Gordon (aka Batgirl) shares the same blood type as Nora, leading Mr. Freeze to kidnap Barbara, in order to initiate the procedure.
Batman and Robin must track down Freeze to save Barbara’s life. But if they succeed, then Nora could die.
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Is Batman: Subzero suitable for children?
In the UK, Batman: Subzero carries a PG certificate, which according to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) means the film is suitable for general viewing, but could be unsuitable for younger audiences. “A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.”
In the US, Batman: Subzero is not rated. This means the film does not carry a certification.
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Who are the cast of Batman: Subzero?
- Bruce Wayne/Batman – Kevin Conroy
- Dick Grayson/Robin – Loren Lester
- Barbara Gordon/Batgirl – Mary Kay Bergman
- Dr. Victor Fries/Mr. Freeze – Michael Ansara
- Alfred Pennyworth – Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
- Commissioner Gordon – Bob Hastings
- Harvey Bullock – Robert Costanzo
- Dr. Gregory Belson – George Dzundza
A number of cast members from Batman: The Animated Series reprise their roles for Batman: Subzero. However, Mary Kay Bergman took over the part of Barbara Gordon, replacing Melissa Gilbert who played Barbara in the series.
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What is significant about Batman: Subzero?
Batman: Subzero is effectively a sequel to the Batman: The Animated Series episodes: Heart of Ice and Deep Freeze. The film concludes a long-running plot thread involving Nora Fries and temporarily brings an end to Mr. Freeze’s story.
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Do you need to watch Batman: The Animated Series to understand Batman: Subzero?
Batman: Subzero was conceived as a sequel/continuation of Batman: The Animated Series, as a way to conclude Mr. Freeze’s story. It links back to Heart of Ice and Deep Freeze, so if you have watched these two episodes you will appreciate the story more.
BUT you can watch Batman: Subzero without any prior knowledge. The film fills in the important plot points about Freeze/Nora, and provides enough action and adventure to make for an enjoyable experience in its own right.
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Is Batman: Subzero good?
- IMDb gives Batman: Subzero a rating of 7.2/10.
- Rotten Tomatoes gives Batman: Subzero an impressive score of 92%.
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I hope the above information about Batman: Subzero has proved useful. Should you want to know more about the Batman movie series, then take a look around I’ll Get Drive-Thru. Alternatively, you can check out one of the recommended reads below.
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