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"Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" Blu-ray Review
Posted on January 29, 2024 by Neil Cole
"Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" is the latest entry from the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series and the 11th animated feature to take place within the Tomorrowverse storyline.
The film is an adaptation of the groundbreaking 1985 - 1986 DC Comics crossover storyline in which the heroes of several parellel Earths must band together in a desperate effort to save the Multiverse from an unstoppable antimatter Armageddon.
Picking up from the events of "Justice League: Warworld", the film finds The Flash/Barry Allen traveling back and forth through time where he experiences the first time he met Iris West, fighting alongside Superman and Green Arrow against the powerful android Amazo, and traveling to a parallel world where the villainous Crime Syndicate rules. In each instance, a bearded stranger appears that keeps warning Barry about the end of the world and of multiple universes dying.
Eventually, the Harbinger (who was last seen in "Justice League: Warworld") arrives to gather various heroes from across the Multiverse as ordered by the ancient multiversal being known as the Monitor so that he may warn them all of an anti-matter wave which is in the process of destroying entire universes. Inspired by Barry's time tripping, the Monitor to creates massive vibrational towers on the remaining Earths which will allow them to phase through the wave and survive. Although this plan seems to have worked at first, the film then comes full circle when the spirit known as the Spectre reveals to Barry that he is the one responsible for all the destruction that has occurred.
"Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" features a stellar cast of actors including Darren Criss as Superman & Earth-2 Superman, Stana Katic as Wonder Woman & Superwoman, Jensen Ackles as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Matt Bomer as The Flash/Barry Allen, Meg Donnelly as Supergirl & Harbinger, Jimmi Simpson as Green Arrow, and Zachary Quinto as Lex Luthor.
Rounding out the ensemble cast are Jonathan Adams as Monitor, Ike Amadi as J'onn J'onzz/Martian Manhunter, Amazing Man & Ivo, Geoffrey Arend as Psycho Pirate & Hawkman, Zack Callison as Dick Grayson/Robin, Alexandra Daddario as Lois Lane, Alastair Duncan as Alfred, Matt Lanter as Blue Beetle & Ultraman, Ato Essandoh as Mr Terrific, Cynthia Hamidi as Dawnstar, Aldis Hodge as John Stewart/Green Lantern & Power Ring, Erika Ishii as Doctor Light/Dr. Hoshi & Huntress, David Kaye as The Question, Ashleigh LaThrop as Iris West, Liam Mcintyre as Aquaman & Johnny Quick, Nolan North as Hal Jordan, Amazo & Homeless Man, Lou Diamond Phillips as The Spectre & Owlman, Keesha Sharp as Vixen, and Harry Shum Jr. as Brainiac 5.
The film's art style remains consistent with that of previous DC animated films set within the Tomorrowverse with bright colors and a heavier emphasis on deep, dark outlines and toned-down proportions to the characters which, in the past, always seemed to feature over-the-top muscular frames that came across as ludicrous at times.
Keeping in line with a majority of other DC animated films, "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" has a PG-13 rating due to for some violence and brief strong language which is a major change from it's predecessor "Justice League: Warworld" which had a well-deserved R rating due to extreme gore, over-the-top violence, and adult language.
Two Special Features are also packaged with the film including:
=• Crisis Prime: The filmmakers reveal in detail their intricate plan to create a comprehensive animated universe across seven films, concluding with the events of the three-part adaptation Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths.
• The Selfless Speedster: Explore The Flash's legendary role in the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" comic series, the creative process that brought him to life in the animated adaptation, and the vocal performance behind his heroic and romantic story.
Overall, "Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" is a welcome entry in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series and the fact that Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment decided to split it into three separate films was a wise decision considering the massive amount of source materal. All-in-all, the film does a good job of conveying the beginnings of the comic book storyline and will make a great addtion to any comic fan's movie collection.
"Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" is currently available on Blu-ray (US$29.99), Limited Edition Steelbook (US$49.99), and Digital (US$19.99) from Amazon.
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