Alexander Gray
2021The Many Shades of Joker
Alexander Gray
Brian Bolland’s artwork is instantly recognizable to comic book enthusiasts all over the world. Known for his amazing cover art, it was a rare inclusion into the body of a graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke, that helped the perennial story of Batman and The Joker remain a fan favorite for decades to come. Combined with the graphic novel’s original script – which is more than just the telling of a story, but an intricate map explaining every stop along the way to the end of a fantastic journey – this documentary reveals the artistic process behind The Killing Joke’s distinct style. We’ll learn how artists and writers excelled at conveying story and human emotion one panel at a time, mesmerizing readers with unforgettable stories and humanized depictions of heroes and villains. And why after nearly 30 years in print, Batman: The Killing Joke is more thought provoking than ever, as its socio-economic themes are relatable to generation after generation.
The Many Shades of Joker
Heart of Batman
Alexander Gray
Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski
In the early 1990s, a rare gathering of talent defined Batman for a generation. Twenty-five years later, "Batman: The Animated Series" continues to inspire fans and myth-makers all over the world. This is an in-depth look at the storytellers behind the series.
Heart of Batman
Batmania Born! Building the World of Batman
Alexander Gray
With the principal creators of the series' design no longer with us, this documentary celebrates their achievement by recounting its effect on young fans who have grown up to be creators in their own right: executives of DC Comics, producers of animated series for Warner, fashion designers for films and TV, etc. Burt Ward, Julie Newmar and Adam West also appear. (It's interesting that the only interviewee in the group who doesn't look perfectly normal is Andy Mangels, described as an "author and historian"; his beard and hairstyle look like something modeled on a Batman villain.) The presentation situates the show in the context of Sixties television and current events, and helps explain why the timing of the show's appearance contributed to its enormous popularity. (Blu-ray.com)
Batmania Born! Building the World of Batman
Masterpiece: Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns
Jeff Maynard, Alexander Gray
This is the master-crafted work of the legendary writer and artist Frank Miller. The film encapsulates, and celebrates the stunning achievement of Batman: the Dark Knight Returns, galvanizing the reason why this story ushered in the modern take of the dark and brooding protector of Gotham. This is the journey of Frank Miller, seeking the freedom that some authors only dream of in a lifetime. Narrated by Malcolm McDowell.
Masterpiece: Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns
Holy Memorabilia Batman!
Alexander Gray
The world of Batman memorabilia is rich and extensive, encompassing both the toys and action figures released during the show's original run, those manufactured in the decades after, original props and items from conventions and fan events. Collector Ralph Garman takes Adam West on a tour of his personal "cave" of collectibles, while Kevin Silva displays his official certification from the Guinness Book of World Records as the owner of the world's largest collection of Batman memorabilia. Also interviewed is Mark Racop, who custom-builds Batmobiles according to the show's original design. (Blu-ray.com)
Holy Memorabilia Batman!
Hanging with Batman
Alexander Gray
This elegantly constructed portrait of Batman star Adam West combines a new 2014 interview with selections from previous interviews during various stages of West's career. The result is an informative, measured and often moving portrait of a man who went from a farm in Washington State to the height of stardom to which the TV series propelled him. Then he had to restart his career after agents and casting directors could no longer imagine him as anything but the Caped Crusader. A highlight is West's appearance, with Burt Ward and Julie Newmar, at 2014's ComicCon. (Blu-ray.com)
Hanging with Batman
Bats of the Round Table
Alexander Gray
Adam West, Kevin Smith
“Bats of the Round Table,” an over dinner recollection of the original 1966 Batman TV series with Adam West and celebrity friends Kevin Smith, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee, radio personality Ralph Garman and actor Phil Morris.
Bats of the Round Table
Vince Guaraldi: The Maestro of Menlo Park
Jeff Maynard, Alexander Gray
Vince Guaraldi, Carl Bailey
A short documentary about Vince Guaraldi, the composer most well known for his work on several 'Peanuts' animated television specials.
Vince Guaraldi: The Maestro of Menlo Park
