For all my fellow comic geeks out there,,, First Marvel's Ultimates is released as a direct-to-DVD feature film and now DC follows suit. This story comes out of This weeks Comic Con in San Diego. The story arcs they've chosen have great potential, it'll be interesting to see how they turn out.

Superman, DC Comics pals headed for DVD series
By Thomas K. Arnold
Mon Jul 24, 1:47 AM ET



SAN DIEGO (Hollywood Reporter) - Warner Bros. is launching a series of feature-length animated movies, created exclusively for DVD, featuring such DC Comics characters as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.

Plans call for the production and distribution of two or three films a year, beginning next year. The first three titles will be "Justice League: New Frontier," "Superman: Doomsday" and "Teen Titans: The Judas Contract."

The "DC Universe" line of PG-13 films is a joint venture of Warner Home Video, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics. All three companies are part of Warner Bros. Entertainment, a unit of Time Warner Inc.

"This initiative is a testament to our commitment to bringing fans new and innovative content created by the most revered names in the comic industry," Warner Home Video president Ron Sanders said Saturday at Comic-Con International.

Classic comic book stories will be adapted for the films, according to DC Comics president and publisher Paul Levitz.

"The creators bring a passion for the material and a level of creative ambition that will resonate with both DC Comics' fans who treasure the original stories and adults who love adventure, heroics and top-notch animation," he said.

Warner has long been a leader in the direct-to-video arena, chiefly in the children's category.

In March, the studio announced a line of live-action, direct-to-video films aimed at adults, under the auspices of its theatrical catalog group. The "Raw Feed" line consists of sci-fi and horror movies with budgets of up to $5 million. The first film in that line, "Rest Stop," is scheduled for DVD release October 27.

In addition, Warner is following several other studios in creating direct-to-video sequels to popular theatrical films. First up is a follow-up to "The Dukes of Hazzard," due next year.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Direct to DVD = dissappointment.

jerseykrs said:

For a live action film, I would agree... However, for animation, the potential exists to fill the needs of a niche market; that of the comic geek.

Marvel had an opportunity to be first to market with The Ultimates, but I think they lost the true comic fan when they toned down the story's violence, sanitized it and marketied it to the average 6 year old.

It is just my opinion, but as a 38 year old (who has been reading comics for 30+ years) I think they can translate these stories to DVD, if they do just that... translate the stories verbatim. NO toning down, NO sanitizing Do that DC & I'll buy 'em all
[Edited 7/24/06 8:55am]

BobGeorge67 said:

yeah, that's what I'm saying, Ultimates had so much potential.....Don't get me wrong, I think it could POSSIBLY be incredible, but they never have the balls to do it right.

jerseykrs said:

Okay... then we're in agreement