Review
Justice League: The New Frontier Commemorative Edition
"Justice League: The New Frontier Commemorative Edition" sets the stage for this November's theatrical debut of Justice League. "The New Frontier" is one of the first releases in the decade-long history of the DC Universe Original Movies and this special re-release includes a new retrospective about the creator of the original comic, the late Darwyn Cooke. The "The New Frontier Commemorative Edition" released on Digital HD, Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, and DVD on October 3, 2017.
I previously did a review about the movie itself so I won't be revisiting it here. But upon rewatching it, "The New Frontier" still retains a sense of timelessness and the message of hope still stands true. More so since the upcoming live action "Justice League" movie is also banking on a theme of hope. The majority of special features from the original feature are retained except for the "Batman: Gotham Knight" sneak peak and three "Justice League Unlimited" episodes. The new additions to the special features are the previously released Sneak Peak at "Batman: Gotham By Gaslight" from the recent "Batman and Harley Quinn" movie release and trailers for this year's "Wonder Woman" and "Justice League" movies. Trailers for the "Wonder Woman: Commemorative Edition" and "Batman and Harley Quinn" play before the home menu screen.
The all-new special feature "Retro Action Cool: The Story of Darwyn Cooke" is a 20 minute 38 second look back on Cooke through anecdotes from DC creatives like Dan DiDio, Mike Carlin, Mark Chiarello, and Jim Lee. Chiarello talks about finding Cooke's submission - a black envelope - "Batman Ego," calling him and learning he,just took job at Warner Bros Animation to work on a new show called "Batman Beyond". Then after Ego came the pitch for New Frontier which DC wasn't originally going to publish because it wasn't in the mainline continuity. DiDio and co. knew it would stand the test of time and pushed for it. They talk about how Cooke effortlessly juxtaposed these classic characters with a turbulent time in American history, the difference between an epic story and retro story, grounding iconic characters, adult themes, hope theme, noir, "Parker", Lee Marvin influences, how he told stories that mattered to him and reflected his sensibilities, and the care he put in every character. They go on to talk about Cooke's no-nonsense persona, how he could be sweet or rough, his quiet consideration for others, how he was always gregarious or combative at cons with anyone, would then drink with fans, and how he was always himself. The feature ends with Chiarello telling an amusing anecdote about Cooke wanting a naked Aquaman in New Frontier and wanted to quit when it was shot down and DiDio talking about Cooke getting the drop on him in an amusing way.
"Justice League: The New Frontier: Commemorative Edition" may be a repackaging of a movie you might just already have and there's a only 20 minutes of new content but is a multi-format release. You can finally have the movie in Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital. "The New Frontier" first released when it was just DVDs and Special Edition DVDs. The artwork on the Steelbook is Cooke's from the comic and looks absolutely beautiful. Front, back, and inside. In terms of the new special feature, it was odd there was only commentary from people at DC Comics and DC Entertainment and no one who worked with Cooke at Warner Bros. Animation like Bruce Timm. It comes off as half a story.
"Justice League: The New Frontier Commemorative Edition" is a re-release of one of the first movies in the DC Universe Animated Original Movie line and is still one of the greatest of all. It is highly recommended to someone looking to upgrade their original purchase, a Steelbook collector or a DC animation collector. It is also a decent way for first time viewer to peek into the world of DC before they head into theaters November 17th.
Rating
Main Feature: 3.5 out of 5
Special Features: 3.5 out of 5
Total Rating: 7 out of 10