Unlike Schumacher's efforts, this animated story treats with the utmost respect the material. Batman is presented as in the series, the dark but just Knight of Gotham city, and the subplot involving Dick's (Robin) relationship with Barbara (Batgirl) is interesting. As for Mr Freeze, this version is a far cry from Arnold's corny supervillain. Mr Freeze here is presented like his comic book counterpart, a bitter and lonely man, so saddened by the condition of his wife that the rest of his human emotions are numb. A man that will do what it takes to save his wife from the accident that takes place in the film - even if that means taking another life. A merciless but ultimately tragic soul. Some scenes involving him are particularly touching.

Some might say that this movie is essentially a longer episode, and wouldn't be much wrong. Due to the longer duration, however, the story is much more intriguing and involving compared to a 20+ minute episode. The animation isn't as great as Mask of the Phantasm or the most recent Return of the Joker, but there are some enchanced CGI parts (notably the Batwing sequence).