DC Showcase: The Spectre

If the ghost of Christmas Future had a creepier crime fighting relative, "The Spectre" would be it. By day, Detective Jim Corrigan investigates homicide cases; his latest case being the explosive murder of a Hollywood film executive producer. Incidentally, the victim is also the father of his girlfriend Aimee Brenner. The usual investigation red tape gets in the way of his investigation as Corrigan finds himself powerless to bring the suspects to justice. But Jim Corrigan has an ace up his sleeve. By night, Corrigan assumes his true form as "THE SPECTRE", an avenging spirit with immense supernatural powers. Unimpeded by the limitations of a human form, the Spectre seeks out the suspects of the murder case and dishes out his own supernatural form of justice. However, the clues might not be as obvious as he thought and the real suspect may be closer than he thinks.

From the get go, "The Spectre" animated short film is a beautiful tribute to classic film noir supernatural thrillers. Everything from the old school music to the "grindhouse" film grain is heightens that "1970s" feel. Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, who also directed the awesome G.I Joe Resolute movie, the animation and artwork here is astounding. Character movements are just so "real", so lifelike and extremely fluid. The artwork too has a higher level of detail even when compared to the full length "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths" main feature that this short film came with. Easily better looking than many of the best Japanese anime too.

Writer Steve Niles is no stranger to the horror genre, having penned the critically acclaimed "30 Days of Night" series. Clocking in at barely over 11 minutes, the entire set up of "the Spectre" is a classic, though rather predictable, detective story. But the scenes involving the Specter, glowing green eyes swirling cape and inhuman voice adding to air of creepiness, are genuinely scary with a couple of real shocks. Fans of horror movies will be able to pick out some noticeable homages to films like "Chucky" and "Final Destination".

Seeing as how The Spectre might not be as famous as Batman or as popular as Superman, it was probably a wise move for Warner to only make one short film in order to gauge viewers' interest. The result was so spectacular, so oozing with style and boasting high end production values that it really is a pity Warner did not go all out to make a full length feature from the start. Having a mature narrative makes this short film accessible to even viewers who are not fans of animation as it plays out very much like a live action movie.

Definitely not to be missed. Get it now with the blu-ray or 2 disc DVD copy of "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths" or get the "DC Showcase: Original Shorts Collection" DVD and blu-ray due out in November 2010. Oh yes, there is quite a fair bit of violence, actually more so than the main Justice League feature; so be warned.

Very beautiful animation in this short film about DC's undead vigilante. It mixes genres in its 10-minute length: horror, police, superhero, vingança. I loved the colors, and the horror vendetta story works.

The Spectre (2010) is the second of four DC Showcase films on a DVD titled Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam. The plot centers around a spirit serving a human detective by day and transforming into a vigilante by night. When a famous actor dies, both the detective and The Spectre take on the case.

Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos (Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse), the film features the voices of Gary Cole (Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby), Alyssa Milano (Commando), Robert Paulsen (Pinky and the Brain), and Jon Polito (The Crow).

This easily stands out as my favorite short story in this DC Showcase collection. The film's grindhouse feel and creepy horror elements are amazing and are complemented by an impressive storyline filled with enjoyable twists and turns. There's a Constantine vibe to this, and this short could have easily expanded into a full-length feature film. I'd give it an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

The plot was okay according to short story but really want the spectre on main league in theaters with a proper long story. Loved the character.

I'm not particularly familiar with The Spectre and I guess that's the point of these DC Showcases, an opportunity to become acquainted with lesser known heroes.

With the neat voice talent of Gary Cole & Alyssa Milano this DC short gets to the point quick.

It tells the story of a detective searching for a killer of a Hollywood actor, meanwhile the shadowy figure that is The Spectre is handing out his own brand of justice.

Again not being familiar with The Spectre I didn't really know what to expect and have to say it has a real film noir feel about it. Combine that with his powers seeming somewhat overpowered and I'd be curious to see more.

The Good:

Good voice talent

Well animated

The Bad:

Limited due to the time constraints

Things I Learnt From This Short:

Gary Cole needs to do more voice work