The wait is finally over!  The Filmation 1968 Batman Bluray set is now available for ordering! Follow the link here to get your copy from Amazon.

John and Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension get back to the Hall of Justice and open another case from The Filmation Files, this time discussing this long awaited Bluray release.  In it, they talk about the wonderful clarity of the picture, the packaging both good and bad, and the disappointing menu. 

Comment on the episode here or by writing us at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: WGSFP_-_Filmation_File_-_Batman_1968_Bluray.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 7:14pm EDT

We conclude our look at the Filmation 68 Batman series.  In it, we discuss the voice work, the animation, and our favorite stories.  In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension talk about the times the series aired on cable, how the show managed to take some of the better elements of the 66 series while also leaning on the comics, and how the series got better as it progressed.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: Batcave_88_-_Filmation_68_Overview.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT

"It Takes Two to Make a Team" &

"Opera Buffa"

Aired January 1, 1969

 

Our final look at the Filmation Batman 68 series is a celebration of all that your hosts love about the series.  It has a multi-villain story, Batgirl, Alfred, many nods to the Batman comics of the 50s, current pop culture references and so much more.  In the first story, Riddler, Penguin and Joker team up to break up the team of the Terrific Trio by playing mind games with Robin.  In the second story, the Joker thinks he has finally rid himself of the Dynamic Duo, but he finds himself haunted by their ghosts.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss how the second half of the series really hit its stride in terms of story telling and lament that there wasn't more after that.  They also give a brief wrap-up by talking about their favorite comics adapted and original villains.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

Direct download: Batcave_87.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 1:40pm EDT

"The Jigsaw Jeopardy" &

"Wrath of the Riddler"

Aired December 28, 1968

As you have heard before on the podcast, we're not entirely sure of the broadcast dates or order of episodes when it comes to Filmation Batman 68.  We have been relying on Wikipedia for our schedule.  Based on that, the penultimate episode features a double dose of The Riddler.  In these two stories, he wants to blow up an art museum that refused to feature his artwork and then kidnaps Dick Grayson to stop the development of a crime lab by Wayne Enterprises.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the inconsistent use of Batgirl in the series, the singular moments where the animation seems above average, and appeal of having Bruce Wayne be an actual character who continues the fight against crime, doing things Batman cannot do.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_86.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

"The Fiendishly Frigid Fraud" &
"Enter the Judge"
Aired December 21, 1968

It's the final appearance of Mr. Freeze on the Filmation 68 animated series and his record to date has not been well received by John and Dan.  (They had to admit that the Christmas story did work, but mainly because it was a Christmas story for a frigid villain.)  Here, Freeze still comes across as a thug and he's committing another fraud as he did previously with the Vikings, but there's something about the way this story flows that makes it a cut above the others featuring Freeze.  Plus, there's the introduction of The Judge, an original Filmation villain.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the odd animation choices Filmation would make in particular instances, including the Mr. Freeze story, the darker tone to the Judge and his story, and the missed potential with this really oddball villain.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats, Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_85.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 4:03pm EDT

"A Perfidious Pieman is Simon" & 
"Cool, Cruel Christmas Caper"
Aired December 14, 1968

Filmation's original Batman baddie, Simon the Pieman, returns for more cross dressing villainy in a story that might just be better than his first appearance.  Simon has a pie themed park for the kiddies all set to launch, but his plans are interrupted by Barbara Gordon and chaos ensues.  Plus, what might just be the best Mr. Freeze story to date deals with Christmas in Gotham City and a scheme to steal valuable Christmas icons.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the detail that went into creating a mythos for Simon the Pieman, the sadistic streak of Batgirl, and their wish for a full length Batman Christmas special from the 60s.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_84.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 9:38am EDT

"From Catwoman with Love" & 

"Perilous Playthings"

Aired December 3, 1968

 

Catwoman returns for a double dose of treachery as she appears in both the double and single entry stories for this episode of the podcast.  First, she presents the Dynamic Duo the gift of a cat that takes a shine to Robin.  But what is the mystery behind this unexpected gift?  Then, Catwoman takes over a movie studio and plans to trap the Dynamic Duo in the oversized props available to her.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the creepiness of the cat, Valentina, the disappointment that Superman and Batman never teamed up in Filmation, and the parallels with elements in the one part story with an episode of Challenge of the Super Friends.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_83.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 9:42am EDT

Catwoman finds a ringer for Robin and manages to get him to replace the real  deal.  But Batman doesn't appear to be buying it.  Can it proves his suspicions before this ringer can reveal Batman's identity to Catwoman?

Plus, Mr. Freeze kidnaps a maharaja, right under the noses of the GCPD and Batman and Robin.   Can they rescue him before he is frozen and tossed into Gotham Harbor?

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the gaping plot hole of what is one of the best stories of the series, the voice work of Casey Kasum, and the Bat Midget Car.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_81.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 8:41pm EDT

"A Game of Cat and Mouse" & 

"Beware of Living Dolls"

Aired November 16, 1968

Catwoman pulls off an amazing crime as she not only steals a display of priceless jewels, but she steals the entire castle containing the jewels!  Joker is impressed and wants in on the action, but Catowman refuses.  A contest of wits ensues with Batman and Robin in the middle.  How do they survive?

Plus, it's the debut of Dollman on the cartoon.  But this is not the Dollman of DC Comics, but a villain created by Filmation exclusively for the cartoon.  The story holds up, but the villain doesn't.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the voice work of Jane Webb, the derivative nature of the Dollman villain, and their excitement at the upcoming Filmation created villains for the series.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_80.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

The Penguin gets himself a computer and begins plotting crimes with it.  Soon, it's a battle between Penguin's computer and the Batcomputer and then with the Dynamic Duo themselves.  Plus, we have the premiere of the Scarecrow on the cartoon.  But he doesn't have the same MO as most fans are accustomed to seeing.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss Filmation's tech design in their cartoons, their love for Alfred when he gets involved in the case, and the good and bad of this version of Batgirl.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_78.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 9:37am EDT

"Partners in Peril" & 

"The Underworld Underground Caper"

Aired October 26, 1968

We've had two villain team-ups, but what about three?  Joker, Penguin, and Riddler get together and engage in a contest to see who will control Gotham City's criminal empire.  Not interesting enough?  How about Catwoman getting them to abandon their competition with a plan to cripple the GCPD, making the city ripe for the taking?  It's all here, plus Barbara, Batgirl, and Alfred in "Partners in Peril," a story that could easily be a sequel to the 66 Batman movie or at least, if fleshed out more, a feature length animated movie.  For our one part story, "The Underworld Underground Caper" we have another team up with  Riddler and Catwoman committing crimes by tunneling under the city.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss the Bill Finger-esque situations of "Partners in Peril" and Dan proposes that the Filmation Catwoman is the most ruthless to date in comic or moving image form.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

 

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_76.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

"The Big Birthday Caper" & 

"Two Penguins Too Many"

Aired October 19, 1968

 

It's a team-up extravaganza in our two episodes for this podcast.  First, Penguin and Riddler team-up to determine who Batman really is. There are some tropes one would recognize from the 66 series, including Alfred dressing up as Batman.  The is followed by the Penguin and Joker teaming up, but a pair of pesky penguins get in the way and Penguin refuses to get rid of them despite Joker's protests.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss watching the cartoons in the 1970s on Channel 5 in New York as kids.  This leads to a rabbit hole of discussion on afternoon television in the 70s that including Batman on Channel 11 while dealing with Batman the Movie on the 4:30 movie on Channel 7 during Superhero Week.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_75.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 4:01pm EDT

"Rubi, Rubi, Who's Got the Ruby?" & 

"1001 Faces of the Riddler"

Aired October 12, 1968

Catwoman and Penguin are at odds over a priceless ruby and the Terrific Trio are caught in the middle in our two-part story review.  Next, Riddler is back in town and he's using disguises to thrown the Dynamic Duo off his trail even more so than his riddles.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss whether Ted Knight did the voice of Commissioner Gordon and how cool it would be if Funko's Pop Vinyl line did a series based on the Filmation cartoon. Plus, Dan talks about the relationship between Gordon and Bruce Wayne that started all the way at the beginning of the Batman comic in Detective Comics in 1939.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

 

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_74.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 4:22pm EDT

"The Nine Lives of Batman" & "Long John Joker"

Aired October 5, 1968

The Catwoman makes her debut in the animated 68 series and there's a lot to like, a lot to dislike, and a lot to simply appreciate.  In the story, Catwoman traps the Dynamic Duo in a series of traps that appears to ultimately lead to her desire to learn Batman's identity.  And then it just gets more complicated.  Plus, there's also a Joker story that could have come right out of the third season, complete with Batgirl!

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension discuss how the 66 series brought Catwoman back to prominence and how her appearance in the 68 series is a mix of good and bad.   Plus, they look at the lyrics to the Batman Superman Hour theme song.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_73.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 9:44am EDT

"How Many Herring in a Wheelbarrow?" &

"In Again, Out Again Penguin"

Aired September 27, 1968

Our series of reviews of the 1968 Filmation series continues as the Joker and Penguin return in solo stories for this episode.  First, the Joker is committing a series of petty thefts from technology firms.  It seems like a joke, but Batman suspects there's more to it than meets the eye.  Plus, the Penguin is committing crimes while still in his jail cell.  How does he do it?

 

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website clarify the airdates confusion of the previous two podcasts, revel in the joy there must have been at the Saturday morning offerings of superhero shows in 1968, and discuss the Larry Storch/Ted Knight voicing of the Joker in the series.

 

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

 

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_72.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 10:34am EDT

"The Cool, Cruel Mr. Freeze" &

"The Joke's on Robin"

Aired September 20, 1968

We continue our look at the 1968 Filmation series with a review of a pair of stories.  First, we look at the premiere of Mr. Freeze on the cartoon as he plans to bring Gotham City to its knees with a frosty gamble that not only threatens the city, but the Wayne fortune as well.  Next, Robin is thinking he's losing his touch but we quickly learn, "The Joke's on Robin" thanks to the Joker.

In addition, John and Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website discuss the theme song and Ted Knight's contributions to the show and beyond.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_71.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 10:30am EDT

"My Crime is Your Crime" & "A Bird Out of Hand"

Aired September 13, 1969

We take a look at the 1969 Filmation series that shows the influences of the 66 series on its film cells.  In the first episode of the series, we discuss "My Crime is Your Crime" in which the Joker and Penguin team up to confound Batman by switching their M.O. in order to commit their crimes.  Next is "A Bird Out of Hand" as the Penguin goes straight, but it's clearly a ruse.

 

Joining John to discuss this episode, the voice actors, and memories of watching the Filmation series on New York television is Dan Greenfield, creator and author of the 13th Dimension website.

 

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_70.mp3
Category:The Adventures of Batman and Robin -- posted at: 6:09pm EDT

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