“The Sound of Batman” - Walker’s ‘Birth of the Batman’:
In December 1993, Warner Bros. released in theaters the film “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. Directed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski with screenplay by Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Michael Reaves and martin Pasko,the movie was placed within the DC Animated Universe of the current television show, Batman: The Animated Series. With Burnett wanting to bring in a major love interest for Bruce Wayne in continuity, we are introduced to Andrea Beaumont, the daughter of wealthy businessman Carl Beaumont and his deceased wife, Victoria. In a series of flashbacks, we witness Andrea’s college days at Gotham University, where she meets Bruce Wayne and they fall in love. The two had planned to marry, but Andrea returned the ring Bruce had given her and went away with her father, resulting in Bruce transforming into Batman. After a series of events which led to the death of her father by the mafia, Andrea adopted the disguise of the Phantasm, seeking revenge on her father’s killers. In the end, as Batman tries to stop this spree, he and Andrea discover their secret identities, which is a hard revelation for Bruce, them both disappearing into the night and their love not fulfilled. Shirley Walker composes the soundtrack to Mask of the Phantasm, capturing the progression of Bruce Wayne evolution to becoming the Dark Knight. From the dramatic Latin chants in the 'Main Title’ to the whimsical chimes in Bruce and Andrea’s 'First Love’ to the bellowing choirs and horns that come together as Bruce puts on the cowl for the first time in 'Birth of the Batman’ (audio presented). Every chilling note brings exuberance and awe to the audience as we travel through the trials and ultimate heartache that Bruce faces, realizing his destiny to be the Caped Crusader of Gotham City. ✌🏻️💙🎶🎥
