This is the story of Mr. Freeze, a villain that is a guilty pleasure of mine. (If Batman and Robin was never made, I bet he would be more popular) Freeze is shown as a sympathetic character and a merciless villain at the same time. He rations out the puns instead of using them at every possible situation. The voice work of everybody is brilliant. He believes that he is defeating an evil with his actions. In the end, Freeze finds himself in prison, begging for his wife's forgiveness. Batman gives a final glance at them and leaves to fight another crime. Overall, it is simply a well written episode. Add in some spectacular animation and great quotes, you get the best episode of the Batman animated series.
25 Reviews
A defining chapter in the Batman Animated Series.
Johnny-the-Film-Sentinel-218715 September 2016
Heart of Ice is one of the best things to come out of Batman's legacy as a classic comic book character, and it's an episode from an animated television show. The episode starts off so beautifully, with a spinning 'woman dancing in a snow-globe', which is hinted at being someone important to: Mr. Freeze. This is the episode that got me straight into Batman: The Animated Series and I'd dare say that it's still one of my all-time favourite television episodes from any show ever. It starts off well, develops well and ends well. As a Batman fan, I say that Heart of Ice made phenomenal development on Mr. Freeze as a character (he never had a love interest before) and showed that villains can be as deep as the heroes they fight; as a television fan, the screenplay/teleplay (by Paul Dini) is one of the best ever written, and easily the best for an animated superhero show: nearly all the lines of dialogue are crucial to the story.
If you haven't seen any of Batman: The Animated Series yet... what the hell are you doing; go and get started with this episode, chop-chop!
If you haven't seen any of Batman: The Animated Series yet... what the hell are you doing; go and get started with this episode, chop-chop!
Revenge Is Served Up Cold By 'Mr. Freeze'
ccthemovieman-17 July 2007
This is our first look at "Mr. Freeze." He isn't exactly Arnold Schwarznegger, who played him in the feature film, but he's a pretty cool looking villain, some bald-headed guy in a spacesuit. Anyway, he has a personal vendetta against Ferris Boyle, who owns Gothcorp, Inc. Mr. Freeze is stealing items from that company. Batman catches him in one of those raids and is put on ice temporarily. He gets out of it, but catches a cold! He also rescues one of Mr. Freeze's thugs who was left to die at the scene with his legs frozen.
As Bruce Wayne, Batman sees Mr. Boyle at his office the next day trying to see if he knows anyone who might have it in for his company. He finds out a "wacko scientist" whom Ferris thought died in an explosion at his company, might be a good suspect, but he was presumed dead. (Obviously, he's wrong.) Boyle also is a big phony, pretending to be a big humanitarian and having a company advertised as being "for the people," but it's all PR baloney, as he even admits.
Mr. Freeze, alias Victor Fries, already has weapons that shoot something that freezes everything it touches but now he is one step away from having that power in a cannon. Can Batman stop him?
One thing that was different about this episode but was something you see in a lot of modern films is - leaving Batman out of the equation - no good guys. Mr. Freeze and Mr. Boyle were both bad guys. You can't root for either one. And, as the story progressed, they made you almost feel sorry for Mr. Freeze, who was a cold-blooded (no pun intended) killer. They made him more human than the guy he was trying to kill! That's a little twisted, but I hope we see more of Mr. Freeze.
As Bruce Wayne, Batman sees Mr. Boyle at his office the next day trying to see if he knows anyone who might have it in for his company. He finds out a "wacko scientist" whom Ferris thought died in an explosion at his company, might be a good suspect, but he was presumed dead. (Obviously, he's wrong.) Boyle also is a big phony, pretending to be a big humanitarian and having a company advertised as being "for the people," but it's all PR baloney, as he even admits.
Mr. Freeze, alias Victor Fries, already has weapons that shoot something that freezes everything it touches but now he is one step away from having that power in a cannon. Can Batman stop him?
One thing that was different about this episode but was something you see in a lot of modern films is - leaving Batman out of the equation - no good guys. Mr. Freeze and Mr. Boyle were both bad guys. You can't root for either one. And, as the story progressed, they made you almost feel sorry for Mr. Freeze, who was a cold-blooded (no pun intended) killer. They made him more human than the guy he was trying to kill! That's a little twisted, but I hope we see more of Mr. Freeze.
Pathos at its most effective
Mr-Fusion20 February 2017
'Heart of Ice' was one of my favorite TAS episodes in the early '90s because of the window dressing; Mark Hamill in a non-Joker villainous role, the cold theme (I was into ice as a kid), and Spectrum Studios animation - it's lavishly rendered. But as an adult, the story structure stands out, what with Hamill's soulless CEO Ferris Boyle balanced out with Mr. Freeze.
But Paul Dini really plays on the tragedy of Freeze as a villain and that's what makes this a series best. He's an extremely well realized character (proficiently so, given the time constraints) who opposes Batman only because some jerk corporate exec imperiled his wife and confined him to a cold suit. The thirst for revenge can consume any of us, even those without a sadistic bone in their body. Batman feels pity for Freeze and shows a certain level of empathy towards him (a little like his supportive relationship with Harvey Dent's struggles with Two-Face). The characterization really does deepen this show to an astonishing degree and 'Heart of Ice' is Exhibit A.
10/10
But Paul Dini really plays on the tragedy of Freeze as a villain and that's what makes this a series best. He's an extremely well realized character (proficiently so, given the time constraints) who opposes Batman only because some jerk corporate exec imperiled his wife and confined him to a cold suit. The thirst for revenge can consume any of us, even those without a sadistic bone in their body. Batman feels pity for Freeze and shows a certain level of empathy towards him (a little like his supportive relationship with Harvey Dent's struggles with Two-Face). The characterization really does deepen this show to an astonishing degree and 'Heart of Ice' is Exhibit A.
10/10
The Definitive Mr. Freeze Story
Willravel12 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
"This is how I shall always remember you, surrounded by winter; forever young, forever beautiful. Rest well, my love. The monster who took you from me will soon learn that revenge is a dish best served cold." - Victor Fries
Up until 1992, Mr. Freeze, formerly Mr. Zero, was a rather flat character with little to no discernible personality to speak of. He was simply a theme villain, one of many in Batman's rogue's gallery, a person who's entire persona revolved around a gimmick, in this case ice and cold. All of that changed in 1992 when Heart of Ice premiered on Fox. Batman: The Animated Series guest writer Mike Mignola (best known for creating comic character Hellboy), was tasked with retooling the Mr. Freeze character. The result was a tragic figure, once a good man who was driven to mad desperation by the illness of his wife and then twisted and disfigured by a terrible accident. Mr. Freeze was elevated from a one-dimensional cliché to a complex and compelling force, joining the ranks of other characters like Two-Face and the Joker as villains that are both dangerous and compelling.
This episode was so respected that it won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program and remains a favorite among fans.
Up until 1992, Mr. Freeze, formerly Mr. Zero, was a rather flat character with little to no discernible personality to speak of. He was simply a theme villain, one of many in Batman's rogue's gallery, a person who's entire persona revolved around a gimmick, in this case ice and cold. All of that changed in 1992 when Heart of Ice premiered on Fox. Batman: The Animated Series guest writer Mike Mignola (best known for creating comic character Hellboy), was tasked with retooling the Mr. Freeze character. The result was a tragic figure, once a good man who was driven to mad desperation by the illness of his wife and then twisted and disfigured by a terrible accident. Mr. Freeze was elevated from a one-dimensional cliché to a complex and compelling force, joining the ranks of other characters like Two-Face and the Joker as villains that are both dangerous and compelling.
This episode was so respected that it won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program and remains a favorite among fans.
"...where a warm hand waits for mine..."
Rectangular_businessman15 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Before "Heart of Ice", Mr. Freeze used to a generic comic-book villain with a flat personality and forgettable traits.
This episode changed that forever, making him one of the most iconic Batman villains, giving him a tragic back-story and also a magnificent characterization, resulting in one of the most memorable episodes from the whole "Batman " series. For me, this was the definitive version of that character.
The ending of this chapter is simply heartbreaking, and yet, incredibly beautiful at the same time, being one of the saddest moments from any superhero series that I've ever seen in my entire life. Is for episodes like this that "Batman" could be easily considered as one of the best animations ever made, and certainly there aren't superhero cartoons like this anymore, which is a shame.
10/10 (And I would rate it with eleven stars if I could)
This episode changed that forever, making him one of the most iconic Batman villains, giving him a tragic back-story and also a magnificent characterization, resulting in one of the most memorable episodes from the whole "Batman " series. For me, this was the definitive version of that character.
The ending of this chapter is simply heartbreaking, and yet, incredibly beautiful at the same time, being one of the saddest moments from any superhero series that I've ever seen in my entire life. Is for episodes like this that "Batman" could be easily considered as one of the best animations ever made, and certainly there aren't superhero cartoons like this anymore, which is a shame.
10/10 (And I would rate it with eleven stars if I could)
A Masterpiece in Storytelling
tadavies-155687 July 2022
Heart of Ice has a reputation for being considered the best episode of Batman: The Animated Series as well as redefining Mr Freeze into that of a man driven to his criminal actions due to those who wronged him. An episode like this thrives on pulling at the audience's heartstrings and making you sympathise with the villain (a trend that most of the best episodes in this series have) in this case Victor Fries who's wife was frozen due to an incurable illness. But what makes this standout compared to the other emotional character pieces that this series offers us? If you ask me its the poetic and subtle dialogue. While this isn't my favourite episode in the animated series (we'll get to that later) I wholeheartedly believe Heart of Ice is a masterpiece in storytelling and shouldn't be underestimated just because it's part of a show for children. 10/10.
Heart of Ice - The Definitive Mr. Freeze Story
jones-markjones-mark59217 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Story: Funny subplot with Batman's cold. Another great disguise. Definitive Mr. FreeE origin and story. Great origin tape. Great way of defeating Freeze. (10/10)
Characters: Great Freeze voice. Kind of cringeworthy "Freeze" line from Batman. Ferris Boyle very unlikable. Feel sympathy for Freeze. (9/10)
Animation: Cool looking opening. Ice looks cool. Great snow effects return. Infamous reversed colour Bat symbol twice. (8/10)
Verdict: 9/10
Characters: Great Freeze voice. Kind of cringeworthy "Freeze" line from Batman. Ferris Boyle very unlikable. Feel sympathy for Freeze. (9/10)
Animation: Cool looking opening. Ice looks cool. Great snow effects return. Infamous reversed colour Bat symbol twice. (8/10)
Verdict: 9/10
"If I still had tears to shed..."
Foreverisacastironmess1233 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This is the only episode of "Batman the Animated Series" that I ever gave a perfect ten to. It more than deserved it, for it's very probably the deepest the show ever dared to go. And although I greatly enjoy a lot of this series, this one is especially sophisticated and so rewarding and well put together and I love it very much. Now, although the most important elements of it certainly are, this episode is not one hundred percent perfect. I really don't like how Batman defeats Freeze with a common cask of chicken-goddamn-soup! That was just silly. They could have come up with something just a little better than that surely.. I also don't particularly enjoy the bizarre moment when Batman breaks his composure with that insane sneeze!!! ::: His haunting, gothically beautiful voice is so melodious and compelling. And his poetic words speak of anger and regret and boundless loneliness... It's as cold as the grave. The situation and atmosphere of every scene they use him in is so taut and powerfully sombre that the dialogue practically writes itself. And the design of his cryo-suit is simple, but so awesome-looking! It conveys lots of physical power without him at all coming off as a hulking brute or a robot. This is my favourite ever appearance of the animated Mr.Freeze, with the possible exceptions of the "Sub-Zero" movie and one great episode of "Batman of the Future". He just never again seemed to be portrayed with the same level of awe and tragedy that he brings to bear here. Even in his next appearance in "Deep Freeze" he just seemed to be wasted, like he was too good a character for the creators to build a story around. He's great in that one, but the plot was noticeably weak and missing something. In my opinion Freeze's role in Sub-Zero should have been his last, as it was it was an ending befitting the character that concluded his sorrowful saga perfectly. They should've left it at that, rather than robbing him of his dignity when they brought him back as a monster in the very poor fourth season. Oh god, that was so ridiculous! That whole head in a spider-robot jar thing should have never seen the light of day. ::: Every time I see the sheer animated poetry in motion that is the ending I get teary-eyes! It's very sad, because poor Victor laments as he believes he's failed his dying wife as Batman watches him from afar, perhaps seeing a kindred spirit. But to me, in a way it's also hopeful for the character, because as he sheds tears in despair it adds a new depth to his story. Because, despite claiming to be emotionally dead, deep down beneath all that ice, he's full of emotion. He hasn't lost his heart... And I find that kind of hopeful because I believe it's something that those who have grown emotionally cold or have a cold outlook on the world can connect with in a very deep and meaningful way that is far beyond the boundaries of this great show. In closing, it's a damn good episode!
A chilling episode
Cox-Rocker3 November 2018
One of the best episodes of one of my all time favorite shows, "Heart Of Ice", gave us one of the darkest and most emotional episodes in the series. If you're a fan of the villain Mr. Freeze, I highly recommend this episode. It gives us a great back story for him, and it turns a cold villain into a sympathetic character. It is simply fantastic.
Profound and Depth Beyond Measure
metaick23 November 2023
Many moons ago, as a young teenager, I saw this episode and, more so, felt it. I immediately recognized the genius of the writing, story and depth of the character. The moment I saw it, I was changed, as if a spiritual, alchemical transformation had occurred. This episode forever stayed with me, and its profound lessons have echoed on in my life, my character and my actions. The Spirit guided the hands of the creators of this masterpiece.
To those that don't feel a certain affinity to this episode, I highly encourage you to do some serious exploration and see just how this narrative echoes the truth about the enemies we face and how sincerity will always aid in our guidance to adversity; especially when facing the most worthy adversary we will ever face, our Self.
To those that don't feel a certain affinity to this episode, I highly encourage you to do some serious exploration and see just how this narrative echoes the truth about the enemies we face and how sincerity will always aid in our guidance to adversity; especially when facing the most worthy adversary we will ever face, our Self.
Heart of Ice - My Review
rexshard937 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Out of all Batman TAS Episodes written by Paul Dini, I think this is the most well known and praised episode.
It does have some good points. For Example, I thought Animation by Spectrum Animation Studio was absolutely brilliant. I consider this episode as the beginning of Joker in Batman TAS.
Mark Hamill played Ferris Boyle in this episode. After playing Ferris Boyle, Mark Hamill expressed his interest in playing villain roles in Batman TAS. Mark Hamill expressed interest in playing Joker. But they already hired Tim Curry for playing Joker. Later, they decided that they need someone else to play Joker. That's when they remembered Mark Hamill expressing his enthusiasm in playing Joker. So they hired Mark Hamill for Joker and he played Joker throughout Batman TAS.
Aside from the good points mentioned above, I do think it is very overrated. Let me state my reasons why.
I didn't feel sorry for Mr. Freeze (Victor Fries). I can understand that he was trying to save his wife. But Victor Fries was using the money and the equipments of Ferris Boyle and his company for his personal reasons.
Boyle points out how Fries' experiment was an unauthorized experiment. Ferris Boyle also tells Fries how he ordered funding suspended weeks ago. But Fries continued with experiments even after Ferris ordered funding suspended weeks ago. Ferris points out that he is already 3 million in debt thanks to Victor Fries. Ferris points out how Victor Fries was using his money and his equipments for his personal reasons while talking to Bruce Wayne.
It must be noted that Ferris attacks Victor Fries only after Fries takes the gun and points at him. So when Fries pointed the gun at him, Ferris realizes that Victor Fries is now his enemy who can kill him. So he tricks Fries and attacks Fries which drives Victor Fries to become Mr. Freeze.
After becoming Mr. Freeze, Mr. Freeze's inconsiderate mind can also be seen when he abandons one of his henchmen with a frozen leg and moves on with his "personal" plans to destroy Ferris Boyle. Later, Batman saves the henchman.
People will say that Victor Fries lacks feelings after become Mr. Freeze and that's why he refused to save his henchman. But he still has romantic feelings for his wife even after becoming Mr. Freeze.
Because of the reasons mentioned above, I found Mr. Freeze to be a selfish and an uninteresting character.
With me, I consider Mad as a Hatter as Paul Dini's best episode. I rate Heart of Ice as 7 out of 10.
It does have some good points. For Example, I thought Animation by Spectrum Animation Studio was absolutely brilliant. I consider this episode as the beginning of Joker in Batman TAS.
Mark Hamill played Ferris Boyle in this episode. After playing Ferris Boyle, Mark Hamill expressed his interest in playing villain roles in Batman TAS. Mark Hamill expressed interest in playing Joker. But they already hired Tim Curry for playing Joker. Later, they decided that they need someone else to play Joker. That's when they remembered Mark Hamill expressing his enthusiasm in playing Joker. So they hired Mark Hamill for Joker and he played Joker throughout Batman TAS.
Aside from the good points mentioned above, I do think it is very overrated. Let me state my reasons why.
I didn't feel sorry for Mr. Freeze (Victor Fries). I can understand that he was trying to save his wife. But Victor Fries was using the money and the equipments of Ferris Boyle and his company for his personal reasons.
Boyle points out how Fries' experiment was an unauthorized experiment. Ferris Boyle also tells Fries how he ordered funding suspended weeks ago. But Fries continued with experiments even after Ferris ordered funding suspended weeks ago. Ferris points out that he is already 3 million in debt thanks to Victor Fries. Ferris points out how Victor Fries was using his money and his equipments for his personal reasons while talking to Bruce Wayne.
It must be noted that Ferris attacks Victor Fries only after Fries takes the gun and points at him. So when Fries pointed the gun at him, Ferris realizes that Victor Fries is now his enemy who can kill him. So he tricks Fries and attacks Fries which drives Victor Fries to become Mr. Freeze.
After becoming Mr. Freeze, Mr. Freeze's inconsiderate mind can also be seen when he abandons one of his henchmen with a frozen leg and moves on with his "personal" plans to destroy Ferris Boyle. Later, Batman saves the henchman.
People will say that Victor Fries lacks feelings after become Mr. Freeze and that's why he refused to save his henchman. But he still has romantic feelings for his wife even after becoming Mr. Freeze.
Because of the reasons mentioned above, I found Mr. Freeze to be a selfish and an uninteresting character.
With me, I consider Mad as a Hatter as Paul Dini's best episode. I rate Heart of Ice as 7 out of 10.
"Think about it Batman, to never again walk on a summer's day with a hot wind in your face...and a warm hand to hold. Oh yes...I'd kill for that."
lbramson20 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Here we are at the best episode of all time according to the fanbase. Do I agree? Of course! "Heart of Ice" is a CHILLING episode and it remains one of the show's boldest half hours. I've only read comics and watched Batman and Robin, so the story of this episode blew my mind. My heart MELTED watching the tragic story of Dr. Victor Fries who is a COLD-blooded villain, but you feel bad for him. Not to mention the voice of the character is how I envision Victor Fries, from now on I will hear him everytime I see the character. Way better than Arnold Swartzanegger lol. Beyond the tragic backstory that will have you FREEZE in your tracks, Batman defeating Mr. Freeze with chicken soup is so outlandish and goofy yet so brilliant! And of course the CHILLING monologue to end this tear-jerking adventure. Episodes like these show what made this show such a cult classic. Certainly the best episode of the show so far, however, we're only 4 episodes in.
Chicken Soup Served Hot!
injury-654476 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is absolutely the standout episode so far. It goes to places in terms of character development and theme that was lacking in the first two episodes. It has made me realise that I can potentially expect to see some real gems in this series.
The imagery used in the episode is beautiful. The gently falling slow, the twirling woman; it all evokes a chilling feeling of an ominous calm overlaying dark intentions.
Mr Freeze as the ostensible bad guy of the piece is presented in a very compelling way. Emotionless, and with a coldly robotic monotone voice, his humanity and compassion have been literally frozen out of him. As we listen to him speak we can feel through his words how sorrow defines his every action and how he has been transformed from a warm human being into merely a functional revenge seeking automaton. His motivations are understandable and it is easy to empathise with the character. A truly multidimensional villain. We might question his methodology but we are ultimately rooting for him to get his vengeance. Which means to some extent we wish that Batman could fail; an interesting subversion of the usual Gotham story of hero versus bad guy.
Ferris Boyle (a boil in more ways than one) as the true villain is the episode's typical evil industrialist. He references wage slaves and prioritises money over human life. Batman is honour bound to help him, but we can see the bitterness as Batman calls him "humanitarian". The only justice this man gets is missing out on his award. Viewers are left to ponder and realise that the elite ruling class rarely gets held accountable for their crimes. Boyle serves to show that it isn't just a clear cut case of villain and victim. The entire system is culpable.
All is an icy shade of grey as neither Freeze nor Boyle are blameless victims here. Both deserve to be stopped but the system rewards one and demonises the other. Heavy themes for a Cartoon.
The idea of using Alfred's delicious hot chicken soup in a thermos (made to combat Bruce's cold) to take down Mr Freeze in the end is inspired. Clever and funny.
The exposition is a little heavy handed in parts, which prevents a full 10/10.
Definitely an episode to remember and I can understand why it's so highly regarded.
The imagery used in the episode is beautiful. The gently falling slow, the twirling woman; it all evokes a chilling feeling of an ominous calm overlaying dark intentions.
Mr Freeze as the ostensible bad guy of the piece is presented in a very compelling way. Emotionless, and with a coldly robotic monotone voice, his humanity and compassion have been literally frozen out of him. As we listen to him speak we can feel through his words how sorrow defines his every action and how he has been transformed from a warm human being into merely a functional revenge seeking automaton. His motivations are understandable and it is easy to empathise with the character. A truly multidimensional villain. We might question his methodology but we are ultimately rooting for him to get his vengeance. Which means to some extent we wish that Batman could fail; an interesting subversion of the usual Gotham story of hero versus bad guy.
Ferris Boyle (a boil in more ways than one) as the true villain is the episode's typical evil industrialist. He references wage slaves and prioritises money over human life. Batman is honour bound to help him, but we can see the bitterness as Batman calls him "humanitarian". The only justice this man gets is missing out on his award. Viewers are left to ponder and realise that the elite ruling class rarely gets held accountable for their crimes. Boyle serves to show that it isn't just a clear cut case of villain and victim. The entire system is culpable.
All is an icy shade of grey as neither Freeze nor Boyle are blameless victims here. Both deserve to be stopped but the system rewards one and demonises the other. Heavy themes for a Cartoon.
The idea of using Alfred's delicious hot chicken soup in a thermos (made to combat Bruce's cold) to take down Mr Freeze in the end is inspired. Clever and funny.
The exposition is a little heavy handed in parts, which prevents a full 10/10.
Definitely an episode to remember and I can understand why it's so highly regarded.
Batman's "Heart of Ice" episode had a warm welcome.
David_del_Real_Reviews_in_IMDb7 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
BATMAN'S "HEART OF ICE" EPISODE HAD A WARM WELCOME AMONG THE FANS.
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Being officially the fourteenth episode of Batman's first season, HEART OF ICE is also one of its awarded ones having won an Emmy for "outstanding writing" in 1993.
Heart of Ice tells the story of "Mr. Freeze" , a villain who became so after losing his wife, Nora, which he was trying to help unauthorizedly using equipment of the company he used to work for, GothCorp. The story tells us too the story of the hypocritical CEO of GothCorp Company. Ferris Boyle, a character in theory recognized as an humanitarian and secretly the causative of Mrs. Freeze decease.
The episode follows both the attempts of Batman to stop Mr. Freeze from hurting more people in his pursue of vengeance against Mr. Ferris Boyle and to deliver this allegedly "humanitarian" person to justice.
One of the great things of this episode and many in the Batman Animated Series is delivering origin plots for the villains, making them not only the bad guys of the history, but human-beings whose tragedy should be understood in order of to solve the case, like in this episode when Batman gives the evidence to Summer Gleason in order to deliver Mr. Boyle to justice for his frauds and Nora Freeze's murder.
Thanks for reading.
IMDb Review written by David del Real.
Mexico City, Mexico.
November 7th. 2017.
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Being officially the fourteenth episode of Batman's first season, HEART OF ICE is also one of its awarded ones having won an Emmy for "outstanding writing" in 1993.
Heart of Ice tells the story of "Mr. Freeze" , a villain who became so after losing his wife, Nora, which he was trying to help unauthorizedly using equipment of the company he used to work for, GothCorp. The story tells us too the story of the hypocritical CEO of GothCorp Company. Ferris Boyle, a character in theory recognized as an humanitarian and secretly the causative of Mrs. Freeze decease.
The episode follows both the attempts of Batman to stop Mr. Freeze from hurting more people in his pursue of vengeance against Mr. Ferris Boyle and to deliver this allegedly "humanitarian" person to justice.
One of the great things of this episode and many in the Batman Animated Series is delivering origin plots for the villains, making them not only the bad guys of the history, but human-beings whose tragedy should be understood in order of to solve the case, like in this episode when Batman gives the evidence to Summer Gleason in order to deliver Mr. Boyle to justice for his frauds and Nora Freeze's murder.
Thanks for reading.
IMDb Review written by David del Real.
Mexico City, Mexico.
November 7th. 2017.
One of the greats
cheesecollector5 July 2022
"Heart of Ice" is a landmark episode of Batman: TAS, a significant moment in Batman history. It redefined the origins of Mr. Freeze, transforming him into one of the most compelling members of Batman's rogues gallery, and I've been waiting for years for it to be adapted into a live-action film. They could copy the dialogue and plot exactly as it is - it's just astounding, efficient storytelling. They could stretch out the fight scenes and add some padding - I'm sure it would work.
In 20 minutes, Paul Dini and Bruce Timm use theatrical dialogue to tell a tragic tale that never fails to move me. It's carefully crafted, well-acted, and worthy of great admiration. It's also very quotable, but you ought to hear the lines in their original context first, I think.
In 20 minutes, Paul Dini and Bruce Timm use theatrical dialogue to tell a tragic tale that never fails to move me. It's carefully crafted, well-acted, and worthy of great admiration. It's also very quotable, but you ought to hear the lines in their original context first, I think.
Batman vs Mr. Freeze
panagiotis19937 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
An episode with Mr. Freeze who wants to get revenge, this will be good. This is such an upgrade from the previous villain the ''Man-Bat''. Mr. Freeze really feels like a huge threat for Batman. The way Mr. Freeze left one of his own men behind, brutal. Lol Batman caught a cold, that's kind of funny. It also reminds you that after all Bruce is a human, I like that. Alfred is so adorable for making chicken soup for Bruce. Victor's story is so tragic, I don't blame the guy for wanting revenge. While Bruce wants to stop Mr. Freeze, he feels sorry for what happened to him and his wife. I love how Mr. Freeze always talks in a poetic way. I kinda feel bad for him, he lost everything. Amazing episode, really liked it. My rating is 8/10.
The Story That MADE Mr Freeze
maxglen7 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This episode of B:TAS is essentially responsible for 100% of Mr Freeze's depth as a character, introducing Nora Freis and Ferris Boyle who would become key players in most if not all of Freeze's future stories. Heart of Ice still stands as the definitive Freeze story and one of the most iconic in the history of Batman. A light to decent 9/10
For a character who's 'beyond emotions', this is one of the most emotional episodes I've ever seen.
madelynmcfly-202744 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
For a character who's 'beyond emotions', this is one of the most emotional episodes I've ever seen. I don't care much for the Mr. Freeze character, but this episode has made me realize the depth that this character can be used for. Under less talented writers, a character that revolves around just ice could be quite boring. But even I found myself saying, 'Oh, that's a creative use of his power'. I also loved how whist he said he's beyond tears and emotions, and the last scene of the episode shows Freeze crying and relenting his emotions about his wife. I also liked how eloquent the character was. Batman having so much sympathy was great to see, and the real villain being a man who hides behind his own ego and reputation of a humanitarian... What a great parallel to Bruce Wayne. This episode was quite great, and I totally understand why people love this episode and say it's one of the best of the show.
"Revenge is a dish......best served cold....."
reddragonhero171 October 2023
It's not everyday that you find an episode that not only moves you, but sticks with you for years to come, and this is one of them. Mr. Freeze isn't your average insane Batman villain, he's a victim of circumstance, who wants to be left alone with his wife, and will wreck vengeance one anyone who took away his life. While you want Batman to stop him, at the same time, you can't help but feel for Mr. Freeze, a man twisted into what he is because of the corruption of business. It's a duel of justices, one wants poetic justice, the other wants to exact merciful justice, though at least Batman shows sympathy for Victor. The end will definitely have you thinking and maybe even shedding a tear as well...
Sympathy again
VetteRanger28 January 2023
Revenge is the key here, with a flashback to a Mr. Freeze origin story. The wealthy industrialist whose company he worked for interfered with an experiment, causing it to go disastrously wrong, killing a scientist's wife and forever altering him to need cold temperatures to survive. Mr. Freeze comes into being.
Now Mr. Freeze is out for revenge against his former boss, and he doesn't care who he hurts in his lust to provide a similar fatal fate to the industrialist that his wife suffered.
Who can blame him? If someone did that to MY wife, I'd be out to take MY revenge, too. Unfortunately, Batman can't let innocent lives be lost, or even that of the guilty taken. And so the battle of wits begins ...
Now Mr. Freeze is out for revenge against his former boss, and he doesn't care who he hurts in his lust to provide a similar fatal fate to the industrialist that his wife suffered.
Who can blame him? If someone did that to MY wife, I'd be out to take MY revenge, too. Unfortunately, Batman can't let innocent lives be lost, or even that of the guilty taken. And so the battle of wits begins ...
Best Served ICE Than COLD
osbornj-0021331 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
One of the series' TEN BEST EPISODES. The beautiful, haunting, animation with wonderful wintery scenes.. The Emmy-winning script. Batman ALONE, "Its my concern." Michael Ansara after Mark Hamill as the Joker the most brilliantly played of Batman's enemies, had a MAGNIFICENT voice (did the Outer Limits classic Soldier the writer sued the Terminator movies claiming plagiarized it). Summer Gleeson showing what she COULD do for an episode WHEN she go the chance, excellent at reporting then beautiful in blue KNOCKOUT at climax party raising the DRAMA of it. This episode of excellence is WHAT first clued in adults that was as much for THEM as kids, repeated in evenings for them. If this at its BEST demonstrates how the first series was so FIRST rate, Cold Comfort showed at its WORST woefully why the second series aimed solely on Saturday morning for NO adult audience was so SECOND-rate--the lowered level animation,, terrible writing turning truly tragic Victor Freeze into 1950's filmatic fiasco They Saved Hitler's Brain like frozen fuhrer head jarringly in jar, infantile infant Robin impersonator DIM Drake and phony poseur BRATgirl ruefully reducing Batman to Bat BABY SITTER, dreadful DUD debut of media mediocrity JERK Ryder shockingly showing sadly Summer GONE wretchedly with insult-to-injury for already appalled audience HamilDULL Hill STAYING, awfully as ALWAYS drearily droning, ONLY the voice work of Kevin Conroy and Michael Ansara retaining the original's quality.
Didn't leave me cold
Fluke_Skywalker23 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Plot; Gotham finds itself in the icy grip of a man who calls himself Mr. Freeze.
Whenever I revisit Batman: The Animated Series, I'm always reminded of just how far ahead of its time it was. No mere bit of disposable children's fluff, it's a gorgeously animated and maturely written show that's perhaps truer to its comic roots than any Batman incarnation, live-action or animated, ever.
This is a strong entry, giving us the origin of Mr. Freeze in a very poignant story of love, loss and vengeance. And it's this, not a lot of "Whiz!" "Bang!" Pow!" action, that carries the episode. - 7.5/10 - This episode features the voice talents of Mark Hamill, but not as the Joker.
Whenever I revisit Batman: The Animated Series, I'm always reminded of just how far ahead of its time it was. No mere bit of disposable children's fluff, it's a gorgeously animated and maturely written show that's perhaps truer to its comic roots than any Batman incarnation, live-action or animated, ever.
This is a strong entry, giving us the origin of Mr. Freeze in a very poignant story of love, loss and vengeance. And it's this, not a lot of "Whiz!" "Bang!" Pow!" action, that carries the episode. - 7.5/10 - This episode features the voice talents of Mark Hamill, but not as the Joker.
- Was written by the great Paul Dini.
Batman: The Animated Series: Heart of Ice
The-Social-Introvert19 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Outstanding. Tragic. Moving. That's how I described Heart of Ice the first time I watched it as a kid. Or rather, I would have done if my vocabulary was advanced enough to say anything passed "that was wicked!" Even as what, a six or seven year old, I found the backstory of Mr Freeze incredibly poignant. What was previously a gimmicky and generic villain from Batman's vast rogue gallery had been transformed by writer Mike Mignola (also the creator of Hellboy) into the definitive Mr Freeze story.
The result of Mignola's work was a tragic figure whom you can't help but feel sorry for, in a scientist who is driven by desperation to revive his wife, who has a terminal illness and he's therefore placed her into a coma. The business man who is in charge of the works catches wind of this work and, out of greed, demands the operation to be shut down. There is a clash between Victor Freeze and the businessman, resulting in the death of his coma-ridden wife and a disfigurement of Freeze, whereby he can now only survive in sub-zero temperatures and has therefore created a suit to help him survive. In what is one of the better revenge stories in the Batman universe, Freeze, armed with a gun that turns things to ice, sets out to avenge his wife's death and freeze the entire city of Gotham.
This Emmy-winning episode was enough to elevate Mr Freeze to the elite level of Batman's nemeses, side by side with the likes of the Joker and Two-face. Where Freeze is special though is the sad backstory. There are many 'little moments' in this episode that I remembered from my childhood: The villains leaving a man behind, Batman sneezing in the Batcave, and Victor Freeze's dejected cries of "Nora! Nora! Noraaaa .!" The music was also as-per-usually fantastic and the dialogue ("revenge is a dish best served cold") superb.
The result of Mignola's work was a tragic figure whom you can't help but feel sorry for, in a scientist who is driven by desperation to revive his wife, who has a terminal illness and he's therefore placed her into a coma. The business man who is in charge of the works catches wind of this work and, out of greed, demands the operation to be shut down. There is a clash between Victor Freeze and the businessman, resulting in the death of his coma-ridden wife and a disfigurement of Freeze, whereby he can now only survive in sub-zero temperatures and has therefore created a suit to help him survive. In what is one of the better revenge stories in the Batman universe, Freeze, armed with a gun that turns things to ice, sets out to avenge his wife's death and freeze the entire city of Gotham.
This Emmy-winning episode was enough to elevate Mr Freeze to the elite level of Batman's nemeses, side by side with the likes of the Joker and Two-face. Where Freeze is special though is the sad backstory. There are many 'little moments' in this episode that I remembered from my childhood: The villains leaving a man behind, Batman sneezing in the Batcave, and Victor Freeze's dejected cries of "Nora! Nora! Noraaaa .!" The music was also as-per-usually fantastic and the dialogue ("revenge is a dish best served cold") superb.
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