"Superman vs. The Elite" is the latest direct to DVD/Bluray animated film release from Warner Home Video.

The storyline is adapted from writer Joe Kelly's 2001 DC Comics release, "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way?" which focuses Superman's effectiveness as a super hero comes into question when a new group of super powerful crusaders, known as "The Elite," appear on the scene. As super heroes, the Elite know no bounds, and are more than willing to kill, even on a massive scale, to stop villainy -- putting them on a collision course with the ever-ethical, yet preferably non-lethal Man of Steel.

"Superman Vs. The Elite" kicks off with graffiti style opening credits which features a nice homage to prior animated versions of the Man of Steel such as the classic Fleischer cartoons from the 1940's and the popular Superfriends series from the 1970's.

Viewers are then introduced to the leader of the group that will eventually become known as "The Elite", Manchester Black who is watching various tv moniters which showcase various acts of military violence and terrorism around the world. It's only a matter of time before "The Elite" make their official debut.

Switching to the streets of Metropolis, Clark Kent & Lois Lane are shown watching a snippet of a cartoon series entitled "Superman Adventures" which is obviously targeted for the younger audience. The villianous Atomic Skull suddenly appears on the scene wreaking havoc and killing what he refers to as "only lawyers."

Following a brief battle, Superman takes down the villain and turns him over to authorities. The UN and the public openly question why Superman didn’t just kill Skull when he had a chance. When Superman goes to the Middle East to help out in a dispute that's erupted, "The Elite" help him out. However, they are young, brash, and eager to kill those in the wrong.

While there is certain madness to how "The Elite", specifically Manchester Black, go about torturing and killing various evil individuals it is hard to disagree with their actions completely. The film really pushes the limits of what a PG-13 movie is with how cruel certain actions in the film are that whenever you do see Manchester Black use his powers you almost wince in fear.

With the whole world turning on him and the film generally poking fun at Superman's views on justice, the film really provided a great canvas for Superman to come out stronger. No matter how much Superman may see the world turning on him, especially when Lois starts to not believe in him as much, we see the character stay strong to his ideals.

Superman is naturally who we would like to be. Not just with the powers but with his ideals and how he is able to have so much hope in the good in humanity. Through all the violence that takes place in the film there is still a great sense of hope that Superman is able to instill towards the end that, even if you are left questioning where things go next, he will still be there.

The question of Superman's relevance has been a topic of pop culture since gritty superheroes have become more popular and realistic in this post-9/11 world. The success of a darker Batman in various media, as well as the X-Men movies seems to support this assumption. There hasn't been a quality Superman film since the 70s, and the road to bring one of the most recognized names to the big screen has been tumultuous to say the least. Is there room in Hollywood for a goody two-shoes superhero?

Without giving away too much, the film answers both of these questions of Superman's relevance with a resounding "YES". However, to find out how it all goes down, you'll have to see for yourself.

With all that said, I can confidently state that "Superman Vs. The Elite" is hands-down one of, if not the best Superman animated movie from Warner Home Video & DC Entertainment thus far. The movie has all the character development and action that you can ask for and then some. From the script, directing, animation & voice acting; everything comes together extremely well and, whether you have read the original "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way?" storyline or not, this is definitely one title you will want to have in your DVD/Bluray collection.

Pick up the DVD or Bluray of "Superman Vs. The Elite" when it hits stores on June 12th.

The "Superman vs. The Elite" Bluray Combo Pack has 3 hours of exciting content, including:

Standard and high definition versions of the feature film

UltraViolet™ Digital Copy*

Sneak Peak at Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie

Featurette – “The Elite Unbound: No Rules, No Mercy” – A short documentary focused upon The Elite, and their arc of character throughout the comics. Even the anti-heroes have their own struggles … and triumphs. It’s all highlighted in this compelling film that begins with the inspiration of The Authority, and how The Elite became the answer to that book, and a fresh approach for DC Comics in the post 9/11 world. It was an unexpected twist to the pages of Action Comics, and this documentary summarizes the true potency of these Elite.

Featurette – “Superman and the Moral Debate” – There’s a prevailing thought about ending terrorism and ridding our Earth of the maladjusted once and for all – by fighting fire with fire! This is the story of The Elite, a band of fringe Superheroes who were compelled to eradicate the Earth of its scum, its tyranny and evil once and for all, not with words, but with raw unadulterated action, designed to kill their opponents. This is their controversial story.

Creative team audio commentary

Two bonus episodes from Superman: The Animated Series handpicked by producer Alan Burnett: Brave New Metropolis and Warrior Queen.

Digital Comic -- Action Comics #775 -"What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?"

All-Star Superman revisited: sneak peak

Batman/Superman: Public Enemies revisited: sneak peak

Photo Gallery- The upcoming The Dark Knight Rises Theatrical Release

* Superman vs. The Elite UltraViolet Digital Copy is a limited time offer. Restrictions and limitations apply.

Go to ultraviolet.flixster.com/info for details.