The first TMNT movie is my favorite movie of all time. I have the greatest memory of seeing it at the theater for the first time. To this day it holds up so well, and in my opinion is the best comic-to-film adaptation.
When I first saw April I thought, even as an 8 year old, that she WAS April O'Neil, the movie is gritty, well-acted, damn good action, has great slow character growth moments (Splinter talking to Raphael anyone?) and of course the ending with Shredder.
The only farse I have with it is that the DVD was released as a special edition with deleted footage this year in Germany only!? Unreal - I'm sure Spykids 3 and High School Musical have 2-disc special editions, but this well reviewed movie has nothing in the US.
I can't see this new film beating the first one for me, but I sure am excited for it, Michael Bay gets too much hate relax people.