Mania Grade: A+

6 Comments | Add

 

Rate & Share:

 

Related Links:

 

Info:

• Disc Grade: A-
• Overall: A
• Rated: PG-13
• Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman
• Written By: Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan
• Directed By: Christopher Nolan
• Distributor: Warner Brothers
• Original Year of release: 2008
• Extras: Movie with Focus Points (picture in picture), Gotham Uncovered: Creation of a Scene, Batman Tech, Batman Unmasked, Gotham Tonight, Digital Copy, The Joker cards, concept art, poster art, production stills, trailers, TV spots, record your own commentary track
• Series: The Dark Knight

THE DARK KNIGHT Blu-Ray

DARK KNIGHT Blu-Ray (slideshow)
© Warner Home Entertainment

There is a lot to The Dark Knight. It stands as a great testament to not only the power of comic book films but to Heath Ledger’s abilities as an actor. Again the Joker and the actor have overshadowed the title character. Again no one seems to mind. The Dark Knight is popcorn movie perfection and the DVD is damn near close.

Initially, I felt as if The Dark Knight was too long. Twenty minutes or so could have been cut out from the film. If I had to choose one thing it would have been the Hong Kong sequence. Though visually amazing it really served only one purpose to the overall story and that was to bring Lau (Chin Han) back to Gotham, something we could have just assumed Batman went and did. Upon watching the film again on Blu-ray I changed my opinion. The Dark Knight is perfect the way it is. It plays out the way it should and for once a director takes his time with the story and doesn’t rush the overall experience.

This is clearly evident in the numerous special features on the Blu-ray. Director Christopher Nolan does not record a commentary track for the film but does supply “Focus Points” that give the viewer a look “Behind the Story”. Nolan divulges how difficult and ground breaking many of the IMAX sequences were and how the shots were just too beautiful to cut away from so quickly. With over an hour’s worth of behind the scenes footage any fan of the film or filmmaking in general will be dazzled and intrigued by the all tricks that were applied to the film. For many film aficionados these looks behind the curtain will be nothing new. However, the ground breaking IMAX sequences will give you a greater appreciation for the film. The film cells alone are nine times larger than the average film cell, giving the director and crew different perspectives on everything from how to frame a shot and set it up. The cameras, of which there are only four in the world, weigh over a hundred pounds each. Steady cam shots became a bit tricky and lead to the crew leaving the world with only three of these cameras. Nolan also reveals that this is the first time action sequences have ever been done with IMAX cameras. Shooting penguins and NASCAR (from a distance) are easy but guys running around shooting each other in clown masks is a different monster unto itself.

Another great behind the scenes look is Batman’s jump from a Hong Kong skyscraper. Initially to be done as a real stunt the whole attempt had to be scrapped. After numerous difficulties with city planners and troubles with releases, Nolan then shot it with a green screen (still a 120 foot drop) to accomplish the feat. This behind the scenes look does reiterate how much of the film was shot with real locations and Nolan’s push for a realistic feel. The under the city highway chase alone is eight minutes well spent as you watch this wonder in Hollywood wizardry.

Outside of the Digital Copy of the film there is a third disc filled with documentaries about Batman and his place in the world if he really existed. “Batman Tech” and “Batman Unmasked” are both great documentaries (each running over forty-five minutes) and were great when they debuted on TV. Both are better than average cogs in the hype machine however they don’t warrant a second viewing.

All six episodes of “Gotham Tonight” are included starring Anthony Michael Hall as news anchor Mike Engel. All of which were originally broadcasted on Comcast On Demand. The first of these is a bit of a snore as a “Hardball” type debate is played out. As they progressed each became more addicting as a realistic approach was taken on various members of Gotham City. One episode is about Lt. Gordon as Gotham top cop and actually features footage of Gary Oldman shot for the episode. What really finishes the six episodes out superbly is when they are interrupted by a daring daytime bank robbery.

Since this is a Blu-ray you have the opportunity to log in to the BD-Live Warner Brothers site using your Blu-ray player. You’ll find numerous trailers and motion comics featuring Batman and his rogue’s gallery. My only complaint was with the load times. In a world where we can’t wait two seconds for website to pop up, waiting over thirty seconds for a motion comic was sheer torture.

The Dark Knight on Blu-ray is the must have disc. Hours of supplemental material only enhance the overall experience of the film and do what all special features should, make you want to watch the film all over again.

The Dark Knight’s video is presented in 1080p High Definition 16x9 Variable 2:4:1 and 1:78:1 (IMAX Sequences). The audio is presented in Dolby TrueHD: English 5.1 and Dolby Digital English 5.1.