We present this guest DVD review from James Harvey at The World's Finest Online
Just in time for the theatrical release of 'The Dark Knight,' Warner Home Video has unleashed the highly anticipated 'Batman: Gotham Knight', the new direct-to-video animated movie featuring The Caped Crusader set in-between 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight', Now, fans have heard a lot about the movie over the past few months, mostly the movie's presentation and style. We have six interconnected short stories featuring six different styles. It's a risky venture that could end up turning a lot of people off the film. And, yes, this format does have a couple drawbacks. But, it does have some benefits, too. And what are they? Well, we'll find out right after the synopsis!
Acclaimed screenwriters including David Goyer (Batman Begins), Josh Olson (A History of Violence) and Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series) join forces with revered animation filmmakers on six spellbinding chapters chronicling Batman's transition from novice crimefighter to The Dark Knight. These globe-spanning adventures pit Batman against the fearsome Scarecrow, the freakish Killer Croc and the unerring marksman Deadshot. From some of the world's most visionary animators comes a thrilling depiction of Batman as man, myth and legend.
It is six-interlocking mini episodes, creating one concurrent plotline. Styles, bullet wounds, and costumes may change from each segment, but it does manage to form a cohesive storyline, one that's easy to follow if you simply pay attention (which seems to be a lot to ask of some people). Now, advanced reviews have been fairly mixed for this title, most leaning toward positive, but with a few notes of caution. Personally, as an artistic experiment and an experiment of carrying a single theme throughout six different stories, it's really well-handled. There are flaws, but it is well-handled. That's my personal opinion, though I know others will think differently. I can see why, too. If you don't pay attention, the segments do come across as almost scattershot and completely unrelated.
But, if you do pay attention, you're treated to a rock solid movie. Now, maybe it's because I've also read the novelization of the movie, but all six of these segments flow perfectly fine into each other. Now, with each segment having a different style, you can expect there to be a few continuity glitches from segment to segment and, I imagine, if this was handled as one story, then it would've been as gripping as the novelization, but here? Here I found the movie to be enjoyable, tense at times, and an overall artistic master. Some of the visuals here are simply stunning. The first segment probably offers the most "out there" presentation of Batman and then it just goes from there.
Before I go any further, I just want to add that the movie isn't required viewing before seeing The Dark Knight, but it does act as a fun addition to the world Nolan created for Batman, even, if at times, it doesn't seem like this animated feature could be in any way related to what was established in Batman Begins. Like I said, it gets "out there" a couple times and, during those times, I found myself wondering how this would fit in with what Nolan created in Batman Begins. Thankfully, references are made and soon the pieces seem to fit back together. So, if you opt to skip this, you won't miss anything when you check out The Dark Knight. But, what this movie does is add to Nolan's newly established universe.
I suppose I should actually start at the beginning of the movie, now. As anyone who reads The World's Finest knows, the movie starts off with "Have I Got A Story For You," a tale of four youth recounting tales of Batman battling the Man in Black. This, of course, leads into the next segment, "Crossfire," where two police detectives are hauling the Man in Black back to Arkham and end up getting caught in a mob war, with both sides gunning for each other. This segment contains more than a few Batman Begins references, including how the Narrows became Asylum Island, and introduces us to Sal Maroni, who we'll be seeing in The Dark Knight. Again, not crucial stuff, but just cool back-story information.
Then, much like how the Man in Black plotline carried over from the first segment to the second, the mob war plot line carries over to the third segment, "Field Test." As one can expect, Batman tried out some new gadgets, particularly a sort-of impenetrable force-field, and it goes haywire and ends up causing harm to another person. This segment also has that great line we all know from the trailer, "I'm willing to put my life on the line to do what I have to. But it has to be mine, no one else's." From there we veer into new territory with Batman Begins scribe's David Goyer's segment, "In Darkness Dwell," where Batman finds himself facing down against Scarecrow and Killer Croc. From there we move onto "Working Through Pain," which (I believe) picks up after the previous segment. Yes, there are a couple continuity issues, but, still, it makes a logical step from the previous segment to "Pain." "Pain" ends on an amazing note (with such a beautiful image that Batman fans will instantly recognize the impact of) before bringing up to the final segment, "Deadshot." Guess what this is about.
The movie moves along at a relaxed pace, though it does kick up when it needs to in order to give us some rather frenetic and sometimes crazy action sequences. As one can expect, they saved the best for last with "Deadshot," but that doesn't mean the other segments slouch on action. Batman's tussle with both Killer Croc and the Scarecrow in "In Darkness Dwells" was absolutely riveting and presented some beautiful visuals. When young Bruce Wayne finds himself having to deal with a few hoodlums in "Working Through Pain," once again, we're treated to some great money shots of Bruce laying down the action. And, you have to admit, the first segment is probably the most inventive in not only how is presents Batman, but also how it tells the simple tale of Batman bringing down the Man in Black character. It's presented in a disjointed fashion, with the details embellished by each character telling the story until, at the end of the segment, a twist is thrown in when they all come face to face with the last thing they'd ever expect.
I can tell you right now, if you're looking for someone to approach this from an anime perspective, you won't find that here. My experience in anime is limited to Ghost in the Shell, Akira, and catching the last five or so minutes of Pokemon while I waited for new The New Batman/Superman Adventures episodes to start on Kids'WB! Saturday mornings in the 1990s. I don't know specific animators, companies, directors, any of that. However, I do know the writers attached here and, I have to say it's an amazing collection of talent, and they deliver quite well. My only teeny complaint is that it seems like the writers sensibilities didn't exactly meld with those of the animators. Regardless, all of them manage to create great tales that stand out while, to an extent, remaining connected. I find it interesting that Alan Burnett, who's been working on The Batman for the past couple of years, really gets to let loose here with the "Deadshot" segment he wrote. Man will cite Burnett's segment, Brian Azzarello's segment, and David Goyer's segment as the best of the bunch, and I wouldn't disagree with that, myself.
It's definitely a movie that gains momentum as it moves along. The opening segment gives an idea of the film's overall structure (quite accurately, too), and then, once we move onto "Crossfire," the structure kicks in and we're given a disjointed story featuring some rather unique takes on the Dark Knight. The movie does feel at bit slow at times, particularly during the first half, but slow pace does subside quickly. Now, none of the designs reinvent the wheel in any way, but some of them are quite amazing to look at. I have to admit, the costume design in "Field Test" really grew on me.
Now, I won't hesitate to say this, but there are more than a few missed opportunities here due to the format of the movie. If it was a movie with one clear vision and narrative, then I think that it would definitely be welcomed with open arms more, but, since the movie does jump around, resulting in the story being a bit disjointed and more than a few continuity problems, I can see why some are underwhelmed by this movie. At times, it feels like we're just not getting enough of what we want. With each segment clocking in between 10 - 12 minutes, give or take, that just doesn't seem like enough time, and it isn't usually. And since we're so focused on the segment, we can easily lose the idea of the movie's continuing story, which it does have. Of course, like I said, I read the novelization so maybe I have some subliminal connecting-the-dots going on without realizing it. I will say that you'll want to pay attention to the movie and treat the beginning of each new segment as if it was a commercial break.
I guess to wrap this up, I liked this movie. I admit it does have flaws, and some segments are definitely much stronger than others, but regardless of the fact, I think it's a good movie, even if it's not necessary to watch before catching The Dark Knight. I know reaction to this film will be mixed, and I guess that's deserved, but I found this movie did succeed in what it achieved. I think it showcased these great interpretations of Batman, even if it did play it a bit safe, and gave us a good story. Sure, the story is a bit disjointed and there are a few narrative and continuity problems due to the nature of the film itself, but, regardless, I thought this movie succeeds in what it sets out to do. It's a movie that I would easily Recommend, and one that I think people would enjoy. Again, it's not perfect, but all Bat-fans should check it out, and I'm sure anime buffs could find something of interest within, as well. Batman: Gotham Knight is an interesting interpretation of the Batman-mythos and it definitely takes flight.
The DVD:
Click Here!Warner Home Video has provided the two-disc edition of Batman: Gotham Knight to review and, well, you won't be disappointed! Let's start on the outside and work our way in, shall we?
The packaging for this DVD is . . .quite stunning, actually. I was surprised to see how Warner Home Video really went full out for the release's packaging. The standard Amaray case is housed in, arguably, the fanciest cardboard slipcover ever created. The cardboard slipcase cover mimics the slipcase art . . . somewhat. Remember when the cover art for the two-disc set was announced and it features two different Batman designs, and then it was revised to feature just one? Well, the Amaray slipcover has the singular Batman design, but the cardboard slipcase has both, and then some. Not only that, but the larger Batman on the cover obscures a scene behind it, and opens like a book to reveal the whole thing - Batman approaching Deadshot, who happens to be shooting wildly at our hero. There are also other images of Batman on the cover, covering the many different designs of the character in this movie.
Confused by that previous paragraph? Well, this might actually be the one time when you should skip any of the exclusive packaging you'll find at specific stores and go for the general cardboard slipcase. It's a really impressive slipcase that shows just how far Warner Home Video is going to make this title stand out on the shelves.
The menus are deceptively simple. Based on the menu shots you've all seen, it looks almost too simple, right? Well, it is, I suppose. Still, I like that main menu rotates through different Batman designs everyone two minutes or so, and almost always boots up with a different image each time the disc is popped in the player. It's a nice touch. The audio and video for this release are top-notch and just about flawless, as far as I can tell. The audio is crystal clear and the video easily matches. I've seen other reviews note some inconsistencies with the video, but I didn't see any of that on my review copy. Once again, Warner Home Video has stepped up to the plate for the audio/video transfers for their DC Universe titles.
As for the extras themselves, the first disc has a small collection of bonus features, with the commentary up first. For this commentary we get DC Comics Senior Vice President/Creative Affairs Gregory Noveck, Former Batman Editor Dennis O’Neil and voice of Batman Kevin Conroy. Overall, it's a solid track and it's great to hear Conroy talk about his experiences working on the assorted DC cartoons and even a little before. Everyone appears relaxed, sometimes too relaxed as the commentary does have a few dry spells. I have to say, I miss not having Bruce Timm here, and his absence is definitely felt.
Rounding off the first disc is a first look at the upcoming Wonder Woman animated movie and a small collection of trailers. Since the Wonder Woman movie is not due until Spring 2009, you'll notice the featurette lacks any real finished animation, showing mostly animatics and model sheets. We also get a look at the incredibly impressive cast list and their thoughts on the process, including a hilarious line from Alfred Molina (you'll know it when you see it). The disc is wrapped up, like I said earlier, with trailers.
And here we have the second disc, which contains arguably the meatiest of bonus features, namely two documentaries and four great episodes of Batman: The Animated Series. First up is "A Mirror for the Bat: The Evil Denizens of Gotham City," which gives an in-depth look into Batman’s rogue gallery. The documentary covers the motivations and brilliance of Batman's top villains, using images from comics and cartoons to drill home the point. The documentary also features a host of talking head segments featuring well-known comic alumni like Dan Didio, Paul Dini and a host more. The second documentary is "Batman and Me, A Devotion of Destiny: The Bob Kane Story," and it can be a bit difficult to watch. It paints a very tragic picture of Bon Kane, highlighting both his successes and failure, covering his life up until is death. We get to see interviews and archival footage of co-workers, family, and admirers, all of whom paint quite a picture of the Kane.
The second disc wraps up with four episodes of Batman: The Animated Series. Once again, they're not presented in any context, but watching the actual episodes make is pretty easy to figure out why these four particular episodes are included. A couple of my favorites are included, and these four episodes serve as a nice introduction to the larger world of the DC Animated Universe.
The extras are, as usual, top-notch, but are also lacking a bit. For the third DC Universe release, we're not given any info on the actual production of the movie. I understand that DC wants to emphasize the comic book roots of these productions, but I feel that the main feature themselves are getting slighted in the process. Sure, we have the commentary, but we need more. Model sheets? Animatics? Recording sessions? Why not a short feature on Kevin Conroy returning to Batman after so many years off? There are plenty of opportunities here, opportunities that I would like to see Warner Home Video take advantage of in future releases. With the titles coming down the pipeline, some directly based on comics and others not-so-much, I would like to see some actual production information on the main feature in future releases. That complaint aside, a solid collection of extras.
If fans are looking for the best bang for their buck, getting Batman: Gotham Knight - Two-Disc Special Edition is the way to go for the standard DVD releases. The extras are really informative, as most of them are on the second disc exclusive to this release, and, as superficial as this sounds, the packaging it just awesome. Now, I personally enjoyed Batman: Gotham Knight, and while it did have flaws, what it got right far outweighed what it slipped on. The animation is drop-dead gorgeous, specifically for the "Deadshot" segment, the story is good, and there's some really brilliant and enjoyable sequences. This release definitely comes Recommended, and this is the type of feature I'd like to see expanded upon in the future.
'Batman: Gotham Knight' will be available July 8th, 2008, on one-disc standard DVD, two-disc DVD, and Blu-Ray.
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